Riding a scooter can be a very fun activity. It's something that's suitable for both children and adults. Parents and their kids can spend their free time together doing tricks and making memories. But riding a scooter doesn't require just the scooter itself, you should have the proper safety gear as well. This includes scooter helmets, knee and elbow pads, mouth guards and more. They'll keep you safe and prevent injuries in case of an accident.
Helmet
Once the sun is out, the scooters are out as well. It's the perfect time to hop on, go to your favourite park and do your tricks and turns. But before you embark on this adventure make sure you have the proper safety gear on. The basic and most important part of the gear is the helmet. There are many head injuries when riding a scooter and some of them can be severe or even fatal.
That's why, wearing the proper high-quality scooter's helmet is a must. You significantly decrease your chance of injury. The first thing to consider is the size. Helmets come in many different sizes and each manufacturer has its own size chart. Make sure you check it before buying. To make things simpler, you can measure your head at home and be prepared for the store.
Take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your head, just above your eyebrows (where your helmet should stand). If you don’t have a measuring tape, take a string wrap it and then transfer the length on a ruler. If you can’t do it on your own, you can always ask for help at the store. Go for a lightweight material that won’t weigh on your head and make you uncomfortable.
The outer shell of these helmets is usually made of ABS. This is a thermoplastic polymer that’s easy to mould. It’s also very durable and strong. ABS can stand up to high heat and low temperatures and it can be made into many different textures and colours. It's also great for shock absorption, which makes it the perfect material for a helmet.
These helmets can have several inner layers made of different types of padding. They're made to be shock absorbent and protect your head when you fall. Some of them may be removable so you can wash them when you need to. Most of them have an adjustable strap to make it fit comfortably. If you can, invest in a helmet with ventilation. This will prevent over-sweating and keep you cool while you ride.
Wrist Guard
Wrist guards are not just useful when riding a scooter. They're great for riding a bike, roller skates or skateboards. Just like the scooter's helmets, they're made of moulded plastic. They wrap around your wrist and prevent it from bending. Wrist guards are made so they can absorb at least 40% of the impact when you fall.
They're crucial for beginners because they have a bigger chance of falling. This doesn’t mean experienced riders don’t need to wear them. Make sure you get the right fit so you’re comfortable holding the handles tight and able to catch them when you’re doing tricks. Choose breathable materials that are easy to clean because your hands will get sweaty a lot.
Elbow & Knee Pads
No matter if you’re a kid or an adult, you’ll need to have elbow and knee pads to protect yourself. They're made to absorb the impact of the fall and prevent scraps, broken bones and more serious injuries. When you have them on, they’ll give you more confidence to experiment and learn something new. Again, each manufacturer has different sizes so make sure you check the size chart.
If you’re ordering them online and can’t try them on, measure yourself. Wrap a soft measuring tape in the middle of your kneecap while standing. For the elbow, measure above and below the elbow. Some companies measure in kg so you can adjust to this on your own. Make sure the fit is right. Nothing too tight to cut off circulation or too loose so it falls down and distracts you during your ride.
Mouth Guard
Sometimes, mouthguards can be as important as scooter helmets. They're there to protect your teeth and keep them in one place. Oftentimes, your face is the first thing that hits the ground when you’re doing tricks or simply riding and there’s an obstacle on the way. This is not a common event, but it can happen for sure.
This is a piece commonly used by boxers and it saves them a lot of trouble and potential injuries. The mouthguard protects your teeth by delivering the force of the hit throughout the jaw and the teeth instead of focusing it on the same spot. Make sure you get the right size and fit because otherwise, it can do more damage than good. Some companies even offer custom-made designs. This is a perfect way to get what you need.
Gloves
The connection between you and the bars is very important. It's what keeps the scooter stable and on the right track. This is where the scooter gloves come into play. With the right pair, you’ll be able to have full control of your ride and have an amazing performance. They should be the perfect fit to give you a good grip.
Gloves are often made of lightweight, durable materials that can handle a lot of wear and tear. Most of them are breathable because no one can stand a sweaty hand in a glove. Their palm is often layered with a screen-friendly material that allows you to handle your phone without taking the gloves off. Always try them on before buying to make sure you have the right pair for you.
Safety Tips
Now that you have the proper safety gear, there are some safety tips you should keep in mind. For starters, wear comfortable and durable clothing. Something made of breathable materials. Don't wear baggy clothing because the loose material can get caught on the scooter and cause an accident. When riding in traffic keep an eye on your surroundings.
Respect the rules and check the route you’re taking ahead of time. If you can, add light at the front and the back of the scooter to make sure you’re visible in the dark. Some riders even install a light on their helmet. And last but not least, always check if something on the scooter needs to be tightened, replaced or fixed. Your safety should be your number one priority.
