If you’re considering getting a scooter for your child (or it was a present from someone else), then teaching them to ride it properly is vital. This guide will show you how, whether you’re using a stunt scooter or an electric one.
Safety first
This is the most important thing for any type of scooter and if your kid(s) ride a bike, they likely already have the right protective items. A well-fitted helmet is the most important thing, but elbow pads and knee pads are also recommended when kids are first learning.
Teach them about the scooter
Show your kids the scooter and, depending on their age, explain the different parts to them, i.e. handlebars, deck, brake, so they understand the instructions you’ll give.
Demonstrate riding
Don’t worry if you never learned as a child, all you have to do is place your weaker leg on the deck and either push off with the stronger leg (stunt scooters) or start the throttle (electric scooters). (More info here on the differences.)
Bear in mind that kids scooters aren’t made to accommodate the height and weight of the average adult, so a very short demonstration is advised unless you have an adult scooter.
Teach indoors
When you start to teach your children how to ride their scooter, start indoors and on a carpeted surface. (Make sure to move breakables out of the way.) If they’re using an electric scooter like the iScoot, put it on the minimum setting..
Show them how to raise the kickstand with one of their feet and where to position their weaker leg on a stationary scooter (near the front and facing forwards). Ensure they understand the importance of holding onto the handlebars with both hands.
If using an electric scooter, show them how to pick the second foot up and place it on the deck behind their other foot once they begin moving.
Start slow
Kids have boundless energy and always want to go as fast and as far as they can, but tell them to go slow and steady instead. Moving just a few inches at a time is ideal, no matter what scooter your kid is using.
Make sure that they understand that if they do anything too fast, like accelerating, turning, or braking, or if they lean the scooter to the side, they could have an accident. Turning handlebars, applying the brakes, or increasing speed should always be done gradually.
Teach them how to balance
As with bikes, overbalancing on a scooter can mean falling. If they know how to ride a bike without training wheels, you can skip this step, but if not then there are two different ways depending on the scooter they have.
If you’ve chosen a regular kids’ scooter, you can have them hold the handlebars and place both their feet on the deck while you pull them or teach them about being able to put a foot on the floor to brake and stay standing with one foot still on the deck.
With electric scooters, you can’t exactly lead a child around while it’s on and they shouldn’t put their foot on the floor to stop it. Instead, get them to balance with one foot on the floor while it’s off and have them practice moving the second foot onto the deck while you hold the scooter still.
Get outdoors
Bring them to an area that level and paved to boost stability, but remember that privately owned electric scooters cannot yet be used on public property. As they start to ride, walk or run alongside them to boost their confidence.
Let them ride solo
It’s a little nerve-wracking, but also something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Just let them go a little ahead of you, perhaps 50 feet, and get your camera ready.
Don’t freak out if they fall, most kids will jump right back up, but many more will be able to put the skills you taught them into practice right away.
Ride with them
Now that they’ve learnt how to ride a scooter, you can ride with them, either on your scooter or bike, so that you can have fun family time in the fresh air.
