“Thanks for ruining Christmas, hoverboards,” was the title from a recent Washington Post article, reporting the rash of injuries due to falls from one of this year’s hottest gifts.

As of the Monday after Christmas, there were 70 reports of emergency room visits due to hoverboards, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The injuries were primarily from falls and collisions.

Of course, the warning earlier in the holiday season was that some hoverboards are at risk of catching fire because of the lithium ion batteries that they contain.

But Dr. Eric Gordon, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Arkansas Specialty Orthopaedics, believes the hype surrounding injuries from falls is just that—hype. In fact, he purchased a hoverboard for his own son, who recently turned 13.

“Hoverboards can be safe to ride once the child learns,” he says. “Sure, injuries can occur, just like with a bicycle, but hoverboards aren’t inherently dangerous like three-wheelers were. The best advice is to learn in a safe environment. Most manufacturers recommend wearing a helmet as well.”

He believes the main difference with hoverboards is the novelty: “Hoverboards are no more dangerous than many other common transportation devices kids use like skates, skateboards or bicycles. As a parent, I taught my son how to ride a bicycle because I knew how.”

With hoverboards it is different, he explains. Because adults aren’t as familiar with hoverboards as most kids are, parents leave it to the kids to figure out on their own.

“That’s fine,” Dr. Gordon says, “But make sure your children learn how to ride in a safe environment. Set them up for success and minimize injury risk by having them learn to ride while holding your hand or using a wall or counter for support. Riding on carpet initially will slow the hoverboard down just a bit and will also provide a softer landing should they fall.”

Dr. Gordon says most injuries occur early on while learning, so he encourages parents to be active in the learning phase. “Once the kid gets it, they can worry much less,” he says.

Of course, falls will occur, and Dr. Gordon offers advice to parents who suspect their child is injured.

“The real question is—how bad is it?” he says. “Is this a bruise that will heal or did they break something? Should we rest it and ice it, or do we need to go to the Emergency Room?

“First of all, I would say that I never question a mother’s instinct. If your gut tells you something is wrong, then take your child to get checked.”

If you are not sure, Dr. Gordon typically looks for three red flags that may indicate an x-ray is needed:

1. Inspection: Is there any deformity? Is it bent abnormally? If so, then ER it is for sure. If not, move to #2.

2. Movement: Can the child move the extremity? Allow them to try and move it on their own. If they can—great! If not, and it is too painful, then move to #3.

3. Palpation: Feel/press on the injured area. Do this gently at first and then more firmly to assess the level of sensitivity. Is it very tender? Did you feel anything move abnormally or any grinding? If so, then to the ER it is. If it is not too tender and there is no grinding, then ice it and re-check in 10 minutes or so.

“Unfortunately, life is dangerous,” Dr. Gordon says. “Things happen and regardless of how much we try, injuries cannot be completely eliminated. As an orthopedic surgeon, I blame it on gravity. Gravity creates a lot of orthopedic patients, and it has been happening for years. Monkey bars, trampolines, skateboards, sports in general… There are a lot of ways for kids to get hurt. At the same time, we know being active has many positive health benefits and is well worth it.”

Finally, he has one more bit of advice to parents: “You be safe! We have seen just as many injuries in adults. Hoverboards are pretty neat, and I know you will want to try it as well. Follow the advice, and learn holding on to something while riding on carpet. In reality, you have further to fall than your kid does, and as we get older, we just don’t bounce as well.”