Recall: Scooters Recall by Kent International and Kash 'N Gold Ltd.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2000 Release # 01-049

Company Phone Number: (800) 354-8785 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

CPSC, Kent International and Kash 'N Gold Ltd. Announce Recall of Scooters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kent International Inc., of Parsippany, N.J.; and Kash 'N Gold Ltd., of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., are voluntarily recalling about 97,500 scooters.

Kent is recalling about 90,000 scooters. The scooter handles can unexpectedly come out of the steering column if the clamp holding them in is not tight, causing the rider to lose control, fall and possibly suffer injuries.

Kent has received four reports of the handles coming out, resulting in four children suffering injuries, including broken arms, a broken wrist, bruises, abrasions and a cracked tooth.

These are Kickin' Mini-Scooters made of chrome-plated steel. A vertical decal on the steering column reads "KICKIN' MINI SCOOTER." The scooter's black plastic platform measures about 15 inches long, and it has 4-inch translucent in-line style wheels. "KENT" and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on the lower part of the steering column. The scooters were sold with black backpacks embroidered in white with the word "Kickin."

Toys R Us stores nationwide sold the Kent scooters from May 2000 through September 2000 for about $60.

Consumers should stop riding these Kent scooters immediately, and call Kent International to receive a free replacement handlebar with pins to secure the handlebars. For more information, call Kent International at (800) 451-KENT (5368) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Kent has sold other models to Toys R Us such as the Street Craze, the Street Racer and Scoot that are NOT part of this recall. Scooters that Kent sold to Wal Mart, Meijer's, Target and AAFES are also NOT part of this recall.

Kash 'N Gold is recalling about 7,500 scooters because the plastic "T" joint between the handlebars can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and possibly suffer injuries.

Kash 'N Gold has received two reports of the joint breaking, resulting in two injuries including a bump on the head and a chest bruise.

These are Racer X20^TM model scooters. The scooters' platforms measure 20 inches long. The scooters are made from lightweight aluminum, and have translucent in-line style wheels. They have swivel handlebars with foam grips, which adjust to various heights. The nonslip surface on the deck of the scooter reads, "RACER." "X20" is written on the lower part of the steering column. The scooters are mostly silver, and have blue, green, red, orange or clear wheels. The scooters were made in China.

Discovery and Mervyn's stores sold these scooters nationwide from August 2000 through September 2000 for between $70 and $100.

Consumers should stop riding these scooters immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or a new scooter with a metal "T" joint. For more information, call Kash 'N Gold at (800) 354-8785 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall (transcript). This is in "streaming video" format.