The Great Hoverboard Debate: What Age is Appropriate?
As a parent, you want what's best for your kid.
You want them to be safe, but you also want them to have fun.
So, when it comes to hoverboards, what's the right call?
At what age should your kid be allowed to start zipping around on one of these self-balancing scooters?
The answer, as with so many things in parenting, is that it depends.
There are a few factors you'll need to take into account before making your decision.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Your child's maturity level: Is your child responsible and able to follow rules?
If they're not the type to follow rules, then a hoverboard might not be the best idea.
Hoverboards can go up to 10 miles per hour, and if your child can't follow the rules and stay safe, they could get hurt.
On the other hand, if your child is responsible and able to follow the rules, then a hoverboard might be a great option.
Just make sure you set some ground rules before they start riding.
Some things you might want to consider are where they can ride (inside only? Outside only?), how fast they can go, and whether or not they need to wear protective gear.
Your child's coordination and balance: Believe it or not, hoverboards can be pretty challenging to ride.
It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it.
So if your child is younger or doesn't have great coordination, a hoverboard might not be the best choice.
If they're older and have good coordination and balance, then they should be fine.
Just make sure they practice in a safe area before taking it out in public.
Your child's safety: This one is pretty obvious, but it bears repeating—safety should always be your number one priority when deciding whether or not your child can ride a hoverboard.
Please make sure they always wear protective gear (helmets, knee pads, elbow pads), and never let them ride without supervision.
Once you're confident they know how to ride safely, then you can relax and enjoy watching them zip around on their new toy.
There's no easy answer when it comes to deciding at what age your kid should start riding a hoverboard.
It depends on factors like maturity level, coordination and balance, and most importantly—safety.
Ultimately, you know your child best, so use your best judgment and err on the side of caution.
With some proper supervision and safety precautions in place, your child can have hours of fun zooming around on their new hoverboard.