FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2000
Release # 01-059
Excite Recall Hotline: (888) 571-3731 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058
CPSC, Excite Ltd. Announce Recall of Scooters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Excite Ltd., of Hong Kong, is voluntarily recalling
about 80,000 scooters. The front of the folding mechanism, where the
steering column meets the base of the scooter, can create a pinch-point.
Fingers can be injured while folding or unfolding the scooter.
Excite has received nine reports of pinch-point injuries to children
including one partially amputated fingertip and eight lacerations, one
of which required eight stitches.
The recall involves Excite Super Speeder II and Viper scooters. The
scooter has a lightweight aluminum frame with black, foam handle grips.
"Super Speeder II" or "Viper" is printed on the standing platform and on
the steering column. The steering column also has "Excite" printed at
the top. The scooter has 4-inch translucent in-line style wheels.
Rite Aid stores nationwide exclusively sold the Super Speeder II and
Viper scooters from August 2000 to December 2000 for about $49.
Consumers should stop using these Excite scooters immediately and
contact Excite Ltd. to receive a free cap that will cover the front of
the folding mechanism. For more information, call Excite Ltd. toll-free
at (888) 571-3731 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Only the Excite Super Speeder II and Excite Viper scooters sold at Rite
Aid are part of this recall. This recall does not include the original
Super Speeder or other Viper brand scooters.