The other day I was driving near a high school, and I saw something that really made me pause. A teen was riding one of those stand-up electric scooters, the kind that max out around 15-20 miles per hour. He was looking down at his phone while riding in the bike lane. Next to moving cars. At a busy time of day.
I’m not someone who panics easily, but that moment honestly shook me. One bump in the road, one quick move from a nearby car, one second of not paying attention and that kid could’ve been seriously hurt.
It made me realize something: we talk a lot about safe driving with our teens, but what about scooter safety?
These scooters are everywhere now. Teens ride them to school, to sports practice, to meet up with friends. They’re affordable, convenient, and fun, but they’re also fast, low to the ground, and much harder for drivers to see.
And if your teen is like most, they probably don’t think twice about glancing at their phone while riding.
Here’s what I wish more parents (and teens) understood about scooters:
Bike Lanes Are Not Risk-Free
When you use the bike lane, you are riding right next to cars which isn’t always safe, especially if the rider is distracted. Drivers are already trying to watch for bikes, pedestrians, and other cars. A teen on a scooter looking at their screen? That’s a scary combo.
Phones + Scooters = Nope
Looking at a phone while riding might seem harmless to a teen who’s done it while walking a hundred times. But scooters move fast and you don’t have seatbelts or airbags. One quick glance away from the road could be all it takes for something to go wrong.
Helmets Are Non-Negotiable
Legally required for under-18s, and honestly, just a smart idea for everyone. A fall on a scooter can lead to real injuries, especially head trauma. Remind your teen: It’s not about looking “uncool,” it’s about protecting that amazing brain of theirs.
Assume Drivers Don’t See You
Scooters are small, quiet, and easy to miss, especially when a driver’s turning or checking for traffic. Tell your teen to always ride like they’re invisible to cars. That mindset can save lives.
Bottom line?
I’m not against scooters at all, I think they’re a great way for teens to get around. But the moment I saw that kid riding with his eyes glued to his phone, I realized how little we talk about the real risks. It was a close call waiting to happen.
As parents, we can help. A quick conversation, a reminder before they leave the house, even a nudge to put the phone in a backpack instead of their hand, it all helps.
Let’s keep our kids safe, whether they’re behind the wheel or standing on two wheels.
Stay safe out there 💜
Here are some important requirements, these might vary by State:
Age Requirement
- Minimum age is 16 years old
Where Can They Ride?
- In bike lanes on roads with speed limits of ≤ 25 mph
- In the street (if no bike lane) — but only on streets ≤ 25 mph
- Not on sidewalks, unless entering/exiting a property or avoiding a hazard
- Not in crosswalks while riding — they must dismount and walk
- Can ride on shared-use paths if allowed by the city
Helmet Requirements
- Required for all riders under 18
- Not legally required for riders 18 and older, but strongly recommended
- Helmets must meet DOT or CPSC safety standards
Can Two People Ride Together?
- No. Only one person per scooter.
Scooters are designed and legally approved for solo riders only.
