Scooters called unsafe for seniors

The illegally assembled three- or four-wheeled vehicles labeled "vehicle for the elderly" have serious safety risks, China Consumers' Association has warned.

According to a report by the Metro Express, the CCA cautioned that the vehicles, designed for senior citizens, might put them at risk as most of them are illegally and inappropriately assembled.

First, the vehicle is prone to accidents owing to its low chassis and abrupt engine start-up. Mechanical problems are common because of the low-quality brakes and other parts, and critics say the vehicles are dangerous because of the lack of crash tests and protective measures.

Second, most drivers hit the road without licenses because the vehicle is not approved for registration.

Third, drivers are inclined to break traffic rules because they have not experienced a professional driving course.

Finally, settling traffic accidents can be tricky because the vehicles' information is not accessible in the traffic management system.

Experts say there is a good substitute vehicle for the seniors that offers low-speed travel, responsive brakes and reliable security. It functions as a medical transfer device, quite unlike an automobile. But the vehicle often falls into the "automobile" category because it is powered by an electronic battery or fuel, which is considered to be an illegal assembly.