Electric Cars Safety Tips For Kids – Electric toy cars are a great way for kids to zoom around while getting fresh air and exercise. From small electric four-wheelers to kid-sized replicas of Mercedes Benz, BMW and many more battery-powered ride-on cars are cherishing childhood fun. But the speed and power of electric toy vehicles also come with some safety risks. Therefore, this article aims to educate you on electric cars safety tips for kids.
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy all the excitement of their electric car or 4x4 buggy, while also staying protected from accidents and injuries. Teaching electric safety, setting ground rules, and taking preventative measures ensures your little one can have hazardous-free fun on their electric toy car.
Electric Cars Safety Tips For Kids
With preparation and active supervision, the fun of electric ride-on cars can stay accident-free. Here are the top tips for keeping kids secure while they live it up in their electric ride-on car. Follow these tips to protect your child while they enjoy their electric vehicle
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The Need for Speed
For kids, the temptation of an electric toy vehicle is putting the pedal to the metal and tearing off at maximum speed. Electric toy cars engineered for younger kids typically max out at a couple of miles per hour. But larger ride-on cars made for older children can reach up to 5mph.
While 5 mph may not seem very fast, small bodies are still developing balance and coordination. When an electric toy car accelerates rapidly or makes quick turns, it's easy for the rider to lose control. Sudden spills put kids at risk for collisions, falls on hard surfaces, or tip-overs resulting in cuts, bruises, fractures or head injuries.
To keep safe speed thrills, purchase an electric toy vehicle with adjustable speed settings. Use the lowest setting when your child is just learning to drive their new electric car. Gradually allow your kids to build up to faster speeds as they demonstrate good steering and self-control.
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Stick to Flat Surfaces For Beginners
The rugged wheels and front bumpers on electric ride-on cars make them seem ready to handle any terrain. But letting your child drive down steep hills or gravel roads jeopardizes their safety. Small bodies are top-heavy, and electric toy vehicles can sometimes tip when one or more wheels drop off an edge.
Avoid uneven ground like gravel where wheels can sink. If you allow use on grass, inspect the area carefully for holes, rocks or ditches hidden in the lawn. Set clear off-limit zones like gardens, steps and slopes. Watch your child closely to make sure they don't steer their electric toy car into hazardous areas.
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Buckle Up
Today's electric ride-on cars often look like smaller versions of Mum and Dad's vehicles, complete with working headlights, seats and seat belts. While the seat belt may just seem like a decorative feature, teach your child to use it each time they take a spin in their electric toy car. Developing this habit keeps them in the practice of buckling up for safety.
The restraint helps keep your little one centred in the electric car's seat if they drive over bumps or across uneven patches. It also reduces fall risk if they take a sharp corner and the toy car tips. Always double-check that the belt is properly secured before giving the green light. A locked seat belt guards against the most severe injuries from bumps and collisions.
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One Rider Only
Electric ride-on cars tempt kids to pile in for the ride, but overloading raises the chance of mishaps. Almost all electric toy cars are designed for one rider at a time. The additional weight of a second child compromises stability, steering and braking. It also increases distraction for the driver when giggling kids start goofing around in close quarters. Only allow 2 kids to play in the toy electric car if it’s designed for two. Typically these are the 4x4 jeep style Vulcan or Hornet buggies that Titan Toys has to offer.
Set a house rule that only one child at a time may ride in an electric toy car, and enforce it consistently. They can take turns to make it fair. Having a no-passengers policy helps avoid a dangerous situation where your kid's car flips while "driving" a friend.
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Prevent Tipping
The rounded shape and centred gravity of electric ride-on cars make them surprisingly sturdy. But they can still tip over if misused. Teach kids to keep both hands on the wheel, instead of just one-handed driving. This gives them the control needed to quickly correct their steering if one side wheel lifts off the ground.
You'll also want to prohibit stunts like rapid turning, doughnuts, and abrupt stops that destabilize the car's centre of gravity. Make it clear that an electric toy vehicle is not meant for climbing like a jungle gym. All four wheels should stay planted on the ground. Follow the user manual regarding load capacities.
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Parental Controls
Responsible riding starts with the controls. Look for electric cars with a parental RC, safety brake and speed adjustment. Its great to be able to operate the car yourself with a parental remote control. That allows you to steer or stop the vehicle even when your child has the wheel. Parental controls provide peace of mind while building your kid's skills and self-control.
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Mind the Roads
No matter how good their electric car driving skills become, kids have no place out on real streets. A child in a toy electric car zipping across the road poses a great risk to themselves and drivers who may not see them coming. Make it very clear that ride-on electric cars stay in household driveways and gardens only.
Lock the toy's maximum speed below what's needed to access nearby roads. Explain the dangers of cars, trucks, and traffic that your child does not have the focus and maturity to handle. Supervise playtime and enforce your house rule of no riding near vehicles. Keeping these speed demons safely segregated maintains their innocence.
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Watch the Wheels
Spinning wheels mean extra caution. Long hair, shoe laces and loose clothing dangle dangerously close to the wheels of ride-on electric cars. Take a few safety measures to avoid painful mishaps. First, have kids tie back their long hair when driving their electric cars.
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Charge Safely
The power has to come from somewhere. Electric toy cars rely on rechargeable batteries you'll need to juice up regularly. Keep curious kids safe during the charging process. Talk to them about not touching the car while it's plugged in since the electrical current could give a painful shock.
Also, be diligent about keeping the charger itself out of reach when not in use. Choose a stationary charging station instead of a portable plug to prevent trips and falls. Store the ride-on toy away from water, which amplifies any electrical current. Take charging cautions seriously and accidents won't zap the fun.
Final Notes
Electric cars offer kids endless excitement but also require some safety diligence from grown-ups. Since, Titian Toys primarily focus on safety; we recommend these tips while closely supervising driving time promotes hazard-free fun your child can enjoy. From battery power precautions to speed governors and no-tip rules, a few preventative steps mean peace of mind every time your little motorist gets behind the wheel. Soon their electric car skills will be road-ready for all of life's adventures that wait.
