Ask anyone about electric vehicles, and you will hear "its a good idea, but,
you know, the battery technology just isnt there yet." Well, the good news is
that the world has changed, and affordable electric vehicles are here today, in
the form of electric bicycles.
Razors 2003 electric line, which topped holiday wish lists and far exceeded
projected sales, has garnered much praise within the toy industry, including
being nominated for top honors at this years Toy Fair. The XLR8R(TM) electric
scooter is a finalist for TIAs Outdoor Toy of the Year award, making this the
fourth consecutive year that a Razor product has been nominated. Razor took the
prize home in 2000 for the wildly popular Razor(TM) scooter.
The following products were unveiled Razor at the American International Toy
Fair 2004:
The Ground Force(TM) is the ideal toy for junior racers-in-training, giving
kids the excitement of driving their own go-kart. The Ground Force(TM) cruises
up to 12 mph, is for use in controlled riding environments by riders ages 10
and up (maximum weight of 220 pounds) and is available at retail for $249.99.
The Pocket Rocket(TM) is an electric-powered replica of real racing pocket
bikes thats perfect for junior thrill seekers. The Pocket Rocket travels up
to 15 mph, is for use in controlled riding environments by riders ages 10 and
up (maximum weight of 220 pounds) and is available at retail for $229.99.
The Mean Machine(TM) is Razors latest three-wheeling machine that proves you
dont need to be on two wheels to be cool. The Mean Machine(TM) is for riders
ages eight and up (maximum weight of 220 pounds) and is available at retail
for $69.99.
There have been doubts regarding the safety of electric scooters though. The
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recently a voluntary recall
of 280,000 Fisher-Price and Razor electric-powered scooters because of potential
hazards
The recall includes 29,000 Lightning PAC scooters and 5,000 MX3 mini bikes
made by Fisher-Price, a unit of El Segundo-based Mattel Inc.
Razor USA LLC, based in Cerritos, said it also would recall 246,000 scooters
and 584,000 PowMax battery chargers sold with some scooters and ride-on vehicles
because they can overheat and cause minor burns.
If tires are over-inflated in either Fisher-Price model, the plastic can break
and cause the tires to rupture. The company received six reports of incidents
related to over-inflating tires on the scooters and mini bikes, including hand
and face injuries to children and adults, the CPSC said.
Razors electric scooters were recalled because of a faulty weld in the
handlebars that can bend or break. The recall covers models E300, E300S, E200
and E200S. Razor has received 261 reports of handlebar welds breaking, causing
16 injuries, including broken arms and one laceration.
Vehicles sold with the recalled chargers include scooter models E100, E125,
E300, E300S, E200 and E200S, Pocket Rocket mini electric motorcycles, Ground
Force go karts and Chopper mini electric motorcycles, according to the CPSC.
Razor has received 144 reports of battery chargers overheating, though there
have been no reports of injuries, the agency said.
The CPSC said they found about 10,000 emergency room injuries related to
electric scooters from July 2003 through June 2004, with two-thirds occurring
in children under 15 years of age.
The agency has received reports of 49 deaths related to powered scooters
between late 1998 and 2004. The recent rise in popularity of the scooters
prompted the CPSC to examine related injuries.
The commission said consumers should stop using the recalled scooters and
battery chargers, and contact Razor for a free repair of scooters and free
replacement of chargers.
About The Author
For additional information, further articles on how to select an electric
scooter along with some of the leading electric scooter suppliers on the
internet visit the following site http://www.electricscooteradvice.com