You are searching avidly online for a kick scooter for your child.  During your search you keep running across powered scooters but you're questioning the safety of an electric scooter.  Let me make this clear - less speed does not equal a safer ride.  Ask any parent with a child that rides a skateboard; jumps, grabs, flips and rail riding (a.k.a. "grinding") are just a few risky skateboarding maneuvers exercised on a board no quicker than a kick scooter.

In no uncertain terms, the kick scooter can essentially do similar tricks. The metal surface provides an excellent support for grinding and its light aluminum frame is easily hoisted into the air for jumps.

In contrast, an electric scooter can actually be safer due to its construction. To support and protect the electric motor and batteries, electric motor scooters are normally made out of thicker aluminum. Consequently, there is an increase in weight and rigidity, which will be discussed later in detail. This is not to say that "electric scooters are safer than kick scooters" but the bulk of electric scooters limits certain tricks.  For instance, jumps, grids, and flips are dramatically (if not completely) limited due to the weight of the electric motor and batteries.

Take for example, the X-Treme X-140 that is restricted to 10 mph but noticeably slower with a load and terrain.  It weighs nearly 20 lbs and at full throttle is equivalent to a light jog.  The average weight of a six year old child ranges between 35-40 lbs, meaning that an electric scooter weighs about half of the child's weight.  The beginner's electric scooters, such as the X-140, offer a safe speed at wich kids can have fun.  The important safety measure to remember is wearing protective gear, such as helmets and pads that will protect your child no matter what they ride.

There is a legitimate concern when introducing kids to knew toys. We all know that when a child receives a scooter, bike or skateboard their first instinct is not to think of safety. One recommendation would be to purchase the smallest electric scooter for children around the ages of six. Cheap electric scooters, like the X-10, are excellent compromises between safety and speed. For older children and especially kids in their teens, the larger capacity scooters X140+ are more viable options. Larger electric scooters offer more power but the rider is usually heavier so the actual speed increase is nominal.

-

January 24, 2010  by  Brian Gagnon