Safety Checklist
What we check before recommending any ride.
This is our parent-led test rubric — the same criteria we apply to every scooter and hoverboard we evaluate. Run through it before the first ride. Required items are non-negotiable. Preferred items are strong recommendations.
Brakes
- Has at least one active braking system (hand brake or electronic) Required
- Brake engages and holds within 10 feet from 10 mph Required
- Foot-fender brakes are supplemental, not the only stopping method (for beginners) Preferred
- Brake lever is reachable without stretching for the child's hand size Required
Speed
- Advertised top speed is 10 mph or under for ages 8–10 Required
- Speed does not exceed 15 mph for ages 10–13 Required
- Throttle requires deliberate input (not engaged by vibration or movement) Required
- No throttle-only takeoff (kick or push required to start) — preferred for beginners Preferred
Certification
- Electric scooter has UL 2272 certification (if sold after 2017) Required
- Hoverboard has UL 2272 certification — mandatory, no exceptions Required
- Helmet has CPSC certification minimum Required
- Helmet has MIPS liner (strongly preferred) Preferred
Fit
- Rider weight is within product weight range (do not assume bottom limit is fine) Required
- Handlebar height adjusts to elbow height when standing flat-footed Required
- Deck width fits both feet side by side without hanging over edges Required
- Rider can reach brake lever comfortably without leaning Required
Helmet fit
- Helmet sits level, two finger-widths above eyebrows Required
- Does not rock more than 1 inch in any direction when unbuckled Required
- Chin strap buckled snugly — one finger underneath, no more Required
- Child feels pressure on top of head when opening mouth wide Required
- Helmet has not suffered a significant impact (replace if it has) Required
Battery & charging
- Only included charger is used — no aftermarket chargers Required
- Battery does not visibly swell or smell unusual while charging Required
- Charging is done in a monitored location, not unattended overnight Required
- Battery is not left on the charger after reaching 100% Required
Setup & environment
- First ride is on smooth, flat, dry pavement — no gravel, grass, or wet surfaces Required
- Protective gear (wrist guards minimum) worn for first 10+ hours of riding Required
- Rider understands how to stop before taking the first ride Required
- Local ordinances checked — some areas restrict e-scooters on sidewalks or by age Preferred
After any crash: reset and check.
Helmet
Replace after any significant impact. Foam compression is invisible from the outside but the protection is gone.
Scooter deck
Check for cracks in the deck, stem, or folding mechanism. A cracked deck can fail mid-ride.
Brake response
Test braking at low speed after any crash. Impact can shift brake cable tension or damage brake levers.
Battery
Inspect for dents, swelling, or unusual smell. A damaged lithium battery can fail hours after impact.