Scootering is a great sport that offers children an excellent combination of fun, exercise and a feeling of exploration.
Whether your child is a beginner or looking to enhance their skills, this comprehensive guide will equip them with all the essential information to scooter safely and confidently.
Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Scooter
Before your child starts scootering, it’s important to carefully consider the following factors when choosing the right scooter.
Size and Height
Ensuring that the scooter is the right size for your child is crucial. When they stand on the scooter, the handlebars should reach their waist. This will allow for comfortable and safe manoeuvring.
Wheels
The type of wheels is an important consideration. Smaller wheels are suitable for smooth surfaces such as pavements and indoor areas. They provide better agility and manoeuvrability. On the other hand, larger wheels are more stable and better suited for rougher terrain like uneven sidewalks or packed dirt paths.
Deck
The deck of the scooter plays a significant role in stability, especially for beginners. A wider deck provides more room for the feet and enhances stability, making it an ideal choice for novice riders still building their confidence.
Brakes
When it comes to brakes, rear fender brakes are commonly preferred for kids’ scooters. They are easy to use and provide a reliable way to stop the scooter safely, giving both the child and the parent peace of mind.
Safety Gear for Beginner Scootering
Safety is critical when it comes to riding a scooter. It is essential to make sure that your child is equipped with the following gear to ensure their safety.
It is crucial to ensure that your child’s helmet fits properly to provide adequate protection for their head in case of a fall or a collision. Always look for a certified helmet that the appropriate authorities have tested.
Knee and Elbow Pads
These are necessary to protect your child from scrapes, cuts, and bruises in the event of a fall. They provide extra protection for the vulnerable knee and elbow, generally the first areas of the body to hit the deck.
Wrist Guards
Wrist injuries are common in falls, so it’s important for your child to wear wrist guards to minimise the risk of sprains and fractures.
Closed-Toe Shoes
It is important that your child wears closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles to ensure a good grip on the scooter and protect their feet from potential injury.
Basic Scootering Skills to Get Your Kids Started
When it comes to learning how to ride a scooter, children need to master several key steps. These fundamental skills are critical for their safety and enjoyment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most basic yet crucial abilities that children need to learn.
Balancing
Begin by instructing your child to stand on the scooter with one foot while keeping the other foot on the ground. Urge them to practice maintaining their balance before attempting to move.
Pushing Off
Teach them to push off the ground with their back foot to generate forward momentum. Once they have gained some speed, they should then position their pushing foot on the scooter’s deck.
Steering
Demonstrate how to steer the scooter by leaning gently and turning the handlebars in the direction they want to go. Emphasise the need to make gradual and controlled movements.
Stopping
Practice using the brake by instructing them to press down on the rear fender with their back foot. Encourage them to start with gentle pressure to get a feel for the braking mechanism.
Advanced Scootering Techniques
Once your child has developed a strong foundation in scootering skills, they can progress to learning more advanced techniques and manoeuvres.
Turning
Encourage your child to refine their turning skills by leaning their body into the turns and smoothly steering the handlebars to navigate corners and curves effectively. They should practice maintaining balance and control while executing turns.
Gliding
Guide your child in mastering the art of gliding by teaching them to maintain a consistent and steady speed without frequent pushing off. Emphasise the importance of weight shifting and body positioning to aid in gliding smoothly and effortlessly.
Tricks
Introduce your child to simple tricks such as small jumps and riding with one foot once they have honed their basic biking skills. Highlight the need for caution and gradual progression when attempting these tricks, ensuring they are performed safely, preferably under parental supervision.
Important Safety Guidelines for Scooter Riding
Now that your kids are riding like pros, it’s time to teach them about the importance of safety when it comes to riding their scooters. Here are a few factors to consider.
Supervision
Remember, constant supervision is crucial when young children are using scooters, especially in high-traffic or crowded areas. This is a key factor in ensuring their safety and the safety of others.
Choosing the Right Environment
Selecting safe, flat areas with minimal traffic and obstacles is essential for scooter practice sessions. Avoiding busy streets and opting for parks or sidewalks can provide a safer environment for learning and riding.
Understanding Traffic Rules
Children should be taught to be mindful of their surroundings when riding scooters in public areas. They should also be educated about basic traffic rules and safety guidelines to promote responsible and safe riding practices.
Bonus Scootering Tips
Regular Checks:
- Inspect the scooter before each use for loose parts such as handlebars, clamps, and screws.
- Check the wheels for wear and tear, and make sure they are properly tightened.
- Inspect the brake system to ensure its functioning effectively.
Cleaning: It’s important to clean the scooter regularly to maintain its performance and longevity. Wipe down the scooter to remove dirt, dust, or debris. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the deck and other components, and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Storage: When not in use, store the scooter in a cool, dry place to protect it from the elements. This will help prevent rust and wear and prolong the life of your scooter. We also recommend a scooter stand for storing in an upright position and preventing the handlebar ends from being damaged.
Scootering can be a fun and exciting activity for kids, providing them with physical exercise and a sense of freedom. By choosing the right scooter, wearing appropriate safety gear, and practicing the basics, your child can enjoy hours of scootering fun.
Remember to emphasise safety and supervision to ensure a positive experience. So, grab a scooter, put on your safety gear, and let the adventures begin!
Happy Scootering!
For more Scootering articles click here
Radness may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.