Extra youngsters are driving electrical scooters (e-scooters), however they arrive with critical security considerations.
Not like foot-powered scooters and bikes, e-scooters can attain speeds of 15-25 mph. Some may even go above 45 mph. This elevated velocity results in higher influence in crashes, leading to extra critical accidents. Like nationwide tendencies, we’re seeing an increase in fractures, head accidents and trauma to multiple physique system.
Why Are Electrical Scooters Extra Harmful?
- Excessive speeds – Quicker speeds imply higher power in crashes, making accidents worse.
- Inexperience with site visitors legal guidelines – Tween and teenage riders lack the information of highway security and site visitors guidelines.
- Dangerous habits – Younger riders are likely to take extra dangers, akin to driving with out helmets, ignoring site visitors indicators and carrying passengers.
The Really useful Age for Using E-Scooters
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be not less than 16 years of age to journey an e-scooter. Youngsters youthful than that lack the judgement and expertise to navigate site visitors safely. Research present that kids incur extra accidents than adults on e-scooters, and males greater than females.
Whereas e-scooters seem to be a enjoyable and straightforward approach for teenagers to get round, the dangers outweigh the advantages. A foot-powered scooter will nonetheless get them the place they should go, and so they’ll get some train too!
Security Ideas for Riders of E-Scooters
In the event you really feel like your youngsters are accountable sufficient to journey an e-scooter, take these steps to cut back the chance of significant accidents:
- Set up clear guidelines – Set tips on the place, when and the way they’re allowed to make use of the scooter.
- At all times put on a helmet – Helmets cut back the chance of head accidents in case of a fall or crash. The enhance in head accidents exhibits that children aren’t sporting them as a lot.
- Use correct footwear – Closed-toed sneakers assist defend the ft and ankles from accidents.
- Experience alone – Carrying passengers can knock them off stability and enhance the chance of crashes.
- Observe site visitors legal guidelines – Riders ought to cease at cease indicators, yield to pedestrians, use bike lanes when accessible, and look each methods when crossing streets.
- Know native guidelines – Many cities don’t enable driving e-scooters on sidewalks as a consequence of security considerations with pedestrians.
- Keep away from distractions – No texting, utilizing cell telephones, or sporting earbuds whereas driving. This will stop youngsters from listening to site visitors.