Why Kids Should Not Be Allowed On Electric Scooters: A Look At Safety Concerns R162
Created by Charles Price
Danger:
Cruising on electric scooters, like the ones from the Ride Often Club, is a trendy scene in cities and college hangouts. Grab one, unlock with an app, and zip away – easy, right? But here's the buzzkill: ER visits due to e-scooter mishaps are skyrocketing.
Gift season's here, but let's talk e-scooter smarts. Falling off at 15-20 mph? Ouch! Cuts, fractures, and noggin bumps are the usual suspects. Blame it on traffic tiffs or scooter control oopsies.
Kids, the American Academy of Pediatrics says, if you're too young to drive, you're too young to e-scoot. Under 16? Stay away from motorised fun!
Three scooters roam our streets: push-power, battery buzz, and app-rented e-scoots. All equals head injury risks. Helmets rock, but few wear 'em.
E-scoot injuries spike in kids, thanks to ride-share apps. Parents, wise up! Cities say 16+ for e-scoot joy rides. Break the rules, pay the fines. Under 16? Courts summon parents.
City slickers, if e-scooters roll your way, learn the drill. No pedals, different balance – it's a learning curve. Kids can swipe an app without you knowing. Check their phones, set rules.
College peeps, e-scoot with care! No texting, music blasting, or cruising high. Safety first – even in the Ride Often Club scene!
Get Protection:
On the thrilling journey of electric scooters, wearing appropriate protective gear is not merely a routine safety measure; it serves as a robust barrier for riders, safeguarding them while they pursue excitement and speed. These gears, such as helmets, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads, are not only symbols of fashion but also indispensable tools for ensuring bodily health.
A helmet acts like an indestructible shield, guarding the rider's wellspring of wisdom, while knee and elbow pads become sturdy ramparts for the limbs, resisting the invasion of risks.
As these protective gears seamlessly integrate with the speed of electric scooters, they not only provide riders with steadfast support but also serve as a sanctuary, guarding them at crucial moments. Hence, wearing appropriate protective gear not only enhances the safety and enjoyment of the cool scooter journey but also becomes a reliable companion for every rider venturing into unknown adventures.
Gear up, electric scooter enthusiasts! It's not just about looking cool in the Ride Often Club scene; it's about staying safe and avoiding a one-way ticket to the ER. Safety Swagger: Cruise with caution – electric scooters move fast, and accidents happen quicker than a hiccup. Slap on wrist guards, helmets, knee pads, elbow pads – the whole shebang. It's like putting on armour for a scooter joust.
Noggin Necessity: Your brain's not a fan of collisions. Helmets aren't just a fashion statement; they're the superhero capes for your head. Shield that brainbox from impact, and you'll thank your lucky stars. Scrape Shield: Road rash isn't a good look. Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are like fashion accessories that also double as bodyguards. Slide and glide, but keep those joints intact. Stability Swagger: Strut your stuff with confidence. Knowing you're geared up boosts stability and confidence. It's like having a safety net under your scooter wheels – ride like you own the road! Role Model Moves: Be the trendsetter in safety. When you rock protective gear, you're not just protecting yourself; you're setting the gold standard. Show others that safety is always in style. Remember, gear is your sidekick, but being a responsible rider is the real hero. Obey traffic rules, ride smart, and revel in the electric scooter thrill without the spill.
Gears for the Electric Scooter Catwalk:
Handy Hands: Gloves with wrist protection and sliders – because your hands deserve a stylish shield. Head Honcho: Full-face helmet – your crown's worth protecting, and MIPS adds that extra safety swag.
Feet Forward: Ankle/foot protection – the unsung heroes, complete with sliders for mobility and safety.
Knee Chic: Prioritize knee protection – the VIPs of the protective posse, followed by elbows and a touch of chest armor.
Twist and Shout: Shoulder shields over kidney/hip armor – because style is all about making a statement.
Booty Armor: Ass/tailbone protection – keep that backside safe and sound, prioritizing over spinal defense.
Visibility Vibes: Reflective panels, lights, and bells – the crash prevention accessories that scream, "Look out, I'm stylish and safe!"
Clothing Tips: Racing Suit Vibes: Leathers with mobility – the ultimate electric scooter chic, if you can find them.
Armor Combo: Safety jacket and full-length pants with inserts – protection with a touch of flair. MX-Style Mastery: Upper and lower body armor over regular clothes – for the fearless fashionistas. Remember the golden rule: Dress to impress, but also to survive the ride. S
o, suit up, ride like the wind, and let the electric scooter adventure begin! Remember, while protective gear significantly reduces the risk of injuries, it's still crucial to ride responsibly, follow traffic rules, and practice proper riding techniques to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What to use?
Now let's dive into some specific gear recommendations:
Gloves with wrist protection and sliders: These handy accessories provide excellent protection, and practically all incidents can be better managed with them.
Full-face helmet: While not critical in every situation, any incident involving the head requires a helmet. Look for helmets with MIPS or other rotational protection systems for added safety. Keep in mind that car or motorcycle helmets like Snell are not suitable for electric scooter head protection.
Ankle/foot protection: Often overlooked but essential, our feet are the first or second point of contact when separating from the electric scooter.
Proper ankle/foot protection can prevent overextensions and should include sliders while allowing mobility.
Forward body protection: Prioritize knee protection over elbow and, to a lesser extent, chest protection.
Side/twisting/rolling incident protection: Shoulder protection takes precedence over kidney/hip protection (assuming elbows and hands are already covered).
Rear body protection: Protect your posterior by prioritizing ass/tailbone protection over spinal protection (assuming the head is already covered).
Visibility safety gear: Don't underestimate the power of crash prevention technology. Equip yourself with reflective panels, lights, and bells to enhance visibility.
Consider getting an expandable backpack that integrates lights and extra reflective panels, making it versatile for gear storage and riding visibility.
When it comes to clothing, racing suit-based leathers with mobility for electric scooter use would be ideal, though they may be challenging to find. As an alternative, opt for a safety jacket and full-length pants with armor inserts.
Another option is a safety jacket with inserts and full knee pads over full-length pants. For maximum protection, consider MX-style armor for both the upper and lower body, worn over regular clothes.
A two-piece jacket and pants combo should be the default choice, as gravel rash is more severe than most people realize. The gear's wind and water permeability can be adjusted based on the climate you'll be riding in.
Use moto gloves with sliders (which offer some wrist protection), a downhill bike-style full-face helmet with MIPS, shoes that could benefit from a safer version, a jacket with inserts, and Leatt dual-axis knee pads (always worn over full-length pants).
Remember, protect yourself, ride safely, and enjoy the thrill of electric unicycling!
Protection Gear Checklist (short version):