How to Choose an Electric Scooter for Kids: Complete Safety Guide + Hiboy ES1 Case Study

Choosing a scooter for your child should never be just about the coolest colors or the cheapest price tag. For young riders, safety is everything. A well-designed kids’ scooter allows children to explore, play, and build confidence, all while minimizing the risk of preventable injuries.

This guide covers the key safety information you need when choosing an electric scooter for kids. It breaks down the most important safety criteria, age-appropriate options, real product examples (using the Hiboy ES1 as a neutral case study), and essential tips for parents.

Hiboy ES1 Electric Scooter for Kids

Why Safety Matters for Kids’ Electric Scooters?

Children are still developing balance, coordination, and risk awareness. Because of this, scooters with poor materials, weak structure, or unsafe designs can easily lead to:

  • Increased risk of falls and collisions

  • Parts bending, cracking, or detaching

  • Pinched fingers and sharp-edge cuts

  • Long-term exposure to unsafe materials

The kids’ scooter market varies widely in quality. Some products meet strict global safety standards; others cut corners with substandard components.

A safe, properly tested scooter isn’t just more durable—it dramatically reduces the chance of injury. When safety comes first, kids get to enjoy outdoor fun with greater confidence and peace of mind.

8 Safety Factors When Buying an Electric Scooter for Kids

When selecting the right scooter for your kids, keep a few key safety considerations in mind. The table below provides an overview of eight essential safety factors to guide your decision.

Safety Factor

What Parents Should Look For

Why It Matters

1. Stability

Wide wheelbase, low center of gravity, sturdy frame

Better balance, fewer falls


2. Braking System

Rear foot brake for young kids; dual brake for older kids

Reliable stopping to avoid collisions

3. Frame Material Strength

Strong metals/plastics, durable joints, passed strength tests

Prevents bending, cracking, and structural failure

4. Wheel Material

PU wheels, good grip, LED optional

Smooth ride, better traction, night visibility

5. Anti-Slip Design

Silicone/TPR grips, wide textured deck

Helps children stay stable while riding

6. Height Adjustability

Ideal handlebar height allows your child’s arms to hang naturally with a slight bend at the elbows

Helps kids stay upright or lean slightly forward while riding, maintaining balance and reducing the risk of falls

7. Folding Safety

Anti-pinch fittings, secure locking system

Prevents finger injuries, avoids sudden collapse

8. Safety Certifications

EN71, ASTM F963-23, CPC, Prop 65, RoHS/REACH

Ensures material & structural safety

Age-Based Recommendations

Children develop coordination and balance at different rates, so their scooter needs vary by age. When choosing a scooter, parents should consider not just the child’s age but also their individual skill level and ability. 

Age Group

Recommended Scooter Type

Key Design Priorities

2–4 years

Three-wheel

Maximum stability, low deck, soft grips, simple rear foot brake

4–7 years

Two- or three-wheel

Reliable braking, strong deck, good wheel grip

7–12 years

Two-wheel

Strong frame, responsive brakes, adjustable handlebars

Case Study: Hiboy ES1 Electric Scooter for Kids

To help parents understand what truly matters when evaluating safety in a kids’ electric scooter, let’s look at the Hiboy ES1 as a neutral, real-world example. The goal here isn’t to promote one specific product, but to highlight the safety features every parent should look for, no matter which brand they choose.

Hiboy ES1 Electric Scooter for Kids

1) Durable Main Frame (Iron Structure)

A sturdy frame is the cornerstone of a safe scooter. Here’s what makes the Hiboy ES1’s frame stand out:

  • Built for stability and long-term use, especially for growing kids

  • Withstands everyday bumps, scrapes, and minor collisions

  • Passed durability and salt-spray corrosion testing, proving resistance to humidity and outdoor environmental exposure

  • Suitable for both indoor practice and outdoor adventures, giving kids a dependable ride in various settings

A frame like this ensures the scooter stays safe even after months or years of energetic play.

2) Silicone Deck & Silicone Hand Grips

Kids rely heavily on grip and traction, so materials matter. Here’s a closer look at the Hiboy ES1’s deck and hand grips:

  • Multi-texture silicone deck improves anti-slip performance, helping prevent falls

  • Soft, comfortable silicone grips are sized for children’s smaller hands and hold up well to wear

  • All materials meet California Prop 65 material-safety standards, meaning they’re tested for harmful substances

For parents, this means peace of mind—your child is holding and standing on materials that prioritize both comfort and safety.

3) Anti-Pinch Folding Structure

Folding scooters are convenient, but they can also pose risks if poorly designed.

  • The ES-1’s folding joint is engineered to reduce finger-pinching gaps

  • Rounded edges on buttons, hinges, and joints add extra protection

  • Gap sizes comply with ASTM F963-23, the U.S. toy-safety standard that protects children’s fingers during use

  • Reduces the risk of injuries when folding, storing, or carrying the scooter

This type of thoughtful engineering is key for younger riders who may use the folding mechanism themselves.

Hiboy ES1 Electric Scooter for Kids

4) Safety Certifications You Should Expect

A trustworthy kids’ scooter should always come with recognized safety certifications. Hiboy ES1 meets the major U.S. requirements:

  • CPC (Children’s Product Certificate)

  • California Proposition 65

  • RoHS / REACH compliance for chemical and environmental safety

These certifications show that the product has undergone rigorous testing, not just for mechanical safety but also for material health, toxicity, and environmental compliance.

More importantly, they set a baseline standard for what parents should demand when purchasing any electric scooter for kids.

6 Safety Tips for Parents

When evaluating safety features for kids’ scooters, keep these practical tips in mind:

  • Always use protective gear: Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are essential—no exceptions.

  • Inspect the scooter before every ride: Make a quick check of wheels, screws & connections, and brake responsiveness.

  • Avoid slippery or wet surfaces: Water, sand, and fallen leaves can reduce traction and increase the risk of falls.

  • Stay away from traffic: Kids should ride only in safe, open areas far from cars and crowded streets.

  • Replace worn-out parts promptly: Worn wheels, loose brakes, or damaged components can seriously compromise safety.

  • Teach proper braking and emergency-stop techniques: Let children practice in a controlled area until they can stop smoothly and confidently.

Here’s a quick Safety Checklist to save you time:

Checkpoint

Yes/No

Notes

Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads worn?


Wheels spin smoothly?


No loose screws or joints?


Brake responds quickly?


Deck and grips clean & dry?


Riding area safe (no traffic/water)?


Final Thoughts

What really defines a safe electric scooter for kids is a stable and durable frame, a reliable braking system, high-quality materials, an anti-pinch folding design, verified safety certifications, and an age-appropriate design.

By keeping these essential criteria in mind, parents can confidently select a scooter that supports their child’s growth while ensuring every ride is safe, fun, and worry-free.

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