Spring Into Summer – A Scooter Safety and Clean Up Checklist

Spring into Summer – A Scooter Safety and Clean Up Checklist

Spring has sprung and we’re spiraling into summer! To help make sure your kids’ rides are in tip top shape, the experts at Razor have put together a simple clean-up/tune up checklist. So, grab your toolbox and a damp rag and help your Razor vehicles out of hibernation!

First things first, let’s see what you’ve got. Pull your child’s Razor ride and safety gear into an open space. In addition to a scooter, your pile should include a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Wipe away any dust or dirt with a damp rag (don’t use industrial cleaners or solvents as they may damage the surfaces or alcohol, alcohol-based or ammonia-based cleaners as they may damage or dissolve the plastic components or soften the decals or decal adhesive). Then, starting with the equipment, inspect each piece following the guidelines below:

Helmet

• First, check that the helmet is ANSI, SNELL, CPSC, or ATSM approved. If it is not, replace it immediately with one that is.
• Next, inspect the helmet for cracks – if it’s ever been in a major impact it or shows signs of cracking or damage, it should be replaced.
• Now make sure the helmet fits correctly. According to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, your child’s helmet should fit snugly without sliding or moving and cover the forehead to two inches above the eyebrow line. The straps should form the letter “V” around your child’s ears and buckle snuggly under the chin. If your child has outgrown their helmet, replace it.  For a great assortment of Razor helmets please visit Razor Retail Partner Walmart.com

Pads

• Check that the molded plastic caps on the outside of each of the pads shows no cracks or damage.
• Then check that the foam cushions on the inside are not torn or crumbling.
• All pads should fit snugly, covering the entire area they are protecting, and the adjustable closures should attach securely. If the pads are too small, too tight, or in any way damaged, replace them before your child rides again.  For a great assortment of Razor pads please visit Razor Retail Partner Amazon.com

Scooter

• First, make sure the scooter is still the right size for your growing child – the handlebars should be roughly waist high when your child is standing on the deck of the scooter. If you need to raise the handlebars, simply open the quick-release lever and slide the T-bar to the desired position, then close the lever to lock it into place.
• Now check the condition and size of the deck. It’s rare that a deck will crack or break, but take a look anyway. If your child is an experienced rider, a smaller deck might be okay, as a smaller deck is lighter and makes it easier to do tricks and stunts. Beginner and larger riders should be riding on a bigger deck. As a rule of thumb, the deck should easily accommodate both of the rider’s feet, one in front of the other.
• Once everything is resized, follow the instructions in your Razor manual to check that all chain guards and covers are in place, check and secure all fasteners, including tightening each nut and bolt, and make sure that the collar clamp, quick release lever, and handlebar spring buttons are all locked properly into place.
• If you have a scooter with a charger, examine the charger for damage to the cord, plug, enclosure and other parts. In the event of such damage, the scooter must not be charged until the charger has been repaired or replaced.
• Next, check the brakes by standing on the deck of the scooter and stepping on the rear brake or squeezing the brake lever. If you hear or feel any rubbing, squeaking, grinding, or vibrating, or the brake does not seem to be working, replace it immediately with a Razor replacement part.
• Finally, take a look at the scooter’s wheels. If either wheel or tire shows excessive wear and tear, the tread is worn off, the axle seems loose, or the bearings are giving too much side-to-side play, it may be time to replace them. If the tires seem low, check the sidewall for the PSI and use a bike pump to inflate them.

Once you’ve checked everything over, suit your rider up in their safety gear and rubber-soled, skate-style shoes with no dangling laces and have them take an easy ride on a smooth driveway or sidewalk. Listen carefully for any rattling sounds, which could signify loose parts or broken components. Have them try the brakes by gently applying pressure. If all seems good, they’re ready to ride off into the summer sun!