Pocket bike stunt

Pocket Bike Safety For Kids

 Kids find pocket bikes exciting and a whole lot of fun, but they’re also motorized high speed racing vehicles. Parents must ensure extra care is taken before letting the kids operate a pocket bike. With the proper precautions parents are able to reduce or avoid dangerous and serious injury or death. Follow these basic safety tips at all times when letting kids ride pocket bikes.

 Helmet – The most important piece of protective gear you can wear is a certified pocket bike helmet! Wearing an approved helmet may reduce the risk of serious injury or death. Ensure the helmets meet with local authorities’ required helmet certification. Be sure kids always wear helmets with the chinstrap securely buckled.

 Full Body Riding Suit– Though knee pads and elbow pads with hard caps (plastic or otherwise) offer increased protection for adults, it is better for kids to wear a one-piece riding suit.

 Gloves & Boots – Making sure kids wear sock and boot when riding the pocket bike will protect them most serious injuries.  Sneakers can also be worn till you find suitable boots for them. Never in any circumstances wear sandals or footwear that exposes parts of the feet.

 Age Appropriateness: Usually, pocket bikes are designed for children aged 13-16, even then, they should not be allowed to operate pocket bikes without close adult supervision. Children under 12 should never ride pocket bikes. However, pocket bike manufacturers do recommend the age appropriateness of their pocket bikes and all local laws regarding age restrictions.

 Avoid Streets and Sidewalks: Make sure your kids do not ride their pocket bikes on highways, streets, sidewalks, roads, paths, or other areas used by motor vehicles. It is illegal and a pocket bikes low profile puts the rider at great risk of being hit by a motor vehicle that doesn’t see them.

 Local Laws and Regulations: Find out and observe all local pocket bike laws and regulations.

 Understand The Power and Capabilities: Though small in size, most pocket bikes are capable of reaching high speeds. Help your kids to understand the power their pocket bike is capable of and to be cautious of that power when riding.

Don’t be over-cautious till there’s no room for fun. Just keep in mind that pocket bikes are not toys and follow these safety guidelines. Let the FUN begin.

Find out more about pocket bikes for kids, safety gears for kids and watch kids riding pocket bikes at the hottest and fastest-growing site for pocket bikes. http://www.pocketbikeforkids.com/

UNBELIEVABLE! Kids Stunting on Pocket Bike!

Updates: 11/1/2009… Thank you all for watching… Thank you for your concerns. Their safety is the first thing taken into consideration before performing any stunts. They do wear safety gear when learning new stunts. Thank you. Sincerely, Mindy (Mother) William (Father) Devante (Stunter) Elijah (Stunter) Rafaella (Sister) Taviah (Little Brother)

Things to Consider When Buying Electric Scooters for Kids

Scooters everywhere!  It seems like there is a scooter craze in our neighborhoods, and young children are getting into this activity in a big way.  If your child has a kick scooter and now is ready for something of the motorized variety it might be time to consider an electric powered scooter.  There are numerous choices in the marketplace, and making the right choice can be confusing.  Many children push their parents to start with an electric scooter that might not be age appropriate.  Before you head out shopping try and be armed with some basic information so you are not pushed into making the wrong choice for your child.  The first decision point is what style to buy. The choices are purchasing a “stand up” scooter similar to a kick scooter, but electric powered, or the riding type similar to a motor scooter. This choice is a function of the age of the child you are shopping for. If the child is in the age range of 6 to 14 years then a stand up, kick style electric scooter is what you are looking for. If your child is 13 to 14 years old then the motor bike style electric scooter is appropriate. Check with your local authorities to make sure there are no laws, or restrictions regarding the age appropriateness of your scooter selection. Some purchasing factors to consider before you buy are:

Carrying Capacity: The heavier the rider the slower the scooter    
and the range will be affected as well.  Acceleration and top speed are determined by the size of the rider. As a rule of thumb electric scooters for children are built for riders weighing less than 175 lbs.

Speed: Stand up, and ride type scooters like the Razor Pocket Rocket model have top speeds that do not exceed 15mph. Top speed depends on several factors, most notably the weight of the rider and the terrain being traveled. Factors like tire pressure and charge level of the batteries also affect performance but to a lesser degree. A good estimate of typical speed is in the 10 mph range.

Distance or Range Per Battery Charge:  A better measure of travel capability is riding time or motor run time per charge. This performance aspect can vary significantly depending on battery type which will be reflected in the cost of the scooter. A rough estimate is about 45 minutes of motor “on time” per charge. Factors such as the weight of the rider, and terrain, can affect this performance parameter. The typical distance range is 8 to 10 miles. The range will vary depending on model; just keep in mind the person selling the electric scooter will probably quote a figure that is on the high end of the range. Battery recharge time for a typical scooter battery is 4 to 6 hours. If you have an active youngster you might want to explore a second set of batteries!

Price: Avoid the “kick” style electric scooters that sell for less than $100. These scooters are available at ‘big box” retailers and while being functional initially, they probably won’t be of the quality and durability that can withstand the scooter jumping and antics of an active 10 year old child. You should be able to purchase a kick” style electric scooter in the $125 to $275 price range. A durable motor bike style electric scooter should be in the $325 and up price range.

After you have done your research, be sure and check the warranty and availability of service, and parts. Make sure that spare tires or wheels are readily available, as this is a common failure item.  Avoid “no-name” brand electric scooters. Some brands that have positive reputations are X-Treme, Razor, and Schwinn. Check out on-line stores as many have competitive prices, and good service.

Good luck in finding that perfect scooter for your child.You never know what might happen as you watch your child’s electric scooter experience unfold. You might just be looking for that adult electric scooter next!