17 Reasons Scooters Make Kids Healthier, Happier and More Confident

Reviewed by Matthew Haines — Written by Kumar Grant — Updated on April 19th, 2023

A first tooth. That wobbly first step. Hearing the word Mama so it’s actually understandable! The landmarks celebrating your child’s development fill baby books and mark the ages and stages of a precious life.

Once she’s ready to venture into the world, you’ll choose products that pair safety with fun—two words that perfectly describe the scooter experience.

Being close to the ground gives little ones the experience of moving without being precariously perched atop a bicycle seat. Both child development experts and pediatricians have developed interesting perspectives on scooters because this is one toy that’s going to accelerate a child’s growth while she has a great time.

Not convinced? You will be after reading these 17 reasons for acquiring a scooter for your little one.

#1 Overweight kids burn calories. This low-impact exercise works magic on kids, says a University of Brighton pilot study that concluded that 30 minutes of high-energy scooting can burn 150 calories. Kids have no clue they’re getting healthier by the minute, so everybody benefits.

#2 Scooters are easy to manage. One foot on the scooter. One on the ground. Kids go as fast or as slow as they like so they don’t feel intimidated to go beyond their capacity.

#3 The art of scootering is sublime. Your child’s hair blows in the breeze as she takes in the sights, sounds and the fresh air surrounding her that help boost her curiosity and her adventurous spirit.¹

#4 You get your kid away from electronics. Smartphones. TVs. Video games. How much is too much? Scooters are amazing diversions that show your child there’s fun to be had that doesn’t involve sitting or staring at a screen or game controls.

#5 Scooters help a child master the art of balancing. This leads to upper body strength building and a better sense of equilibrium when confronting life’s challenges. Share this video to see how one mom shows off her scooter teaching skills:

#6 Attainable goals will boost confidence. Can you measure the confidence a child develops as a result of mastering the art of scootering? It’s an attainable goal that increases a child’s feeling of competence, self-sufficiency and power.

#7 Riding a scooter accelerates a child’s gross and fine motor skill development because myriad factors come into play that build endurance, strength and coordination. Further, he learns steering and stopping skills, too.

#8 Scooters encourage cognitive development each time a youngster must make decisions and think for themselves when they reach a corner, encounter an obstacle or are asked to decide which direction to take.

#9 The health benefits a child receives from scootering are endless. His bones benefit, lungs take in fresh air, arteries, veins and heart are strengthened and joy-inducing hormones flood the brain, so you wind up with one blissful kid.²

#10 It’s never too early to learn safety lessons. By strapping on protective gear and insisting on a helmet, you tell your child that you love and worry about her. Watch this video with your child to help her understand the importance of staying safe on a scooter:

#11 Scootering aids a child’s body movement development, preparing a youngster for future sports engagement, no matter which activity she pursues.

#12 Riding a scooter teaches a child to respect the rights of others – especially when multiple scooter riders meet up! Creative play can result from such encounters, but learning to say “I’m sorry I bumped into you” is an even better result!

#13 Owning and riding a scooter gives a child standing, even in a competitive environment where kids may already know a thing or two about branding. This prize possession can even help him enjoy the company of his peers.

#14 Scooters can teach kids lessons in empathy. When used to show children how some kids must move around on wheelchairs and other conveyances, a discussion is opened that leads to greater tolerance.

Related: Fuzion X-3 Pro Stunt Scooter Review (1 year later)

#15 There are so many scooter sizes and styles on today’s market, you needn’t worry about a bad fit. They come in different weights. Wheel sizes run from 100- to 110-millimeters, so your youngster gets a custom ride every time.

#16 Owning a scooter gives a child one-on-one time with mom or dad when scooter maintenance is done. Hand him a toothbrush and show him how to scrub his wheels and where to apply lubricant for smooth, consistent performance.

#17 Websites rating and evaluating scooters are everywhere, so you get plenty of pre-shopping advice that can help you make your buying decision.