Riding skateboards, scooters or skates safely

When using skates, a scooter or skateboard, are your children pedestrians? Or are they considered to be using a vehicle? 

Generally, the answer is that they’re considered to be a pedestrian, which determines where they can use their skates, scooters or skateboards. This section includes tips you can teach your children to help them stay safe while on the move. 

Where can your children go?

Riding on the road is dangerous so we strongly recommend using rollerblades, skates, scooters or skateboards on the footpath. An even better option for children of any age is to encourage them to use facilities such as skate parks – it’s much safer for everyone.

Teach your children to consider others

When they’re out on the footpaths on skates, scooters or skateboards your children must take care not to harm or endanger anybody.

Check for ‘no-go’ areas

Some local councils have banned scooters and skateboards in certain areas. Check with your local council to see where your children can use these.

Teach your children to stay safe

  • Wear a helmet and safety gear such as wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, and closed shoes and brightly coloured clothing.

  • Use scooters, skateboards and rollerblades in places set aside specifically for their use such as skate parks and playgrounds in your local area.

  • Practise riding skills away from traffic.

Scooter safety tips on the Education Portal(external link)