Scooter training
The aim of this training is to use scooters as a fun and active way to revise and reinforce basic pedestrian safety messages.
The key safety messages are equally relevant to younger children and to older children who walk or scoot independently to school.
Our quick training guide is for school teachers to use as part of the curriculum, at lunchtime or in after school clubs.
If schools also would also like to discuss this training with their pupils during assemblies, please contact travelchoices@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for our presentation slides.
Visit RoSPA's website to find out more about teaching children road safety.
Training guide
Ground rules
- we should only scoot when told to and always follow instructions
- we should always be aware – look around and always listen
- everyone to be kind and patient with each other
- always take care of your scooter
Surroundings
- where should we ride scooters? Never scoot on the road or down steep hills
- look out for holes and bumps – these can catch your wheels
- wear sensible clothes and footwear; always carry things in a rucksack
- how do we cross the road when we are walking?
- how should we push a scooter across the road? Always dismount to cross
- how should we carry a scooter?
- explain the importance of stopping, looking and listening; remember your ‘Stepping out safely’ training (to find out more, email roadsafety.education@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk)
Sharing the path
- explain about overtaking on the path – be aware of other users and be polite
- pedestrians have priority; push your scooter on crowded paths
- what should pupils do if there is no space to overtake? How can pupils let others know that they are close by and why is this important?
- always remember to check driveways – be aware of car users/ reversing cars
- what to do when there are cars parked on the pavement
Scooter check
- let’s makes sure your scooter is safe to ride; download RoSPA's L-Checklist (PDF)
- does everyone know how to unfold their scooter?
Let’s have a scoot around
- scoot with your right leg and then your left
- scoot to cones which are placed either end of the playground
- scooting is fun, but not too fast!
Stopping
- brakes
- feet – don’t use your toes
- jumping off – keep your scooter close
- let’s try each way; which is the fastest? Which gives you most control?
Remind pupils about braking and stopping in wet weather.
Cornering
- pupils should be taught to slow down when scooting around corners
- practice around cones
- incorporate small turns of the handlebar rather than one big twist
Swerve or slalom
- practice using our bodies to steer rather than the handlebar
Gliding
- mark up an area for pupils to glide through. Pupils should move off safely, get up to a reasonable speed, balance and then drift
Games
- stopping race: race together, glide and stop with front wheel on the line. Try to stop with the back wheel on the line
- mark out an area: scoot through the gaps
- slalom course: place cones around the playground
- follow the leader – keep your distance
- relay challenge: split into teams and use one scooter per team as a baton
- gliding: how far can you go? Can you reach the end of the playground?