Bicycle, Scooter, Skateboard, and Helmet Safety

An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Sources checked: August 10, 2026     |     Medical review completed: August 10, 2026

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare

2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611     |     559-538-3070

Bicycles, non-motorized scooters, skateboards, and skates are healthy ways to play and travel. The best protection combines a properly fitted helmet, age-appropriate equipment, practice, supervision, and a safe place to ride. A helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury but does not make a child invulnerable or prevent every concussion.

Urgent Warning Signs - Check This First

After a fall, collision, or crash, first look for danger to breathing, alertness, circulation, the head and neck, or major bleeding. When in doubt about a serious injury, call 911.

CALL 911 NOW

  • Not breathing, blue or gray color, unconsciousness, a seizure, severe bleeding, or another life-threatening emergency

  • A child hit by a motor vehicle, trapped, or in an unsafe roadway or traffic situation

  • Suspected serious head, neck, spine, chest, or abdominal injury; paralysis or weakness; or a child who cannot be moved safely

GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE NOW

  • After a head injury: repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, unusual sleepiness, behavior change, seizure, loss of consciousness, weakness, trouble walking, or neck pain

  • Trouble breathing; chest or abdominal pain; an open fracture; severe deformity; severe pain; deep or contaminated wounds; or bleeding that will not stop with direct pressure

  • A fall or collision at high speed, from a substantial height, or involving a motor vehicle, even if the child initially seems well

CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TODAY

  • A possible concussion: headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, trouble concentrating, unusual irritability, or sleep changes after a fall or collision

  • A painful or swollen wrist, hand, elbow, shoulder, ankle, knee, or other limb; inability to use an arm or bear weight; or pain that is worse the next day

  • A wound that may need cleaning, closure, tetanus review, or infection prevention; or a helmet-damaging crash that raises concern for injury

Helmet: Every Ride, Every Time

  • Use a bicycle helmet that meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for biking. A multisport helmet is acceptable only if its label says it is certified for bicycle use.

  • Bring the child when buying a helmet. It should sit level and low on the forehead, be snug but comfortable, and have a securely fastened chin strap.

  • Do not use a cracked, damaged, recalled, or previously crash-damaged helmet. Replace a helmet after a significant crash or if the manufacturer recommends replacement.

  • Parents and caregivers should wear helmets too. Consistent adult modeling is one of the strongest ways to build the habit.

Choose Equipment That Fits

  • Do not buy a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or skates for a child to 'grow into.' Oversized equipment is harder to control.

  • For a first bicycle, the child should be able to sit on the seat, hold the handlebars, and place the balls of both feet on the ground.

  • Use sturdy closed-toe shoes. Secure shoelaces, loose clothing, and backpack straps so they cannot catch in wheels, chains, or moving parts.

  • Beginners and trick riders should also use wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads appropriate for the activity.

Where and How to Ride

  • Practice starting, stopping, turning, and controlling speed in a traffic-free area before riding near driveways, sidewalks, bike paths, or streets.

  • Children need close supervision until they demonstrate the judgment and skill needed for the riding environment. Skill matters more than age alone.

  • Use daylight or good visibility, bright clothing, and reflectors or lights when appropriate. Avoid wet, oily, uneven, crowded, or poorly lit surfaces.

  • Teach children to stop at driveways and intersections, look in all directions, obey traffic rules, and never assume a driver sees them.

  • Never hold onto or be pulled by a moving vehicle. Never carry another person on a skateboard or scooter unless the device is specifically designed for it.

Scooters, Skateboards, and Skates

  • Use a helmet for non-motorized scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates, along with pads and wrist guards when appropriate.

  • Begin on smooth, dry, traffic-free surfaces. Learn to stop and fall safely before attempting ramps, tricks, street skating, or crowded areas.

  • Children younger than 5 should not ride skateboards. Children ages 6 to 10 need close adult supervision when skateboarding.

  • Follow skate-park rules. Avoid riding in streets, parking lots, or high-traffic sidewalks where a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is possible.

E-Bikes and Motorized or E-Scooters

Powered devices are heavier and faster than traditional bicycles or non-motorized scooters. They require more skill, judgment, and awareness of local rules. Follow the manufacturer's age guidance and local laws. The AAP recommends that children younger than 16 not operate or ride on motorized or shared e-scooters.

  • Do not treat an e-bike or powered scooter as a toy. Review the device instructions, brakes, battery safety information, local requirements, and the riding environment before use.

  • Wear an appropriate helmet and keep both hands available for control. No texting, headphones, passengers, or riding under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.

After a Fall or Crash

  • Stop riding after a suspected concussion or significant injury. Do not return to riding, sports, or school activities until the child has been assessed and has followed medical guidance.

  • Check the bicycle, scooter, board, skates, and helmet for damage before using them again. Replace damaged protective equipment.

  • For minor scrapes, wash hands, rinse the wound with clean running water, remove visible dirt if easily removed, cover it, and watch for infection. Seek care for deep, gaping, contaminated, bite-related, or puncture wounds.

Related Guides

  • Head Injuries and Concussion: When to Seek Care

  • First Aid for Common Injuries: When to Seek Care

  • Sports Injuries in Children: When to Seek Care

  • Car Seats, Booster Seats, and Seat Belts: A Family Safety Guide

Sources and Medical Review

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Biking https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Biking.aspx

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Bicycle Safety for Children: Myths and Facts https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/bicycle-safety-myths-and-facts.aspx

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Skateboarding and In-Line Skating Safety https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Skateboard-Safety.aspx

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Why Children Should Not Ride E-Scooters https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/E-Scooters.aspx

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Recreational Helmets https://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws--Standards/Voluntary-Standards/Topics/Recreational-Helmets