Quadcopter
Drone for children: These models are age-appropriate – and easy to use
There are now many child-friendly drones that are easy to control
© LightFieldStudios / Getty Images
They buzz through the air, sometimes fly faster and sometimes slower, soar in the air and then sink back to the ground: Drones are not only enjoying increasing popularity among adults – children are also very fond of the small quadrocopters.
A so-called quadrocopter is an unmanned drone that can fly up and down, forwards and backwards through the air with the help of four propellers arranged next to each other (which act vertically downwards). There is now a large selection of different models, with and without an integrated camera – but not all of them are suitable for children. Quite the opposite: According to one EU implementing regulation applies to drones that weigh over 250 grams, a minimum age of 16 years. In addition, these are subject to mandatory labeling and must be registered with the competent authority. This article explains which models have been marked as “toys” and are therefore approved for children without registration.
These drones are suitable for children and beginners
1. This 191 gram drone for children has three different speed levels and an altitude hold mode – in other words, the quadrocopter can hold a certain altitude while flying. According to the manufacturer, the model is suitable for amateurs as well as advanced pilots. Take-off and landing are possible at the push of a button, and the mini drone also has an emergency button so that it can be landed without further ado in an emergency. The flight time is an average of twelve minutes, after which the model has to be recharged.
You can get the drone here.
2. In contrast to the other drones, this model with its cool motorcycle design can not only fly in the air, but also slide over the ground. It has two different game modes and either takes off vertically or drives straight forwards, backwards or sideways. The pilot himself can decide which tricks the mini drone should perform – such as flips and rolls. The weight is 600 grams, but the manufacturer has marked the model as a drone for children. You can get the drone here.
3. This drone is significantly more expensive and not without reason: The quadrocopter was equipped with a camera that can be swiveled by 75 degrees and has a 120-degree viewing angle. This should allow great landscape shots from the air. When fully charged, the battery can withstand a flight time of a maximum of 18 minutes at a time, and this model also has a “Follow me” mode that is GPS-controlled. The drone for indoor and outdoor use weighs 222 grams and is suitable (according to the manufacturer) for children from 14 years of age. You can get the drone here.
4. Safety is a top priority with this drone: The four propellers are equipped with a robust protective cover so that your child cannot injure themselves. After the quadrocopter has been switched on, it can either be controlled manually (by approaching the drone with your hands, it flies in the opposite direction) or using the remote control. To turn them off, the model is simply turned upside down. The flight time is a maximum of 30 minutes. You can get the drone here.
5. This mini drone made of sturdy ABS material weighs 200 grams and is therefore approved for children under 16 years of age. It is battery-operated and can be controlled both by hand and via remote control. Thanks to the integrated infrared sensor technology, the quadrocopter should – according to the manufacturer – react faster if there are obstacles in its way. Other features of the drone include a headless mode, 360-degree flips and three speed modes. The maximum range is 50 meters away. You can get the drone here.
Important safety tips for small drone owners
To avoid injuring both the drone and your children while playing, you should take the following safety precautions:
The pilot should always keep visual contact with his threat
A drone should never fly overhead
By a completely covered shell security is increased
A large meadow is the ideal place to fly a drone
Never leave your child unattended with the drone
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