A lot of people don’t consider scooters to be a dangerous thing. Many think that it’s not worth buying the safety gear because you can’t get injured that much. But that’s not the case, especially if you’re a dedicated scooter rider who loves doing tricks and flips. Safety gear is a must for children as well. When they’re on their scooter they should have a helmet and pads at least. This can prevent cuts, bruises and head injuries. So, don’t underestimate the importance of safety gear.
Knee & Elbow Pads
Let’s be honest, knee and elbow scrapes and bruises don’t look or feel good. But getting them is inevitable, especially if you’re a beginner. Luckily, there are ways to prevent them. One of them is to invest in high-quality, durable pro scooter pads. They’re made to take the hit instead of you and are great at what they do.
Their main function is to absorb the force of the impact, leaving you well and protected. Plus, they provide comfort and support during your rides. The first thing is to get the right size and fit. Sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer. If you’re buying at the store, test them out on the spot. See if they fit well.
If you’re buying online, follow the size chart the store has. This means you’ll have to measure the circumference of your knees and elbows. For your knee, take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the middle of the knee while standing straight. The same applies to the elbow. Measure the middle of the elbow while your arm is stretched out.
Make sure the fit isn’t too tight because it can restrict blood flow. But if it’s too loose it’ll be uncomfortable, the pads can slide off your arm or leg and cause an injury. The next thing to consider is the material they’re made of. The base is usually nylon, and the shell is made of hard plastic. These strong materials can withstand a lot of falls and grinding.
Just underneath the hard plastic, there’s a foam padding that absorbs the force of the impact when you fall. The material that wraps around your knee should be soft and breathable. This way you get good ventilation and prevent skin irritations. These pads usually have straps that strap around your elbows and knees for an adjustable fit. If you can, find pads that can be washed. Dirt and sweat can make them smell uncomfortable.
Helmet
The helmet might be the most important part of the scooter protective gear. Head injuries are some of the most common ones and some of them can be fatal. Many riders refuse to wear them because they think is unnecessary or they think they look silly with the helmet on. But when it comes to your safety and life, there aren’t such things as silly or unnecessary.
Helmets can reduce the chances of a head injury by 80% and that’s a significant number. First, find a reliable supplier. Someone who has many satisfied customers and good reviews. When you do, go to the store and try the helmet on. This way you’ll know exactly how it fits. If you want to order online, measure the circumference of your head. Again, with a soft measuring tape.
Wrap it just above your eyebrows (the widest part of your head) and compare the measurement to the size chart. Just like the pro scooter pads, the helmet needs to fit perfectly. Nothing too loose or too tight. Adjustable straps will help you a lot with this. The helmet will feel more comfortable on your head if it fits right.
The helmet’s construction is very important. The materials it’s made of should be hard and durable. The outside layer needs to withstand a lot of bumps. The inside should have extra padding to soften the blow and absorb the shock of the impact. If you’re spending many hours inside the helmet, pick one with air vents. They’ll keep you cool and fresh.
Design-wise, there are plenty of options. From plain, one-coloured ones, to bright, fun patterned helmets. Some manufacturers even have the customising option where you can add a personal touch to the helmet’s design like your name, logo or even a quote. It’s important to remember never to buy a used helmet. It may look perfect on the outside, but you can never know what’s it like on the inside. Slight damage can cause a big injury to your head.
Mouth Guard
Even though mouthguards aren’t the first obvious choice for scooter safety gear, they can be a great piece of protection. They should be made of shock-absorbing materials. Something that can take the hit instead of your teeth. Choose a piece with a custom-fit mouldable design. This way you’ll feel most comfortable and secure. You’ll also get unobstructed breathing which is very important.
Shin Guards
There’s a big chance you know how painful it is when you hit your shins. This is something that can happen a lot during your practice sessions, so besides your scooter safety pads, get some shin guards as well. Most of them are very slim and efficient. Semi-perforated neoprene is perfect for making shin guards. There should be a soft lining that prevents irritations and skin rashes.
On the inside, they should also have shock-absorbing layers that will take the hit for you. One thing that makes shin guards even better is the Kevlar at the front. They’re covered with it and there’s a slim chance that they’ll get damaged. Again, comfort is key, so make sure they fit you snuggly.
Ankle Protectors
Twisted and broken ankles are a common scooter injury. In order to prevent this from happening, you should get some ankle protectors. They can also help you if you’re recovering from an ankle injury by keeping your foot in the right position. They’re often made of neoprene because of how sturdy it is.
Ankle protectors will give you support without stiffness and will protect your ankles without restricting your movements. They’re adjustable so you can fit them nicely to the shape of your ankles. Always invest in high-quality protective gear. This way you’ll stay safe and won’t have to buy new gear every two months.
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