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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Electric scooter

50 replies

Holyjinglebells · 16/08/2021 09:42

I was considering getting my 6 yr old an electric scooter at Christmas, but it seems many people have a bit of a downer towards them. I'm aware they aren't legal in public areas, but lots of people use them in my local park and surrounding area without being subjected to any fines. I was just wondering what your opinion is.
Get on - yanbu
Don't do it - yabu

OP posts:
Original poster
Holyjinglebells · 16/08/2021 09:42

One, not on

OP posts:
Parky04 · 16/08/2021 09:46

6 years old is far too young for an electric scooter. I'm surprised you are even considering it!

Spidey66 · 16/08/2021 09:47

Too young. Get a normal one.

Paulinna · 16/08/2021 09:48

They’re dangerous and have killed both riders and pedestrians. If I saw one in my local park I’d report to police. They’re not legal to use in public, only on private property. So you wouldn’t be allowed to ride one in the park anyway.

Sixgeese · 16/08/2021 09:51

Don't do it, it's dangerous and against the law.

You will be teaching your child that not all rules apply to them.

LadyCatStark · 16/08/2021 09:51

I’ve seen loads of them and they never seem to get a fine, people go to work on them in our nearest city. But I’ve also been hit by an older teen/ young adult on one as she wasn’t in control. A 6 year old is far too young, they go really fast!

parietal · 16/08/2021 09:52

they are only legal if you are one the road and if you have insurance and you have a driving licence. they are not a toy for a 6 yr old

get the kid a regular scooter

PickleAF · 16/08/2021 09:54

You know it's illegal but because others (presumably older) are doing it and not getting fined you're just going to do it too? Confused

That aside - I've used them in European cities where they are legal, they're really speedy and it's easy to lose control! Definitely not appropriate for a 6 year old

2reefsin30knots · 16/08/2021 09:54

I agree with PP that an electric scooter is not appropriate. The kids that play on my drive have a go-kart adaptation for a hoverboard. That looks like fun.

Kithic · 16/08/2021 09:55

wow - no, not for a 6 year old!!

jimmyhill · 16/08/2021 09:58

They are rightly illegal for everyone. Getting one for a six year old would be incompetent, neglectful "parenting".

MistySkiesAfterRain · 16/08/2021 09:59

I saw some 14/15 year olds lads career-ing down a pathway (two of them on the scooter, one of them smoking, no helmets) while I was on holiday in a rural area. It looked tremendous fun and extremely dangerous at the same time.

I can't see it's actually a great form of exercise is it? As in what do you actually do physically on it?

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 16/08/2021 10:02

I think there is a future for electric scooters for adults for urban transport (when there's the road infrastructure to support their safe use)

Not as toys for children, who would be better off on bikes or real scooters getting exercise and playing.

hedgehogger1 · 16/08/2021 10:13

What's wrong with a regular scooter?

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 16/08/2021 10:31

You have to have a provisional driving licence to ride one and they’re illegal on public roads, unless you’re in one of the designated trial areas.

I don’t think a child has the wherewithal to safely ride anything motorised.

Akire · 16/08/2021 10:35

There are serious bit of kit heavy and very powerful. They are for over 17s only for good reason even if they were legal in public spaces which they are not. At 6 they wouldn’t even be able to see over hand bars!

ChainJane · 16/08/2021 10:36

Jesus, for a six year old?! NO, DO NOT GET THEM ONE. I'm astonished you would even consider it. You need a driving licence to ride one even where there is a trial going on. So maybe in 11 years.

MaMelon · 16/08/2021 10:37

Are you actually mad??

idontlikealdi · 16/08/2021 10:47

I'm amazed you are even considering it.

RobinPenguins · 16/08/2021 10:49

I’ve used them as there’s a pilot scheme in my city. There is absolutely no way I’d let my child on one, in any environment.

Pavlova31 · 16/08/2021 11:22

No way .Far too fast.

Abraxan · 16/08/2021 11:37

We've used them as adults on holidays.
You don't need a licence to ride them and in some areas you can legitimately use the .

However they aren't usually designed to be used by young children. They've had age limits when we have used them - usually 14 or 16.

They go surprisingly fast, and you aren't given helmets etc.

Dh fell off his as he hit a ledge at the side of a pavement/grass area in the park. He hit his head in the ground even to bleed and leaves gash, etc. He was lucky he didn't hit the concrete instead.

We've not used them since.

I wouldn't get one for a six year old.

Abraxan · 16/08/2021 11:39

Certainly where we've used them you've not needed any form of licence - in European countries. Not used them in U.K.

SoupDragon · 16/08/2021 11:40

I'm aware they aren't legal in public areas, but lots of people use them in my local park and surrounding area without being subjected to any fines.

So, you don't care that it is illegal, do you care that it would be incredibly dangerous for a 6 year old to be on one?

Whammyyammy · 16/08/2021 11:44

Let me rephrase the question for you OP;

"I know electric scooters are illegal to be used in public, and that they are dangerous to rider and pedestrians alike, but should I get one for my 6 year old to ride in a public park".....

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