How to Teach a Child to Ride a Scooter

The little silver scooters you see buzzing around neighborhood parks are fun, flashy and not at all a passing fad. For kids, they are an irresistible riding toy. For parents, a tool that teaches balance and keeps kids outside and active. And did I mention they are irresistible? You supposed grown-ups may end up wanting one of your own.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Gear up with all the standard protective gear including a helmet (a bike one works great) plus knee and elbow pads. The first few times your child rides you may suggest he wear jeans or long pants.

2. Start at an empty track that will offer a soft landing for the first falls. This may keep her from being discouraged by early scrapes.

3. Demonstrate how to put one foot on the scooter and push with the other. Typically, the strongest leg goes on the scooter and the other one pushes, brakes and balances. So if your child naturally kicks a ball with his right foot, then his right foot goes in the center of the scooter.

4. Let her experiment with finding her balance. If your child is the type who likes to learn on her own, then sit back and watch. She will pick it up through trial and error.

5. If your child likes more guidance or cheerleading, make a game out of it. Pretend the scooter is a circus tightrope or that he is balancing on a log over an alligator-infested creek.

6. Encourage your child to practice weaving in and out of the track’s lanes.

7. After your child masters forward motion and weaving, head to a large, empty parking lot so she has plenty of room to practice turning. As she becomes more confident and skilled, she may want to try going down inclines or even doing tricks.

Tips & Warnings

• Junior versions, which have one wheel in the front and two in the back (for added stability) are made for ages 4 and up. The original two-wheeled versions are designed for ages 6 and up, although it’s not uncommon to see younger kids navigating these well.
• Some kids are visual learners, so spend some time at the park to watch other kids riding their scooters.
• Because scooters teach balance, they can be helpful in learning to ride a two-wheeler without training wheels.
• Always wear safety gear and never ride scooters near vehicles.

Resources

• Razor

[Susanh]

on 9/28/2008 5*****

[robert_mcguire]

on 4/14/2008 I hadn't thought about it helping kids learn to ride, but that makes sense.

[Momof3infl]

on 4/14/2008 great article!