Picture this: your seven-year-old, beaming with joy, zipping around on their brand new hoverboard. It’s all fun and games, right? But hold up a sec! Are hoverboards safe for 7 year-olds? That’s the million-dollar question, and we’re here to help you answer it.
To understand safety, we first have to “grasp the gears.” A hoverboard, or self-balancing scooter, is a gadget that moves based on the rider’s weight shifting. For a 7-year-old, maneuvering such a device could be a tad challenging.
Risks and Concerns
We don’t mean to scare you, but safety ain’t no joke. With “physical risks” as our first pit stop, let’s be clear: falls and spills are part and parcel of the hoverboard learning curve.
And for kids, whose coordination and balance might still be developing, the risks could be higher. The next stop is “fire and battery safety.” Remember those stories about hoverboards catching fire?
Yeah, that was due to some models having subpar batteries. But don’t freak out just yet. Many manufacturers have since upped their game, conforming to safety standards like UL2272.
Types Of Hoverboards That You Should Buy For Your Kids
Hoverboards are zooming off the shelves like hotcakes, each with its own flavor: wheel size, battery life, travel range, speed, you name it. Some are like monster trucks, built for grownups and off-roading.
Kids, on the other hand, can’t handle these big boards due to their size, speed, and powerful features. On the flip side, there are hoverboards tailor-made for kids based on their size and weight.
Adults can’t hop on these because of their size, weight limits, speed, and other kiddie-focused features. So, buckle up, folks! We’re diving into the world of hoverboards that are a perfect fit for your little ones.
Small 6.5-inch wheel-size hoverboard
Hoverboards sporting 6.5-inch wheels are often dubbed the “bee’s knees” for the under-nine crowd. These pint-sized wheels give kids a confidence boost while riding. Plus, with an average weight of just about 10kg, even the little ones can maneuver them like pros.
What’s more? These hoverboards feature petite footboards, making it a breeze for children to hop on and off.
These hoverboards can reach speeds up to 12 km/h and handle anywhere from 20 to 100kg. All these features make this hoverboard a kid’s dream ride. But here’s the deal: lots of folks are cranking out hoverboards of this size, so you have to be the sheriff in town and make sure they’re certified and up to snuff on safety standards.
Don’t go chasing after cheaper hoverboards that didn’t make the grade or snag the UL2272 certification.
8-Inch Wheel Size Hoverboard
If your kid is nine or older, we recommend hoverboards with 8-inch wheels. These self-balancing hoverboards can crank up to 12–15 km/hr and take on a load anywhere between 20 and 100 kg. Plus, their medium-sized footboards are perfect for youngsters to hop on, enjoy the ride, and join in on all the fun!
Furthermore, they come with a powerful battery that juices up in two to three hours and can travel 20 km. Weighing in at a manageable 10 to 12 kg, these hoverboards hit the sweet spot for kiddie rides. All in all, these features make these hoverboards a top-notch choice for children.
9-Inch Wheel Size Hoverboard
Hoverboards with 9-inch wheels? Now we’re talking the big leagues— perfect for children over ten years old. These boards can zip up to 12–15 km/hr and make a trip of up to 20km on a single charge (though keep in mind that different surfaces might put a dent in that range).
Moreover, these nine-inch wheel-size hoverboards can be used for off-road activities, which means you or your kids can ride them on grass, dirt, gravel, uphill, etc. It can bear a weight of between 20 and 100kg. These features make 9-inch wheel-size hoverboards suitable for both adults and kids.
How To Choose A Safe Hoverboard for Kids
Looking to snag a hoverboard for your kiddo? But are you scratching your head over how to pick one with safety in mind? As a rule of thumb, the under-13 crowd should not ride hoverboards outside.
But if your 7-year-old is itching to hoverboard around the house, we’ve got your back. So, here’s the lowdown on what to keep an eye on when buying a safe hoverboard for your kid.
Wheel Size
First up on your hoverboard checklist: wheel size. Different sizes match different ages. It’s like trying to wrangle a bull if a kid takes on a hoverboard with wheels too big for them.
Kids and small-wheeled hoverboards? A match made in heaven; so, when you’re on the hunt for a hoverboard for your youngsters, wheel size should be your first pit stop. And the cherry on top: manufacturers have whipped up hoverboards tailored to different age groups. You might want to give those a look too.
Speed
Next up on your hoverboard shopping list: speed. Handing over a high-speed hoverboard to your kid is like tossing the bus driver the keys to a fighter jet.
A high-speed hoverboard can be a tough ride for your kid, and there’s a bigger risk of them taking a tumble. So, go for a slower hoverboard. That way, your 7-year-old can ride safely and soundly while they’re learning the ropes.
Travel Range
You don’t want to be tethered to the charger all day, right? So, make sure the hoverboard’s travel range is up to snuff for both kids and adults. Get a hoverboard with a good travel range for your kids. It’ll be smooth sailing for you and your little ones.
Certification
Last on the list but first in importance: safety certification. Old-school hoverboards had a reputation for no-nos like overheating, lousy battery life, and, yikes, catching fire, thanks to their crummy batteries.
But nowadays, hoverboards have to clear the safety hurdle. They’re put through the wringer with tests for things like battery overheating, charging, you name it. If they pass, they get their hands on a shiny UL2272 certificate—their badge of honor saying they’re safe to ride.
So, make sure the hoverboard you plan on buying has a UL2272 certificate. No certificate? That’s a big red flag—it’s a no-go for you or your kid. Without it, you’re playing with fire—literally. The thing could go kaboom or burst into flames.
Ensuring Safety While Using Hoverboards
Training and Supervision
Before your little one goes all “Back to the Future” on you, ensure they have proper training. Just like riding a bike, learning to ride a hoverboard takes time and patience.
Supervision? Non-negotiable. The kids might roll their eyes, but setting boundaries and watching them while they ride can prevent accidents.
Safety Gear for Hoverboard Users
You wouldn’t send a soldier into battle without armor, right? The same goes for hoverboarding. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads—these are your kid’s “safety soldiers.” Make sure the gear fits snugly and securely, because a helmet that’s too big ain’t going to do squat.
Pros and Cons of a 7 Year-Old Riding a Hoverboard
Aspect
Pros
Cons
Physical Development
Promotes balance and coordination
Risk of falls and injuries due to lack of full motor skills
Hoverboards with 6.5-inch wheels often hit the sweet spot for the under-nine crowd. They’re light, manageable, and built just right for the little ones. Just make sure it’s got that UL2272 certificate, okay?
With the right gear and a little supervision, even a 7-year-old can safely enjoy a hoverboard. Keep in mind, though, that safety gear like helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards are a must. Plus, sticking to indoor riding is your best bet for this age group.
Every kid’s different, but with a little patience and a lot of practice, most can get the hang of it in a few days. Remember, safety comes first; make sure they gear up before they start riding the board.
Generally, they can’t. Kids’ hoverboards are built smaller and aren’t meant to handle adult weights or sizes. Plus, it’d be like a clown car situation—not pretty.
Laws vary by location, so check your local regulations. Generally, though, kids under 13 should keep their hoverboarding indoors.
Conclusion
Whew! That was quite the ride, wasn’t it? When we asked, “Are hoverboards safe for 7 year-olds?” You probably didn’t think there would be so much to consider. The bottom line is that hoverboards can be safe with the right gear, proper training, and supervision.
So, if your kid’s heart is set on hoverboarding, gear up, set some ground rules, and let the good times roll!
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
