How to Scooter for Kids Tricks and Tips to Become a Pro

Scootering has become an increasingly popular activity for kids of all ages, providing a fun way to stay active, develop balance, and express creativity. If your child is interested in learning how to scooter and perform tricks, this article is packed with useful tips and guidance to help them become a skilled rider.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into tricks, it’s essential for kids to be comfortable with the basics of scootering. Ensure that they wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Choosing the right scooter is also crucial; lightweight scooters with a sturdy frame are often easier to handle for beginners.

Mastering Essential Skills

1. Balance Start with simple rides around a flat, open area. Encourage your child to practice standing on the scooter with both feet, shifting their weight to maintain balance.

2. Pushing Off Teach them to push off with one foot while the other foot remains on the scooter. This movement helps build speed and confidence.

3. Braking Demonstrate how to use the foot brake located at the rear of the scooter. Make sure they practice stopping smoothly to avoid falls.

4. Turning Show them how to lean into turns, which helps maintain balance while navigating corners.

Once your child has mastered basic riding, they can start learning tricks! Here are some beginner-friendly tricks to try

1. The Bunny Hop This is a fundamental trick where the rider lifts both wheels off the ground simultaneously. To perform this trick - Start by rolling forward slowly. - Bend your knees and crouch down. - Use your legs to spring upwards while pulling the handlebars up with your hands. - Make sure to land with both wheels at the same time.

2. The Kick Turn This trick involves turning the scooter by lifting the front wheel and pivoting. Kids can learn to do this by - Riding at a slow pace. - Shifting their weight to the back of the scooter. - Pulling the front up slightly and turning the handlebars to the desired direction.

3. The Manual A manual is riding the scooter on the back wheel without falling over. To practice this skill - Start with the bunny hop to gain some height. - Once the back wheel is off the ground, balance using the handlebars. - Keep practicing to improve duration and control.

Practicing Safety

As your child practices tricks, remind them of the importance of safety. Create a designated practice area away from traffic and crowded spaces. Encourage them to spot their landing areas and to be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents.

Advanced Tricks

Once they are comfortable with the basic tricks, they may want to progress to more advanced maneuvers, such as

1. 180 Spin This trick involves rotating the scooter and body 180 degrees while in the air. 2. Barspin This requires spinning the handlebars while airborne. 3. Tailwhip In this trick, the rider kicks the deck of the scooter while the body remains in the air, allowing the deck to whip around.

It’s important for kids to learn these tricks progressively, ensuring they have mastered the necessary techniques before attempting more advanced skills.

Staying Motivated

Encourage your child to watch videos online or look for local scootering clubs for inspiration. Learning from others can boost their motivation and help them refine their techniques. Celebrating their successes, no matter how small, also contributes to their confidence and enjoyment.

Conclusion

Scootering is a fantastic activity for kids that promotes physical fitness and teaches valuable coordination skills. By focusing on safety and gradually progressing through tricks, your child can develop their scootering skills in a fun and effective way. With practice, they can become proficient riders, mastering both basic moves and exciting tricks. Happy scootering!