- Children under 5 shouldn’t skateboard. (Sorry, little kiddos.) Balance and judgment haven’t fully developed, which can lead to injuries.
- Children under 10 years should have close adult supervision when skateboarding or riding a scooter.
Safety On Wheels
The Safer Ways To Skateboard And Scoot
When kids start expressing interest in scooters and skateboards, it’s important to know how to protect them from the slips, skids and falls (a major cause of injuries) that come with being on wheels. Teach them they can have fun without putting themselves in harm’s way. Here’s how.
STEPS TO SAFETY
Open All
Close All
-
The Right Age to Ride
-
Have the Right Gear
- Many injuries may be prevented if kids wear helmets, padding, mouth guards and closed-toed or slip-resistant shoes.
- All skateboarders and scooter-riders (scooterers?) should wear protective gear; read this article to learn why helmets are particularly important.
- Learn how to pick out a properly-fitted bike helmet by reading this article.
-
Be Safe While Riding
- Avoid scooting or skating at night, or scooting or skating in the street.
- If streets can’t be avoided, ride scooters or skateboards on smooth, paved surfaces without traffic, and stay clear of wet, sandy, gravelly and dirty surfaces.
- Use designated paths or rinks. Always scoot/skateboard on the right side and pass on the left.
- Be aware and respectful of other skaters, walkers, runners, cyclists, and cars that use the same areas.
- Kids should avoid listening to music while riding so they can hear what's around them.
- Never put more than one person on a skateboard or scooter.
-
Learn How To Fall Like A Pro
- If you feel like you’re losing balance, remember these tips:
- Crouch down so there’s shorter distance to fall.
- Try to land on fleshy parts of your body.
- Try to roll as you fall so your arms don't absorb all the impact.
- Try to relax rather than tensing up.
- If you feel like you’re losing balance, remember these tips:
Did You Know?
About 6 in 10 kids take their helmets off when they're scooting.
- Safe Kids Worldwide
the make safe happen app
Get room-by-room safety tips, purchase products and more, by downloading the app.
Get the App
the make safe happen app
Get room-by-room safety tips, purchase products and more, by downloading the app.
