Scooter Safety for Kids: How To Keep Your Child Safe

Kick scooters have been a sidewalk staple for generations, but let’s be real; seeing your little one zoom off on wheels can make any parent nervous. You want them to have fun, but you also want to avoid a trip to the emergency room.

Don’t ban the wheels just yet. With the right gear and some ground rules, your child can ride safely.

My guide covers everything you need to know about scooter safety for kids. We will look at essential gear like helmets and pads, break down the safety differences between 3-wheelers and 2-wheelers, and help you pick a model with the best braking systems. Whether you have a toddler or a teen, here is how to keep the good times rolling safely.

Are Scooters Dangerous?

Like bikes and skateboards, scooters do come with risks. Because they are low to the ground and easy to balance on, kids often get a false sense of security and ride faster than they can handle.

Injuries related to nonmotorized scooters are common, with estimates hovering around 40,000 incidents annually in the U.S. ⁽¹⁾. Foot-powered scooters actually rank high on the list of toys associated with injuries, mostly due to falls.

While scary, most incidents involve scrapes or fractures rather than life-threatening situations. Here is a breakdown of the most common scooter injuries ⁽²⁾:

• Upper limb fracture: 53 percent.
• Lower limb fracture: 13 percent.
• Lower limb superficial wound or bruise: 12 percent.
• Concussion: 7 percent.
• Upper limb superficial wound or bruise: 5 percent.
• Torso wound or bruise: 4 percent.
• Skull fracture: 2 percent.
• Superficial head wound or bruise: 2 percent.
• Internal organ injuries: 2 percent.

What Age Can a Child Ride a Scooter?

Most children have the gross motor skills to ride a standard kick scooter by age three.

For toddlers aged three to six, I recommend a three-wheeled scooter. These have two wheels at the front for stability, allowing kids to learn steering without constantly tipping over. By age six, most kids have the balance required to upgrade to a standard two-wheeled scooter.

However, check the manufacturer guidelines. Some brands set the minimum age at five, while others cater to older kids starting at eight.

You can even find options for younger toddlers. Scooters for one-year-olds are typically seated ride-on models. The child sits and pushes with their feet, or an adult pushes them using a handle, like with the COOGHI 4-in-1 Scooter.

How To Choose a Safe Scooter

Not all scooters are built the same. Whether you are shopping for a preschooler or a teenager, keep these safety criteria in mind to ensure the ride is smooth and secure.

Recommended Age and Weight

Always check the manufacturer’s age and weight limits.

• Age range: A scooter meant for a teen will be too heavy and fast for a toddler. Conversely, a toddler scooter will be unstable for an older child.
• Weight limit: If a child exceeds the weight limit, the frame can bend or the brakes may fail. Always leave a little “growing room” in the weight capacity.

Adjustable Handlebars

The handlebar height is critical for control. The handlebars should sit around the rider’s waist or hip level. If they are too high, the child can’t steer properly; if they are too low, the child has to hunch over, affecting their balance. Look for a scooter with an adjustable T-bar that grows with your child.

Bells and Visibility

Audible and visual cues prevent accidents. I highly recommend attaching a bell or horn so your child can alert pedestrians on the sidewalk. If your child rides near dusk, look for scooters with LED wheels or attach after-market reflectors to the stem.

Quality Wheels and Materials

The material of the wheels affects how the scooter handles bumps.

• Plastic wheels: Fine for toddlers riding indoors or on very smooth driveways. They have zero shock absorption.
• PU (Polyurethane) wheels: Best for older kids and outdoor riding. They absorb shock from pavement cracks and pebbles, providing better traction and a smoother, safer ride.
• Wheel size: Larger wheels generally offer more stability and handle uneven terrain better than small wheels.

Deck Size and Grip

The deck (the part you stand on) should be wide enough for your child’s foot but not so wide that it becomes bulky.

• Low-to-the-ground: A lower deck lowers the center of gravity, making the scooter more stable and easier to kick.
• Grip tape: Ensure the deck has a non-slip surface, like sandpaper tape or textured rubber, to prevent feet from sliding off during a ride.

Braking System

Effective brakes are non-negotiable.

• Rear fender brake: The rider steps on the cover over the back wheel to stop. This is standard for most kids’ scooters and is intuitive to learn.
• Hand brake: Similar to a bike brake, this is found on models for older kids. It offers more stopping power but requires decent hand strength.

Scooter Safety Gear

The scooter is only half the battle; the rider needs armor, too. Proper safety gear can turn a potential emergency room visit into a simple “dust yourself off” moment.

Here is the essential checklist:

• Helmet: This is non-negotiable. A bike helmet works, but a skateboard-style helmet (often dual-certified) covers the back of the head better, which is safer for scooter falls. Look for CPSC certification, like on the Bern Comet Kids’ Helmet.
• Knee and elbow pads: These are vital for protecting joints during hard falls on concrete. Knee and elbow pads absorb the impact so your child’s bones don’t have to.
• Gloves: Instinctively, kids put their hands out when they fall. Scooter gloves protect palms from nasty road rash. Note that rigid wrist guards can make gripping the handlebars difficult, so flexible gloves with padded palms are often a better choice for steering control.
• Closed-toe shoes: Sandals and flip-flops are a hazard. Sneakers provide grip on the deck and protect toes if the child drags their foot or hits a curb.

Scooter Safety Tips

Scooters are fantastic for exercise, gross motor skills, and getting kids off screens. To keep the experience positive, keep these seven safety rules in mind:

• Pre-ride check: Before they head out, give the scooter a quick once-over. Check that the clamp is tight, the wheels aren’t wobbling, and the brakes engage properly.
• Helmet habit: No helmet, no wheels. Make it a hard rule from day one. Even a slow fall can cause a head injury.
• Sidewalks only: Scooters are low profile and hard for drivers to see. Keep kids on the sidewalk or paved trails, away from active roadways.
• Check the terrain: Scooters have small wheels that can get stuck in cracks, storm grates, or gravel. Teach your child to scan the ground ahead for obstacles and avoid wet leaves or puddles, which are slippery.
• Crosswalk safety: Teach your child to stop at every corner. They should dismount and walk the scooter across the street rather than riding through the crosswalk.
• Active supervision: For younger children, stay close enough to catch them. For older kids, ensure you are watching or they are in a safe, designated area.
• One rider only: It might look fun to double up, but standard scooters are designed for the weight and balance of one person. Two kids on one deck makes it nearly impossible to steer or stop safely.

FAQs

Are Scooters Good for Kids’ Development?

Yes, they offer several developmental benefits. Riding improves gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. It also builds confidence as children learn to control their speed and navigate turns. Socially, it’s a great way for kids to bond and play together outdoors.

What Is the Most Popular Scooter Brand?

Micro Kickboard is widely considered the gold standard for durability and smooth gliding, particularly their Mini and Maxi models. Other highly rated and popular brands include Razor, Radio Flyer, Jetson, and LaScoota.

Can You Wear a Bike Helmet on a Scooter?

Yes, a CPSC-certified bike helmet is safe for scooter riding. However, many parents prefer “multi-sport” or skateboard-style helmets because they cover more of the back of the head, offering extra protection if the child falls backward.

How Do I Get My Child To Wear a Helmet?

Consistency is key. Here is how to win the helmet battle:

• Start early: Introduce the helmet as soon as they get their first wheels. Make it part of the uniform.
• Let them choose: Take them shopping and let them pick a color or design they love. They will be more excited to wear it.
• Be the example: If you ride a bike or scooter, wear your helmet too. Kids mimic their parents.
• The absolute rule: Enforce the “No Helmet, No Riding” rule without exception. If they refuse the helmet, the scooter gets put away.

Which Is Better: A 2 or 3-Wheeled Scooter?

It depends on the child’s balance. A 3-wheeled scooter is best for toddlers (ages 2 to 5) because it stands up on its own, allowing them to focus on pushing and steering. A 2-wheeled scooter requires the child to balance themselves, making it better for kids ages 5 or 6 and up who have developed better coordination.

Are Electric Scooters Safe for Kids?

Electric scooters introduce higher speeds and more risk. While some models are marketed for kids, the American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommends delaying motorized scooter use until children are older (usually 16+) and have a driver’s license. If you do allow a younger teen to ride one, ensure they have a speed-limited model and strictly enforce helmet use.