Getting a scooter is one of the first “big kid” activities your child will enjoy. Scooters are simple and fun to ride, and they give children a sense of freedom earlier. Helmets also give kids a feeling of independence and choice of what to do. Helmets can sometimes seem bulky, awkward, and unnecessary, especially for short trips to the end of the driveway or in the park.
The question we see asked again and again is this: Are kids really supposed to wear a helmet on a scooter? Are helmets overkill? Do parents have to beg and plead to get their kids to wear them?
Is It Necessary to Wear a Helmet for Scooters?
The simple answer is yes. Yes, children should wear a helmet when on a scooter.
Let’s start with safety facts and real-world risks, but then we’ll get to the practical tips and advice to make helmet-wearing realistic rather than a daily battle.
Safety Facts About Scooter Head Injuries
We often think scooters are safer than bikes because they are closer to the ground and slower.
In some ways, they are. Scooters can be safer, but that is not the whole story.
Different Hazards
Scooters have smaller wheels and stop quickly if they hit something. Bumpy spots on sidewalks or roads can cause the scooter to stop suddenly, while the child’s body keeps moving forward. Younger children who don’t have strong reflexes or enough strength to protect themselves may fall forward, headfirst.
Head injuries are one of the most common kinds of injuries we see in kids who use scooters.
Head Injuries Are Unpredictable
Head injuries are common among kids on scooters, even at slow speeds or close to home.
Children can quickly trip, fall, or have an accident that parents or other adults couldn’t have prevented by watching carefully.
Pediatricians and Safety Groups
Pediatricians and safety organizations all agree that a helmet is essential.
Pediatricians know that head injuries in children can be very serious, and they want to do everything they can to prevent them.
Major safety organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend helmets for any wheeled activity, including scooters.
This advice does not change depending on the scooter type or how, where, or how fast the child is riding.
All Scooters Have Risks
All scooter types have a risk of head injury.
Children who use a three-wheel scooter or a low scooter or a scooter for toddlers may not tip over sideways. However, they can still fall forward quickly.
The risk of a head injury is not higher with one scooter type than another. The difference between scooter types is in how children fall, not if they fall.
When to Start Wearing a Helmet
Kids should start wearing a helmet from their first scooter ride.
Even toddlers need to start wearing a helmet right away, even if they only ride a few steps.
Start early for two important reasons. The early stages of learning to ride a scooter are when falls happen most often.
Also, if your child is used to wearing a helmet, they will see it as a normal, regular thing. When they are older and might start to have an opinion on the helmet, they are likely to see it as necessary and expected.
Delayed helmet use is often harder to start.
Children who have ridden without a helmet are more likely to see helmets as optional or something to fight about.
Helmet Size
If children are old enough to ride a scooter, they are old enough to wear a helmet.
Kids can wear helmets as soon as they can sit up by themselves and hold the scooter.
When Parents Disagree About Helmets
Some parents worry about the distance of the scooter ride and feel like helmets are only needed for longer distances or uneven ground. Helmets are not just for “off-road” riding.
The truth is, some of the most serious head injuries we see happen very close to home.
Children and parents feel most comfortable when riding in places they know well. Unfortunately, familiar places can still have hazards.
Head Injury Risks Increase After Head Injury
Children who have had a head injury are at higher risk for future head injuries.
The severity of head injuries from scooters varies widely. Concussions can happen even without loss of consciousness. Mild injuries can also lead to symptoms that last for weeks or months.
The number of brain injuries that can be prevented is significant.
Children’s Brains Are Different
Kids’ brains are not fully grown, so they are more vulnerable than adults.
A child who has had a mild concussion may experience problems such as trouble concentrating and controlling their behavior. We do not yet know all the long-term effects of head injuries on a developing brain.
Parents often feel that supervision can prevent accidents that lead to head injuries. However, even close supervision will not stop the sudden loss of control when a scooter’s wheels get caught in an unexpected crack or bump.
While parental supervision will decrease the risk, it is not a substitute for the last line of defense.
Kids’ Helmet Design and Fit
Kids’ helmets should be as light as possible and ventilated. There are many well-ventilated kids’ helmets available.
Helmet fit is crucial for comfort. Make sure the helmet does not move around on the child’s head. It should be centered, with straps forming a “V” around the ears.
Adjust the straps so they are snug under the chin. If the helmet is tight enough that children cannot turn their heads without discomfort, the helmet is too tight.
Are Scooter Helmets Necessary for Your Child?
Parents often have similar questions when it comes to safety equipment for kids. One of the most important things to remember is that helmets are for unexpected, sudden falls.
Helmets are not a guarantee that children will not get injured when they fall.
Pediatricians recommend helmets to help prevent children from getting serious head injuries.
What about Other Scooters?
Scooters come in different types, and some may seem safer than others.
The design of the scooter can affect the likelihood of different types of falls. For example, a three-wheel scooter is less likely to tip sideways compared to a two-wheel scooter.
Foldable scooters can sometimes collapse in unexpected ways if they are not fully locked.
However, no scooter is completely safe from head injuries.
Prevention is Best
Prevention is always better than treatment. Children’s brains are still developing, so even mild concussions can affect learning, attention, and emotional control in the short term. While most children make a full recovery, some symptoms can linger for months. The effects of repeated concussions in children are also not fully understood. The reality is that while brain injuries can be prevented by helmets, there is no specific treatment to help children recover.
Parental Feelings About Helmets
Parents also have strong feelings about helmets. We all want the best for our children, so it’s important to share information with them. We realize that making children wear helmets can sometimes be a struggle.
Safety is the First Concern
Safety comes first, and if parents are going to ride scooters, helmets should be a part of that safety plan. Once children start using scooters regularly, there are often many questions about the best helmet for them. Children’s helmets should fit snugly but not be too tight. Look for a helmet that covers the forehead without tilting back.
Conclusion
Yes, children need to wear helmets on scooters.
This is true for scooters of all types and in all environments. Parents have many concerns about helmet use, but safety should be the priority.
Helmets can help prevent serious head injuries in children. Helmet use is one of the easiest and most effective things parents can do to keep their children safe!
FAQs about Helmets for Kids on Scooters
Why do helmets seem unnecessary?
We understand that parents may see the value in helmets when children use bicycles and skateboards.
However, we have not yet seen evidence that scooters are as safe as riding bicycles or skateboards. Parents are also concerned about their children getting hurt.
Children are more likely to fall forward when they use scooters because they are closer to the ground than bikes or skateboards. Head injuries can be very serious in children, and they can have long-term consequences. Children’s brains are not fully developed, and they are more vulnerable to injury than adults. The developing brain can be easily damaged, and the effects of brain injury can last for a long time.
Children who have had a head injury are more likely to have another one in the future. A helmet is not a guarantee that children will not get hurt if they fall.
We hope that parents will consider using helmets for their children when they use scooters. This will help to keep their children safe and reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
Are there different types of helmets for scooters?
Yes, there are different types of helmets for scooters.
- Some helmets are designed to protect the head from falls, while others are made to protect the brain.
- Parents should choose a helmet that is the right size and shape for their child.
- The helmet should fit snugly but not be too tight. A helmet that is too small or too big will not protect the child’s head.
- There are many different types of helmets on the market, and parents should research to find the right one for their child.
We recommend that parents buy a helmet that is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC certifies helmets that meet certain safety standards. The CPSC has strict requirements for helmet safety, and parents can be confident that their child will be protected by a helmet that meets these standards.
Safety information is important, and parents should be aware of it before they buy a helmet for their child.
A helmet can help to protect a child’s head from serious injury, and it can save a parent a lot of money in the long run.
We hope that parents will consider using helmets for their children when they ride scooters.
Leave a Comment