Most toddlers have energy to burn — plus they love anything on wheels. The perfect plaything? A tricycle or scooter. Before you shop, be sure to consider your child’s size and ability: Age is one factor (most tots don’t have what it takes to handle a trike until they’re almost 3), but strength and coordination are just as important. Once your on-the-go-ster is ready, here's how to help him stay safe.
Scooter and Trike Safety Tips for Toddlers
Before you pick out the perfect children's ride-on toy for your toddler and hit the pavement, check out these tips to ensure a safe ride:
DO take your tot to the store with you so he can test-drive the trike, scooter or ride-on toy to make sure it’s a good fit and easy for him to use. Or have him give a playmate’s wheels a whirl.
DON’T buy a ride-on toy for your tot to “grow into.” Those age guidelines on the box are there to keep your child safe.
DON’T assemble a ride-on toy in the same room as your toddler. These toys often come with many small parts and screws, which are tempting for a tot to pick up (and lose) or stick in his mouth.
DO buy your child a helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety standards; it should be labeled CPSC-approved, usually on the inside liner. And skip helmets with cute but nonessential protruding decorations (like bunny ears or shark fins) or slap on your own stickers; they could keep the helmet's smooth surface from gliding during a fall, potentially putting your child at greater risk of injury.
DO Insist that your child wears his helmet whenever he rides on his scooter or trike, not only to protect him now but to cultivate a habit that will help keep him safe in his biking (and rollerblading and skateboarding) future. Knee and elbow pads are optional for scooter and trike riders, but they’re a good idea for kids — and there are lots of them — who are still working on coordination.
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DON’T think that a helmet lasts forever. Replace your child’s helmet if he takes a big spill (or when the strap seems too tight under his chin).
DON’T teach your child to ride a scooter on a driveway — the asphalt’s no place to take spills. A sidewalk next to a grassy area is better for scooter safety because it offers a softer spot for falls (and no possibility of cars). Short grass (like your freshly mowed backyard) is also a good place for newbie riders to practice since they won’t be able to go very fast.
DO teach your child to always ask you if it’s okay to ride, and set a strict rule that there will be no riding unless a grown-up is watching him.
DON’T let your child ride barefoot. Closed-toe shoes are better than sandals, especially on a scooter, since your child has to kick the pavement to move along.
DO dress your child in brightly-colored clothing before he goes out to ride. If your little one is easy to see, big kids on wheels will be better able to stay out of his way.
DON’T let your child ride near swimming pools, steps or hills (including driveways with steep inclines).
DO check the scooter, trike or ride-on toy every so often to make sure the brakes (if there are any) are working properly and the tires are firm.
DO periodic “fit” checks — if your child’s scrunching down to reach the handlebars of a scooter or tricycle or his feet are too wide for the scooter base or trike pedals, it’s time for an upgrade.
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