Riding a scooter is a fun form of exercise and stunt scooting is a thrilling extreme sport and hobby. Although scooting is a safe activity for kids and adults, there are a few safety precautions that riders need to be aware of to keep scooting safe and fun. Check out our guide below for some safety tips to keep yourself or your kids riding safely.
Dress the part
The most important piece of protective gear is always the helmet, no matter what age or experience rider you are. Make sure you have a good quality cycle helmet that fits well for you or your child.
You may also consider knee and elbow pads for added safety and to prevent grazes if you or your child fall.
When scooting near a road, bright clothing is important to stay visible to drivers.
Road Safety
The best place to ride a scooter is at the skate park. This can be a little intimidating for some riders and when you’re first starting out you may want to practice riding on the pavement. However, it is important that riders of all ages are careful around roads. Here are some road safety tips to be aware of:
Unconfident riders should avoid riding close to the road- it is much safer to practice on a garden or a park path away from the road. Especially when attempting tricks, keep these in the skatepark away from the road!
When crossing the road, carrying your scooter instead of riding it across the road is always the safest option. Cross at a zebra crossing when you can and never cross on a bend. Make sure your child knows the basics of road safety. More information can be found on the Road Wise road safety site here.
Check the Weather
Scooting in icy conditions can be dangerous as your breaks may not cause you to stop and can instead cause you to skid. Avoid icy conditions and do not attempt any tricks on land that might be slippery.
It is also a good idea to avoid scooting in the dark, as this can prevent you from seeing hidden hazards.
Take your time
Don’t attempt any tricks you are not ready for. Some high skill tricks may look easy, but it takes a lot of practice to get as good as the pros. Start small and build your way up.
Just starting out? Check out 5 easy tricks for absolute beginners to get you started on creating a foundation for more advanced tricks here.
