Bikes, Scooters & Skateboards
Bikes, scooters and skateboards are fun, cheap transportation and exercise, and also a common cause of head injuries, broken bones and crashes with cars. Helmets, visibility, good riding habits and a well-kept ride prevent most serious injuries.
- Families
- Commuters
- Kids & Teens
- Everyone
Helmets and protective gear
- Wear a helmet every ride, on bikes, scooters (kick and electric), skateboards and skates. A helmet greatly reduces the risk of serious head injury.
- The helmet should meet CPSC safety standards (look for the label), sit level on the head low on the forehead (about two fingers above the eyebrows), with the straps forming a V under each ear and snug under the chin with room for no more than one or two fingers.
- It shouldn't rock side to side, front to back or push into your eyes. Replace a helmet after a crash or hard impact, or if it's cracked or old (many makers say about every 5 to 10 years).
- For scooters and skateboards, add wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, and closed shoes. Wrist guards help prevent a common fracture.
- Don't wear headphones or earbuds that block traffic sounds, and avoid loose clothing that gets caught in wheels and chains.
Visibility and lights
- Use a white front light and red rear light at night, dusk and in low visibility, plus reflectors. Many places require lights by law after dark.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and use reflective bands on ankles and wrists. Many crashes happen when drivers say they didn't see the rider.
- Ride where drivers can see you, not in blind spots, and make eye contact at intersections instead of assuming drivers see you.
Road rules and habits
- Ride with traffic, not against it, and follow signals, signs and lane markings. On a bike in most places you have the same duties as drivers. Check local rules for scooters, e-scooters and sidewalks.
- Use hand signals for turns and stops, and look back before changing position.
- Stay out of the door zone of parked cars, about 3 to 4 feet, to avoid being hit by an opening door.
- Be careful at driveways, intersections and crosswalks. Most car-bike collisions happen there. Slow down and watch for turning cars.
- Watch for hazards: potholes, gravel, wet leaves, metal grates, railroad tracks (cross at an angle close to 90 degrees), puddles and loose dogs.
- Don't ride impaired or distracted by a phone. See Pedestrians & Cyclists and Impaired Driving.
- Pass pedestrians slowly and give a warning (bell or voice). Slow down on shared paths.
Electric bikes and scooters
- Electric bikes and scooters are faster and heavier than they feel. Start slowly, learn the brakes and throttle, and wear a helmet. Some places have age and speed limits.
- Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and cause fires. Use the charger made for the device, don't charge unattended or overnight on a bed or couch, and stop using a swollen or damaged battery. See E-Bike Battery Fires.
- Don't modify the speed limiter, and don't carry passengers unless the vehicle is made for it.
- Treat e-scooters as vehicles: one rider, no phone, avoid sidewalks where it's banned and don't ride at night without lights.
Kids and group riding
- Choose a bike or scooter that fits: kids should be able to put their feet flat on the ground when seated. Don't buy a bike to “grow into.”
- Young children should ride in safe places such as driveways, bike paths and quiet streets, supervised, away from traffic, and learn rules gradually.
- Teach braking, signaling and looking before they ride on roads. Practice in a lot or park.
- Ride single file on roads, leave space and call out hazards when riding in groups.
- Use child seats and trailers rated for the child's weight, with helmets, and never ride with a child on your handlebars.
Maintenance
- Before riding, do the ABC Quick Check: Air in tires, Brakes working, Chain and cranks smooth and lubed, and give a quick check of quick-release levers and the frame.
- Make sure handlebars and seat are tight and at the right height. Check lights and reflectors.
- Fix or take a bike to a shop when brakes are weak, tires are worn or cables are frayed. Check for recalls at CPSC.gov. See Recalls.
Riding checklist
- My helmet fits, is level and buckled; I wear pads where needed
- I have lights and reflective gear for dusk and night
- I ride with traffic, signal and stay out of the door zone
- Brakes, tires and chain pass the ABC Quick Check
- Electric batteries are charged with the right charger and attended
Standards & references
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