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 AGES APPROPRIATENESS FOR SCOOTERS AND CHILDREN

The following excerpts are according to the

BICYCLE HELMET SAFETY INSTITUTE

 and were taken from the

“CPSC Guidelines for Age-Related Activities” 

 Ride-on Toys: 

“Ride-on toys are very popular with children, who enjoy both the sense of movement tha they get from wheeled toys and the pretend element that wheeled toys give them as they imitate the important adults in their lives.

 Ride-on toys are important for developing a sense of balance, physical fitness, and coordination…

 Several physical factors affect the age level for using ride-on toys. The first factor is balance.

 Depending on the vehicle, more or less balance is required to use the vehicle. In general, widespaced wheels and more wheels make the vehicle easier to balance…A wheeled vehicle that relies on children pushing with their feet will move slowest, while wheeled vehicles propelled by pedaling or that use gears can be used at greater speeds…Children under the age of 1 year cannot use ride-on toys because they require a sense of balance to operate. The balance that is required to use a ride-on toy usually develops when a child begins to walk with some steadiness. In general, ride-on toys are not recommended for use without proper protective gear, especially helmets.”

 
12 Through 18 Months

“Children become capable of using ride-on toys that are straddled and propelled by their feet only after they learn wto walk with some steadiness. These children, especially the youngest in this age group, may not be able to alternate their fee when pushing ride-on toys. They cannot yet pedal, and will propel the ride-on by pushing with both feet simultaneously instead…The toy should be low for easy mounting and dismounting, and the children’s feet should be flat on the floor when they are seated.

 …The first ride-on toys do not need to have steering mechanisms because young toddlers may not be able to use them effectively.”

 
19 Through 23 Months

“Children 19 through 23 months old can operate ride-on toys in which they sit inside and propel the toy by pushing with their feet…Features that make ride-on toys more attractive to toddlers include bright colors, special sound effects like beeping horns or those produced by vehicle movement, and covered compartments or storage bins.

 …These children are unlikely to have the steering skills needed to avoid obstacles and hazards.”

 
2 Years

“Children 2 years old enjoy the same characteristics and features of ride-on toys as younger children…Slow-moving three-wheeled scooters with wide standing platforms also become attractive to these children…Although these children are physically capable for steering vehicles of this type, most 2-year-old s lack the steering skills needed to controls low-moving motorized vehicles and to avoid hazards.”

 
3 Years

“Children at age 3 have developed the ability to pedal, and have the coordination required to use a steering wheel or handlebar. They can use three-wheeled scooters, but they have not developed the balance required to operate two-wheeled scooters and bicycles…They can use a small bicycle with training wheels, but foot brakes are preferred because these children cannot yet use hand brakes.”

 
4 Through 5 Years

“Children 4 and 5 years old are interested in vehicles used by older peers. They have little interest in the types of ride-on toys that are commonly used by younger children, and prefer bicycles and scooters used by older peers. They begin to show an interest in skateboards…However, these children do not understand the risks of riding in areas with cars, and are at a very high risk of falling and injuring themselves. Therefore, adult supervision is a must.”

 
6 Through 8 Years

“They have developed some understanding of the consequences of riding in areas shared by cars and pedestrians…Children of this age group are very interested in popular wheeled vehicles like scooters and skateboards, and can operate slow-moving motorized vehicles, particularly those with four wheels.”

 
9 Through 12 Years

“Children 9 and 12 years old are very capable…scooter riders. Bicycles and skateboards that are from licensed brand names from used by popular extreme sports riders are popular with this age group. They are usually fairly aware of traffic laws, but they are very likely to engage in high-risk behaviors like riding in traffic and stunt riding.”