Light and Visibility in Autumn: How to Keep Children Visible on Scooters, Balance Bikes & More

As the days get shorter, the risks increase

Colourful leaves, fresh air and trips to school or the playground make autumn a special time of year for many children. At the same time, darker mornings, earlier sunsets, rain and fog bring new challenges. Children travelling by scooter, balance bike or bicycle are often noticed much later than during the summer months.

Children are particularly vulnerable in road traffic. Because they are smaller, they can easily be hidden by parked cars, hedges or other obstacles. They may also find it more difficult to accurately judge distances and speeds.

The good news is that a few simple measures can significantly improve their visibility.

Why visibility can save lives

Many parents underestimate the difference that clothing and reflectors can make.

According to ADAC, a person wearing dark clothing in poor visibility conditions is often only noticed from a distance of around 25 metres. Light-coloured clothing already significantly improves visibility. With additional reflective elements, a person can be seen from a distance of up to 140 metres.

For comparison: At a speed of 50 km/h, a car needs around 40 metres to come to a complete stop, including reaction time. If a child is only noticed from a distance of 25 metres, the driver may not have enough time to react.

Children in road traffic: The facts

Keeping children safe in road traffic remains an important issue. According to Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport, 29,273 children were involved in road traffic accidents in Germany in 2025.

These figures show that road safety does not start with cycling. Good visibility is also essential on the way to school, when riding a scooter or balance bike, and when playing in residential areas.

Our 5 Tips for Better Visibility in Autumn

1. Choose light-coloured clothing

Dark jackets may look stylish, but they can quickly blend into the surroundings at dusk. Light colours improve visibility during the day and provide greater contrast in poor weather conditions.

2. Use reflectors

Reflective materials on jackets, shoes, backpacks or helmets can make a big difference. Reflectors on moving parts of the body, such as the arms or legs, can be particularly effective, as the movement attracts the attention of other road users.

3. Don’t forget the helmet

A helmet should be worn whenever children ride a scooter, balance bike or bicycle. Models with reflective elements or integrated lights can also help children to be noticed earlier. Of course, the helmet’s most important purpose remains protecting the head.

4. Check lights and reflectors regularly

Before setting off by bicycle or scooter, check that the lights are working properly and that all reflectors are still intact. Especially in autumn, rain, dirt and mud can affect the visibility of lights and reflectors.

5. Practise the route to school together

Children learn how to deal with traffic situations best through practical experience. Walk or ride the route to school together from time to time, particularly in the early morning or at dusk. This helps children recognise potential hazards and become more confident in road traffic.

What You Should Check Regularly

Especially in autumn, it is worth doing a quick safety check:

• Does the helmet fit correctly?
• Are the reflectors clean and intact?
• Are all lights and illuminated elements working?
• Is your child’s clothing clearly visible?
• Are the brakes and wheels in good condition?

Just a few minutes spent checking equipment can help significantly reduce risks.