08/26/2026
⚡ E-Scooter Safety Tips ⚡
There has been a recent rise in e-scooter injuries in our state. Though e-scooters are a fun way to get around, parents of young children should think twice before letting their child ride one. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that due to the difficulty of balancing and steering, children 9-12 should not ride on anything motorized that goes faster than 10 mph. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children under 16 not operate electric scooters due to the lack of developmental skills and judgment to do so safely. If you feel your child has the physical and mental ability to operate an e-scooter safely, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
• Wear a Helmet: Most head injuries happen to children not wearing a helmet. Choose the right helmet for the speed of the device, and wear it every time.
• Other safety gear: Riders should also wear elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards, as they protect the areas commonly injured in a fall. Wear closed toe footwear to protect feet. High-visibility or reflective gear and lights should be worn at night.
• Ride in a safe area: Find areas where kids can ride safely and separately from cars. When that isn’t an option, try to identify where they can at least ride with minimal traffic and bumps in the road. Always ensure a rider is supervised by an adult, particularly near intersections or busy areas.
• Practice riding: Ensure your rider knows how to use an electric scooter properly. Practice braking smoothly and consistently at high speeds. Teach them basic traffic rules (stop signs, hand signals) so they can communicate safely when riding. Never allow riders to ride double on a device designed for a single rider.
