The adults also enjoyed riding them. We know which scooters are safe

The inspection was carried out by 6 voivodship inspections of the Trade Inspection: Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Gorzow, Krakow, Lodz and Warsaw. Between January and April 2023, the labeling of 21 models of sports scooters designed for different age groups was checked. The experts also examined their design - 20 models of scooters were also tested in the laboratory.

Purpose of the study

The president of WACC and the Trade Inspectorate wanted only safe sports and recreational equipment for consumers, in this case sports scooters. When planning inspections, seasonality and trends in this market were also taken into account in order to respond flexibly to various phenomena and fashion trends.

Entrepreneurs were selected on the basis of their own monitoring and the results of previous audits. Media signals, information from consumers and entrepreneurs were also taken into account.

Place of sale and country of origin

The manufacturer, importers, wholesalers, as well as retailers and large-scale stores were checked. Of the 21 scooter models tested, 16 were made in China, 1 in Poland and the remaining 4 in other EU countries.

Marking control

The controllers of the Trade Inspection checked the scooters for the identity of the manufacturer, importer, distributor who first made the product available in Poland; information identifying the product (eg model) as well as labels/warnings and instructions in Polish.

Marking Test Results

Of the 21 tested models, 6 sports scooters were found to have malfunctions. In 2 cases, there were no data on the subjects responsible for placing products on the market, which, in turn, hinders the activities of regulatory authorities or the realization of consumer rights. In 3 cases, there was no data identifying the scooter, required warnings, information about the maximum weight of the user. In 4 cases, incomplete entries were found in the accompanying instruction manual, which could lead to misuse of the scooter. In addition, 2 scooters had unreasonable CE marking (CE marking should only be on electric scooters and toy scooters).

Testing in the laboratory

The laboratory tests included, among others, impact testing of the handlebars and front wheel, pulling out handlebar ends, applying loads to the stem, handlebar ends and platform. Distances between moving parts were also measured. The operability of the steering wheel locking and adjustment mechanisms was checked.

Tests in the laboratory were supposed to answer the question:

• scooters are durable and long lasting,

• there are no gaps and holes between the elements of the scooter, in which parts of the user’s body can get stuck or get stuck,

• the platform has a non-slip surface that prevents the user from slipping while moving,

• the scooter’s steering wheel has a safe adjustment, including a mark for the minimum steering depth,

• the handles at the ends of the steering wheel do not slip, the locking mechanisms work properly and perform their function.

Laboratory results

Of the 20 models of sports scooters, 4 were found to have structural defects. In each model, a different anomaly was found:

• too large distances between the elements of the folding mechanism - the risk of cutting the user’s fingers when folding the scooter,

• damage to the folding mechanism - the risk of uncontrolled folding of the scooter while driving,

• breakage of the steering stem - the risk of uncontrolled detachment of the steering wheel while driving,

• detachment of the handles from the ends of the steering wheel - the risk of uncontrolled detachment of the covers while driving and loss of control over the car.

Control summary

Of the 21 sports scooter models, 8 had inconsistencies in labeling (6 models) and/or construction (4 models). In 2 scooters, violations of both marking and design were noted.

After checking and inspecting scooters, the Trade Inspection sent 3 petitions to the chairman of the UOKiK to initiate administrative proceedings. Their consequence may be the imposition of administrative fines. In the case of 5 models of sports scooters, the entrepreneurs took corrective actions and supplemented the labeling.

Advice for scooter sellers.

Representatives of the Trade Inspectorate advise entrepreneurs selling scooters to buy them from reliable suppliers and check if the instruction manual in English comes with the sports scooter. Polishing and the presence of the necessary markings on the scooter. They also remind you that muscle-powered sport scooters do not need to be CE marked.

They advise checking what obligations are placed on the manufacturer, importer or distributor. They warn that non-compliance may result in an administrative fine. The placing on the market by a manufacturer (importer) of sports scooters that do not meet the general safety requirements (for example, design defects, inconsistencies in labeling) is subject to a fine of up to PLN 100,000. zloty.

The inspectors inform that the UKC is reporting a dangerous product to the EU Safety Gate RAPEX system - so that it does not fall into the hands of European consumers.

Scooter purchase advice

Remember to choose a scooter according to the user’s body weight (whether buying it for yourself or as a gift to another person). Class A is for users weighing between 20 and 100 kg. Class B - for users weighing 20-50 kg.

When buying a scooter, you should also check that:

• folding / unfolding mechanism works smoothly, without jamming

• the steering stem has a mark of the minimum depth of its embedding in the pipe

• handlebar ends are equipped with handles or plugs

• the platform has a non-slip surface

• wheels are fixed on the axles from unintentional detachment

• the brake works efficiently and reduces speed smoothly, without sudden stops

• the diameter of the front wheel or wheels is at least 12 cm.

If you notice any malfunctions in the scooter indicated in the report, inform the manufacturer or importer (distributor) and the Provincial Trade Inspectorate about it. You can also read the announcements published on the UCPC website. When reporting violations, follow the instructions of the person responsible for the product (manufacturer/importer/primary distributor) contained in it.

List of 20 models inspected by the Trade Inspection (as of August 4, 2023):

1. Scooter Lucky Crew Pro, 22S Royale, code EAN 0753359827292 - incorrect marking.

2. Freestyle scooter Madd Gear CARVE Pro X SKU: 23331, EAN code 9334052084772 is a compatible product.

3. Scooter Hyper Motion ROCKSTER HYP 20, code EAN 5900168934191 - the product meets the requirements.

4. Scooter Globber Flow Elements Comfort Lights model 727-102, code EAN 4895224407829 - product in accordance with the requirements.

5. Marvell Comics two-wheel scooter, series 202110, code EAN 5902308599932 - damage to the folding mechanism. UOKiK filed an administrative case.

6. Scooter OXELO, MF540, code EAN (01) 03583784042109(21) - incorrect marking.

7. Two-wheeled scooter STUNT STING, LAUBR SPORT, YX-S219-R, code EAN 6935352126358 - incorrect marking.

8. Scooter Newcastle (ST003) batch number SN.120.11, code EAN 5902786365722 is a compatible product.

9. Firefly scooter No. A180.1.0 414746, EAN code 7624769572269 is a compatible product.

10. Scooter HM 250 NILS EXTREME, code EAN 590769554158 - too large distances between the elements of the folding mechanism - low risk. Voluntary corrective actions carried out under the supervision of WIIH.

11. City scooter MOVINO INFINITY, code EAN 5903714010080 - a product that meets the requirements.

12. Stunt scooter model HGR symbol art. 22776, EAN code 5900724048300 is a compatible product.

13. Scooter NAPLES (FS007-5), code EAN 5902786146550 - the product meets the requirements.

14. Scooter METEOR YELLO, code EAN: 5900724028005 - incorrect marking.

15. Scooter OXELO MID 7, class A 20-100 kg, code (01) 03583788036005 (21) - goods in accordance with the requirements.

16. Scooter FIREFLY A 200, 414748, code EAN 7624769572245 - product in accordance with the requirements.

17. Children’s scooter QZ-2036 (H8) - breakage of the steering wheel bracket, uneven markings. UOKiK filed an administrative case.

18. Scooter HST1-100 red, code EAN 5903240678730 - detachment of the handles from the ends of the steering wheel, uneven markings. Explanatory work of UOKiK is underway.

19. Scooter BOTTARI, code - 75702/YTA - 66304, code EAN 8052194757026 - product in accordance with the requirements.

20. Scooter STUNT CITYZONE YX-S07XA-H Gold, code EAN 6935352126372 - the product meets the requirements.

The legal basis for the inspection was the Law on General Product Safety, taking into account the requirements of the standard PN-EN 14619:2019-11 Roller sports equipment. Scooters. Safety requirements and test methods.