Scooter Safety
SCOOTER SAFETY
When used safely, electric scooters, gas scooters, ATV's, pocket bikes, go-karts and similar motorized products are great fun! However, they are motorized and require an added level of precaution from their rider. Please take note of the following safety recommendations;
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recommendations:
Motorized and Non-Motorized Scooter Safety
Wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. (Wrist guards may make it difficult to grip the handle and steer the scooter.)
Children under age 8 should not use non-powered scooters without close adult supervision. Children under 12 should not ride motorized scooters.
Avoid gravel and uneven pavement, which can cause falls.
Don't ride scooters in traffic.
Don't ride scooters at night - riders can't see where they're going or be seen by others.
Wear sturdy shoes.
Owners of scooters should check with local authorities for local laws regarding scooters.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Scooter Data.
Articles: Push Scooter Safety.
Importance of Helmets and other Safety Gear.
Which Helmet for which Activity?
All Terrain Vehicles - ATV Safety
Visit www.atvsafety.gov for an entire CPSC sponsored website dedicated to ATV safety!
Go-Ped's Safety Recommendations for Scooters & Go-Karts:
Know Your Scooter/Go-Kart: Familiarize yourself with the scooter/kart before you ride. Check the controls. Ride very cautiously until you become familiar with the way the scooter/kart handles. Take turns slowly and give yourself extra stopping distance.
Ride Within Your Abilities: To control your scooter, you need to keep it upright and make it go where you want it to go.
Body Position: Stand firm but relaxed. Keep weight between the wheels. Don't stand too close to the front or lean too far back. Shift your weight to the rear when applying brakes, and lean towards the front when accelerating. Keep feet apart for more stability.
Turning: New riders tend to have more trouble turning than experienced riders do. The only way to make good safe turns is to practice. Always approach turns very carefully.
Braking: Front brakes provide most of your stopping power, but you will need to learn to adjust your center of gravity to maintain stability. Again, practice this at a safe speed until you are comfortable with this action.
Areas to Ride: Ride in a safe place free of cars in an area which will not disturb other people or animals and has a clean dry surface.
Rules to Scoot By:
Always wear your safety gear.
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Learn the local laws and regulations.
Ride defensively.
Wear bright colored and/or reflective clothing.
Riding at dawn, dusk, or at times of poor visibility without a lighting system which meets local regional laws and without approved reflectors is illegal, dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
Observe and yield the right of way.
Do not dart out of driveways or from between parked cars.
Stop at all stop signs/lights.
Be careful when checking traffic and don't swerve when looking over your shoulder.
Always go with traffic flow and keep to the far side of the road.
Never ride on sidewalks.
Wet weather riding impairs traction, braking, and visibility, for riders and others. The risk of accident dramatically increases in wet conditions and should be avoided.
Stunts, wheelies or jumps can be fun, but they put incredible stress on everything. Riders who insist on jumping risk serious damage to their scooter/kart and themselves.
You are sharing roads, trails and riding areas with others. Respect their rights, and be tolerant if they inconvenience you.
Always yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and avoid riding near them whenever possible.
Keep your speed consistent with the conditions, and keep in mind that speed has a direct relation to control as well as component stress.
Never carry passengers.
Never carry anything that can obstruct vision or control of your scooter.
Everyone must be responsible for the environment, ride accordingly.
Karts are designed for recreational use only. They should never be used on streets!
Pocket Bike Safety Recommendations:
Check out this Pocket Bike Safety Guide from the National Association of Professional Standards in Industry (NAPSI).
More common sense tips about Pocket Bike Safety.
Protective Gear:
Helmets, pads and other protective gear are an essential component to staying safe. Visit our Helmet and Protective Gear page for more info.
Manufacturer's Age Recommendations:
While the CPSC age recommendation for motorized scooters is 12 & up, manufacturers tend to take a more conservative approach. Generally speaking, manufacturers of the motorized products we carry offer an age recommendation of 16 & up.