Top Five Safety Rules for Children

After receiving a brand new transit gadget, like a hoverboard or electric scooter, eager youngsters often want to climb aboard right away. However, there are a few simple safety precautions both parents and children should consider in order to create an enjoyable riding experience for everyone involved. By prioritizing safety and learning the ins and outs of operation before conquering the road, young riders and parents will feel confident and capable when it’s time to hit the streets.

1. Wear Protective Gear

 A high-quality helmet, elbow and knee pads, athletic shoes, and athletic clothing are all important components of protective gear. Additional accessories, such as a rearview mirror and reflective stickers, may be a good idea in the future, but these four items are a great start for any new rider. The 2 in 1 kids and teens full face helmet or the thousands jr helmet make great choices in the realm of comfortable and customizable protective headgear⁠—an asset to novice riders and experienced scooterists alike. Fitted knee pads and elbow pads, available in our G03 Protection Pad Pack, are also recommended. In the event of an accident or fall, these pads will defend against scrapes, cuts, and other abrasions. Athletic shoes that tie tightly, a comfortable outfit, and drinking water are also recommended for this outdoor activity. Your child’s stylish new gadget will speak for itself, so focus on safety when it comes to choosing the right wardrobe⁠— think rubber soled shoes and breathable materials.

2. Eyes on the Road

In addition to coming prepared with protective gear, it’s important to follow the number one rule of safe riding. Keep your eyes on the road! While these devices offer advanced technology and receive rave reviews when it comes to safety ratings, this is one rule the individual is responsible for following on their own. Watching the road allows riders to navigate obstacles, communicate with motorists via eye contact, and even improves balance and riding technique.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Your Surroundings

Before beginning a new ride, make sure your child is aware of their surroundings. This includes familiarizing riders with stop signs, cross walks, speed limits, construction zones, and other important markings or street signs. If there are any areas to avoid, such as those with uneven terrain, take note. Additionally, confirm outdoor climate conditions: scooters and hoverboards should not be used in the event of rain, snow, or excessive wind. Additional layers should be worn based on outdoor temperature.

4. Read the Manual 

This step is perhaps more important for parents than children. Make sure you’ve read the manual of your child’s new device. This will help you and the rider understand important mechanisms such as braking, turning, and charging the hoverboard or scooter. Consult the index of the manual if you have any specific questions about certain parts or pieces of the device, and double check the images featured in the manual to verify that everything is properly assembled and ready to ride.

5. Pre-Ride Device Inspection 

Before mounting the device, conduct a visual inspection to ensure nothing is loose, broken, or could impede the device itself. Check the battery life⁠—it should be charged to maximum capacity before every ride. Next, look at the tires. The tires should be fully inflated and free of obstructions. While it’s normal for tires to experience some wear and tear over time, there should be enough tread and grip on the tires to keep your child safe. Lastly, inspect the handlebars to confirm that they are tightly fastened and easy-to-maneuver. While not required, you may want to take the device for a test ride yourself, just to make sure everything is operating properly. 

While e-scooters, kick scooters, and hoverboards are perfectly safe for children to use, it’s important to discuss safety precautions before handing over the reins entirely. With these simple tips and tricks in mind, both you and your child will have a blast discovering the fun and freedom these devices have to offer.