Riding toys for children are all the rage these days. Some parents believe that the earlier the children learn how to ride, the better. Electric scooters and motorcycles not only teach kids new motor skills, they also help the children appreciate being part of the green movement as well.
Before deciding to buy one for Christmas, here are some tips to make your child’s riding experience a memorable one.
Ensure Your Child’s Safety: Choose a Durable Scooter
In buying gifts, especially in the current state of the economy, it may be tempting to choose cheap products that are rip-offs of the more pricey originals. It could work for other items, but price should not be the main criteria when it comes to buying kids electric scooters. Safety should be the primary concern, even if it means spending a few dollars more.
There are durable scooters that are not too expensive though. Make sure to read product reviews online so you can compare prices.
Check if the Scooter Has Safety Features
Aside from durability, the presence of safety features must be on the checklist when you buy the kids electric scooters. Aside from a good rear break, having a twist throttle for controlling speed is very important. It is actually more preferable than the on-off switch throttles of other scooters, as it allows the children to slow down or speed up rather than to just stop and go.
There are brands with a variable switch throttle, but when it comes to emergencies, it is easier and more instinctive to twist rather than to press a switch.
Make Sure the Scooter’s Power is Appropriate for the Child
For beginning riders, the 100-watt kids electric scooters are best, especially for children up to 8 years old. The speed limit is only 10-15 miles per hour, making it safer for them.
Once they have had experience in using those, children could move up to 250 watts, or even a 350-watt motor which goes faster at 15-23 miles per hour.
Give Your Child Clear Guidelines in Using an Electric Scooter
In small towns, children use scooters—whether electric or not—in going to school. Make sure they understand that these scooters are for use in flat surfaces, not in trails nor in off road adventures. Set clear limits, especially if the child is a beginner.
Before letting the children have the complete freedom to drive off by themselves, make sure that they know how to use the scooter, how to control the speed, how to turn, and most importantly, how to brake.
For the first few times that they drive around, it might be necessary for an adult to be there to provide guidance until they (and you) feel confident enough that they can do it on their own. Never let them get on a scooter either without a helmet, knee pads, and other protective gear. They may protest at first, but this should be a non-negotiable.
The kids electric scooters are great gifts for Christmas. Just make sure though that you have all bases covered when it comes to their safety so that they will remain injury-free this Christmas.
Ma. Aleah Taboclaon - Aleah Taboclaon is a mental health counselor and trainer (specializing on domestic abuse and child sexual abuse), a writer, and editor.
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