Kick scooters are one of the most fun and versatile modes of transport for kids. I am yet to come across a kid who doesn’t enjoy riding their scooter. Apart from being a lot of fun, scooters are an excellent way for your kid to get some exercise while learning to balance and coordinate their movements.
Scooters come in various forms and options; from two-wheelers and three-wheelers to recreational scooters, folding scooters, electric scooters, and stunt scooters. There’s a scooter for every kid, regardless of their age and preferences. With so many choices, selecting the best scooter for your kid can be pretty exhaustive.
Featuring an innovative design, high-quality construction, and an amazingly smooth ride.
Featuring an innovative design, high-quality construction, and an amazingly smooth ride, the Razor A Kick Scooter is, without a doubt, the best kick scooter for kids.
The Razor A is a great back-to-the-basics, but gets the job done scooter. It might not have light-up wheels but it sure is great value for your money.
The Micro Kickboard Mini Original Kick Scooter is a well-designed kick scooter for young kids under 5. The Mini Original is one of the safest and easiest kick scooters for toddlers with its three-wheel and low-to-the-ground deck design.
The Razor A Kick Scooter is recommended for kids five years and above. With a weight capacity of 143 pounds and height-adjustable handlebars, this is a kick scooter that your child is going to ride for a long time!
Benefits of Using a Kick Scooter
There are multiple benefits to using a scooter. It’s a great way for kids to get outdoors and socialize with their friends.
- Learning to balance: Riding a kick scooter improves your balancing skills because it requires you to remain upright while moving forward and turning. It exercises and stretches all the muscles involved with keeping the body upright, such as the core, back, and ankle muscles.
- Enhances fine motor skills: Using a kick scooter improves those fine motor skills by exercising the muscles responsible for those more refined movements – such as the hands and finger muscles. Which will be beneficial in other daily tasks. But it also improves your child’s reflexes due to the quick thinking and reactions used when slamming on breaks or swerving to miss a person.
- Helps prevent injuries: With quick reflexes come fewer injuries. For example, if you were to fall down a step and land skew on your foot, the faster you react and correct the position of your foot, the less time there is for your muscles and skin membranes to over scratch and become injured.
- Improves mental health: It improves your child’s mental health by reducing stress and anxiety because they are outside absorbing those delicious sun rays and laughing with their friends. Your child will absorb vitamin D when exposed to the sunshine, which boosts serotonin (the happy hormone) production and function in the brain.
- Muscle development: When kicking off, your child engages and strengthens the ankle, calves, hamstrings, and glutes muscles. When remaining upright and balanced, the core, abdominal, and lower back muscles and engaged and strengthened. Scootering targets the muscles responsible for significant movements and balance.
- Coordination: Scootering improves your child’s coordination because they kick, steer, and balance simultaneously, engaging multiple parts of the brain and different body muscles. Improved coordination will help them with multitasking and their future sports careers.
- Decision-making skills: Riding their scooter on the road or to school will help develop decision-making skills. Your child has to decide the directions they’re going to take, when to speed up and slow down, when to brake, when to swerve etc. Scootering also exercises the speed of their decision-making when they’re in a situation where they need to act fast.
- Cardiovascular endurance: Your child’s heart rate increases and slows down depending on how fast they’re moving and kicking. It’s a great cardio exercise to get that heart working harder and faster, to become stronger and healthier.
The Differences Between a Two-Wheel and Three-Wheel Scooter
You might have seen scooters with either two wheels or three. The main differences between the two are the scooter’s stability and turning ability.
Stability
Stability-wise, three-wheels generally offer a more stable ride because it keeps the scooter balanced in an upright position. All the child has to do is kick forward. With a 2-wheeled scooter, the child has to balance it while kicking forward. Manufacturers usually recommend offering this scooter to an older child or an experienced child.
Turning
With three-wheel scooters, the turning circle tends to be larger and slower. The reason being is that you have to lean in the direction you want to go, also known as lean-to-steer. This steering style is usually for the younger, more unbalanced children. It helps prevent the scooter from jackknifing and provides your young one with a little more control.
Two-wheel scooters turn similar to a bicycle. The handlebars can rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing for a sharper and faster turn. The risk with this style of steering is that the scooter can jackknife and throw your child to the side. This steering style is usually for the more advanced kids who have experience with scooters or some balance skills.
A Word on Safety
Please be aware that your children could sustain injuries while using a kick scooter. If your child is on the younger side, always supervise. If you have an older rascal, ensure you have set rules to prevent them from becoming over adventurous in the tricks they attempt to do.
Some scooters are made with harmful chemicals which could cause your child to become ill. Read the manufacturer’s guide and make educated decisions when buying a scooter for your child.
A Safety Guide for your Kick Scooter
- Ensure the scooter is roadworthy: Always do a roadworthy check before your child goes zooming off. Ensure the scooter is overall in good condition, such as the brakes work, the handlebar isn’t stiff, and it’s the right height, the wheels spin smoothly, etc. Putting your child on a scooter that’s in good condition reduces the risk of injuries and accidents.
- Always wear safety gear: Wobbles can happen. It’s the way of life. As parents, the only thing we can do is prepare our little ones with the right tools to handle these wobbles. In this case, helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist pads, and a nice pair of shoes to protect those tiny toes.
- Obey the local traffic laws: It’s important to teach your child the rules of the road, especially those that apply to them and their scooter. Understanding these rules will keep them safe when they’re out playing with their friends or traveling to school. It will also aid in their understanding of the road when they learn to drive.
- Take baby steps: Follow the pace of your child. Make sure they understand how everything on the scooter works, and give them a chance to get a handle on things before sending them off into the big world. One of the most important parts of the scooter to understand is the braking and steering system. Understanding these could prevent injuries and accidents.
- Supervise your child: We recommend you supervise your children while playing in the road, especially if they’re on the younger side. Unfortunately, not all people with a driver’s license should be on the road; they might not watch out for children while driving or come down the street at a speed.
- Be visible: Because cars are not actively looking for children on scooters while driving, dress your child in bright, colorful clothing to ensure they are visible and stand out from their surroundings. Consider investing in a jacket with reflective strips or a scooter that allows you to attach a light or reflective strips.
- Plan your route ahead of time: If your child is using the scooter to travel to school or a friend’s house, consider planning their route with them ahead of time. Ensure to avoid all the busy streets and large intersections. And check with the local traffic department and state laws regarding which roads scooters are allowed to travel on.
- Do not drive in the rain: The visibility of the scooter decreases in the rain, making it hard for cars to see your child. And not all scooters were designed to ride in wet weather, so their wheels might lose grip, and the scooter could become unsteady. We recommend not riding in the rain to avoid potential risks and injuries.
What to Look for When Buying a Kick Scooter
Choosing the right kick scooter for your kid involves finding the balance between safety, fun, and durability. There are several factors you should consider before making your choice.
01Stability
You need to consider the stability of the kick scooter, which is influenced by several factors. Three-wheel scooters are more stable than two-wheelers because of their broader standing platform, and a wider distance between the two front wheels translates to more stability.
02Wheel-Size
Larger wheels are more versatile and can handle different terrains. A scooter with smaller wheels might send your little one flying forward if they encounter pebbles on the road or cracks in the sidewalk. You don’t want your kid taking a shot at being Superman, do you?
You use the different wheel sizes for different purposes. The three most popular wheel sizes amongst scooter manufacturers are 98mm, 100mm, and 110mm. Many of the scooters on our list have a wheel size of 98mm, providing stability for beginners but at the sacrifice of speed and ground clearance.
03Braking System
A scooter for your child should have an adequate braking system. While most scooters come with a rear step-brake, surprisingly, some have no braking system at all; this can be pretty dangerous, especially during downhill rides. Wider and sturdier rear step-brakes are more effective. If possible, avoid the thin aluminum brakes because they are not very effective, especially when the wheels are wet.
A tip to prevent scraped knees and elbows would be to look for the rear braking system. It prevents your scooter and child’s momentum from being thrown forward when they have to brake quickly.
05Weight Capacity
Considering the weight capacity of the scooter is important. You need to think about whether you, the parent, will be using the scooter to play with your child or if you want a scooter that will last a couple of years and survive a few growth spurts. You also need to consider if multiple children will use it, such as your child’s siblings or friends.
The maximum weight capacity is a safety guideline to ensure you select the best scooter for kids. So be sure to follow it. It is there to ensure the scooter can support your child and any of the shenanigans they attempt. It is there in an attempt to prevent serious injuries or eliminate specific injuries caused by the collapse of the scooter’s structure.
06Adjustable Handlebars
The adjustable handlebars are a nice customization feature for those annoying growth spurts. It comes in handy when your children have double in height overnight or when you will share the scooter amongst a group of kids.
However, make sure the handlebar meets your child’s height requirements now. The manufacturers do not recommend buying up. Instead, try and find a scooter where the minimum handlebar height is suitable for your children, then there will be room for them to grow.
07Deck Dimensions and Height
Remember to have a look at the deck dimensions, the place where your child places their foot, and the deck’s height from the ground. The most apparent reason to check the deck measurements is to make sure your child’s foot fits. But also that there is enough room for them to move around to find a comfortable to stand and push themselves forward. Having enough space is important for when they push themselves forward, you don’t want their anchored leg’s knee to knock into the T-bar. That’s just annoying.
The deck height comes into play when your child pushes off with their pushing leg. Generally, when you push off, you bend your anchored leg slightly to accommodate your pushing leg’s movement. If the deck is too high from the ground, your anchored leg has to bend further, which could throw off your child’s balance, especially if they’re still learning to stabilize themselves on the scooter.
08Your Child’s Age and Skills
Consider your child’s age and skills when buying a 2 wheel scooter. Most manufacturers recommend purchasing a scooter for your child when they’re two to three years or older. Remember to understand your child’s balancing and awareness capabilities when purchasing a scooter. They will most likely be playing in the street, and if they’re not being supervised, they will need to be aware of what’s happening around them.
09Wheel Positions
There a three ways a scooter’s wheels can be positioned. But first, you need to know that scooters can either have two to three wheels. The two wheels positioning is obvious, one wheel in the front and one at the back.
The three wheels can be positioned in one of two ways – with two wheels in the front, one at the back or two at the back, and one in the front. Parents tend to prefer the latter positioning because it provides their child with more stability and control when turning.
10Foldable or Detachable Handlebars
If you’re the type of family that travels often or likes to take a road trip down to grandma’s house, you should consider a scooter that is easy to store. Most scooters come with a foldable or detachable T-Bar that allows you to store the scooter easily.
This comes in handy for limited space situations, such as on a road trip or living in a small apartment. And if your kids use the scooter to get to school, the ability to fold it up and palace it in their locker or classroom is a huge benefit.
11Materials
Take note of the materials used to manufacture the scooters and their wheels. For the wheels, you are preferably looking for polyutherane wheels. It is the same material used for skateboard wheels and will provide a smooth and steady ride. Most of the scooters are made of some form of metal, such as steel or aluminum.
But be aware, some manufacturers use harmful chemicals in the finishing of their products. These chemicals, when ingested or with over-exposure, could make your child sick.
12Steering Design
There are two kinds of steering designs – Lean-to-steer and regular steering.
Regular steering is similar to a bicycle’s steering. The scooter’s handlebar can twist right around, do a complete 360. Now, it’s not a bad thing to have this kind of steering. But if you have a young and inexperienced child, it can increase the risk of the scooter jackknifing on turns and your little one toppling over.
Lean-to-steer is designed to eliminate jackknifing. They have to lean with the handlebar in the direction they want to go for the child to turn. It creates wider, softer turns, but it’s great for those still building their experience.
13Assembly
The assembly for the scooters is relatively easy. Usually, they come fully assembled and folded into their storage position, or the T-bar is separate from the body. All you’d have to do is slid the T-bar into place, secure it, and voila, all done.
14Warranty
Some manufacturers offer a certain time period of warranty, other offer replacement parts. Be sure to check which they offer. Kids can be tough on their toys, and although you’re not expecting anything to break, it could. Be sure to understand what help is offered in those situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are kick scooters allowed on sidewalks?
We recommend you check your individual state laws to be 100% sure. In certain states, the law requires that the rider uses the sidewalks or the far left side of the road – the same as a runner. Be aware that kick scooters are not allowed on highways or streets with over a 35mph speed limit.
How fast can kick scooters go?
Kick scooters can reach a running speed of up to 15mph on a smooth and flat road. Please be careful and wear a helmet if you are planning to travel at these speeds.
Can adults ride kick scooters?
The parents can most definitely join in on the fun, as long as the scooter can sustain their weight. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guides or user manual when considering using your kid’s scooter.
When should I buy my child a kick scooter?
Your child can start riding from around 2 to 3 years of age. Ensure they can balance and control the scooter. If you are unsure, consider a three-wheel scooter with lean-to-steer capabilities.
Conclusion
There are lots of great choices when it comes to buying a kick scooter for your kid. The selection will mainly depend on your child’s age and preferences. For younger kids, three-wheel scooters are the best option since they have higher levels of safety and comfort. Older kids will have more fun on two-wheel scooters.
While this list is not extensive, it represents some of the best and most popular kick scooters for first-time riders and more experienced kids. By compiling this list of the five best kick scooters for kids, I hope to have helped you make the right choice for your kid.
Safe riding out there, buddies!
