December 1st, 2004

Our first hidden camera investigation caught stores giving customers wrong, even dangerous information in order to sell motorized scooters. Those same stores are still selling out of the popular holiday gift. Kids First Reporter Kendall Tenney investigated whether salespeople are telling parents about strict scooter laws, or if it's still a game of don't ask, don't tell.

"They sent the news team in here and we didn't know it was the news team." She didn't know it was this time either, checking what employees are telling customers. Toys 'R' Us gave the most thorough warning of all stores. "They're not street legal."

"They're not?"

"No. None of them are."

It was far different from what we caught on tape at Toys 'R' Us last time. "Some officers are a ****. They will say unless they're of a certain age, they can't ride it out of the complex or their house or driveway or whatever." This time, she pointed out the warning sign, and gave one of her own. "You're supposed to be informed that they're not street safe. They're not street legal."

"Where can she ride it?"

"It's good for parks and, like, parking lots."

Last time, we caught the scooter outlet telling customers to ride on sidewalks. Wal-Mart is still giving out that advice. "So as long as she's on the sidewalk, then she's going to be fine?"

"She's on the sidewalk, she's going to be fine."

Scooters are considered motor vehicles, so you can't take them on sidewalks. Many also don't have the required head and tail lamps, reflectors and brake lights required to drive on Nevada roads. "Is there someone that can talk to us about scooters?" Wal-Mart also didn't tell us about high price tickets police can give kids. "What happens if she does get caught with it? Anything?"

"Nothing really. She's not going to get caught with it."

KB Toys told us what Wal-Mart wouldn't. "They'll ticket her right there."

"What kind of ticket?"

"It's a fine. A huge fine. In Henderson, they're banned. You can't ride them at all in Henderson. In Summerlin, there's certain spots you can on private property."

"Mostly on, like, parks and then on your private property."

"Truthfully, they're dangerous to me."

"Are they really?"

"I get a lot of them back."

We called stores to tell them what we found. Toys 'R' Us trains specific employees to be experts on local regulations and give that information to parents. KB Toys makes sure all staff members know important product safety rules. Wal-Mart is looking into what we found. The PR department stressed the level of employee training. Employees also encourage parents to buy safety equipment and know local laws.