Toys (and Kids) That Can't Slow Down

Razor brand electric scooters were all the rage with Natalie and the neighborhood kids this summer. One day a couple of weeks ago four kids gathered in our driveway, and from there, zoomed up and down the sidewalks on matching red ones. Two others tried their best to keep up on the kid-powered variety. It looked as if we were filming a commercial for the Razor company!

Natalie received her scooter as a gift for her ninth birthday, back in June. It was, as I said, ostensibly an exact match to those her friends owned. However, after a couple of weeks Natalie’s scooter developed a “difference."

Natalie would place one foot on the scooter, turn the throttle and push off. So far, so good. She’s zipping down the sidewalk. She reaches full speed. Still no problem. She lets go of the throttle as she nears the end of the block, and...the motor just keeps on running, all out. It doesn’t slow down. It won’t stop.

Yes, Natalie’s scooter has ADHD. (It isn’t defective, it’s just wired differently.) What are the chances?

Razor’s customer service department was wonderful when I called. They’re shipping us a brand new scooter. In fact, it’s probably in transit between California and Iowa as we speak. If only there was a customer service department for kids with ADHD...

No, Natalie’s wiring may be imperfect, even dangerous at times, but I wouldn’t trade her in for anything. She’s irreplaceable. Differences and all, she’s a keeper.