Electric scooter safety for kids: What parents need to know before they take to the road

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, have become increasingly popular ways for children, teens and even adults to get around. They’re fast, fun and convenient, but they also come with real risks. As these devices grow in popularity, emergency rooms are seeing a rise in injuries, particularly among young riders. For parents, understanding electric scooter safety is key to helping children stay safe while enjoying the ride.

Tracking e-scooter injuries among children

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that injuries involving micromobility devices, like e-scooters and e-bikes, have risen sharply, with over 360,000 ER visits from 2021 to 2023. Children and teens under the age of 15 accounted for a significant portion of these injuries, with the report showing that nearly 36% of all e-scooter and e-bike injuries during that period occurred in children under 14.

In cities across Texas, trauma centers continue to see severe cases involving kids.

“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in emergency room visits from children injured while riding electric scooters,” said Krista Easley, MSN, RN, TCRN, trauma injury prevention and outreach coordinator at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center. “Many of these injuries happen because kids are riding without helmets or on streets that aren’t designed for this kind of traffic. E-scooters are fast, and without proper safety gear or experience, even a small misstep can lead to a serious injury.”

While some of these injuries are minor, many are not. Children are arriving in hospitals with broken bones, concussions, internal injuries and other traumas requiring surgery or ICU care. The good news is, many of these accidents are preventable with the right safety steps and a little more awareness.

Understanding Texas laws on electric scooters

In Texas, you do not need a driver’s license to operate an electric scooter, making them accessible to a broad range of people. Age restrictions do apply in some municipalities; for instance, many cities require riders to be at least 16 years old, though this minimum age can vary depending on local ordinances.

“Being safe on an e-scooter is more than wearing a helmet and following the rules of the road,” Krista said. “There are plenty of things you can teach your child to keep them safe on any scooter.”

Electric scooters are generally legal to use on most public roads throughout Texas, but there are important regulations to keep in mind:

• In Texas, a driver’s license isn’t required to operate an electric scooter. However, some cities have set minimum age requirements for riders, often 16 years old or older. These rules can differ from one area to another, so it’s important to check with your local city or municipality before letting a child or teen ride.
• Riders are allowed to operate e-scooters on streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or lower.
• It’s essential to always yield to pedestrians and obey traffic signals and signs, just as you would when driving a bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle.
• Some cities may have their own specific rules, so it’s wise to familiarize yourself with local regulations before heading out.
• In some areas, riding scooters on sidewalks or on roads with higher speed limits is prohibited. Additionally, certain roadways only permit registered motor vehicles or bicycles, so making sure your scooter complies with these local restrictions is crucial for safe and legal riding.

Helmet rules for riders under 18 can also vary widely depending on the city or region. Even in areas where helmets aren’t required, parents should encourage their children to wear one every time they get on an e-scooter.

“Because local rules can change, it’s important to stay informed about the latest regulations in your area before riding an e-scooter,” Krista said.

While Texas does not have a statewide helmet law for riders over 18, Krista emphasizes that helmet use is strongly recommended at any age.

“Regardless of whether it’s legally required, wearing a helmet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injury,” she said.

Keep your kids safe: 4 safety guidelines for e-scooters

When it comes to preventing serious injuries, protective gear and rules of the road are only part of the picture. Krista offers practical advice that every parent should share with their child, and even follow themselves, before hitting the road to prevent injuries at any age.

1. Wear appropriate clothing

Closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and long pants can prevent most of the nasty scrapes and road rash that often accompany a fall. If your child is riding in the evening or early morning, make sure they wear bright or reflective clothing. Many injuries happen when visibility is low.

2. Protective gear is a must

Helmets should always be worn to protect your head. But don’t forget about elbow and knee pads to help prevent broken bones in case of a fall.

3. Check your equipment before you ride

Get in the habit of checking your equipment before riding. Simple things like making sure the brakes work and the tires are properly inflated can go a long way in preventing equipment failure-related accidents.

4. Think before you ride

Ensure you have chosen a safe area for you or your children to ride and remind them to ride defensively. Make sure your children understand that if they see a car, that does not mean that a car can see them.

E-scooter safety starts at home

Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to injury prevention. Talk with your child about where and when it’s safe to ride. Set limits on where they can use their e-scooter or e-bike, like parks, sidewalks (where permitted) or quiet neighborhood streets, and avoid high traffic areas. If your child is underage, make sure they understand the law and the risks. 

Even if your community doesn’t actively enforce helmet laws, it’s a good idea to treat helmets as non-negotiable. Most severe injuries involve the head and face, and a helmet can be the difference between a scary accident and a life-threatening one.

Also, model safe behavior. If you ride an e-scooter yourself, make sure your kids see you wearing a helmet and following traffic rules. Children are more likely to adopt safety habits when they see adults doing the same. 

Helping kids ride safely, today and for the long term

Electric scooters can be a fun and practical way for kids to get around but they also come with serious risks, especially when safety guidelines aren’t followed. With rising injury numbers in Texas and across the US, this is the ideal time for families to take safety seriously. 

Start with consistent helmet use, reinforce safe riding zones and make sure your child understands both the rules of the road and the limits of their e-scooter. Encourage regular equipment checks and stay involved regarding when and where they ride.

By combining protective gear, supervision and safety education, you can help your child enjoy their e-scooter without ending up in the emergency room.

“Safety first, because accidents last,” Krista said.

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