Scooter Safety

Recommendations

  • Children should not use a scooter if they do not have enough balance or coordination.
  • Parent should show the safety features of the scooter to a child before a child rides a scooter. This includes safety gear and brakes. The parents should then watch the child with the scooter in a safe, open area.
  • Before riding – check that the steering column and handlebars are locked into place.  Also check that all nuts and bolts are tight before using the scooter.
  • Children should always wear protective gear when operating a scooter:
    • helmet
    • wrist guards
    • knee and elbow pads
  • Children should wear long pants and long sleeve shirt when operating a scooter.
  • Children should wear proper shoe wear that won’t fall off and will protect the top and bottom of their feet. Sneakers are very protective. Flip-flops are not.
  • Avoid dangerous ground or bad weather:
    • No riding on steep hills
    • No riding over obstacles
    • No riding on slippery, sandy, or icy surfaces
    • No riding on streets or any place where there are cars, buses, or trains.
  • Do not use a scooter at dawn, dusk or at night.
  • Do not do any stunts or jumps.

Q:  How can I make scooter riding safer for my child?

  • In children a scooter is safer if the rider has correct training on the scooter
    • With supervision – the child should learn to control his speed and use the brakes
    • Never use a scooter without safety equipment
  • Before riding the scooter, make sure it is good shape
    • Moving parts are moving freely
    • The brakes work
  • Children should not ride a scooter near any traffic such as cars, buses, or trains
  • Scooters are safest in wide open areas that are not crowded
  • Never ride a scooter while listening to music or talking on a headset. You might not be able to hear a car’s honking horn or a siren.
  • Never ride a scooter on uneven surfaces that are wet, sandy, bumpy or littered with debris
  • Never ride a scooter with low visibility – in the rain, at dusk, dawn or after dark