Scooter could be one of the first things a kid might ever ride. So, it’s definitely special for them.
And seeing your kid becoming independent day by day is something to be proud of.
So, how do you teach him to ride a scooter?
The first rule is don’t push it. Every child eventually learns to ride scooters, bicycles and stuff like that. For some it could take a few days, others longer.
In most cases, if you follow these 10 steps, your child should be able to ride a scooter on their own in less than a week.
1. Get the Right Kind of Scooter
Choosing the right scooter for your kid should be your first goal. If this is his first time, the best option could be a three-wheeler. They are more secure and offer better balance.
But you can also start with standard two-wheelers. In that case, you will need to monitor them better and make sure he doesn’t get hurt.
Some parents also buy electric scooters. However, for newbies this is risky and won’t do them any good.
What you should focus on is whether the scooter has an adjustable handlebar. This feature will allow your kid to ride on the scooter for a few months or even years longer.
2. Scooter Basics 101
Scooters might look simple to you and pretty much self-explanatory. But for a toddler or someone under 4-5, this could be a whole new world.
You need to break it down for them.
Introduce them to every part of the scooter and how it works. Talk about the wheels and how they move, the handle and how it turns, the brake and how it stops and stuff like that.
Once you think your kid knows enough of the basics, you can move to the next step.
3. Demonstrate Them by Riding
Now comes the fun part. Show your kid how to ride it.
Keep it simple and give them a step by step demonstration.
You can do this the following way:
- First show him how to hold the scooter and the exact area to place his hands
- Next, show him where to keep his feet
- Get on the scooter and kick your feet and make him understand how he can gain speed
The first lesson should be to just ride on a straight path until the scooter comes to a stop.
Here. Follow this video!
4. Let the Riding Begin Indoors
We always recommend riding a scooter indoors first and then move outdoors.
It’s natural your kid will fall a lot. So, riding indoors will save him from the pain and there won’t be rocks or obstacles at home.
This step will ensure your kid gains confidence and doesn’t become scared of riding.
The moment you see that his riding is smoother and he has better control over the handle, you can go outdoors.
5. Teach Them the Fundamentals of Balancing
You can’t throw your kid into the pool thinking he can learn to balance without help. The same goes for learning to ride a scooter.
After he gets a few days of riding indoors, you need to make him learn balancing.
The best way to do that is to ask him to hold the handlebar without putting his foot on the deck and then walk with it.
Doing so for a few days will get him used to the movement of the scooter. And hopefully, he’ll be able to maintain balance.
6. Show Them the Braking Techniques
Before you head out to the streets, knowing how to break is essential.
Most scooters come with a rear brake pad sitting on just top of the rear wheel. In the beginning your child might use his feet to stop or just wait for the scooter to halt.
But that’s not convenient on the streets and the shoes will wear out faster.
Show him how to stop using the brake and that he should be keping one his feet hinged over the brake. When you feel he has got a hang of it, you can head to the streets.
7. Time to Go Outdoors
When you head outdoors, choose a suitable place for riding. Avoid busy streets and find a smooth and flat riding surface. You might as well go to a local park or playground.
Let your child ride freely. At the beginning, you can give him a little support for balancing. But try not to be too controlling.
For safety, you can buy gloves, a helmet and even knee pads. Your child might also enjoy using them. Just make sure they fit properly and are lightweight.
8. Encourage Solo Riding
Now it’s time to let go completely. Even if your child is struggling, let him face the failure. Encourage him to ride every or so and treat him for a good day’s work.
Go places with him and the scooter. Riding in different places will keep him motivated and he will learn quickly.
9. Step up the Game: Turning Slow & Fast
Now that he can ride straight on his own, teach him how to turn effectively. Most newbies find it hard to turn and can even fall. So, you need to show him the right way.
When he becomes better turning at slower speeds, encourage him to turn at higher speeds without falling. Once he masters all this, you can move forward and teach him a few tricks like the bunny hop or 180 flip.
10. Track Progress and Upgrade
The last step is to monitor your kid’s progress. If he looks like he has outgrown the scooter or too bored to ride on a scooter, you might have to upgrade. By upgrade we mean, buying a better scooter, probably an electric one or getting something bigger like a bicycle or a ride on car.
Final Words
This 10-step formula will work for most kids. You might not have to deal with all the steps, if your kid learns fast enough. However, don’t rush it if he takes time. And when it comes to upgrading the gears or the scooter itself, don’t wait too long.
