Hoverboard Safety Tips for Kids: Keeping Your Little Ones Safe
Hoverboards have become increasingly popular amongst kids and adults alike.
They are a fun way to get around, but it is important to teach your child how to use them safely.
Hoverboards can be dangerous if used without following proper safety protocols – injuries from hoverboard falls are becoming more common, especially among children who may not know the risks or have the experience of an adult rider.
By teaching our kids safe practices for using their hoverboard, we can help keep them out of harm’s way and make sure they enjoy their ride in a responsible manner.
Tips for selecting a safe hoverboard
Choose a hoverboard with UL 2272 certification
When selecting a hoverboard for your child, always choose one that is UL 2272 certified.
This certification ensures that the hoverboard has met stringent safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
These standards include tests to evaluate electrical and fire hazards as well as other safety-related issues.
A UL 2272 certified hoverboard will have passed all of these tests and can be considered safe to use.
When shopping for a hoverboard, look for the UL logo on the product packaging or search online for those models that are certified.
Consider the weight and age recommendations of the hoverboard
The maximum weight capacity of a hoverboard should be followed closely as exceeding this may lead to instability or damage, which can cause an accident or injury.
Similarly, age restrictions should also be observed as certain components on a hoverboard may not be suitable for young children due to their size and shape.
For example, some hoverboards have small parts that could pose choking hazards if they are swallowed.
Finally, research ratings from trusted sources such as Consumer Reports when buying a new board and read customer reviews to ensure that you select one with high safety standards.
Look for additional safety features such as LED lights and fender bumpers
When choosing a safe hoverboard for your kids, it’s important to look for additional safety features such as LED lights and fender bumpers.
These features are designed to make the ride safer by making sure your child is easily visible in low-light conditions and providing extra protection from bumps and scrapes when riding.
Additionally, look for models that come with UL certification which ensures that the device meets certain electrical safety standards.
Taking these added measures will ensure your little one has an enjoyable experience while staying safe.
Tips for safe hoverboard use
Make sure kids understand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
This includes familiarizing themselves with how the device works, including any age or weight restrictions that may exist.
Additionally, make sure they know where the on/off switch is located and how to properly turn off their board when not in use.
They should also be taught safe riding techniques such as keeping both feet on the board at all times and avoiding obstacles while riding.
If there are special features on their board like a Bluetooth audio speaker or LED lights, make sure they know how to operate them safely.
Remind your children of basic safety rules such as wearing a helmet or protective gear while riding and never operating the hoverboard near water or other wet surfaces.
Have kids wear appropriate protective gear every time they ride
Whenever kids ride a hoverboard, it is important that they wear protective gear like helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards to protect them in case of falls or collisions.
Even if your child is an experienced rider, it’s still wise to provide extra protection by having them wear appropriate safety gear every time they take their hoverboard out for a spin.
This will ensure that they can enjoy the fun while remaining safe at all times!
Supervise kids while they are riding
This will help ensure that they are using the device safely and following all safety guidelines.
Additionally, it can be helpful for an adult to be present in case of any accidents or injuries.
Make sure your child understands basic rules when riding a hoverboard such as not going too fast, keeping away from traffic and people, and wearing appropriate protective gear like helmets and knee/elbow pads.
Furthermore, hoverboards should only be used on flat surfaces with no obstacles that could cause falls or collisions.
Teach kids to be aware of their surroundings and to watch for obstacles
They should be sure to watch for obstacles such as cars and other people that could get in the way.
Encourage them to look ahead while riding, so they can spot potential hazards before they become an issue.
Make sure that they know how to safely maneuver around any potential dangers, by slowing down or stopping if necessary.
Additionally, remind them not to ride too close to objects like walls or trees which could cause them injury if bumped into unexpectedly.
Finally, make sure your children wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets and knee pads when using the hoverboard – this will help protect them from any bumps or falls on their journey!
Tips for maintaining and storing the hoverboard
Charge the hoverboard according to the manufacturer’s instructions
The instructions should tell you how long to charge it for, what type of charger to use, and any safety precautions or warnings that should be followed when charging.
Make sure not to leave the hoverboard unattended while it is plugged in and ensure that it is stored safely away from water sources once charged.
If possible, purchase an overcurrent protection device (OCPD) which will help keep your child safe while they are using their hoverboard by protecting them from electrical shock.
Regularly inspect the hoverboard for any damage or wear and tear
Inspect the wheel treads, battery, wiring, and other components to ensure they are in good condition.
Pay attention to any cracks or tears in the frame or plastic parts of the board as well.
Also look for loose screws that may need tightening, which could cause accidents if left unaddressed.
Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions when replacing any damaged parts and properly dispose of worn out parts according to local regulations.
Store the hoverboard in a dry, secure place when not in use
This could be a closet or shed that is away from any sources of water and heat.
Additionally, make sure to lock the door or otherwise secure the area so that no one else can access the hoverboard while you are away.
If possible, try to keep the hoverboard off of hard surfaces like concrete or brick as these can cause damage over time due to vibrations from riding on them.
Finally, inspect the area regularly for any signs of wear and tear on the board itself such as scratches or cracks in order to ensure its safety during use.
Conclusion
There are several steps that can be taken in order to guarantee a safe experience when riding a hoverboard, such as always wearing protective gear like helmets and knee pads, strictly following all manufacturer’s instructions for use, and never going outside the limits of your own skill level.
Additionally, it’s important for parents or guardians to supervise children while they ride their hoverboards in order to ensure safety practices are being followed at all times.
By taking these simple precautions, you can help ensure that your little ones have a fun and safe time with their hoverboards!