Kickboard Scooter Basics

What are "kickboard scooters"?

A kickboard scooter is a scooter that's powered by your child. It's a non-motorized scooter. A kickboard scooter has a flat platform that your child stands on. It's got a bar that comes up with handlebars, and your child pushes and glides, pushes and glides, and there's a brake in the back. And your child steps on that brake and stops the kickboard scooter hopefully. But a kickboard scooter is human-powered scooter.

How common are kickboard scooter injuries?

Injuries among children who are riding kickboard scooters have been increasing because the popularity of the kickboard scooter is increasing, however, their skill is not increasing. The kickboard scooters are really hard to steer. Your child has to have a lot of balance and can easily fall and you can get those things up to a very fast speed. So we are seeing an increase in kickboard scooter injuries. Also kids aren't wearing helmets when riding kickboard scooters so we are seeing an increase in head injuries, as well. Really important, make sure they have the skills to ride a kickboard scooter properly.

How can my child ride his kickboard scooter safely?

Riding a kickboard scooter takes a lot of skills. It's like riding a skateboard or <a href="http://www.videojug.com/interview/roller-skating-and-inline-skating">rollerskating</a>; it's no different. So the same rules apply--watch out for cars; know the area in which you're going to ride; get to know the vehicle codes, because a lot of cities and communities have certain laws that regulate scooter riding. In a lot of states you have to wear a helmet; it's the law. Also, when you're riding your kickboard scooter make sure your child has the skills. Watch your child ride to see if they can stop properly, if they can turn properly, or they have the balance that they need to stay on the scooter. You need to supervise your child at all times when riding a scooter. As they get older and you feel more comfortable that they really understand the traffic laws, and are living in a community where scooter riding is a safe activity, then you can let them start riding by themselves. But supervise them, if you can, at all times.