One of my favorite memories from when I was little was riding my scooter with my younger brother during long weekends with my grandmother. Nothing, I mean nothing, beat the rush at age 7 of racing down the biggest hill in the neighborhood to win bragging rights until the next week’s race. I’m not sure how I only got away with only a couple scars on my knees before helmets and scooter brakes were a standard safety practice. Now, as a mom of two highly energetic 6 and 7-year-old boys, I still want my kids to be able to participate in the epic scooter races I did as a child—just a little more safely.
Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, there were limited riding options for parents to choose from when picking out their child’s first scooter. Today, there are so many scooter options it can be overwhelming. Here, we’ve rounded up the top-rated scooters for kids—from toddlers to tweens.
The Best Scooters for Kids at Every Age
Best Scooters for Toddlers Ages 2-4
You might feel like your toddler is already scooting around fast enough, but presenting them with the chance to start coasting around on a new scooter will definitely rev up their enthusiasm for movement. These scooters invite them to safely embrace their independence and are ideal for helping them practice their balance and maneuver skills. We’ve included a few adaptable ones so that your little one can make a smooth transition from gliding while seated to standing.
This classic scooter is great for tots who are learning to balance with its wider base for better balance and textured deck for grip. It’s the best budget-friendly scooter (less than $30!) for 2-5-year-olds due to its adjustable handlebar and 50-pound weight limit.
Available in 2 colors
This adorable little scooter is perfect for toddlers 15 months old and up due to its three adaptable modes that will support little riders as they gain confidence. It includes LED wheels to light up for evening rides. There is a comfortable foam seat that’s removable, a soft rubber grip handle easy for smaller hands, a storage bag (for little ones to pack snacks and treasures they find along their journey), and an extendable handlebar. Some key safety features are its non-slip foot-deck, tilting mechanism for tots learning how to balance on their first scooter.
Available in 2 colors
This 3-in-1 Deluxe Scooter has a weight limit of 75 pounds and is wonderful for children ages 1-5-years-old. Toddlers just learning can start with the ride-on seat, which is easily removable and comes with a short O-bar and T-bar to convert to later on. While a little more of an investment than a basic scooter, this one will grow with your child and can make a great hand-me-down within families. Micro scooter also has quiet, smooth-gliding and non-marking wheels that make it ideal for indoor use during the winter months.
Available in 5 colors
This sleek 5-in-1 ride is ideal for ages 5 and up until 48.5 pounds, comes with 5 different modes that convert easily between a tricycle, balance bike, ride-on, 3-wheel scooter, and 2-wheel scooter due to its clear numbered indicators with push buttons that allow parents to switch quickly. One of its key features is that there are NO tools needed for assembly or to convert from each of the riding modes. Key safety features parents love about this scooter are its foot brake for extra control during scooter modes, non-skid tread, and it can be easily wiped clean.
Available in 4 colors
Best Scooters for Kids Ages 5-7
Scooters are great for little ones with burgeoning independence and this duo of three-wheeled scooter options will provide your kiddo with a sturdy base so that they can progress their balance and get a handle on going speeds they’re comfortable with. Warning—it’s going to be tough getting them to come back inside once they’ve started scooting around on one of these!
This unique Y-shaped scooter is great for kids 5 and up to about 110 pounds. It comes equipped with rugged anti-slip footplates on each side, a hand-brake, and industrial super-grip wheels that allow for use on various terrain. It is also foldable into a compact unit that makes storage a breeze.
Available in 2 colors
An editor-tested favorite, kids will grow with their Micro Maxi scooter—up until age 12! These scooters have a smooth ride, LED motion-activated light-up front wheels, and are extremely lightweight. But don’t worry, they’ve been constructed with a lean-to-steer design and footbrake for a more supportive ride that won’t let your kiddo get too carried away. The T-bar is height adjustable and can be folded down for convenient storage and transport.
Available in 4 colors
Best Scooters for Kids Ages 8-10
As kiddos grow, so does their scooter finesse. Whether they’re hoping to travel greater distances—like heading to school—or explore new tricks, these scooters are quality options that can make doing so both exciting and dependable. Being some of the hottest on the market, your child is in for a real treat as they take their joy of scooter riding to the next level!
While the younger kids have so many new options, older kids will love this durable, freestyle kick scooter. It is one of the top selling scooters on Amazon due to its upgraded features like the aluminum deck, high tensile steel V-bars, 100 millimeter cast PU wheels, and a durable noise-free nylon/steel Fuzion custom brake. This scooter is ideal for ages 7+ and for children with a little more experience so they can build up to tricks.
Available in 8 colors
This Lux Kick Scooter has extra-large urethane wheels and a sturdy deck that holds riders up to 220 pounds, which makes it perfect for those ages 8 and up. For older kids on the go, it’s easy to fold, making it quick and easy to store after rides to a neighbor’s house, or to pack in the car on road-trips to grandma’s house.
Available in 4 colors
Bring a bit of diva to the scooter life! With its charming vintage design, this scooter is as stylish as it is stable and reliable. It has a lightweight aluminum frame and an anti-slip deck, plus comes outfitted with an adorable wicker basket. The Maxi has been built to last, which means plenty of memorable miles of fun and adventure.
Best Scooters for Tweens
We all know teens and the quest for freedom go hand-in-hand. These scooters are a great way to encourage some added independence as they head off to friends’ houses, school, and their other favorite gathering places. By this age, there is a continuum of styles based on their riding goals and interests that range from a classic feel to trick-ready to electric.
A few safety tips for electric scooters: Parents should familiarize their children with their state’s traffic laws surrounding electric scooters, teach and practice hand signals with their children, and emphasize the importance of using a helmet.
This lightweight scooter is great for teens on the go, and at an affordable price of $63.99. It’s rated best-in-class for portability, and makes a perfect present for tweens and teens.
This scooter is extremely easy to assemble with just two-steps, it also comes with a stand to help prevent the scooter from falling while parked and to store it against a wall. It is recommended for beginners due to its concave deck-strengthening grip during stunts. It is important to note that while this scooter has a weight limit of 220 pounds, it runs on the shorter side.
This electric scooter is equipped with a high-performance handbrake and is ideal for children 6-12 years old and carries up to 110 pounds. This compact option has an integrated battery design to save on space, front shock absorption, as well as a cruise mode that allows kids to continue to glide without needing to press the throttle.
Available in 6 colors
Scooter Safety
A properly fitting helmet is a necessity for scooter safety. Parents and caregivers can consider incorporating additional safety gear like wrist, elbow, and knee guards, reflective clothing, etc.
And when it comes to the scooter itself, there are various design elements that can make for a more secure ride:
- Handlebar grips made with non-slip materials
- Textured deck to prevent slipping
- Low deck height for easy kick-off and braking
- Adjustable handlebar height
- Durable wheels that won’t wear easily
- Lightweight frame to maintain balance
- Sturdy overall construction
While some injuries are inevitable when children are playing on their scooters, it’s important to equip our children with not only the right tools to keep them safe but also guidance on staying safe while they’re riding. This includes talking with them about the features of their scooter, how to brake properly, the need to look both ways before crossing a street, ways to land when falling to lessen the damage, etc. With a foundation that’s equal doses of serious safety and playful encouragement, your child will be ready to roll in no time!
