Heelys Responds: New Numbers Find HEELYS® Safest Among Wheeled Sports

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Heelys, Inc. (Nasdaq:HLYS), makers of HEELYS wheeled footwear, announced today findings from Heiden Associates, a leading authority on product safety and risk assessment based in Washington D.C., who completed a detailed analysis of the latest available Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data in connection with wheeled sports. The CPSC data confirms that HEELYS is the safest activity among popular wheeled sports, measured by the rate of injuries per 100,000 activity participants.

Heiden Associates provided the updated risk comparisons for wheeled footwear of CPSC hospital injury reports to include newly available reports for the last three months of 2006. Those numbers confirm the injury rate of using wheeled footwear has not increased in the past 15 months, but instead has decreased. “Taking into account the number of pairs sold, HEELYS remains one of the safest outdoor recreational activities,” stated Dr. Edward J. Heiden, president of Heiden Associates.

The segment of the study that highlights the injury rate for children between ages 7 and 15 using wheeled footwear compares favorably with the injury rates of other wheeled products, such as bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and roller skates.

On a per-participant basis of popular wheeled sports, HEELYS are:

• 39 times safer than bicycles (previous estimate – 29)
• 24 times safer than skateboards (previous estimate – 19)
• 9 times safer than scooters (previous estimate – 7)
• 7 times safer than inline roller skates (previous estimate – 5)

Heiden Associates has now analyzed all relevant CPSC data over the past six years and confirms the safety of HEELYS wheeled footwear. The data demonstrates that HEELYS, when used appropriately, provide a fun and safe activity for kids to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Heelys, Inc. CEO Mike Staffaroni said, “HEELYS wheeled footwear is a relatively new and unique sport. Just like any sport, knowing the proper way to use HEELYS is the key to fun and safety. We’re pleased parents and kids are getting that message and that HEELYS remains one of the safest wheeled activities out there for kids who want to get off the couch and stay active.”

Heelys, Inc., was pleased that the latest data confirms what the company already knew about the safety of its products. HEELYS include a removable “wheel in the heel” that allows a user to walk and run, and seamlessly transition to rolling. With a little practice and patience, users quickly develop the skills necessary to roll. As with any activity that is new and unique, like riding a bicycle for the first time, users must be careful when learning to roll. HEELYS continues to remind consumers always to wear full protective gear when rolling, and to consult the company’s Web site at www.heelys.com for more information on how to safely “heel.”

About Heelys, Inc. (Nasdaq:HLYS)

Heelys, Inc. designs, markets and distributes innovative, action sports-inspired products under the HEELYS brand worldwide. The Company has shipped over 10 million pairs of HEELYS wheeled footwear since their introduction in 2000. The Company’s primary product line is the patented dual purpose footwear that incorporates a stealth, removable wheel in the heel. HEELYS wheeled footwear allows the user to seamlessly transition from walking or running to skating by shifting weight to the heel. Users can transform HEELYS wheeled footwear into street footwear by removing the wheel. HEELYS wheeled footwear provides users with a unique combination of fun and style that differentiates it from other footwear and wheeled sports products. Heelys, Inc. also designs and markets lines of apparel, protective gear, and accessories. HLYS/G

For more information visit: www.heelys.com.

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