Hoverboards For Kids: Are Hoverboards Safe & Appropriate For Kids To Use?
Hoverboards are becoming increasingly popular among kids and adults alike. They are often sought after as a trendy and fun mode of transportation.
But with the rise in popularity, there’s also a growing concern about the safety of hoverboards for kids.
With so many reports of hoverboard accidents, it’s essential to understand if these devices are safe and appropriate for kids to use.
Hoverboards are safe and appropriate for your kids, provided you adhere to the guidelines and safety tips. For instance, they should always wear safety gear; these include helmets, mouth guards, pads, and wrist guards. Also, parents should ensure that any child partaking in such an activity is at least eight years old.
In this article, we’ll discuss the potential safety risks associated with using hoverboards and the key features that make hoverboards safer and more suitable for kids.
We’ll also provide tips on how parents can safely ensure their children use hoverboards.
Are Hoverboards Safe for Children?
Hoverboards are safe and provide an excellent way for kids to get around. They offer a reliable, low-impact means to get around and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Many models come with anti-slip surfaces, speed limiters, and automatic shut-off (when the rider falls off the board) to assist the rider.
The boards have built-in sensors that detect weight and balance, allowing the board to adjust its speed and balance accordingly.
They also constitute remote control options so parents can keep an eye on their children while they’re riding.
To reinforce safety, some manufacturers offer extra features such as LED lights and reflective surfaces to help riders stay visible at night or in low-light conditions.
With these features in place, hoverboards offer a safe way for kids to get around and stay active.
However, it’s crucial to remember that they can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Therefore, parents must ensure their children understand the safety guidelines and take precautions when using a hoverboard. He\ she has to understand how to operate the device safely.
Consequently, here are four significant precautions parents should consider when allowing their children to use hoverboards;
#1. Ensure They Wear Protective Gear
Children must wear protective gear when using hoverboards, such as helmets and knee pads, to reduce the risk of injury.
Protective gear helps absorb the impact of falls and protect the head, neck, and other body parts. It allows children to move around more confidently.
#2. Teach Them How to Ride Safely
Teaching children how to ride safely is a necessary precaution when introducing them to hoverboards.
This tutoring includes teaching them how to balance, turn, brake, and even fall off safely in an emergency.
#3. Supervising Them While They Ride
Supervision entails watching them closely, especially if they’re very young, to ensure they don’t oversight accidents.
Kiddies are often very tender and aren’t mature and thus can’t think strategically (such as how to avoid an incoming accident).
That’s why it’s best to ensure that the child riding is at least eight years. That way, the rate of injuries due to improper hoverboard use will reduce.
Supervision ensures that the child is following the safety guidelines. It helps you provide guidance, support and look for potential hazards around the riding area.
#4. Check the Hoverboard for Any Mechanical Issues
This precautionary measure helps ensure that the hoverboard is safe to use and that the device has no hidden problems.
Checking for mechanical issues can help prevent any potential accidents or injuries due to faulty parts or poor craftsmanship.
Before the child starts riding, inspect the board and see if anything is out of place. This ensures that the children can enjoy their ride without any worries.
By taking these steps, parents can help keep their children safe and enjoy the benefits of hoverboard riding.
How Old Should Your Child Be to Use a Hoverboard?
Hoverboards are becoming increasingly popular as a fun way for children to get around.
However, these boards can be dangerous and should only be used by children old enough to understand the risks involved.
Usually, the standard recommended age for children to ride hoverboards is 8 years and above. Notwithstanding, if you want to be extra careful, 13 years will be a safer bar.
Hoverboards are not recommended for children under 8 years due to safety concerns. The lack of stability, control, and coordination can lead to falls, resulting in serious injuries.
Instability and discoordination are closely related to the child’s motor skills development.
The younger a child is, the less developed their motor skills are, and this can lead to a lack of balance and coordination when riding a hoverboard.
More so, most hoverboards lack safety features like brakes or handlebars, making them difficult to navigate safely.
These boards sometimes overheat or catch fire due to electrical malfunctions, which poses an even greater risk for children.
For these reasons, younger children must avoid using Hoverboards until they are old enough and experienced.
To ensure safety, parents should make sure that their children have adequate training to develop their motor skills before attempting to make a ride.
What’s the Best Hoverboard Brand for Kids?
TOMOLOO hoverboards for kids are the perfect choice for your children.
These hoverboards are designed with safety in mind, featuring UL2272-certified materials and a unique foot sensor that ensures a smooth and stable ride.
They also have exciting features like Bluetooth speakers, LED lights, and customizable patterns.
With TOMOLOO hoverboards for kids, you can be sure your children will have an enjoyable and safe experience.
However, there are some downsides associated with this brand, so it’s good you weigh the upsides and downsides.
Here are some of them:
| Upsides | Downsides |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic design for children | The limited range of motion(low battery capacity) |
| Very convenient and easy to navigate around, especially for beginners. | They may be a little expensive if you’re on a budget |
| Quality speakers | They aren’t effective on wet terrains |
Furthermore, there are several features to look out for when getting a hoverboard for your child. You don’t want to purchase something unsatisfactory or of low quality.
Here are some tips on what to look out for when purchasing a hoverboard:
#1. Speed Limit
Speed limits vary from model to model, so it’s vital to check the specifications of each hoverboard before making a purchase.
Generally speaking, the higher the speed limit, the more expensive the hoverboard. The speed limit can also affect how safe it is for your child to ride on.
Higher speeds require more protective gear and could be dangerous if not used properly.
To ensure safety, the hoverboard you choose should have a 6-8 mph speed. Also, ensure you find one with an appropriate speed limit for your child’s age and skill level.
#2. Weight Limit
Always make sure that the selected board can handle your child’s weight. Improper weight balance can cause instability and increase the risk of injury.
It’s also best to consider if there will be multiple riders using the hoverboard, as this will affect the total weight capacity of the board.
By and large, the usually recommended weight for children’s hoverboards is 150-180 pounds.
#3. Safety Certifications
Safety certifications are another critical concern to keep in mind. Hoverboards must meet specific safety standards for merchandise in the United States and other countries.
Look for boards tested and certified by independent third-party organizations such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or Intertek.
These organizations test hoverboards for electrical, fire, and mechanical hazards to ensure they are safe.
#4. Battery Capacity
The battery capacity of a hoverboard is measured in watt-hours (Wh), and the higher the watt-hours, the longer it’ll run on a single charge.
Hoverboards with higher watt-hour ratings last longer and provide more riding time for your kids, so choose wisely.
Also, ensure that the battery in the hoverboard has been certified by an independent safety testing organization like UL or TUV.
How to Keep Children Safe When Riding Hoverboards?
There are specific safety measures that parents should take to ensure their kids stay safe while riding them.
One helpful practice is ensuring the use of protective gear such as helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards. All these can help reduce the risk of injury in an accident.
In addition, wearing long sleeves and pants can protect their skin from scrapes and abrasions if they fall off the board.
Also, wearing bright colors or reflective clothing will make them more visible to other riders and motorists.
Another helpful tip to ensure safety is frequently monitoring their movements. This guidance helps shield them from unsafe areas, such as rough terrain with a high risk of accidents.
Don’t ever allow your child to ride alone without a watchful eye, especially if she is young and the riding distance is seemingly far.
With these measures in place, there’ll be a reduced risk of accidents; your child will ride freely without necessarily having to be afraid.
