A Guide for Parents Teaching Kids to Ride a Scooter
Scooters are an excellent way for kids to explore the world around them. These pocket-sized vehicles can be ridden on sidewalks or streets as long as you follow the road rules. Your child must learn a few things before kicking off. This guide will teach you to show your kids how to ride a scooter, so you can help your child have a safe, productive experience.
What Is a Scooter?
A scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle with a flat deck on the bottom. It’s like a larger, more grown-up version of a skateboard, just smaller and safer for kids. Scooters are fun because they make it easy for kids to explore their environment. Kids can ride around their neighborhood or hit the streets at night when parents feel comfortable letting them go out alone.
How to Ride a Scooter
Riding a scooter is a fun way for kids to explore their world. It can be done on sidewalks or on the street, but there are some rules that you need to follow. This guide will walk you through the process of how to ride a scooter and will teach you about some safety precautions.
First, you’ll need to get your child a helmet and make sure they know how to put it on correctly. You should also keep your child from riding too far from home, as you don’t want them getting lost or being too far from home if they have an accident. The sidewalk is usually the best place for younger children, while roads are better for older children who are more experienced riders. Be sure that your child knows the difference between these two surfaces and what rules apply to each one. You should NEVER allow your child to ride a scooter on grass or gravel because this can cause them to lose traction and fall off of their scooter.
Finally, ensure your child knows how to use the brake properly. Keep in mind your child’s scooter brake may be hand-operated or, more commonly, foot-operated on the back wheel.
Choosing the Right Scooter for Your Child
Kids come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing the right scooter is a good idea. The best fit for a toddler is a scooter with 3 or 4 wheels, a broad base, and maybe even a convertible ride-on seat if they’re too young to balance on a scooter properly. Check out our guide on the best toddler scooters.
More coordinated children may be more inclined to regular kick/push scooters. Scooters have various steering options, including “Lean-to-steer,” traditional handlebar steering, and even safety steering, limiting how fast your child turns to limit accidents.
Finally, an excellent option for older kids is the electric scooter. Similar to standard scooters, these come with a charged motor and keep your kids entertained for hours. We break down the best electric scooters here.
All aboard!
The first step in teaching your child to ride a scooter is getting them on it. The best way to do this is to squat down and place the scooter between your legs. Let your child stand in front of you, put their foot on the back of the scooter, then let them hop on while holding onto the handlebars. You’ll need to help your child for the first few days, but eventually, they should be able to stand over the scooter with both feet on the ground and push off on their own.
Turn it!
Once your child is on the scooter, it’s time to teach them how to steer. With “Lean-to-steer,” simply leaning in the direction you wish to go, your child will quickly learn how to maneuver their scooter. The next step is learning how to stop!
Slow down!
Most scooters have a situated brake on the top of the handlebars. Braking is how you’ll slow your little one down and keep them safe. Use your knee or foot to squeeze the brake and slow them down.
Taking off
Once your child has learned basic steering and stopping, it’s time for them to learn how to ride their scooter without any assistance. Though standing may be difficult at first, they will quickly get the hang of it! This newly acquired skill will be a big confidence boost for your child, and they’ll become more independent each time they take off on their scooter!
One thing to remember is that children learn differently than adults, so it may take a few attempts for your child to understand how to use their scooter. Some children will get it right away, while others will need more encouragement before they fully commit themselves to learn how to ride their scooter. If they have fun along the way, then they’ll be more eager to master it!
On your mark, get set…
Before you can learn how to ride a scooter, you need to know some basics.
– Properly build the scooter for your child’s specifications (i.e., correct handlebar height).
– Kids under eight years old should use knee and elbow pads.
– Always wear a helmet when riding the scooter.
– Follow traffic signs and signals.
The Dos and Don’ts of Scooter Riding
It’s easy to learn how to ride a scooter. But, some additional tips can make the process even easier. This guide will teach you the dos and don’ts of scooter riding.
Don’t:
– Ride in the street without brakes.
– Ride indoors or in tight places.
– Ride barefoot.
Do:
– Wear a helmet every time your child rides a scooter.
– Use brakes when riding downhill or on uneven surfaces
– Ensure that the scooter is in good working order before letting your child use it
Conclusion
You’ve read the basics. Now it’s time to hit the road.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and teach your kids how to ride a scooter!
You’ll be glad you did.