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One great way to keep the little ones active and outdoors is with a scooter for kids. Not only can riding a scooter be a great kid-sized workout, it can also aid the development of gross motor skills like coordination and balance—and it’s a lot of fun. All that said, as parents, we also want to prioritize safety, so you’re probably looking for one of the best scooters for kids, which offers all those features in one package.
The best scooters for kids offer young kids a fun, safe way to get around on their own.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSPeter Ballin, a bike and scooter expert at Bikefaff, says that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all age for when to introduce a scooter. He’s found that most children are ready between the ages of 2 and 3. Parents should “carefully observe your child’s physical abilities and confidence level to determine when they’re ready to embark on their scooter journey,” Ballin says. Kids should have sufficient balance, coordination and motor skills for a safe scooting experience.
Look for an age-appropriate scooter with an adjustable height handlebar for longevity. Additionally, frustration-free assembly is important for parents. With this criteria in mind, the Maxi Deluxe Scooter from Micro Kickboard is the best scooter for kids overall. Read on to learn more about this and the other best scooters for kids you can buy today. And after reading this story, you might also want to check out the best swing sets for kids or the best outdoor toys.
Amazon
Ages: 5 to 12 | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 110 pounds | Key features: Foldable, 3 wheels, LED wheels, lean to steer
The most common injuries for scooters are from falls caused by losing your balance. Being able to maintain balance on a scooter is a must, so a three-wheeled design offers better stability for little learners. The Maxi Deluxe Scooter from Micro Board is exactly that—a three-wheeled scooter with a wider, more forgiving deck. The standing area measures 13 inches long by 5.5 inches wide, offering plenty of space for little feet. We like this foldable, LED lights version of the Maxi Deluxe, because it makes the scooter more appealing to both kids and parents. It folds flat and weighs just 4.2 pounds, making it easy to travel with and store, and kids adore the motion-activated LEDs on the wheels.
With an adjustable height T-bar that expands from 24 to 34 inches, this scooter is our top choice because it can be used by most kids from the age of 5 to 12. “I’ve been buying Micro Kickboard scooters for my three kids for nearly a decade now,” says Rose Gordon Sala, senior editor of baby and kids gear at Forbes Vetted. “They’re sturdy, durable and super easy for the kids to learn on.”
Amazon
Ages: 5+ | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 132 pounds | Key features: 2-wheel, LED lights, lean to steer, rear foot break
Once your child has mastered the art of balancing and steering on a three-wheeled scooter, they’re probably ready to graduate to a two-wheel design, which features a slimmer deck and is usually intended to be foldable and lightweight so that your kids can be more independent and take their ride with them.
The Jetson Jupiter Kick Scooter is a folding scooter with over 100 LED lights across the T-bar and deck and is available in eight colors. It’s rated for 5-year-olds and up—but ultimately you need to decide when your individual child is ready to graduate to a two-wheel scooter. The handlebars can be adjusted from 29 to 34 inches and the scooter can support up to 132 pounds. Grown-ups appreciate that you don’t need any tools to assemble it. It weighs in at just 6 pounds.
Amazon
Ages: 2 to 5 | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 110 pounds | Key features: 3-wheels, lean to steer, rear break
A scooter with 3-wheels is a must-have for kids under the age of 5, and we found that the best option is the Mini Deluxe, a smaller version of our best overall choice. The lean-to-steer design means that the handlebar provides more stability for balancing and doesn’t turn the scooter’s wheels, which is ideal for the youngest riders.
The Mini Deluxe also has high-quality wheels that makes for a smoother ride, which further helps toddlers maintain their balance. The handlebar is adjustable up to 25 inches, allowing it to grow with your child. We also like that this scooter weighs just 4.2 pounds, making it easier for grown-ups to carry it home when kids are done riding.
Amazon
Age: 3 to 8| Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 110 pounds | Key features: 3-wheels, LED lights, lean to steer, rear break
The Y Glider Kiwi scooter from Yvolution is popular with parents of kindergartners thanks to its wide and grippy deck and rear break. The platform in not only textured for more traction, but also curved on the sides for extra safety in case kids bump their ankles on the side (unlike the Razor, which some kids find to be sharp).
Another scooter with lean-to-steer design, it has rubbery handles with ridges on the ends that are easy for little hands to grip. The Y Glider Kiwi has LED lights in the wheels, providing both fun and improved visibility. The handlebar is adjustable. Although this design doesn’t fold, the T-bar can be removed for travel and storing. The scooter weighs 5.5 pounds.
Amazon
Ages: 5+| Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 143 pounds | Key features: 2-wheels, foldable, rear break, front-wheel suspension
When kids are ready for a faster ride that steers more like a bike, the Razor A3 is the best option for bigger kids. Designed for kids ready to try some scooter tricks, the A3 has a bar over the rear wheel for tricks like wheelies, as well as a rear break. The handlebar folds down, and the overall scooter weighs 5.5 pounds. The scooter also has a suspension system over the front wheel that’s designed to provide a smoother ride. The handlebar’s height can be adjusted to match your child’s height.
One downside of Razor scooters is that the sides of the deck can be sharp, so some kids may want to wear high tops or jeans the cover their ankles for some protection. While the scooter is designed for ages 5 and up, we think this two-wheel design is most preferred by those ages 8 and up.
Amazon
Ages: 8+ | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 220 pounds | Key features: 2-wheel, foldable at push of a button, rear break, kickstand, front suspension, 12 colors
Depending on whether you’re shopping for a tween or teen, you might find that you’re essentially looking at adult scooters. LaScoota’s Pulse scooter is rated for kids from ages 8 and up and can support up to 220 pounds—meaning that it could see your child through high school and beyond.
This kick scooter has oversized tires and a folding handlebar design. You’ll get three height adjustments from 35 to 39 inches and your choice of 12 colors. It also comes with a carrying strap that attaches to the frame and an easy-fold button to quickly pack it away when needed. This scooter features a heat-treated brake and 205-millimeter polyurethane cast wheels for better durability, as well as front suspension to glide over those sidewalks. Note that it weighs 9.7 pounds, a weight too heavy for most kids under age 12.
Amazon
Ages: 3 to 12 | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 132 pounds | Key features: LED lights, 3-wheel, removable seat, lean to steer
One thing I’ve learned from being a parent to a very rough and tumble daughter is that durability is the name of the game. My daughter has a habit of putting her toys—including scooters and bikes—through their paces. Consequently, the Allek 2-in-1 Kids Kick Scooter caught my eye for a few reasons. First, it features a five-stage height adjustment from 23.5 to 31 inches. The durable design comes with a removable seat—so it was perfect for when she was younger and not steady enough to stand and push off. It also offers a very smooth ride.
While she likes the motion-activated LEDs on the wheels, I like that this thing can support up to 132 pounds. That means if I were so inclined (which I’m not), I could ride it too. Plus, the lean-controlled T-bar folds flat, which is great when you live in the city and space is at a premium. The only negative about this scooter is it weighs 9.1 pounds. That’s pretty heavy for someone at the younger end of the age range to propel themselves. Likewise, the weight is a bit annoying if you’re the parent lugging it back from the playground.
Amazon
Ages: 8+ | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Max weight capacity: 220 pounds | Key features: 2-wheels, extra compact, foldable
While a number of scooters can fold in half, the Valor Kick Scooter has a removable handlebar and multiple joints that allow an even more compact and portable shape. It’s small enough to fit into a half locker, making it ideal for high schoolers. It does weigh nearly 10 pounds, so although it fits into a backpack, kids may not want to carry it very far. It will hold big kids and adults up to 220 pounds and the handlebar adjusts up to 36 inches high.
From a ride perspective, the two-wheel Valor scooter has urethane wheels like other top full-size scooters, as well as a grippy footboard and handles.
To find the best scooters for kids on the market, we consulted user reviews, evaluated top-selling products, and interviewed scooter and bike experts. Rose Gordon Sala, Forbes Vetted’s senior baby and kids editor, also weighed in on her favorite scooters that she’s tested firsthand or seen up close in action.
This article was written by Dorian Smith-Garcia, a lifestyle writer and reporter who has written for Parents, ScaryMommy and Healthline. She’s the creator of The Melanin Mami Files website, and is also mom to a scooter-loving preschooler.