Though you might be more familiar with the electric commuting scooters you see on the street if you live in an urban area, old-school scooters are still a popular for kids. So much so that scooters even made the list of most requested gifts from Santa! Parents love them too because they offer a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while promoting balance, coordination and exercise. The best scooters for kids will offer great durability, a smooth ride, and easy handling for your child’s size.
Just don’t forget the helmets — safety first, after all. Make sure to protect your little one by equipping them with a properly fitted helmet. 61 percent of parents said in a survey that their children “never” wear helmets when riding a scooter. According to a 2017 report by the Safe Kids Worldwide and Nationwide’s Make Safe Happen program, over 426,000 children, or nearly 50 each hour, were taken to the emergency room in 2015 due to a wheeled sports-related injury.
Encouraging your child to spend more time outside can be beneficial to their health. In a survey of 5,000 parents of children ages 5 to 13, 55 percent said their kids aren’t spending enough time outside. 57 percent said their kids lack the enthusiasm for outdoor play that they once had (since they have to tell them an average of four times a week to do it!). And thirty-five percent of parents also encourage their children to play outside in order to positively impact their mental health.
Purchasing a fun vehicle like a bike or a scooter can encourage your child (and you!) to spend more time outdoors. Whatever your child’s age and skill level, there’s a scooter sure to provide hours of fun and exercise. StudyFinds has researched the best scooters for kids and compiled a list to help you find the best model. Our list contains the most common recommendations across expert sources. Already own a model that hasn’t failed you? Let us know which one you recommend in the comments below!
The List: Best Scooters For Kids, According To Experts
1. Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe
This scooter takes the top spot. Wirecutter raves about its quality, safety, and versatility for children ages 5 to 12. “The Micro Maxi Deluxe fits the widest age range of any scooter we tested. It’s stable enough to make younger riders feel confident, and it’s agile enough to keep older riders engaged. A noticeably high-quality construction makes it perform better — and thus more enjoyably — than cheaper models and also makes it more durable.”
“These kids’ scooters are not the scooters you grew up with! With their lean-to-steer functionality, the Maxi and Mini Deluxe create a unique ride experience similar to that of a skateboard by allowing the rider to carve turns, but with the added security of T-bar handlebars for extra stability and a boost of confidence,” Two Wheeling Tots raves.
You don’t have to worry about lugging a clunky, heavy scooter around or wonder where to store it. Mommyhood101 adds, “The new Maxi Deluxe version adds an easy-fold handlebar for storage and portability, and some new frame and deck materials for more durability and longevity. The Micro Maxi Deluxe is marketed for kids aged 5–12 with a weight limit of about 110 pounds. This is a safe, reliable, lightweight (about 5 pounds) scooter that is easy to learn, easy to maneuver, and tons of fun to ride!”
2. Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe
Like the model above, but for smaller kids ages 2 to 5, this choice has an adjustable T-bar and a lean-to-steer feature. The Strategist speaks highly of this scooter for its durability and ease of use. “All of our experts agree that Micro Kickboard scooters are strong and lightweight, glide really well across different types of terrain, and are easy for even beginners to steer. The handlebars are a cinch to adjust without tools, and there’s a foot brake on the back wheel that even very young kids can use with ease.”
“This is one of the best scooters for younger kids ages 2 to 5. The T-bar will grow with your little ones as it adjusts from 17 inches up to 25 inches. The smooth-gliding wheels and low-to-the-ground deck gives kids a sense of security as they learn to ride,” Parenting writes.
3. Razor A Kick Scooter
Kids five and up will love that this scooter is foldable and can easily be taken on-the-go! Popular Mechanics says it’s everything your child needs in a scooter. “The Razor A scooter is the company’s most basic offering for younger kids. The small-diameter urethane wheels and low handlebar height make it easy to learn and use. While it looks almost exactly like the original Razor scooters, the folding mechanism and adjustable bar work better than they did on the company’s first efforts.”
“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. Each scooter is made from durable aluminum, has adjustable height handlebars, and folds over for easy transporting and storage,” Verywell Family says.
4. LaScooota 2-in-1 Kids Scooter
This scooter has a removable seat, which makes it ideal for families with younger kids just learning to ride. SI gives this scooter high marks for its adjustable features. “This next option allows your child to ride the scooter while seated until they are comfortable scooting while standing. The handlebars are adjustable to four heights, making them appropriate for children of all ages. Your child can easily balance thanks to the three wheels for added stability, and the deck is also spacious with an anti-slip surface for added support.”
Gadget Review thinks if you have multiple young children, you’ll be happy with this pick. “The Lascoota 2-in-1 is ideal for families with little kids of different ages since it features a removable seat so younger kids can sit as they ride along. It also distinguishes itself with light-up wheels and a 110 lbs weight limit. The handlebars offer four height options, meaning they can accommodate kids from roughly 2–8 years old.”
5. Razor A3
This classic kick scooter is recommended for children ages five and up, and it’s a great value for the money. “If you’re looking for a classic kick scooter, then the Razor A3 is your go-to model!” says Parenting Pod. “Recommended for children starting at 5 years old, this has everything you could look for in a classic scooter, making it our recommended option for the best value for older kids. There’s no real age limit to this scooter, so it can stay with your child for years, making it a long-term option and one that can easily be shared between siblings.”
“This one is made of aircraft-grade aluminum which is nice because you know it’s good quality. It can hold up to 143 pounds and is recommended for children ages 5 and up. It folds in half and only weighs approximately 7 pounds. The brake is located on the rear fender, and it comes with a super cool wheelie bar.” MomLovesBest writes.
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Sources:
- Wirecutter
- Two Wheeling Tots
- Mommyhood101
- The Strategist
- Parenting
- Popular Mechanics
- Verywell Family
- SI
- Gadget Review
- Parenting Pod
- MomLovesBest
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.