Scooter Skills Obstacle Course

A kick scooter and helmet

6-8 cones or water bottles

Chalk for marking zones

Find a flat, paved area with no traffic. A driveway, empty parking lot, or wide sidewalk works. Set up 6-8 cones in a winding path with 5-6 feet between each.

Mark a "stop zone" with chalk: draw two lines about 3 feet apart. Your child must start braking before the first line and come to a complete stop before the second.

Create a tight U-turn section by placing two cones about 4 feet apart with a turnaround cone at the end. They ride in, loop around, and ride out.

Walk your child through the course first so they know what's coming. Then let them ride.

Start with the weaving section. Lean the scooter left, then right, weaving between cones. Smooth, controlled turns — no knocking cones over.

Hit the stop zone. Brake smoothly and come to a complete stop. No foot-dragging stops — use the rear brake.

Navigate the U-turn. Slow speed, tight steering. This is the hardest section because scooters don't turn well at low speed.

Finish with a speed section: two cones 30 feet apart. Ride as fast as possible between them, then brake at the end.

Scooter riding looks simple but it's genuinely challenging balance work. Standing on one leg while kicking with the other requires constant core engagement.

Encourage your child to switch pushing feet. Most kids kick with the same foot every time, which builds asymmetric strength. Practice the other foot.

Braking is the most important scooter skill, and most kids learn it last. Practice the stop zone drill repeatedly until smooth stops are automatic.

Start with wide cone spacing and gradually tighten it. Going from 6-foot gaps to 3-foot gaps dramatically increases the steering precision needed.

This course works for any wheeled activity — scooters, bikes, roller skates. The skills are transferable.