How to Ride Scooters for Kids

Get your child fitted for a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Your local sporting goods store should have someone who is professionally trained in fitting young people for these important safety items.

Instruct your child to put on her safety gear before riding the scooter. Be sure that her helmet is securely fastened and that any laces or Velcro on her elbow, knee, and wrist guards are also properly fastened. She should be wearing supportive athletic shoes without any loose or untied laces that could get caught in wheels or cause her to slip.

Adjust the handle on your child's scooter so that it is at a comfortable height. Your son should not have to stoop over or reach up to properly ride the scooter.

Watch while your child practices using the break on the scooter without going anywhere. She should also practice balancing on the scooter with one foot while not in motion.

Start off slowly. Your child should practice slowly pushing off of the pavement with one foot while the other foot is on the scooter. Be sure he is practicing on a level surface and that he is within your sight. He should be facing forward and understand how to use the handlebars for steering.

Speed things up. Once your child can use her scooter without falling in a small area while going slowly, give her permission to pick up the speed if she likes. She should understand where she is allowed to go and where she is not while using her scooter. If she is having trouble, have her back up to the previous steps until she is more comfortable with her new toy.