Children's scooters: types, selection and rules of operation

One of the safest and most exciting vehicles for children today is a scooter. It can be used by teenagers to quickly move between school and home, as well as very young children who want to have fun and actively spend time. In this material you will get acquainted with the main varieties of modern scooters, as well as the rules for their selection and operation.

Modern children's scooters have long gone beyond the scope of an ordinary toy and have become a full-fledged means of transportation, which is actively used both for outdoor games and for traveling over fairly large distances (to kindergarten or school).

The popularity of children's scooters is explained by a number of advantages, which will be discussed below.

Serious pros and cons differ only in certain models of children's scooters. As for the common features, then the use of these vehicles on the positive side is still much greater.

Pros.

• Stimulation of the body. For young children, a scooter is not only a toy, but also a full-fledged simulator, with the use of which many muscle groups are trained, the cardiovascular and bone system is strengthened.In addition, a quality scooter stimulates the lungs, which allows the prevention of diseases associated with them.
• The development of mindfulness. Constant walking on a scooter forces your child to focus on street obstacles passing by people or animals. This has a positive effect on the condition of the eyes and reduces the level of distraction.
• The vestibular apparatus. A scooter, even if it is a children's model, requires its owner to maintain balance. This stimulates and tempers the baby’s body, makes him get used to a sense of balance and feel great even on a relatively narrow scooter deck.
• Security. Scooter is considered the safest means of transportation among bicycles or roller skates. The speed of scooters is extremely limited, they are able to ride independently only on steep slides, and the child himself can at any time jump off this vehicle, thereby stopping its progress.
• Universality. In terms of versatility, the scooter is slightly better than roller skates - it does not require the child to have an exceptionally smooth road to gain speed and overcome obstacles, which allows him to actively use this vehicle when going to school.
• Ease of use. Scooter, unlike a bicycle or skates, does not require any initial riding skills from the child. In addition, to disperse and use the children's model does not require a large and long platform.
• Easy assembly. Children's modern scooters have a much more simplified assembly scheme than the same bikes. This means that they have much fewer elements that can break.

Today there is a myth that riding a scooter leads to the formation of scoliotic posture or scoliosis in young children. It was formed thanks to the statement that all “one-sided” sports, in which the main load is on a certain limb, bend the spine over time.

This myth can be refuted very simply - it is worth recalling the most common "one-sided" sports: fencing and tennis, in which the main load is on the giving arm and supporting leg.

In fact, posture curvature is caused not by “one-sided” sports, but by a monotonous and uneven distribution of the load on the spine (long sitting at school or wearing a heavy briefcase).

As for the formation of scoliosis, the likelihood of its formation from riding a scooter is minimal. To fully control the situation, experts advise parents to force their children to change their supporting and pushing legs from time to time on a scooter.

Poor and cheap models can turn out to be really harmful when riding a scooter. Most often this is an excessive percentage of plastic in the structure, poor-quality wheel material, poorly balanced steering wheel or sliding deck. Such nuances can really lead to sidewalk accidents and serious injuries.

Any scooter, regardless of its type and purpose, has a number of components that directly affect its speed, weight and maneuverability.

This key component of the scooter connecting the steering wheel to the deck (a platform for placing the guide leg). It is on the frame that the greatest pressure is exerted during long trips or performing complex tricks, and therefore in professional models it is monolithic, not folding.

This is the platform on which the child’s supporting or guiding foot is placed. It is supported on 2, 3 or 4 wheels. The main function of the deck is to maintain balance and keep the child on wheels. Decks can be metal (steel, aluminum) or plastic - the first are more durable, but heavy, the second are lighter, but wear out quickly.

Connects to the frame and performs the function of regulating the direction of the scooter, and also helps to maintain balance. Usually consists of two rubber handles of rectangular or curved shape. It can be equipped with a brake system and a bell.

They are responsible for the speed, reliability and sensitivity of a particular scooter. So, scooters with rubber wheels easier to drive through problem areas with pits and bruises. Plastic wheels from this ride will quickly wear out, they do not absorb vibration from stones and bumps, which negatively affects the condition of the child’s hands.

The scooter may have two brakes at once - the rear and the front. Their main function is to control the vehicle when gaining high speed on slides or uneven sections of the road. There are foot and hand brakes for children's scooters. The former are more suitable specifically for babies who still do not know how to quickly coordinate movements.

This element is not present in all modern children's scooters. It allows you to quickly fold the model, which can be very convenient when walking long distances on rough terrain with a large number of slides. Besides, folding mechanism simplifies the transportation of the scooter, however, directly affects its reliability and durability.

Models with high-quality shock absorbers are rarely found among children's bicycles. Usually in them depreciation is carried out due to rubber or rubber wheels, which are able to absorb most of the vibration from trips on problem sections of roads.

There are several classifications of children's bicycles depending on the number of wheels, their diameter and width. It depends on the wheels speed, weight, maneuverability and safety of the scooter.

If we consider the classification of children's scooters by the number of wheels, then there are 2-, 3- and 4-wheel options.

• Two wheeled They do not differ in good stability, but they are maneuverable and capable of developing significant speed on smooth roads. Children's two-wheeled models are no different from adults, except for reduced dimensions. They can be used by children and adolescents from the age of 5.
• Tricycles - A common version of scooters for babies from 3 to 5 years. It has good stability, but does not cope well with corners.
• Four wheel scooters or “mini” is the recommended type of scooters for very young children (from 1.5 years). They are as safe as possible due to complete balance and stability.

If we consider the classification of children's and teenage scooters regarding their purpose, then it distinguishes sports, inertial, "parent", urban models, as well as SUVs, electric scooters and ski models.

• Urban. Such models are compact, simplified assembly, intuitive controls and comfortable movement on smooth sidewalks. Typically, these models have soft and small rubber wheels that provide a smooth ride with comfortable cushioning.

• Sports or stunt. These models of high-speed scooters are designed exclusively for fast movement on smooth roads and regular performance of tricks and jumps on special slides. They have narrow rubber wheels that give the scooter excellent speed, but have poor cushioning.

• Inertial. Most often, these are just three-wheeled scooter models that develop speed due to the mobility of the deck and the child's transfer of body weight from one limb to another. Such scooters do not require frequent repulsions, but are suitable for already adult children who are able to control their balance and use their body weight.

• "Parental." Parent-type scooter models are designed for the smallest children and are more likely a smaller version of the stroller than a regular scooter. Such models have two frames, where the child is responsible for controlling the front, and the rear is equipped with a special handle for parents. Often, such models are called "transformer" - all additional components, including pens for parents, can be removed or disconnected as the child grows older. In addition, the parent models of scooters can be equipped with a music player and special stands for baby toys.

• SUVs. Such models are usually equipped with large front wheels, almost like a bicycle. Due to this diameter of the wheels, they are able to develop tremendous speed, have excellent maneuverability and can perfectly cope with any condition of the road surface. In SUVs, an excellent shock absorber is often installed, there are rubberized wheels, as well as rear and front brakes.

• Electric scooters. A great option for teenagers who have to go to school every day. On average, such scooters can travel at speeds up to 30 km / h, and their charge lasts no more than an hour of continuous driving.

• Scooters skiing. An option for children who do not want to quit riding a scooter even in winter. Instead of wheels, the model is equipped with ski sliding platforms, and the frame of the model itself is usually made of aluminum.

Experts have not established strict age requirements for babies who can ride a scooter. Some parents put two-year-olds on a scooter to learn coordination and balance.

The main point that you should pay attention to when choosing a scooter model is the correspondence of the height of the scooter rudder to the chest level. Since in modern models the height of the steering wheel is most often adjusted, specify its maximum height - this will play into your hands when your child grows up.

The stand on the scooter should look something like this:

• supporting leg stands on the deck, the second leg for repulsion is on the ground;
• the child’s back is straight, he does not have to bend or stretch to grab the handlebars;
• hands should be bent at the elbows at right angles while holding the steering wheel.

Below you can find an overview of the best children's scooters from foreign companies.

• Yedoo mau. This is an excellent two-wheeled version of the scooter for adult children who prefer active off-road riding. It can be made in 5 original colors, has a high-quality brake, comfortable and soft handles, a leg for a rack and can withstand loads up to 75 kg. The only drawback is the large weight of 6.5 kg and the absence of a folding mechanism.

• Small Rider Dragon. A popular model of urban scooter for children from the age of 3 years. It has a good hand brake, comfortable handles, a folding mechanism, as well as musical and even light accompaniment while riding. The obvious minus is the need for continuous battery replacement.

• Xiaomi Rice Rabbit Scooter. This three-wheeled scooter has not only a sophisticated design, but also a folding mechanism, non-slip rubber deck, light support for the ride (wheels) and high-quality assembly materials.As a minus, only a harsh brake can be noted here.

• Tricycle wheelchair Capella Puppy. This model is considered one of the best for very young children. It is made in a pleasant and colorful design, has soft luminous wheels, a durable plastic frame and a non-slip deck. Of the additional accessories - a durable seat for the baby.

• Mini Micro 3 in 1. A very popular three-wheeled model for children from 1.5 to 4 years. It has a very light weight, is equipped with a retractable steering wheel, a special handle for parents, as well as special stands for the legs of the baby. Able to withstand up to 20 kg of weight. Wheels - high-quality polyurethane.

It would be most reasonable to choose a scooter model not through an online service, but in an offline store where your child can get acquainted with all the pros and cons of the scooter live and determine for himself whether it suits him or not.

Besides, When choosing a children's scooter, pay attention to the following factors.

• The best scooter option for your baby will be the one whose handlebar reaches his chest. Considering that children grow and stretch very quickly, choose models with adjustable frame and steering wheel lengths.
• It depends on the length of the deck whether it will be convenient for your child to place a foot on it. In children's models, the average deck length does not reach more than 40 cm, and the width rarely exceeds 20 cm.

Most often in the manufacture of scooter wheels 3 materials are used - polyurethane, rubber and plastic.

• Polyurethane It is considered more durable and reliable, with such wheels the scooter can last up to several years. When choosing a scooter with such wheels, specify their diameter - it can be from 13 to 20 cm. It is believed that the greater this figure, the faster the model will be able to accelerate. You should also evaluate the stiffness of such wheels - usually it ranges from 72 to 93A. Soft models may be more comfortable for children, however, when driving on rough and rocky roads, such wheels will quickly wear out and will jump on any unevenness.
• Plastic most often found in cheap models of children's scooters with the simplest design. He wears out quickly, develops poor speed and reacts harshly to a bad road.
• Rubber - A universal option for wheels in a scooter. Such models are inexpensive, serve for a long time and provide high-quality cushioning on uneven surfaces.

For very young children, experts advise buying scooter models specifically with a hand brake - this type provides quick but smooth braking and has a minimal load on the scooter wheels. For older children it will be more convenient to use the foot brake - it allows you to brake sharply in a dangerous situation.

In any scooters, whether for children, adults or professional models, the main load during the trip goes exactly to the frame. If you buy a scooter for a small child, then strong plastic models of frames are also suitable.However, if your child is more than 6 years old (or he is already a teenager +11 years old), you should opt for models of a scooter with metal frame components. They will be heavier, but will last longer.

It is better to choose models with an adjustable steering wheel and a reliable locking lock. Handlebars, which in the future will be responsible for the maneuverability of the scooter, should be pleasant to the touch and not slip in the hands of the baby.

Today, almost all models of children's scooters have a colorful and bright color, designed to transform the process of riding from a monotonous ride into a pleasant entertainment. If we talk about the color of scooters for boys and for girls, today you can find models in completely different colors: from standard blue and pink to burgundy, green and purple.

Most modern scooters have a simplified and intuitive assembly scheme, and therefore they are easy to assemble, disassemble or repair with your own hands. Moreover, the instructions for each new model should indicate the detailed assembly diagram of your scooter.

In general, instructions for assembling an ordinary children's scooter model will look as follows.

• First, the scooter wheels are fastened to its deck.
• Then you should install the steering clamp, as well as the model’s steering wheel itself.
• After completing each step of securing the elements, check the strength of the fasteners, clamps and clamp.
• Based on the instructions, attach the brakes. Then it’s worth connecting the deck (already with the wheels) to the steering wheel.
• The last procedure is pumping up the wheels. You should also check if the brake is working properly. The linings should be located strictly in the center of the rim, the brake cable tension is regulated by bolts or keys.

It depends on the parents how quickly their child learns to ride a scooter. To train as painlessly and efficiently as possible, adhere to the following driving rules.

• Before starting the learning process, explain to the child that the main thing in this matter is to try to keep balance and not be afraid to use a push leg to maintain it.
• Initial stance - the child stands with one foot on the deck, the second rests on the ground to perform a push. Both hands hold the steering wheel tightly.
• The child starts by pushing his free foot away from the ground or the surface of the room.
• To adjust the direction of the scooter, you should smoothly turn its steering wheel and shift the body weight in the right direction. Explain to the child that the higher the speed of the scooter, the smoother the turn should be.
• To brake, the child must first apply the rear, and then the front brake.

The first training should not be carried out on hills and areas with steep slides. - there is too great a chance to get hurt. If the training takes place outdoors or in a room with a hard floor, take care of buying special uniforms for your child (helmet, elbow pieces and knee pads).

On how to choose a children's scooter, see further.