Walking a bike or scooter is a wonderful and interesting activity for a child. This is not only entertainment, but also sports. To ride safely, there are a number of things to consider. Correctly chosen equipment will protect the child from injury.
Clothes and footwear
Clothing should fit snugly, but not impede movement. Best of all, it should be made of "breathable" fabrics or mesh material and without unnecessary decorative elements.
Shoes should be sized and fit comfortably on your foot. The outsole is preferable with a flat sole made of quality material. High footwear is not recommended to maintain good ankle mobility.
Helmet
This is the main element of protection for the little athlete. There are three types:
1. Closed model with a front bow. Protects both head and face. But it is rarely found on sale and is very expensive. If the child is not involved in extreme sports, then it is better to choose a simpler option.
2. This option is made using the following technology: on top of the foam material - a film. The main disadvantage of such helmets is fragility.
3. More reliable helmets covered with plastic on top. They weigh more and are less breathable.
As with clothes, it is important to try on any model. The helmet should not dangle or crush, and its front edge should fall below the eyebrows. There should be no protruding parts inside it, it should slide freely. There are helmets with volume adjustment. Discard the helmet if it is damaged or deformed. Slight abrasions are acceptable, but if there are a lot of them, it is better to change them. Don't buy a used helmet. Externally, the damage may not be visible. It is better to choose a model of bright colors. So the child will be clearly visible to drivers and pedestrians.
Knee and elbow pads
These elements are especially important during training. The protection should firmly fix the joints. Velcro should not pinch, but still hold tight. Check the seams and lining. It should be soft. The knees are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body when falling. Knee pads can be velcro or worn like a sock. There are hard and soft. Rigid ones are more durable, but significantly restrain movement. Do not take protection for growth and renew it every two to three years.
Wrist protection
Falls most often injure the wrists. There are two types of equipment. In the first case, a plastic bowl covers the palm, and in the second, a plate is applied, which is fixed with puffs. The second option holds up better, but can dig into the skin. In any case, the protection should be good for air permeability and moisture removal. This will help prevent blisters and chafing.
For cycling, you can purchase adjustable cycling gloves. They are long (the hand is completely closed) and short (the fingertips are open).
