Every parent wants to keep their children safe while playing and enjoying their favorite outdoor activities. Recently, the toy manufacturer Jakks Pacific started a global recall of its Morfboard Skate & Scoot Combo scooters because of a significant safety concern.
According to the manufacturer, the Skate & Scoot Combo scooters come with a “Y” handlebar that can break during use, posing a significant safety hazard for children. Children who ride the Morfboard scooters can fall off the board or crash if the handlebar breaks.
Federal safety regulators advise parents whose children own a Morfboard to take certain steps to repair the scooter’s defect and help prevent potential injuries.
Wilshire Law Firm remains committed to child safety and to helping families affected by product-related injuries. If a defective product has injured your child, reach out to our product liability lawyers for support and guidance.
Morfboard Scooter Handlebar Defect Creates Falling Hazard
The Morfboard Skate & Scoot Combo scooter is designed with interchangeable parts that allow children to easily convert from a skateboard to a scooter. With its unique “Y” handlebar feature, the scooter offers both versatility and fun, appealing to active kids.
The core problem with the Morfboard scooter lies in the “Y” handlebar joint, which is prone to break. The handlebar joint can suddenly snap during use, causing the child to lose control of the scooter and potentially fall. Jakks Pacific has received at least 18 reports of handlebar breakage, including one incident that resulted in a child suffering a nose injury.
How to Identify if Your Child’s Morfboard Scooter is Affected
Not all Morfboard scooters are part of the recall. The affected Morfboard Skate & Scoot Combo scooters were sold between February 2018 and August 2020 in popular stores like Walmart, Target, and Toys R Us, as well as online through Amazon and the Morfboard website. These scooters retail for around $100 and are available in various colors, such as cyan, chartreuse, lava, and mint.
To determine if your child’s scooter is affected, locate the alphanumeric manufacturing code on the underside of the skate deck. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a list of specific date codes associated with defective units:
0049VE01, 0128VE01, 0238VE01, 0328VE01, 0598VE01, 0718VE01, 0878VE01, 1068VE01, 1168VE01, 1278VE01, 1458VE01, 1508VE01,1598VE01, 1858VE01, 2068VE01, 2328VE01, 2398VE01, 2478VE01, 2548VE01, 2508VE01, 2568VE01, 2958VE01, 3198VE01, 3258VE01, 3537VE01, 3628VE01
Parents who cannot locate the date code or have additional questions can contact Jakks Pacific’s consumer support team.
If your child’s Morfboard scooter has a date code that does not match one of these codes, the scooter is not included in the recall. If the code on your child’s scooter matches, the CSPC urges you to prevent your children from using it until it is repaired.
Actions for Parents and Guardians: Protecting Your Child from Injury
If your child owns a Morfboard Skate & Scoot Combo scooter, here are essential steps to ensure their safety:
- Inspect the scooter: Look for the manufacturing date code on the underside of the skate deck to determine if your child’s scooter is included in the recall.
- Stop using the scooter: If your scooter’s date code matches any in the recall, stop your child from riding it immediately. This precaution is vital, as continued use could expose them to unnecessary risk.
- Request a replacement: Jakks Pacific is offering a free replacement “T” handlebar to address the defect in the “Y” handlebar joint. Contact their support team to request this safer replacement part, which can help reduce the risk of handlebar failure.
Safety Is Imperative for Children’s Products
Scooters offer a popular mode of fun and exercise for children, but as with any toy, safety is paramount. The Morfboard’s recall is not an isolated case; scooter-related injuries account for a significant portion of childhood emergency room visits. In one recent year, the CPSC reported that scooters contributed to approximately 70% of injuries sustained from riding toys. Common scooter-related injuries include:
- Bone fractures in arms, legs, and even the head due to falls
- Cuts and bruises, particularly on the face and arms
- Traumatic brain injuries, often from lack of helmet use or severe falls
According to a study, only a small fraction of children consistently wear safety gear while riding scooters. Helmets, elbow pads, and knee guards significantly reduce the risk of injuries.
Importance of Product Testing and Safety Standards
This recall raises critical questions about product safety standards, especially for items designed for children. Families trust that toys and recreational products meet rigorous testing before they reach store shelves, and recalls like this one can break that trust. This situation highlights the need for robust testing and quality control, particularly for children’s products.
Scooter Safety Tips: Reducing Risk for Your Child
You never know if a defective toy such as a Jakk’s Morphboard Skate & Scoot scooter will suddenly malfunction, putting your child in a dangerous situation. To help protect your child if their scooter or other mobile toy breaks, you can take some precautions.
- Require helmets and pads: Helmets are crucial for protecting against head injuries, while elbow and knee pads can help prevent bruises and fractures.
- Promote safe riding areas: Encourage your child to ride away from busy streets or crowded places where risks are even higher should they lose control of their scooter. Parks or empty sidewalks are ideal locations.
- Supervise younger children: Kids under 10 benefit from parental supervision when riding scooters, which helps them practice safe riding habits.
- Consider bright clothing: Children wearing vibrant colors are more visible to drivers, which can help reduce the risk of accidents.
While defective products like the Morfboard scooter can introduce hazards, proactive safety measures can further reduce the risk of injury.
Contact Jakk’s For a Morf Scooter
If your child has a Morfboard Skate & Scoot Combo scooter with one of the recalled “Y” handlebars, take the following steps to ensure their safety:
- Stop using the scooter immediately to prevent any potential injuries.
- Contact Jakks Pacific to receive a free replacement “T” handlebar
To order the replacement handlebar, call Jakks Pacific at 1-855-602-5464 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or visit their website at jakks.com and click on “Safety Notices.”
Was Your Child Injured in a Scooter Accident?
No parent wants to think of their child getting hurt, but defective products can lead to real and serious injuries. If your child suffered an injury due to a defective Morfboard scooter or other defective product, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Under U.S. product liability laws, manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products. When a company fails to uphold these standards, they may be liable for injuries that occur as a result.
An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process to hold manufacturers accountable. At Wilshire Law Firm, we strongly believe that manufacturers of children’s products should be held to the highest possible standards so that children can enjoy their toys safely and without the risk of injury from preventable hazards.
Seeking Justice for Children Hurt by Defective Products
If your child was injured by a recalled Morfboard scooter or any other defective product, you may be eligible for compensation. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for families affected by unsafe products, and we will work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We understand the emotional toll that comes with a child’s injury, and we are here to provide the support you need to protect your family’s rights.
Call Wilshire Law Firm at (213) 335-2402 or contact us online to schedule a free no-obligation consultation with a compassionate and top-performing personal injury lawyer.
