LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — In a concerning incident that has left many in the community shaken, Metro Police are urgently calling on the public and parents to enhance safety measures for children after a 9-year-old was critically injured in an electric scooter accident. The young rider reportedly failed to stop at a sign and collided with a car, raising alarms about the risks associated with electric scooters and bikes, especially among younger populations.
Authorities have responded to this tragic event by emphasizing the need for all riders, particularly children, to wear helmets and ensure they remain visible to vehicular traffic. They also urge parents to educate their children about safe riding practices before gifting them these trendy electric vehicles that are gaining immense popularity among kids and teens alike.
The rise of electric scooters and bikes has sparked ongoing debates about their safety, particularly when it comes to younger riders. Establishments like BBV Powersports have noticed a notable surge in demand for e-bikes, with employees reporting sales to families wanting to give their children a taste of the fun. “We can’t sell anything in this building to anybody under 18. It has to be an adult,” explained Billy Guitar, a store employee. This policy underscores the responsibility that comes with such powerful vehicles.
Guitar stresses that purchasing a scooter or bike is just the beginning; ensuring the safety of young riders involves much more. “You need to load them up, and it’s not just a helmet, it’s not just gloves,” he says, advocating for a comprehensive approach to safety gear. Parents are encouraged to invest in not only helmets but additional protective gear to keep their young riders safe as they navigate local roads.
Interestingly, some e-bikes are being designed with built-in safety features aimed at protecting younger users. “You can adjust the speed, adjust the power,” Guitar mentioned, highlighting how these model advancements can cut off power in the event of a fall. Some models even come with speakers that allow parents to communicate with their children while riding, urging them to slow down or pay attention to their surroundings.
However, Guitar notes that the more powerful, faster electric bikes often attract attention, particularly among teens. He takes the time to educate both parents and children on the importance of understanding the vehicle’s capabilities, including where it is safe to ride and the maximum speeds encouraged for inexperienced racers.
For parents like Velena Baranova, riding can be a source of anxiety. Her 13-year-old son Giani rides frequently, and she emphasizes the necessity of regular, open conversations about safety. “It’s crucially important. Before he goes for every ride, we talk to him,” Baranova shared. This proactive approach aims to instill safety awareness in Giani before he heads out onto the streets.
To enhance safety, Baranova implemented specific rules for Giani, such as limiting his riding area to their neighborhood and nearby parks initially. “I stayed in, like, a strict zone, no major streets that surround my neighborhood,” Giani explained, noting that as he demonstrated responsibility, his parents became more comfortable with him riding further afield.
To add an extra layer of security, Giani now uses a tracker so his parents can monitor his location in case of emergencies. “I have headphones in my helmet, so every time I get a call, it gives me an alert,” he stated, providing peace of mind to both himself and his parents as he rides.
Baranova also believes that, when handled correctly, there are significant benefits to allowing children to ride. “Sitting on social media all the time, it’s not healthy for the brain and growth,” she noted, highlighting the physical activity and social interaction that comes with responsible riding. This sentiment aligns well with what both Giani and Guitar suggest: the safest places to ride are on designated trails, creating an enjoyable experience that families can engage in together.