The number of Western Bay children injured while riding scooters has almost tripled, figures show.
Scooter injuries rose from 116 at a taxpayer cost of $25,017 in 2011 to 347 at $106,702 last year, according to ACC injury claims.
The increase was greatest in 5-14 year olds, from 80 to 167 during that period.
Fractures to the arms, and head and facial injuries - particularly dental injuries - were most common, with some occurring when hand grips came off handlebars and when scooters folded unexpectedly, ACC said.
Safekids director Ann Weaver said although scooters provided children with valuable exercise, it was important to use safety equipment such as helmets, which were not mandatory for scooter users.