Teaching kids Seniors e Scooter Safety 2025
How to Teach Kids and Seniors to Safely Use E-Scooters: A Fun Guide for Atlanta Families
by Saratan Farrar, Operations Manager at eStar Rides
Teaching your kids and grandparents to ride an e-scooter is like opening the door to a whole new world of mobility, fun, and freedom! With Atlanta’s buzzing neighborhoods, picturesque parks, and scenic trails, it’s the perfect city for e-scooter adventures. But safety is key—because nothing ruins fun faster than a scrape or stumble. Let’s dive into how you can help your loved ones master e-scooters while ensuring everyone stays safe and confident.
- Know the Rules of the Road
Before stepping on a scooter, familiarize yourself with Atlanta's e-scooter laws.
- Local Rules: E-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old and wear helmets. Stick to bike lanes or sidewalks (where permitted).
- Neighborhood-specific rules: For quieter rides, explore family-friendly streets in West End, Ormewood Park, or East Atlanta Village.
- Pro Tip: Share this Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Guide for tips on navigating city streets safely.
- Gear Up for Safety
Safety starts with the right gear.
- Helmets: Lightweight and comfortable helmets like Thousand Helmets provide protection without compromising style.
- Pads and Gloves: For beginners, add knee and elbow pads to minimize scrapes during falls. Gloves offer a better grip for seniors.
- Visibility Gear: Reflective vests and lights are essential for evening rides. Visit our accessories page to find these must-haves.
- Choose the Right E-Scooter
Not all scooters are beginner-friendly.
- For kids: Opt for lightweight, low-speed models like the Razor E100, which maxes out at 10 mph.
- For seniors: Choose stable scooters with a wide deck and adjustable speeds, such as the Segway Ninebot Max.
- eStar Rides Tip: Visit us to test out beginner-friendly e-scooters.
- Start in Safe Spaces
Controlled environments build confidence.
- Where to Practice:
- Kids: Parks like Piedmont Park or Perkerson Park offer open spaces for unstructured practice.
- Seniors: Flat trails like the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail or Chastain Park are ideal for a stress-free start.
- Pro Tip: Plan early morning outings to avoid crowds and give your riders more space to learn.
- Master the Basics
Teach the fundamentals before hitting the streets.
- Mounting and Balance: Show how to step on the deck with one foot while using the other for stability.
- Starting Off: Push off gently and press the throttle lightly.
- Stopping: Practice braking smoothly using hand brakes.
- Interactive Tip: Turn learning into a game by creating a mini obstacle course with cones in your driveway or a local park.
- Emphasize Balance and Stance
Posture is everything.
- Ideal Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and hands firmly gripping the handlebars.
- Balance Drills: Practice figure-eights or zig-zags on flat paths like the ones at Freedom Park Trail.
- Pro Tip: For seniors, consider scooters with a lower center of gravity for better stability.
- Teach Situational Awareness
Being alert prevents accidents.
- For Kids:
- Look both ways before crossing paths or roads.
- Avoid earbuds or loud music while riding.
- For Seniors:
- Use mirrors to keep an eye on surroundings.
- Stay cautious of bustling areas like Little Five Points during peak hours.
- Make It Social
Riding with others boosts confidence.
- Family Outings: Plan group rides along safe routes like the Westside Trail.
- Community Meetups: Join local e-scooter groups through platforms like Meetup Atlanta or events hosted by eStar Rides.
- Pro Tip: End your ride at a kid-friendly spot like Zoo Atlanta or a senior-favorite café like Paschal’s Restaurant in Castleberry Hill.
- Tackle Advanced Riding Gradually
Once the basics are mastered, introduce more challenges.
- Navigating Slopes: Practice gradual inclines at Grant Park before tackling steeper paths.
- Urban Streets: Test their skills in quieter neighborhoods like Cabbagetown before moving to busier areas.
- Celebrate Success
Make learning memorable!
- Milestone Rides: Take a “graduation ride” to celebrate their first solo trip, ending with a treat at The Spindle ATL or an ice cream spot like Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream.
- Photo Moments: Capture their progress and share the fun with the eStar Rides community on social media.
Final Thoughts
Teaching kids and seniors to ride e-scooters doesn’t have to be daunting—it’s an opportunity to bond, explore, and create lasting memories. With Atlanta’s scooter-friendly trails, vibrant neighborhoods, and supportive community, there’s no better city to take the first ride. So gear up, take it slow, and enjoy the ride!
Saratan Farrar
Certified Electrical Vehicle Technician
Operations Manager, eStar Rides LLC