Skateboards and scooters

[snowball22]

My dd age 10 wants a skateboard for Christmas and my ds age 8 wants a scooter. Are they safe or dangerous? I don't want to buy these things and have them injured. Alot of the kids in the neighborhood have them and my kids are feeling left out. No one in the neighborhood has had a major accident yet. I am torn on what to do. Has anyones kids been injured on a scooter or skateboard or does everyone feel that they are pretty safe? Thanks.

 

[Blondie]

No injuries (involving medical treatment) from my boys riding their scooters or skateboards.

Now their bikes are another story, the have fallen off and been hurt -- skinned knees--but nothing broken.

Have them wear helmets, elbow and knee pads if you are concerned about them getting hurt.

But kids will be kids and accidents will happen!

 

[AMClvsMKY]

Both my boys (aged 9 & 13 ) have scooters. My 9 year old is an accident waiting to happen and he only has had minor accidents, scrapes and bruises, so far. He got his last Christmas so almost a year now. My 13 year old also has a skateboard and he has been fine with it.

 

[MerryPoppins]

My kids love their scooters. So far no accidents, knock on wood.

 

[FunkyRooster]

The skateboard is safe although when learning it can be kinda bumpy. A helmet, wristbands, knee pads and some good flat rubber soled kicks are needed (all the "cool" skaters wear em). It takes practice but so much fun!

 

[Jeff in BigD]

Yeah, I broke my arm riding my skateboard, but it was because I was stupid. I flew down the ramp to an underground parking lot. Halfway down I realized there was a storm grate...the holes where about the size of my wheels. I knew there were 2 options, both were bad - 1) bail & hope for the best, 2) stick it out & let my Tony Hawk skateboard essentially become a catapult which means that my skin would have been street pizza.

I went with #1 & a concrete planter was my brake system. My arm was broken because I was stupid. My folks were pretty hacked off, but I've had a couple ER trips since then. LOL.


Anyway, as long as he knows the ground before he tries to skate it & doesn't try to do a 50-50 grind off of a rail or curb he should be ok.

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

DS (9) got a scooter this summer and loves it. Had a few bumps and scrapes, but fewer than from his bike and roller blades. He always wears a helmet...whichever he's riding on.