Scooters may not directly cause serious damage to children's musculoskeletal system, but they can exacerbate existing imbalances and asymmetry in the body.
According to Oxu.Az, Russian osteopath Dmitri Simkin warned about this in an interview with Gazeta.ru.
The expert says that if a child has no serious balance problems, they can easily alternate feet while riding. However, children with balance disorders tend to use only one foot: "This leads to that leg becoming stronger, pelvic tilt, and uneven distribution of pressure on the spine. As a result, existing posture issues worsen."
Simkin noted that there are no official clinical studies proving that scooters alone cause muscle asymmetry or posture defects. On the contrary, classic scooters support physical development when used symmetrically with both feet. Risks are mainly related to the child's individual health condition and previous injuries.
Tension spots remaining in body tissues after injuries can disrupt overall balance over time and cause pain in different areas. The doctor emphasized that if a child consistently uses only one foot while scooting and cannot switch feet, it should be a major concern for parents. In such cases, it is recommended not to ban the scooter but to consult a specialist — an osteopath — to identify hidden tension points.
