RIYADH: King Saud Medical City (KSMC) in the Saudi capital has issued a warning that people using the popular new self-balancing scooters are in danger of picking up serious injuries if they fall.

The use of these scooters are gaining ground in the Kingdom but users should be “very careful,” said Abdulrahman Al-Qathani, head of KFMC’s emergency department.

He said users must wear helmets and avoid trying to do tricks. “Contrary to what some think, the scooters are dangerous for small children who don’t yet have the right skills to use them. They need guidance from their elders or those who are experienced,” he said.

A student at a Saudi school said that the use of these scooters have become popular in the capital. “I have seen people in other countries using it too,” he said. He agreed that users must be careful and follow advice on safety.

Recently, a video was posted on social media showing a man circumambulating the Kaaba on one type of this scooter.