Scooter commuters run the risk of severe injury because riders are wearing inappropriate clothing, the Institute of Advanced Motorists has warned.

Promoting a new booklet Safer Scootering, IAM council member Steve Norris said scooter riders could easily become fashion victims if they are involved in a crash.

"Scooter commuters have the right headgear, and that is about all," he said.

"Commuters seem to think that riding a scooter is like an extension of driving a car. And they dress accordingly - in suits, lightweight clothes with a jacket on top, and wear normal footwear.

"But if they come off their scooters, even at 30mph, they will regret not having worn the right protective clothing."

Mr Norris pointed out that many scooters have somewhere to store riding gear.

He added: "As president of the Motor Cycle Industry Association, I am delighted that more people are turning to scooters as the ideal way to combat congestion and help the environment. But even scooters need riding with care.

"There were around 700 injuries in 1998, but there were seven fatalities, all on built-up roads.

"Wearing the right clothing and spending a few minutes on our easy-to-read booklet are two ways that scooter commuters can stay safely ahead of the game."

*Safer Scootering, price £1.99, is available from the IAM, 359 Chiswick High Road, London.