Nowadays, a scooter is the first set of wheels most kids have. As well as being a great way to get them to match your walking pace to nursery or school, a scooter is a fun toy to take to the park and a great way of getting some exercise. Much like the best balance bikes and kids’ bikes, scooters help kids build strength, co-ordination and independence. Children as young as two can scoot happily on sturdy three-wheeled scooters like the Micro Mini and can carry on scooting well into their teens thanks to stunt scooters like the Fuzion X-5 Pro.
Scooters usually have a rear foot brake while some scooters for older kids have a calliper handbrake on the handlebar as well. The handlebar should be positioned around waist height – if it’s much higher the scooter will be harder to control. Check the ABEC-rated quality of the bearings: higher ratings means the scooter will go faster, so it’s best to go for lower-rated bearings for younger kids to limit their speed.
A well-fitting helmet is imperative, and if your child is just learning, especially on a less stable two-wheeler, some elbow and knee pads can limit bumps and bruises, and provide protection against nastier injuries.
Best Scooters For Under-Fives
They’re everywhere and for good reason: the Micro Mini is a very lightweight 1.8kg, stable to ride, and the intuitive lean-to-steer system is easy for youngsters to pick up. While they’re significantly more expensive than other brands, all the parts can be replaced so the scooters never really wear out and can be passed down or sold on ad infinitum. The Micro Mini Deluxe has an upper weight limit of 35kg and is recommended for use by two- to five-year-olds – the bold colour options and dynamo-powered light-up wheels will appeal to that age group too. The height-adjustable handlebars suit children 80 to 110cm tall and the stem can be removed from the base for easy storage, although the release button is a bit fiddly.
Available in five bright colours with multi-coloured light-up wheels, this starter scooter has plenty of appeal. It’s stable and intuitive, offering a smooth ride and the standard rear wheel brake. The height-adjustable handlebar has three settings and the scooter is easy for an adult to fold, although a child may struggle. It’s recommended for children aged three and over, and will take up to 50kg. The front wheels can be locked straight, which is useful when a child is learning for the first time.
A cheap and cheerful option, the Evo+ has handlebars that can be adjusted to the exact height required. It doesn’t fold, but the T bar can be removed for storage. It’s lightweight at 2.2kg and has a maximum rider weight of 20kg.
This is a sturdy, colourful three-wheeler from a brand known for ride-on kids’ suitcases. The Small Folding Scooter weighs 3kg and suits kids 95 to 115cm tall, with a max rider weight of 50kg. The easy but child-proof folding method requires two buttons to be pressed. There’s also an integrated tow strap to save your back from bending down to pull your child along, plus a carry bag to limit muddy wheels spreading dirt everywhere. It’s available in a not-very-gender-neutral choice of pink or blue.
Best Scooters For Over-Fives
This very lightweight (2.7kg) scooter is a solid choice for a long-lasting two-wheeler for five- to 12-year-olds (suiting riders 110 to 152cm tall). It’s great for urban scooting, school runs and some tricks at the skatepark. It takes up to 100kg, so adults can ride rather than carry it if they find themselves unexpectedly lumbered with it when out and about. The Sprite is foldable and has a kickstand, and is available in ten or more colours.
If your child prefers stability and speed over manoeuvrability and stunts, this larger but lightweight (2.5kg) three-wheeled scooter will be right up their street. It uses the same lean-to-steer method as the Micro Mini and can be adjusted to suit riders 110 to 152cm tall (roughly five- to 12-year-olds) with a 50kg max weight. It’s a high-quality scooter which should last for years, especially since all the parts can be replaced if anything breaks or wears out. You can also remove the stem for easy storage. It’s available in 11 colours, all with LED light-up wheels, or there’s a non-light up eco version with a deck made from recycled plastic.
Aimed at children aged six and above, this two-wheeled scooter is a sturdy yet streamlined scooter, and the generous maximum weight allowance of 100kg means most parents can hop on without fear of doing any damage (to the scooter, at least). It’s lightweight at 3.5kg and although it doesn’t fold, it’s a tough scooter that will withstand daily use – plus it’s a lot cheaper than the Micro equivalent.
This entry- to intermediate-level scooter for age seven and up is great for those looking to try some tricks and stunts. The small wheels help make it a nimble, lightweight ride on the streets or in the skatepark.
The larger wheels on this folding option offer a smooth, comfortable ride for kids aged eight and over. The aluminium tubing is strong and lightweight, supporting up to 100kg, and is designed to adapt to taller riders. There’s a kickstand too.
Suiting riders aged nine to 14 (125 to 175cm tall), this two-wheeler has front suspension and large wheels for a more comfortable ride. There’s a handlebar brake in addition to the one on the rear wheel for more stopping power. It’s fairly lightweight for its size at 5kg.
This brilliant scooter is completely different from all the others on this list. Instead of pushing with one foot, the rider stands with two feet apart on the separate platforms, and propels the scooter forwards with a side-to-side motion of the hips. It’s not a very efficient way of getting from A to B but it’s great exercise (although they’ll be having too much fun to notice).
Best used on a smooth, flat surface or a gently sloping skate park, the scooter glides and spins around in a fairly stable manner, and is controlled using the brake on the handlebars. The scooter folds down completely for easy storage and transportation. One limitation is that the height of the handlebars can’t be adjusted meaning a growing kid won’t get that many years of use out of it. There is a larger version available, the A3, which is for seven years and over, and has a higher max limit of 80kg (176lb), so other family members can have a go too.
