Stead Family Children’s Hospital safety experts offer tips for electric scooter safety
Stead Family Children’s Hospital safety experts offer tips for electric scooter safety
As spring begins to segue into summer, both kids and adults are using electric scooters and bikes as a fun and economical way to get around. While they seem carefree, our safety experts at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital say they can still pose dangers if not ridden correctly. They offer some tips to making the ride safe as well as fun.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids under the age of 16 practice first with nonelectric, human-powered scooters and bikes to help them learn the skills of balance, steering, and braking.
“Many young children are still learning how to balance on these devices and they haven’t reached a stage of development to handle high speeds or quick decision making,” says Jenna Gibbs, manager of the Injury Prevention and Community Outreach program at the children’s hospital.
Gibbs says it’s also important to wear the right helmet for the device, as many electric bikes and scooters require special helmets at higher speeds. She says parents often ask if helmets are necessary even for low-speed scooting at many of the hospital’s outreach events and bike rodeos.
“I tell them always to wear a helmet, even at low speeds, because it is so important to start this habit early,” she says.
Keeping others safe is also a priority, she says. Alerting other pedestrians that you’re approaching with a bell or horn lets them know a vehicle is behind them and they can yield part of the sidewalk or trail.
“If your older child is riding an electric scooter or bike it is important to develop safe habits,” she adds.
- Typically, electric scooters and bikes are designed for just one rider. Having an extra passenger can throw off balance and create distraction.
- Avoid distractions, like phones or music. Be sure you’re able to hear what’s going on around you. This helps you be aware of pedestrians and vehicles. You may need to walk the electric scooter or bike through crowded areas.
- Don’t perform stunts on the scooters or bikes, like jumps or “wheelies.” They can disrupt stability and cause a fall or crash.
- Always keep both hands on the handlebars to remain steady.
- Watch for obstacles on the road or trail that could throw your scooter or bike off balance.