A part of the new strategy announced by the government is a “clear target to increase the number of children walking to school”. 

We are huge supporters of any activity that encourages and can improve energy, health and fitness levels in children and adults. 

With over 1 million children scooting to school every day and with hundreds of thousands of parents joining in with the school run by scooting alongside their offspring we believe a fun, healthy school run can lead to increased benefits for the whole family. 

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SCOOTING OR WALKING TO SCHOOL IN CHILDREN 

From helping to strengthen bones and muscles to controlling body fat, decreasing the risk of developing diabetes to ultimately being less likely to be overweight, the benefits of exercise whether that be walking, running or scooting in children are innumerable. 

Using the school run as an excuse for a daily dose of exercise is not only convenient it can be fun too. 

SCOOTING OR WALKING HELPS TO BUILD INDEPENDENCE 

A recent review by British Heart Foundation researchers found daily exercise has a positive impact on children in terms of their social and emotional development. From increased confidence and peer acceptance to social benefits and emotional well-being. 

INCREASED CONCENTRATION LEVELS & ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN 

In studies involving more than 14,000 children medical researchers said they found convincing indications of a connection between physical activity and exercise and improved academic achievement. 

Other evidence suggests physical activity may improve children’s concentration in school although more evidence does need to be produced to conclusively confirm this. 

From our own study with Brighton University’s Sports & Science Department we found the average adult can burn up to 300 calories an hour using an adult scooter. 

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WALKING OR SCOOTING TO SCHOOL 

According to Sustrans 20% of cars on the road during the morning rush hour are school run related journeys. With the average primary school journey being just 1.5 miles there is a huge opportunity to reduce the damage done to the environment. 

Did you know the average person takes 20 minutes to walk a mile and only 10 minutes to scoot? Whether you walk or scoot the school run your carbon footprint is zero – a far better alternative than doing the journey in a gas guzzling car (and without the hassle and horror or finding a parking place near the school gates to boot!). 

THE COST SAVING BENEFITS OF SCOOTING THE SCHOOL RUN 

Savings you’ll make by scooting to school in term time 

Distance to / from school 1mile 2 miles 3 miles 

Scooting 1 day a week         £87.50 £175 £262.50

Scooting 2 days a week       £175 £350 £525

Scooting 3 days a week       £262.50 £525 £787.50

Scooting 4 days a week       £350 £700 £1,050

Scooting 5 days a week       £437.50 £875 £1,312.50

Figures have been calculated on a total motoring cost (including insurance, depreciation, servicing and petrol) of 55.74p  per mile (the average figure in 2012 according to the RAC) and making two round trips a day. 

Are you planning or do you already walk, scoot, dance, jog or run the school run?

How easy or difficult was it for you to switch your journey from the car to 2 feet or 2 wheels?