WHEEL DEFECT SPURS RECALL OF SCOOTERS.

Byline: Staff and Wire Services

NORTH HILLS - MGA Entertainment Inc.'s Chinese manufacturing partner will recall 297,000 Bratz Stylin' Scooters because the wheels can break or become damaged, leading to injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

MGA Entertainment Inc., which distributes the line based on its popular big-eyed dolls, has received six reports of cracked wheels. All the incidents resulted in cuts, scrapes and bruises. In one case, a child suffered a broken arm.

Executives for the company were unavailable for comment on Thursday afternoon, but it set up a toll-free hotline and provides information on the recall on its Web site.

The recall includes scooters manufactured by Jurong Dumar Bicycle Inc. of China. The recall does not include Bratz Stylin' Scooters manufactured for MGA by any manufacturer other than Jurong.

The non-motorized, two-wheeled scooters have a folding hinge and an adjustable handlebar. The scooter platform is purple with a bright pink Bratz logo on the top surface.

Included in this recall are scooters containing information identifying the product as Item No. 266563, with a date of manufacture before July 2004, and manufactured by Jurong. This identification information can be located either in the area directly beneath the scooter platform or at the bottom of the scooter near the rear wheel.

Consumers should stop using the scooter immediately and contact MGA for a refund or a replacement scooter. For additional information, consumers can contact MGA at 800-222-4685 or visit www.MGAE.com.