Children's Scooters

I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Consumer Affairs a question about children's scooters.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Honourable members may have seen an article in today's paper which alerts the public to the fact that some electric scooters currently in Christmas catalogues have speeds of up to 16 km/h and that, with modifications, they can get up to 60 km/h. I note from the article that there is no reference to the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs. My questions are:

1. Is the office aware of these scooters, and does it have concerns about them?

2. Is the minister aware whether or not these electric scooters comply with all safety regulations?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:29): I am not absolutely sure exactly which scooters the member is referring to, but certainly I am aware that there is an electrical scooter appliance on the market at the moment that the office is investigating. I do not know whether or not it is exactly the same appliance, but I am certainly happy to get those details for the honourable member, clarify it and bring back a response.

Thursday 19 February 2009

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (13 November 2008).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): I am advised that:

1. OCBA has not received any complaints from consumers about the safety of electric scooters. It has been reported in the media that the scooters can be modified to increase the speed.

Many products can be potentially dangerous if not used correctly and sensibly. Parental Supervision is important to make sure that children are not using these items in a dangerous manner.

2. The Trade Standards Act 1979, that is administered by OCBA, provides for the regulation of the safety and quality of goods and services, but does not extend to how products may be used or misused.

Transport SA regulates the Road Traffic (Road Rules-Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 1999.

Advice received from the Vehicle Services Section of Transport SA indicates that the 'Razor' brand range of electric scooters would not be able to be ridden on any public road, whether in its original form or any potentially modified form. Their use would be restricted to private property only.