Safety Tips for Users of Pedal Cars, Pedal Planes and Other Ride On Toys!

After researching and determining what is important to you as the consumer of pedal cars and other pedal toys, a Safety Tips Page for pedal car users is in order.

Therefore, below is a list of safety tips that have been compiled for you and your children to keep in mind while using your new or old pedal cars (This list applies to all ride-on toys). Please note that while these pedal car safety tips are not exhaustive, following them will add to the enjoyment your children and you experience when using pedal toy products:

1. Pedal Cars have no automatic breaks so only can be slowed by the direct action of a child's legs. Since this is the case, Pedal Cars should be used only on hard flat surfaces. This means that pedal cars in use should be kept away from any areas where there is an incline or decline in the surface (i.e. hills, sloped driveways and boat ramps).
2. Remember to avoid pushing the pedal car while your child is riding it since this can cause injury. Your child's legs and feet can only move so fast on the pedals. This safety tip applies to your child's friends too.
   
3. Also be sure that your little one is far away from swimming pools, ponds or any open water where he/she could accidentally fall into.
4. It is IMPERATIVE that your child be constantly supervised while riding a pedal car or any other pedal toy products or ride-on toys, especially when around driveways or other roads where visibility is minimal to adult automobile drivers, since pedal cars are low to the ground. In fact, please ensure that your child does not ride near any traffic.
   
5. Loose clothing should not be worn while using a pedal car since pedal cars have exposed pedal mechanisms inside the body of the car where lose clothes could catch. Your child should also have securely fastened shoes on. This includes no loose lacing, again for the same reason.
6. Some outdoor safety tips are in order as well and can also be applied to playing at any time: (a) While your child is outside make sure to use plenty of sunscreen, at least SPF 15; (b) Before, during and after play, be sure to keep your children hydrated even if they do not feel thirsty; (c) Light colored and light weight clothes are suggested for outside wear (remember not loose); (d) Help children avoid riding their pedal cars where insects, snakes or other animals may be hiding such as flower beds or bushes; (e) It is important to teach your children the importance of proper hand indications for turning and stopping.
   

Again, this list is not intended to be exhaustive as it is not possible to anticipate every situation that could arise while your children are enjoying their beautiful pedal cars, pedal planes, etc. As parents you are encouraged to use your best judgment, common sense, if you will, while playing with your children or allowing them to play with others.

If you have other safety tips in mind that I should add to this list, please leave a comment below. I am more than happy to make any additions so that your children and other parents reading will be encouraged to remember "safety first" while operating their pedal cars and pedal toys.

Now that you have reviewed these safety tips with me, have lots of fun with your child and their new pedal toy! Remember that these products last 20-30 years being that they are made with very strong materials, so when your child has outgrown their new pedal car, save it and pass it on to the next generation along with these safety tips so that they can have fun too!