Month: November 2017

There are several factors every person buying electric scooters for kids needs to take into account when making a purchase. Although different models currently available on the market share some similarities, each of them comes with a set of unique features. These parameters determine what kind of person the scooter is suitable for and can drastically influence the riding experience. Below we explain how should you understand all these parameters in order to choose the right model matching yours and your child’s needs.

Many kids today are opting for electric scooters over bicycles and skateboards, it is understandable considering how much fun you can have on an electric scooter for kids and given the fact that they are so cool and the closest thing to driving your own car. But how much do you know about these electric scooters? Here are a few facts that you did not know about them.

1. The first electric scooter was actually used as a wheelchair

The electric scooter was invented by Gino Tsai, a Taiwanese president of a large corporation who was having difficulty walking around his corporation. This was as early as 1983 when the concept was created and then they started working towards creating the real deal which was perfected in 1988. The electric scooter was actually meant to be used inside the building and was originally designed for an adult but because of the amount of fun that could be had on it, they created the electric scooters for kids.

2. Modern electric scooters are able to create their own power every time you brake

The makers of these scooters noted that a lot of energy is lost when braking and yet electric scooters need the energy to run. Therefore in order to save you from having to recharge the battery more often, a special device was fitted that can transform kinetic energy into power that can be used by the electric scooter. Hence every time the rider applies the brakes for the scooter, they are actually storing power or creating more power for the battery.

3. Electric scooters for kids should not go faster than 15km/hr

Currently the fastest electric scooter for kids is able to reach a top speed of 15km/hr and it is not advisable for children below 9 years to ride at such speeds. Therefore, if you are thinking about buying an electric scooter for your kids, you should do your research first and read more about which models are appropriate for kids at different ages. Nonetheless electric scooters are able to travel even faster than 15km/h, especially those for adults. The fastest one is able to reach a top speed of 40km/hr and it has a seat to make it more comfortable. Faster electric scooters cost over $1000 dollars because of the technology needed to make them that fast and yet safe.

4. Electric scooters are so cool that even celebrities own them

Some of the celebrities who are known to own electric scooters include Justin Beiber, Jaden Smith, Chris Brown and even Mike Tyson. Chris Brown has ever tried to create dance moves on an electric scooter. Now there is a reason to get your own electric scooter for kids.

5. Electric scooters for kids can actually be adjusted

So that adults can use them as long as they are not too heavy. The difference between those for kids and those for adults is mainly the foot space otherwise most scooters for kids are made strong enough to carry the normal weight of an adult.

Scooters have been around since the 1950s. There have been advancements in their designs and specs in order to make them lightweight and popular. There is even electric scooter for kids.

On a sad note, they have also become the cause of fatal accidents. They are behind the increase in injuries and accidents. Those affected most are boys below the age of 15. Most injuries include fractures, cuts, strains, bruises and sprains.

The hand is the most affected body part, followed by the head, leg and foot. There have even been deaths from scooter accidents.

How then do you protect your child?

1. Use a Helmet

A helmet is very important when it comes to safety. It prevents head injuries and could save from serious harm during a fall. The law in most states also demands the use of a helmet while riding a scooter.

It is a good practice to make your child wear one. There is a range of children helmets. Some even have bright colors and fun designs to appeal to the kids. You can therefore find a right fit for your child.

2. Use protective gear for hands, knees and elbows

As obvious as this safety requirement sounds, do not ignore it. The hands, knees and elbows are among the first parts to touch the ground when the child falls. You can find easy slip-ons for these parts in the shops.

The child can keep these in a backpack, locker or desk when not using them. Other parts also have protective gear but it is not as critical.

3. Dress them in appropriate shoes

Shoes serve additional functionality besides being a fashion accessory. They shield the feet from stray wheels and other random danger on the ground. The feet are at risk of being poked, cut or tickled.

The best shoes while riding a scooter are closed shoes that have a thick sole. They should also protect the ankle. If you are one of those parents allowing kids to ride scooter in sandals, flip-flops and flimsy sandals, it is about time you reconsider this.

4. Consider the weight and height of the child

The weight and height of the child also counts while considering the safety of the ride. Scooters are different and suit different heights and weights. It has to be able to handle the mass and height of your kid safely.

The right scooter is safer than a disproportional one. The manufacturers provide the safety recommendations based on the child’s age. They consider an average height and weight for the given age. However, not all kids fall within the said range.

5. Train the kids properly

Your kids will be safer riding that scooter when they are confident about using it. They should be able to stop suddenly. They need to handle high traffic areas such as make quick stops, make fast turns, and avoid hitting the elderly.

They can start slow on the practice while focusing on areas that are easy to ride before extending other areas of operation. They should practice on the paved parking or driveway first. In addition, they should master how to interact with other road users.

The safety measures that apply to scooters also apply to bicycling and in-line skating. Many injuries can be prevented or lessened by following the safety guidelines above. Helmets shield from about 85 percent of the likely injuries to the head. Elbow pads prevent about 80 percent injuries while knee pads prevent about 30 percent.

On December 20, 2016, UL Standards Development Organization (hereinafter referred to as “UL”) issued three new standards on balance scooter, unmanned aerial vehicles and electric bicycles, the three new standards separately for balancing scooter safety certification, unmanned aerial vehicles electrical system safety, pedal or non pedal type electric bicycle battery management, etc., to further enhance the safety performance of above three products.

For the safety certification of balancing scooter, UL released the second edition of UL 2272 standard which updated on the original UL2272 basis. UL 2272 standard published in early 2016, is a safety testing standard for balanced scooter. The standard was approved in November,2016 by the Canadian National Standards Committee (SCC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as the national standards for the United States and Canada. It is understood that the second edition of the UL 2272 standard certification has been extended to all electric balance scooter and other personal mobile electric vehicles.

At the same time, UL launched the UL3030 standard for commercial unmanned aerial vehicles. The standard of the unmanned aerial vehicle electrical system make relevant requirements to ensure the security of unmanned aerial vehicles in aerial photography, plant protection survey and other applications,to help the promotion and application of unmanned aerial vehicles in the subdivision industry.

For pedal type and non pedal type electric bicycle battery management, UL updated and released the second edition of UL2849 standard, designed to eliminate the potential risk of electric shock during charging.

The most popular selling products in 2016 – hoverboard, also known as self balancing scooter, smart balance wheel etc. Its operation mainly based the theory known as the “dynamic stability” . With the built in gyroscope to determine the body posture, through CPU to calculate the appropriate instructions and drive motor to achieve the balance effect.

In 2002, the balance scooter originator Segway mass produced the first balance scooter in United States, and gradually began to expand its application in the Business side, such as government, police stations, exhibitions and so on. With the opportunity to be displayed on the 2008 Bejing Olympic Games, the balance scooter was gradually entering the Chinese consumer’s vision. With nearly two or three years,some large Chinese manufacturer start production of hoverboards, some designers re-positioning the self balance scooter, hoverboard gradually hot In china and all over the world, 2015-2016 hoverboard market has been relatively rapid growth. The ratio of male consumers to female consumers is about 2: 1. Hoverboard players mainly are males.

Strict sense, hoverboard as a consumer product, the main purpose and use is as short distance travelling. Compared to walking, the obvious advantage is faster and more effort, compared to other public transport tool or car, its advantages are concentrated in flexible , convenient to prevent traffic jams and environmental protection. So hoverboard’s “competitors” is the other means of transport vehicle, such as bicycles, electric bicycles, electric kick scooters and so on. And these needs, given the following requirements to hoverboard:

1.portability: This is the important feature different from bike, that it can carry up and down on public transport, such as subway, can also be easily carried into the residential and office buildings.
2.handling: handling performance should better, can do flexible steering while riding, braking and other control.
3.road adaptability: should adapt to a variety of complex roads, including drive road, sidewalks, bumpy road. And can also successfully pass through the slowdown.
4.practical: driving mileage meet the daily riding needs,driving speed meet the travel demand . Easy to learn and get started, learning time shorter than bike and electric kick scooter.

So from above points, we compare several main hoverboard brand in the market: Segway, Xiaomi, Swagtron, Freego, Freeman, Scooterbest; they have one wheel balance scooter,two wheels knee controlled hoverboard,two wheels handle control hoverboard,we think that the application scope of each hoverboard is different.

One wheel balance scooter is relatively difficult to get started, and don’t suitable for long distance travel by new rider. It is suitable for professional players, or the one pursuit of sports tricks.

Two wheel knee controlled hoverboard is a suitable choice either from the price or from the weight point . Although it is only two wheels, but its weight is not much heavier than one wheel balance scooter, portability is still good. While the price is only about 200$-300$, most consumer can accept this price. Two wheels knee control hoverboard can meet the needs of daily travel and with certain interest.

Two wheeled handle control hoverboard is the most safe choice among the three styles. The driver can feel the handle, riding security sense and control can be improved. But the price is much more expensive and not close to all people. But if consumer has a strong demand for travel, and the road is relatively bumpy, such as downhill, uneven road, etc., you can consider two wheels hand control hoverboard.

Currently hoverboard is more interesting than the practicability. Suitable for operate in the open outdoor, the adaptability for complex city road and traffic conditions need to be improved.At the same time if the hoverboard need to get up and down the subway or other public transport,there may be a little inconvenience.

However, hoverboard are now accepted by more and more consumers accept, with the relevant laws and regulations for hoverboard issued,hoverboard may became the mainstream of short distance transportation vehicle combined with safety and interests.