Scooters may be popular and fun, but they can also be dangerous, warns the <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=ortho" target="_blank">American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons</a> (AAOS).
Each year, tens of thousands of scooter-related injuries send kids to hospital emergency rooms. 
The AAOS offers these tips for using&nbsp;both manual and electric scooters safely: 
<ul>
 <li>Use protective gear, including a helmet, wrist protectors, elbow pads and knee pads. </li>
 <li>Wear sturdy shoes. Avoid sandals or other flimsy footwear. </li>
 <li>Practice riding in a safe, open area. Become familiar with the steering, handling and brake systems. </li>
 <li>Avoid steep hills, slippery or uneven surfaces, and crowded walkways or streets. </li>
 <li>Don't ride a scooter at night. </li>
</ul>
Children younger than 8 shouldn't use scooters at all, says the AAOS. And no one under 16 should use electric scooters, according to the <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=aap" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>.
For more tips on injury prevention, visit the AAOS <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=ortho" target="_blank">website</a>. 
Reviewed 3/4/2023

Scooter safety tips for kids

Following a few simple rules can help keep scooters fun and safe.