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Scooters are a brilliant way to help little ones break free of the buggy, but is your child scooting safely? Follow these top tips for fun, safe journeys!

Make sure your child always gets off their scooter to cross the road and follows the usual rules. You’ll probably need to carry the scooter across, especially for little ones.

Avoid baggy clothing that could get tangled up with the scooter. Children should wear sensible shoes, such as trainers (not sandals or flip flops), bright coloured clothing – and of course, they should always have a helmet on.

Don’t hang anything on the handlebars that could upset the balance of the scooter (sorry, grown-ups, you’re carrying the bags!)

Before setting out, make sure any bolts on the scooter are tightened and check that the wheels and handlebars are securely attached. Ensure any folding parts are fully locked in the riding position.

Encourage little ones to always slow down or get off and walk when you need to pass other people on the pavement.

If your child is scooting on the pavement, always make sure a grown-up walks nearest to the road.

Choose a smooth, flat route and avoid steep hills. When your little one is starting out, it’s a good idea to find a park or other traffic-free area where they can practice scooting before hitting the pavements.

For more information, or to find traffic-free places to ride, visit Sustrans - the UK's walking and cycling charity.