“When used appropriately, scooters provide another type of fun physical and mental activity for children,” Natalya Vernovsky, MD, an Illinois-based pediatrician with Just Answer, tells Verywell Family. “They stimulate development of strength, balance, coordination, and ability to focus.” When choosing a scooter for your child, you’ll want to make sure it’s just right for their age, size, and skill level—not to mention just right for your budget. We carefully considered value, design, age and weight recommendations, and safety features when reviewing products. Based on our research, here are the best scooters for your little (and big) riders. When it comes to scooters, Razor knows what they’re doing, and that’s why this classic model has staying power as our top pick. Designed for kids 5 years old and up weighing under 143 pounds, this is a great pick for big kids. Your little one will be happy that they can choose from several different color options while parents will be relieved by the built-in safety features like a rear brake. Each scooter is made from durable aluminum, has adjustable height handlebars, and folds over for easy transporting and storage. Price at time of publication: $49 Price at time of publication: $30 For safety, there is a handbrake system as well as a rear brake to avoid falls and accidents. Its design allows for easy folding for storage and transportation, has a shock absorption system, and can even be physically kick-started and put on cruise control to help extend battery life. Price at time of publication: $300 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $160 When not in use, the scooter can simply be propped up with its kickstand. It’s equipped with maintenance-free wheels that provide a smooth ride, a thumb throttle for electric mode, and a back foot brake that can be used in either mode. Finally, the frame is made from super durable steel to ensure that it lasts for years. Price at time of publication: $118 Price at time of publication: $110 The handlebar has three height settings as well as comfortable handgrips so your kiddo enjoys every ride. When it’s in ride-on mode, the seat can be adjusted to the child’s height while the wide base helps to keep little ones stable. Additionally, parents won’t need to bust out the toolbox to convert the scooter because it has an easy push-button conversion system. Price at time of publication: $125 with light up wheels Price at time of publication: $188
What to Look for in Scooters for Kids
Features
Scooters can include motors, extra handbrakes, back wheel brakes, lights, and a host of other features. They provide “another type of fun physical and mental activity for children,” Vernovsky explains, adding that they “stimulate development of strength, balance, coordination, and ability to focus.” For safe and fun riding, opt for a scooter that has the right safety and style features that fit your little one’s age, experience, and preferences. The American Academy of Pediatrics puts scooters into three categories: non-motorized, motorized, and e-scooter. It recommends kids be at least 16 years old to ride e-scooters, defined as “dockless, two-wheeled vehicles available for rent in various cities” that go up to 15 miles per hour.
Wheel Number and Size
Younger kids will usually start out on a three-wheel scooter that is easier to balance and switch to two wheels when their motor skills improve. Scooters also come in a variety of wheel types and sizes. A common size for polyurethane wheels is 100mm (about 4 inches), but some scooters have air-filled tires that are 12 inches or more. Those bigger tires make it easier to ride on bumpy roads and sidewalks, or even on dirt and grass.
Age and Weight Restrictions
Scooter manufacturers provide age, weight, and sometimes height guidelines for their ride-ons. Be sure to choose a scooter that fits your child’s current height, weight, age, and motor skills level so that they can ride comfortably and safely. “In terms of when to allow the child to use a scooter, the decision should not be solely based on the child’s age but also on coordination and motor skills,” Dr. Vernovsky says. “Parents can look for certain signs of readiness, like being able to transition surfaces when walking—from road to grass, for example, or over the curb, or walking up and downstairs independently without holding on for support.”
Safety
With any ride-on toy for kids, safety should be a top priority. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children always have a properly fitted helmet and use it every time they ride their scooter (or other ride-on toy). “All scooters pose a similar risk of head injury compared with bikes. Helmets are the best way to prevent serious head injuries,” explains Dr. Vernovsky. “Wearing a helmet whenever riding a bicycle or a scooter should be an automatic habit. Helmets should fit properly on your child’s head and also be fastened correctly. A properly fastened and fitting helmet does not move around on the head.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 2-year-old and 5-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. The brand makes other scooters for children of all ages, including as young as 2. Vernovsky says three-wheeled scooters are ideal for young children “because they are stable and incredibly easy to use. With three wheels, the scooter stays upright without any help from the child.” For tots who need a bit more support, the Swagtron K6 Toddler Scooter offers a solid foundation.
