Hospitalizations from scooter injuries nearly tripled in this country during a recent five-year period. The UCLA study found more than one-quarter of scooter victims were under eighteen—and most frequent in winter months. Researchers wrote in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons that scooter riders had greater numbers of serious injuries, including long-bone fractures and paralysis than bicycle riders. The database did not separate information about motorized scooters injuries from standard scooters. Researchers say the steady growth in injuries, hospitalizations and financial burdens of scooter injuries brings urgent reminders for greater safety measures, including helmets and elbow pads.