With kids spending more time on screens today, encouraging them to spend more time outside is more important than ever. And what better way to keep them outdoors than an electric scooter for kids? Kids and teens will love to zoom around the neighborhood on their electric scooters – the most challenging part for parents will be keeping up with them!
School isn’t the only place where older kids and teens need rides. Friends’ houses, the movies, after-school jobs, sports practice, dance lessons – all the places older kids beg for rides too. Now they can get there on their own. Not only will you be saving time, but you’ll also be helping the planet by making fewer car trips. The sense of responsibility and independence that kids can obtain from this freedom is crucial to their development.
Razor Power Core E90
The 85W, maintenance-free motor lets you reach speeds of up to 10 mph, and a 12V battery gives you a ride time of up to 80 minutes of continuous use on a single charge.
How Do Electric Scooters Work?
Not just through foot power! At the heart of every kid’s electric scooter is a battery. Features of the scooter, such as the maximum distance it can travel on one charge, will depend on the battery’s voltage and energy storage capacity. The other important aspect to consider is the motor. The scooter’s speed, torque, and ability to climb hills depend on the engine.
The motor and battery are connected to a control panel – usually an LED screen on the handlebars or a small circular screen on the right handlebar – so that the battery and motor kick in when the rider engages the throttle. When the rider engages the throttle, signals are sent to the controller, instructing the battery to release energy to the motors in the wheels.
So that’s how you make it go, but what about stopping? Electric scooters can have two types of brakes. The first is an electronic brake, usually activated by the controls on the handlebar. There’s also often a standard footbrake, activated by pressing the foot against the rear fender. These components are all built into the solid frame, usually aluminum alloy.
Are Electric Scooters Good for the Environment?
Compared to modes of transport like cars, electric scooters are very environmentally friendly, especially in urban environments. Because batteries operate them, their use does not result in greenhouse gas emissions. Charging an electric scooter for kids uses as much electricity as a household appliance like a dishwasher or washing machine.
Their main drawback, environmentally speaking, comes from the improper disposal of their batteries. When not disposed of properly, the batteries can cause harm to the environment due to their chemicals leaking into the earth’s soil. Many municipalities have recycling programs that will take electric batteries, so check with your local government to see if a program is available in your area. The battery in an electric scooter usually needs replacing every 2-3 years.
A Word On Safety
Parents, please be aware that riding on an electric scooter could lead to injuries. Ensure your child can balance, understands how the brakes work, and knows the rules of the road.
Like anything, there are safety considerations parents need to be aware of. Check out our safety tips below to be sure your kids can ride safely. Check your local regulations as well – while most municipalities allow you to use electric scooters in the bike lanes, there may be basic rules to follow, such as wearing a helmet and staying below a certain speed.
Recommended Age Range:
Electric scooters can be used for ages six and up, depending on the size of the scooter. Consider the wheel size, weight limit, and the height of the handlebars when purchasing a scooter for your child. Some scooters on our list are designed for children to play with, and others are made for older teens or adults to use as a personal mode of transportation from work, school, etc.
Selection of the Best Electric Scooter for Kids
To help us determine which electric scooters are the best for your kids, we looked at multiple factors. We focused on the Amazon reviews and ratings, the awards that received the most attention from our readers, and which products were being bought. Withing the product reviews, we focused on specifications we felt were important to your decision-making process – weight capacity, maximum distance and speed, brake style, engine size, and battery life.
Pre-Teens
1. Razor Power Core E90
120 lbs
Max Distance:
13 miles
Max Speed:
10 mph
Brake Style:
Front brake
Engine Size:
85W
Battery Life:
Up to 80 mins
What is the best electric scooter for kids? Razor is known for the great quality of their scooters, and this Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter for kids is no exception. This one is an excellent bet if you’re looking for an electric scooter for a child. It has a stylish black frame with brightly colored wheels and deck, available in bright pink or green to suit your child’s taste.
It’s not just nice to look at; this scooter packs a great punch for its motor size. The 85W, maintenance-free motor lets you reach speeds of up to 10 mph, and a 12V battery gives you a ride time of up to 80 minutes of continuous use on a single charge. It’s got 5-inch airless wheels – the front wheel is spoked polyurethane, and the rear one is rubber. The Razor Power Core E90 electric scooter also has a lightweight, 22lbs steel frame and a push-button throttle. Just stand on the deck, use your foot to push along, and move the scooter forward; then, press the button once it’s in motion to engage the motor.
With a 36-inch handlebar and a weight limit of 120 lbs, this scooter is best used by kids 12 and below. The Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter for kids does not fold for storage, so it is best suited for a home with room to store a scooter with a bigger footprint. However, there is a retractable kickstand so that the scooter can stand up independently.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, this scooter has a hand brake that a child would be familiar with, as it is the same as those found on a bike. There’s no headlight or reflector, so riding after dark isn’t recommended unless you purchase these accessories.
2. Hiboy S2 Lite
180 lbs
Max Distance:
10.6 miles
Max Speed:
13 mph
Brake Style:
Ebrake and foot brake
Engine Size:
250W
Battery Life:
2 hours
The Hiboy S2 Lite Electric Scooter for kids is one of the coolest-looking options on our list. It’s available in three different colors – black, white, and light pink – but it’s after dark that this scooter’s unique looks are visible. The scooter has four different lights. There’s the front headlight and the rear brake light, plus what Hiboy calls “cool lights” running along the sides of the deck. The lights turn on with a simple click, and it’s also got a bell on the handlebars to let people know you’re coming. If you’re planning to let your child or teen ride after dark, this electric scooter’s high visibility makes it a great choice.
This electric scooter is for preteens and teens and holds up to 180 lbs. It has 6.5-inch wheels. The handle is not adjustable. It has a 250W motor and can travel up to 10.6 miles before requiring charging. Meaning it’s best used for a short commute to and from school, visiting friends, etc.
It can reach speeds up to 13 mph and climb hills with a 15% grade. It’s made of lightweight 21lbs aluminum. It is foldable and has a retractable kickstand making it portable enough for kids to carry it and store it vertically or horizontally.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, in addition to the highly visible lights and the bell, this kid’s electric scooter has a dual braking system and cruise control. The Hiboy S2 Electric Scooter for kids is a fantastic option for short distances at night.
3. Razor Power Core E100
120 lbs
Max Distance:
11 miles
Max Speed:
11 mph
Brake Style:
Hand-operated front
Engine Size:
100W
Battery Life:
Up to 40 mins
The Razor Power Core E100 Electric Scooter for kids is a great entry on our list for the under-12 crowd. With its 8-inch air-filled wheel in front, an airless 6-inch rear tire, and a 100W motor, it can hold riders who weigh up to 120 lbs. It’s well built and sturdy, with an aluminum deck and a steel frame that will stand up to daily use from young riders. On the other hand, this does make it one of the heaviest scooters for young riders at 25 lbs.
This scooter comes in a few colors – blue, purple, and red – where the frame and front tires are black, and the design on the deck and the rear wheel is a color. It’s got a throttle, sure to thrill young riders and two 12-volt batteries for a great ride. Just push your foot along the ground to get the scooter going, then use the throttle to engage the motor, and you’re off! It does have a single speed, so once you’ve got going, there is no speeding up or slowing down.
Keep in mind that this scooter is not foldable, making it challenging to fold up and store. However, it has a kickstand to lean against, making it easier to store and use less space vertically than horizontally.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, the Razor Power Core E100 Electric Scooter for kids has a hand-operated front brake, which squeezes with your hand, similar to those found on bikes. There is no headlight or rear deflector, so we don’t recommend riding this scooter after dark unless you purchase the safety gear separately. Headlight aside, this scooter has a great motor and is sure to thrill young riders.
4. Segway Ninebot eKickScooter
132 lbs
Max Distance:
6.3 miles
Max Speed:
10 mph
Brake Style:
Handbrake, Rear brake
Engine Size:
150W
Battery Life:
Up to 40 mins
Another entry on our list suitable for younger kids, the Segway Ninebot Ekickscooter E10, is tons of fun! The recommended manufacturer age is eight to fourteen years. It has strips of colored ambient light running along the edges of the deck, making it visible at night and pretty cool, too. This scooter has a 150W motor that can reach speeds of up to 10 mph, and with a range of 6.3 miles, it’s perfect for riding around the neighborhood and trips to the park.
It has a handlebar height of 37 inches, which Segway suggests is suitable for kids between 4’3” and 5’3”. This scooter can hold a weight of up to 132 lbs. It folds easily and has a retractable kickstand, making it very portable. And it is lightweight at only 18.7lbs and has a wheel size of 7 inches. Making it one of the lightest scooters on our list. When folded, it’s compact enough to keep in a closet or a locker and fits easily in the trunk of a car.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, the Segway Ninebot Ekickscooter E10 has a handbrake system that is easy for kids to operate and a brake on the rear fender. There are reflective stickers on the back but no reflectors or headlights, so if you plan to have your child ride at night, it is recommended to purchase those separately.
5. GoTrax GKS
154 lbs
Max Distance:
5 miles
Max Speed:
7.5 mph
Brake Style:
Rear brake
Engine Size:
150W
Battery Life:
1 hour
Another option for younger children on our list is the GoTrax GKS Electric Scooter for kids. It’s made for kids between 6 and 12 and can hold up to 154 lbs. It comes in various colors – black, blue, green, and pink – so kids can choose their favorite color for their ride.
It’s easy to use, too: kids just need to place their front foot on top of the sensor on the scooter deck, then push along with their other foot like a regular push scooter until they reach a speed of 1.8 mph. The motor kicks in, and the rider will put their second foot behind the front foot, on top of a second sensor. The motor will remain engaged as long as the two sensors are covered. If you want to stop, take your back foot off the rear sensor and place it on the rear fender, engaging the brake.
The scooter is sized for children, has a handlebar height of 34 inches and 6-inch solid rubber wheels, and weighs 17.8lbs. It has a 150W motor that allows you to travel up to 5 miles on a single charge at speeds of up to 7.5 mph. The GoTrax GKS Electric Scooter for kids is perfect for riding around the neighborhood or to the park.
Parents should note that although this scooter is effortless to assemble – four bolts to put the front wheel on and another four to attach the handlebar to the deck – this kid’s electric scooter does not fold for storage. At 17lbs, it’s one of the lighter options on our list, but it will take up more floor space when not in use. It has a built-in retractable kickstand so it can stay upright on its own.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, the GoTrax GKS Electric Scooter for kids has a rear brake that functions the same way as the foot brake on a regular scooter, which means many kids will already be comfortable using this style. There are no lights or reflectors, so if you plan to let your child ride after dark, you will want to purchase some aftermarket products.
Teens
1. Segway Ninebot ES1L
120 lbs
Max Distance:
12.4 miles
Max Speed:
12.4 mph
Brake Style:
Front and Rear
Engine Size:
250W
Battery Life:
90 mins
Finally, we come to the Segway Ninebot ES1L Electric Kick Scooter. Designed for riders between 3’11” and 6’6”, we recommend it for older kids and teens. It can hold riders weighing up to 220 lbs. This electric scooter for kids has an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame and comes in a dark grey color with stylish red accents. It’s got a 250W motor and can travel at 12.4 mph for a distance of 12.4 miles before it needs to be charged again.
This electric scooter has eight-inch wheels with a unique inner support design. These tires are touted to be maintenance-free and have higher resilience than regular solid tires and high shock absorption. With a one-click folding mechanism and retractable kickstand, this scooter folds easily and, as it weighs only 24.9 lbs, can easily be carried upstairs or taken on public transit. It has three modes of travel: ECO for energy saving, which is suitable for beginners, D for Standard mode, and S for Sport mode, which they only recommend for experienced riders.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, the Segway Ninebot ES1L Electric Kick Scooter has two front electric brakes and a rear foot brake. There’s also a headlight, although no backlight, so you may want to purchase an aftermarket one. This electric scooter for kids doesn’t come with a bell or horn, so buying an aftermarket horn would also be recommended.
2. Razor E300
220 lbs
Max Distance:
10 miles
Max Speed:
15 mph
Brake Style:
Hand-Operated Plus a Rear Brake
Engine Size:
250W
Battery Life:
Up to 40 mins
If you’re looking for a big, robust frame that will hold the biggest riders, check out the Razor E300 Electric Scooter for kids. It’ll hold up to 220 pounds, which means it’s best suited for teens. It’s got a rechargeable two 12V batteries and a 250W motor, which combine to deliver up to 40 minutes of travel at speeds up to 15 mph.
The Razor E300 Electric Scooter for kids has the largest wheels of all the scooters on our list. They’re 10 inches and air-filled, so if you’re looking for a scooter that can travel over rougher terrain like dirt or gravel paths while still providing a smooth ride, this one fits the bill. The frame is also made for rugged use, made of all steel. While this means it can stand up to heavy use, it also means that it is much heavier than electric scooters made of lighter-weight materials like aluminum alloy. This scooter clocks in at 43 lbs, making it the heaviest scooter on our list, and it doesn’t fold for storage.
These two factors combine to make this scooter best suited for someone who has a garage or shed to store it in (carrying it up flights of stairs to store in an apartment wouldn’t be too fun!). This scooter has a kickstand built to stand independently while being stored. If you’ve got room to store a scooter that doesn’t fold and needs to travel over terrain that isn’t paved or sidewalk the whole way, the Razor E300 Electric Scooter for kids could be a winner.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, this electric scooter has two brakes – a hand brake in the front and a rear brake. It doesn’t have a headlight or a rear reflector, so if you ride after dark, you’ll need to purchase these accessories.
Safety Guide for Electric Scooters
Remember, electric scooters, in some states, are road legal. Meaning there are some rules and regulations that need to be followed. Be sure to do your research before you give your child their independence.
We provided a few safety tips below for your kids to follow the regulations.
If you are unsure whether electric scooters are suitable for your child, perhaps consider an alternative such as kick or three-wheel scooters.
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Scooter for Kids
What Will You Use the Scooter for?
Take into consideration what you will use the scooter for. Smaller motors and a range of fewer than 10 miles will be sufficient for younger children who primarily use them as toys. Suppose you are planning to buy one for an older child or a teenager to travel to and from school, an afterschool job, visit friends, or travel to and from extracurricular activities. In that case, you will likely want a scooter that has a longer battery life and a bigger range.
Can it be Used in the Rain or Snow?
The manufacturers do not recommend using your electric scooter for kids in the rain or snow. Inclement weather can damage the scooter, and slippery road conditions can be dangerous. A bit of light rain is usually ok but avoid heavy rainstorms.
Maximum Load it Can Carry?
The maximum weight will vary by scooter. Our list includes two basic sizes of scooters – those made for children and those made for adults and teenagers. A scooter sized for children will have a lower maximum weight – often no more than 130 lbs – but bigger scooters for adults and teens typically have a higher weight limit of around 220 lbs.
Is it Easy to Store?
Electric scooters are effortless to store, making them ideal for those who live in apartments or small spaces. They fold compactly and can easily fit inside a closet when not in use. Many can be folded small enough to fit inside a full-length school locker if you’re using them for commuting to school.
What Size Do I Need?
The scooters on our list come in two basic sizes, one for teens and adults and one for younger children. Consider the size of the person riding the scooter and what they will use it for. Smaller scooters will have lower handlebars (sometimes adjustable, but not always) and smaller diameter wheels. These scooters typically have smaller ranges and are made for play. Bigger scooters made for teens are intended more for travel between destinations.
Speed
The speed of the electric scooter for kids will depend on the motor’s capacity. A typical 250W motor can reach speeds of 15 mph on flat terrain. Speed can be affected going up a hill, the weight of the rider, and any gear, such as a backpack, the rider is carrying.
Battery Life
The length of time your electric scooter’s battery will last will depend on its size. Most scooters last at least an hour but check the data points for specific scooters you’re interested in. Batteries can recharge relatively quickly, usually within a couple of hours. When the battery is finished charging, you should unplug it right away so the battery does not degrade too quickly. Even the best quality batteries will degrade over time. You will likely need to replace your battery every time it gets worn out, on average, every three years.
Wheels
There are two basic types of wheels, each with pros and cons. Air-filled tires typically give a smoother and more comfortable ride but require more maintenance. You will need to keep an eye on the tire pressure, which is also vulnerable to punctures. On the other hand, rubber tires are maintenance-free and can’t be punctured, but they can also make the ride a bit bumpier.
Stand
Most of the two-wheeled scooters on our list have built-in retractable kickstands, allowing you to park your scooter or store it upright. Check the description carefully to see if your electric scooter for kids folds or has a kickstand.
Materials
The frames of most electric scooters are made of high-quality yet lightweight materials such as airplane-grade aluminum alloy. Occasionally, they can be made of carbon fiber. Sometimes you may find an electric scooter for kids, such as a steel alloy, made of a heavier material.
Portability
Electric scooters can be incredibly portable and easy to store. They can fold easily, so you can stash them in a school locker during the day, carry them up and downstairs to public transit, and store them in a closet when not in use. If portability is an essential feature to you, check both that the scooter folds and the weight of the scooter. This is particularly important if the scooter will have to be carried up and down flights of stairs during travel to and from school or work!
Brake Style
There are two main types of brakes, electronic brakes and foot brakes. The controls on the handlebar usually activate electronic brakes. There’s also often a standard footbrake, activated by pressing the foot against the rear fender.
Weight of the Scooter
The weight of the scooter will depend upon the materials used. Most of the scooters are aluminum and weigh around 20-30 lbs, depending on the size of the scooter. When the scooter is made of a heavier material, such as alloy steel, the scooter will be much heavier. This will affect the portability of the scooter – a heavier scooter is much more difficult to carry upstairs.
Range
The range will depend on the capacity of the voltage and energy storage capacity of the battery. A 250W battery, the standard size for commuting style scooters for teens and adults, will typically range 10-15 miles.
Warranty
What is covered by warranty will vary by scooter depending on the manufacturer. Most scooters will have parts covered by a warranty for different lengths of time – for example, one year for the frame and six months for the battery.
How to Safely Use an Electric Scooter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Electric Scooters be Used in the Bike Lane?
This type of electric scooter in many areas is subject to the same rules as bike lanes. Check your local state or municipal guidelines, as there may be specific rules to follow – for example, keeping your speed under 15 mph, wearing a helmet, or being above a certain age.
Can Electric Scooters Go Uphill?
Yes, electric scooters can go uphill! It’s one of their greatest benefits. Most scooters have a grade rating, saying how steep a hill the scooter can handle, so check the specs of your scooter. The battery will use more power than on a flat or downhill stretch, so consider calculating how far you can travel before your scooter needs charging.
How Do Electric Scooters Charge?
Your scooter should come with a plug that you plug into a regular wall outlet. Charging time varies by scooter and can range from two to six hours. When the scooter is finished charging, unplug it promptly, so it does not run down the battery.
Can You Ride the Electric Scooter When the Battery Runs Out?
Yes, you can use the electric scooter the same way you would ride a kick scooter if the battery runs out. Remember that since an electric scooter is much heavier than a traditional, non-electric kick scooter, the heavier weight of the electric scooter might make it a little more difficult to push than a kick scooter.
Razor Power Core E90
The 85W, maintenance-free motor lets you reach speeds of up to 10 mph, and a 12V battery gives you a ride time of up to 80 minutes of continuous use on a single charge.
