Hoverboards are an awesome way to keep kids active and engaged in physical activities. However, it’s important to buy one that’s safe for your child to use.
Children under the age of 13 are not recommended to ride hoverboards because their judgment and decision-making skills are not yet fully developed.
Safety concerns
Hoverboards are a new toy that has become very popular since 2015. However, many parents have concerns about the safety of these self-balancing scooters.
The first concern is the safety of the batteries that power them. These lithium-ion batteries have a tendency to overheat and explode, which can cause fires in homes and result in personal injury and even death.
Another worry is that a child might accidentally hurt themselves while using one of these devices. They could fall off their hoverboard, causing injuries to their head or other parts of the body.
Children who use these devices should wear safety gear, such as a helmet and wrist guards. They should also never ride on or near traffic.
These issues have led to a large number of deaths and serious injuries that have caused people to seek emergency medical care, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). A recent study published in Pediatrics found that more than 26,000 kids visited hospital emergency rooms with hoverboard-related injuries between 2015 and 2016.
The research showed that children were most often injured by falls when riding these vehicles. The most common type of injury was fractures, which accounted for 40% of the injuries seen in the hospital.
Other injuries included sprains and strains. These can be very painful and affect the whole body.
This is especially true if they fall off the hoverboard or hit their head on a sharp object while riding it. The AAP recommends that all children and teens who use these devices wear protective clothing and equipment to prevent injuries.
AAP advises that all hoverboards are not safe for children under the age of 12 and should not be used by them without supervision. It is also a good idea to check the age limits and weight restrictions of a particular hoverboard before you buy it.
A parent can also help their child learn how to ride safely by enrolling them in lessons. These lessons will teach them how to safely ride their hoverboard and other wheeled toys.
Safety gear
Hoverboards are great for kids to have fun with and learn to ride, but they do require some safety gear. Unlike traditional scooters, hoverboards can be very dangerous if not used properly.
A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear to get if you’re riding your ihoverboard. You’ll want a helmet with an EPS foam interior that will provide extra protection from falls and other accidents. It’s also important to make sure the helmet fits snugly and doesn’t have any cracks or holes.
Helmets can also help prevent head injuries from crashes, which can be a serious problem. The helmet should fit well and have vents that will keep the head cool.
In addition to a helmet, you’ll also need protective pads that cover your elbows and knees. These pads can help prevent injuries from scrapes, sprains, and cuts.
When you’re choosing your helmet, look for one that’s DOT-approved. You’ll also want to make sure it’s comfortable and has an adjustable strap.
You should also consider getting a helmet that has a sweat saver liner to help with ventilation and avoid feeling claustrophobic as you ride. These are particularly useful if you’re riding indoors or in warmer temperatures.
Finally, you’ll need to choose a battery that’s UL-certified. This will ensure that the board doesn’t overheat or catch fire.
It’s also a good idea to keep the battery charged only when you’re planning to ride. Never leave it unattended or let it run out of charge overnight.
If you’re going to be taking your hoverboard for kids out at night, consider investing in LED safety lights that will help drivers spot your child’s board on the road. These bright and colorful lights will not only help drivers see you but will also increase visibility in low-light situations.
Another important thing to remember is that hoverboards shouldn’t be treated like skateboards. They shouldn’t be ridden on half-pipes or downstair tracks, nor should they be attempted by children who aren’t experienced with them. This will prevent injuries and ensure that you can enjoy your new board without worrying about falling off or crashing.
Safety tips
A hoverboard can be a great gift for the kids in your life, but it’s also important to consider safety concerns before purchasing one. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your little ones safe when using their hoverboards:
Age Is A Key Factor
Typically, hoverboards are recommended for children aged 8 and up. Several manufacturers recommend that children under five years of age should not ride them, as they do not have the coordination skills to control and operate the hoverboard safely.
Weight is also a factor, as hoverboards can weigh up to 44 lbs. If your child is underweight, they may not be able to use the hoverboard properly and may experience serious injuries as a result.
Speed is a factor as well, so it’s important to check how fast the hoverboard can go before you allow your kid to use it. Most hoverboards can travel between 6-9 mph and are best used in areas with smooth surfaces, free of traffic and other obstructions.
You should also determine how long the hoverboard can be used without charging it. This will help you plan out your child’s riding time and avoid a hoverboard battery running out of power while they are on it.
Look For A Hoverboard With Detachable Handles
Most hoverboards come with detachable handles, so you can hold on to it while your kid gets on and off the board. This will help them learn how to mount the hoverboard and prevent them from falling off.
Encourage your child to stand tall and in a wide stance when getting on their hoverboard. They should also not bend their knees, as this will alter the weight placement on the board, which can make it harder to ride.
It’s a good idea to practice riding your hoverboard before you take it out on the road. This will allow you to see if your child has the skill level to ride it properly and avoid any accidents that could happen on the way home from school or during a fun day with friends.
Cost
Hoverboards are a fun and affordable way for kids to get around. They’re a great alternative to riding bikes or scooters, but they do have safety concerns.
One of the biggest concerns is that hoverboards have lithium-ion batteries, and accidents do happen. That’s why it’s important to choose a hoverboard with batteries that are UL 2272-certified.
You can also look for boards with a special type of lithium called LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate). This is considered to be safer than standard lithium-ion batteries, and it has been proven to last longer.
Some hoverboards also have an app that can help riders check their battery levels and other things. It can also be useful if you want to monitor your child’s progress and make sure they’re staying safe while using their board.
Another thing to consider when looking at hoverboards is their weight capacity. A higher weight limit means your kid won’t need to charge the board as often, and it also gives you an idea of how long the hoverboard will last.
A quality hoverboard will also have a training mode and other features that help you teach your kids how to ride safely. Some hoverboards also have Bluetooth speakers, so your kids can listen to music while they ride.
The price of a hoverboard will vary depending on its size and the features it has. You can find a small hoverboard for under $200, or you can spend more for a model that has more features and can take your kid off-road if they’re into that.
In general, the more features a hoverboard has, the more expensive it will be. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great hoverboard for your child at a reasonable price.
If you’re looking for a high-quality hoverboard, we recommend the Megawheels hoverboard, which is available for under $200. This model is well-made and has a lot of features for kids, including a dual 250-watt motor that makes the hoverboard feel stable and comfortable. It also has anti-skid tires and LED lights that make it easy for kids to ride.
