Electric scooters allow your children to enjoy faster speeds and have extra power when tackling steep hills. But are they safe? How can you keep your child safe on electric scooters?
That’s what we are here to find out! Our brief guide tells you if electric scooters are safe for your child and how you can keep your children safe while they enjoy their electric scooters.
Are Electric Scooters Safe For Children?
Electric scooters are a safe option for your child, but they are not to use them without adult supervision. In some states, a child under sixteen cannot use an electric scooter, as the faster speeds and motor makes them a danger, especially if they have never used one before. However, many states allow children aged twelve to fifteen to use an electric scooter, but they must be supervised by an adult at all times. They must also wear the correct safety gear and follow the rules of the road.
How To Keep Children Safe On Electric Scooters
Keeping your child safe on electric scooters doesn’t have to be difficult. Supervision at all times is the best way to keep your child safe, along with educating them on the rules of the road and providing them with a suitable scooter for their age. We have outlined the best ways you can keep your child safe on electric scooters below for you.
Check The Scooter Is Suitable
Before you begin teaching your child how to safely use an electric scooter, you need to check that it is safe for them to use. Many scooters come with an age or weight restriction, which you should pay close attention to. This will show you how much your child needs to weigh and how old they should be to safely use the scooter. You should also look for any adjustable features on the scooter, like an adjustable handlebar height, that will help you create the perfect scooter for your little one.
When checking whether the scooter is suitable, you also need to check that your child can legally and safely use the e-scooter in your state or territory. Many states have different laws about e-bikes and scooters that must be followed to keep your child safe and avoid hefty fines. Check how old your child needs to be, if the scooter needs any lights, and if supervision is required to keep your little ones safe. With many deals on kids electric scooters, you can find a suitable option without breaking the bank too!
Safety Gear
Once you have found a suitable scooter, you need to ensure that your child is in the right safety gear. Not only does this ensure they are complying with the laws in your state, but it prevents them from hurting themselves if they fall off the scooter or are in a collision. A helmet must be worn in every state, and you should make sure it complies with Australian safety standards.
You should also consider knee and elbow pads, as these offer extra padding and protection when they fall. Some children can resist the additional safety gear, but we recommend it to help keep them safe, especially if they are using a fast e-scooter. Along with the right safety gear, light-coloured or fluorescent clothing should be worn when they are using the scooter. This makes them visible to other pedestrians and road users, avoiding them getting hit in dark or poor visibility conditions.
Supervise Them
As a legal requirement in many states, you will need to supervise your child under sixteen on the electric scooter at all times. This helps you keep them safe, as you can guide them out of any danger, ensure they are following the rules of the road, and keeping a safe distance from other road and path users. Supervising them at all times treasures you. They are safe, so you don’t need to worry about their well-being when they are out on their scooter. By spending one-on-one time supervising them, too, you can ensure they are ready to enjoy their scooter independently once they turn sixteen.
Teach Them Road Rules
Another way to keep your child safe on their electric scooter is to teach them the road rules. You can do this before they ride their scooter and allow them to put their knowledge to the test. You should focus on teaching them about right of way, which side to ride on, and when they need to stop for pedestrians and other road users.
When they are riding scooters on roads and bike paths, they should know to stop at ride lights, how to be considerate of other road users, and where they legally can and can’t ride their scooters.
Final Thoughts
An electric scooter is a big step for any child, but by following our tips, you can teach them how to be safe, ensuring they have fun on their scooter while reducing their chances of an accident.
