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healthychildren.org: Skateboarding and In-Line Skating Safety
Skateboard, Scooter, & Skating Safety
Skateboarding, roller skating, and riding scooters can be a fun way to enjoy being outdoors. To help prevent injury, remember to wear the right helmet and protective gear.
Skateboards - boards with two pairs of wheels. There are several types of skateboards, including longboards, standard boards, and cruisers.
Caster Boards - two connected boards with one wheel attached to each. The board moves by shifting weight from one board to the other.
In-Line Skates - roller skates with four wheels set in a line, often with a brake on the heel.
Scooters - a board with a one or two wheels at the front and one at the back connected to a handle to help the rider steer.
Young children, up to 10, should have close adult supervision when riding skateboards, scooters, or skates. Skateboarding is not advised for children younger than 5 years old.
Indiana does not have an age limit for electric scooters or skateboards, but many states set limits at 12-16+ years of age. Electric scooters and skateboards are not advised for young children.
Check all skates, skateboards, and scooters before riding for loose, broken, or cracked parts. If you find any problems, fix them first to help keep your ride safe. All nuts, bolts, wheels, and handlebars should be tightly secured before use.
Don't forget to ensure your skates fit properly and that the wheels are free from dirt and debris.
Proper Helmet Fit
• Place the helmet on the rider's head. It should be level to the ground.
• There should be no more than 2 fingers width between the eyebrows and the rim of the helmet.
• The straps should form a "V" shape around the ears.
• One finger should fit between the chin and the chin strap.
• The helmet should not move when the person shakes their head up and down or side to side.
• Re-adjust and tighten the helmet before every ride.
Wear elbow, knee, and wrist pads to help prevent injuries. All safety gear should fit properly and should not interfere with movement.
Always wear proper shoes - do not go barefoot or wear sandals. Wear brightly colored, light, or reflective clothing.
Learning to fall properly can help prevent injury. Practice falling on soft surfaces or grass. If you lose control, crouch down and try to land on fleshy parts of the body rather than catching yourself with your arms. Try to relax your muscles and roll as you fall.
Avoid riding on gravel, sand, dirt, or uneven surfaces. Always watch for water, oil, potholes, rocks, and cracks in the road or on sidewalks. Go slowly or stop and walk if you encounter any of the above conditions.
Do not allow more than one person on a skateboard or scooter at a time. Never hold onto the side or back of a moving vehicle when on a skateboard, skates, or scooter. You could be thrown into oncoming traffic or fall if the vehicle stops, turns, or slows down.
Avoid riding skateboards, scooters, or skates in the street or on busy sidewalks. Do not use homemade ramps. Follow all rules of the road to help prevent injury to yourself or others.
Do you have questions about safety with skateboards, skates, or scooters?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.