Kids scooters are insanely popular and for good reason. They’re great fun and encourage children to get outdoors and active; a precious win-win for both children and parents!
But wait:
Does your child need a 2 or 3-wheel scooter? What’s the difference between a pro scooter and a trick scooter? And how young is ‘too young’ for a first-time rider?
Fear not! We’ve got the answers — and in five minutes you’ll be up to speed.
To pick the best kids scooters, we’ve:
- called upon families in our local community;
- had a bunch of children test-ride the most popular models;
- interviewed families who had owned each scooter for more than a year;
- had our selection reviewed by Matthew Haines, father of 4-year-old scootering prodigy, Krazy Kai
And so…
How well does each scooter survive real life? And which is the right one for your kiddo? Let’s find out.
In this article:
Our top picks of the best kids scooters
| Kids Scooters | Award | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micro Sprite | Best 2-wheel | |
| 2 | Razor A3 | Best for budget | |
| 3 | Micro Maxi | Best 3-wheel | |
| 4 | LaScoot Sit n’ Scoot | Best for toddlers | |
| 5 | Micro Mini Deluxe | Best for preschoolers | |
| 6 | Envy Prodigy S8 | Best Pro Scooter | |
| 7 | RDS Dirt Scooter | Best Off-Road | |
| 8 | Razor E100 | Best Electric | |
| 9 | Razor DeltaWing | Best Caster |
Ready to see the top scooters? Skip straight to our full reviews.
Different types of scooters
Scooters have come a long way since the early days. Back then they were hand-built in garages from fruit crates and roller skate wheels.
Nowadays they are modern, precisely-engineered machines designed to maximize fun and style, though they really just do the same thing, i.e., giving kids of all ages a healthy physical activity to enjoy.
It’s just that the new ones are better at it!
Meet the modern scooter family
Modern scooters have evolved into six main types:
- 3-wheel scooters. These are the best scooters for toddlers and younger children. Most 3 wheel scooters have the single wheel in the rear and twin wheels in the front for improved balance. They offer greater stability at the cost of a little speed. This is why they tend to be most children’s first scooter. They are extremely popular and the leading brand is the ubiquitous Micro Scooter.
- 2-wheel scooters. This category of scooter is great for older kids who have outgrown their smaller scooters and are ready to move on to something faster and cooler. They are ideal for kids who love scooting but aren’t fussed about the whole stunt side of things. That said, they can be used as a transition scooter between 3-wheel and pro. They are far cheaper than pro scooters and therefore you can wait to see if your child actually develops a real passion for scooting before upgrading.
- Pro scooters. Also known as stunt scooters or trick scooters, pro scooters are technically a special type of 2 wheel scooter. They are generally built to a higher quality and are designed for stunt or trick riding. The main feature of a pro scooter is the wide “T-bar” handlebars. These give greater stability when riding on skatepark ramps, and allow the rider to perform various tricks and flips. If your kid is serious about scooting (or would like to be), or if they have a social group of friends who are “into” scooting, then almost certainly a pro scooter is what they need.
- Electric scooter. These are powered by a rechargeable battery and an electric motor. Electric scooters tend to be heavier than kick scooters and often come with chunkier wheels. Whilst they are harder to store and transport, the extra weight makes them more stable to ride. Electric scooters (like other electric ride-on toys) do not require kids to physically push them and while the upside is that they are a ton of fun, the obvious downside is that your child won’t get much exercise. These scooters are generally more expensive and are not suitable for stunt riding.
- Off-road scooter. Off-road scooters come with big chunky wheels with tires on. This allows them to scoot across rough terrains, such as grass and dirt. These specialist scooters are less common and are generally not suitable for stunt riding.
- Caster (or carve) scooter. These unusual scooters have three wheels: two at the back and one at the front. They work in a completely different way to traditional kick scooters. The two rear wheels are spaced far apart with a footplate for each. The rider uses a motion similar to a skier doing the slalom, i.e., they shift their body weight from side to side. Some kids love these scooters and they are great fun. Just be aware that they are uncommon and can’t be used for tricks. We wouldn’t recommend them for kids who are serious about scooting or have a scooter riding friendship group, unless they are being bought as a second scooter.
Picking the most appropriate scooter for your child
In our experience, the two questions that determine the most suitable scooter for your child are how old they are and how serious they are about scooting. By ‘serious’, we mean wanting to learn tricks and regularly visit the skatepark with their friends.
Let’s look at how these two factors affect things.
Choosing a scooter by age
This is your most important consideration as it’s crucial for your child’s fun and safety that they ride an age-appropriate scooter. Luckily, it’s pretty straightforward to get this right.
The above graphic is a useful guide for determining the most suitable scooter types for different ages. There are, of course, exceptions. For example, there are some 2-wheel scooters that are great for teens.
In our experience, though, teens who are into scooting may view regular 2-wheel scooters as “babyish” or “amateur” and would prefer to ride either a pro or an electric scooter.
Let’s look in more detail.
Toddlers
For toddlers and very young children, 3-wheeled scooters are best. They’re stable and tend to be slower.
This makes them perfect for learning and developing balance and confidence. They also make ideal gifts as a first scooter.
Some brands offer add-ons such as seats and special handlebars which allow children as young as one to use them.
The best example is the Micro Mini 3 in 1 Deluxe Kick Scooter (check the price on Amazon) which comes with a seat and an extra handlebar.
You can use the seat with the round handlebar with a much younger child, adapting the scooter by removing the seat and switching to the classic ‘T’ handlebar as they grow.
4 to 12-year-olds
This age range has the widest selection of scooters. The decision comes down to preference, and how seriously they take their scooting (see below).
Teens
Older children can use pro, off-road, or electric scooters. Again, it’s down to preference, but if they’re serious stunt riders, then the choice is obvious.
For casual teen riders, an adult kick scooter is good. If, however, their friendship circle is made up of pro-scooting kids, then that adult scooter WON’T be an appropriate choice. They’ll want a pro scooter.
Recreational (casual) vs pro scooting
There’s a big difference between kids who occasionally scoot to the park or school and those that get into stunt and trick riding.
Recreational: For older kids (4+) who are relaxed about scooting, 2-wheel scooters are best. They’re popular and relatively affordable. Caster, electric, or off-road scooters would also be good options.
Pro: If your child is getting into pro-scooting (also known as trick or stunt-scooting), then there’s only one choice: a pro scooter.
Other scooters simply won’t cut it. Pro scooting involves an array of tricks, stunts, and jumps performed on the street or at skate parks.
Pro scooters are specially designed to withstand hard impacts and grinding. Also, they’re lightweight and have “T” handlebars which allow for special moves.
Do I need to be a “pro” to ride a pro scooter?
Of course not! Pro scooting doesn’t mean doing it professionally. It simply refers to the style of scooting, which involves tricks, stunts and skate parks.
In fact, think of pro scooting as the new skateboarding. A pro scooter is a scooter specially designed for this purpose. Pro scooter riders (like skaters) can be beginners, intermediate or professional.
Scooter features (and jargon)
By now you should have a good idea of which type of scooter would be best for your child. Here are some features you should know about:
Brakes
Some scooters have no braking system whatsoever, while others use hand brakes or rear-wheel foot brakes.
Whichever scooter you go for, make sure to practice braking with your child until they’ve got the hang of it before you let them disappear off into the sunset!
Folding
Many of today’s scooters can fold up, making it easier to pack them away in car trunks or even in overhead bins on aircraft. Some, like pro scooters or some electric scooters, don’t fold.
Steering
Most scooters use an upright “T” system of handlebars that kids use to steer. Other scooters (eg, caster scooters) have a system where the “driver” shifts left or right to steer.
Age/weight range
Scooters have no universally accepted standards on the amount of weight they can safely bear, so most scooters are rated by the age of the child.
Be sure to buy a scooter that can safely accommodate both your child’s weight and skill level.
Wheels
Scooter wheels differ depending on the type of terrain (indoor/outdoor) and other factors. Bigger wheels offer greater stability but require more effort to push.
Some scooters use standard skate wheels, making them easy to replace or upgrade.
Kick scooter
A kick scooter is pushed off against the ground (“kicking”) in order to propel the scooter forward on level ground. Basically, this describes a “normal” or classic scooter.
Completes
This refers to pro scooters that come pre-made. Otherwise, you build them yourself by choosing the parts separately.
So now you know what you’re looking for, here are our top picks. We’ve rounded up the best in each class. Picking an awesome and appropriate scooter for your kid should now be simple!
The best kick scooters for kids
“Kick scooter” covers a broad range of scooters, including 3-wheel and 2-wheel models. They’re the quintessential kids’ scooters — those you’re likely thinking of when you picture a young child scooting.
Best 2-wheel kick scooter
Our opinion
You can’t go wrong with the legendary Micro Sprite Kick Scooter (check price on Amazon).
After trying out dozens of scooters, our young testers were emphatic: the Sprite is awesome!
We backed this up by interviewing other families who’ve owned it for more than a year. The verdict was overwhelmingly positive.
The Sprite is made by the Swiss company, Micro, well known for its attention to detail and high-grade engineering.
This scooter has an exceptional build quality and every part of it (steering, folding, extending handles, etc.) operate smoothly, silently, and with precision.
Performance-wise, the Sprite glides effortlessly along the sidewalk or skatepark. It’s both lightweight and stable, offering a great ride to casual and adventurous riders alike.
The adjustable handlebars extend to a tall 34″. This means the Sprite will grow with your child, or interchanged between different siblings.
In addition, it can be folded and stored away with the push of a button.
The Micro Sprite also comes with a built-in kickstand for easy “parking”.
It’s ideal for both tweens (8+) and teens who love scooting, but don’t want a pro/stunt scooter.
It’s beautifully made and looks great in several chic colors. Our families reported that it’s extremely durable and stands up well to the punishment kids give it.
It’s likely to last your family a long time!
Read full review: Our review of the Micro Sprite
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Recommended age: 8 to adult
- Handlebar height: 22.5″ to 34″ (this will fit all but the tallest of teens/adults
- Durability: Well engineered. Built to last.
- Heavy/Light: Ultra lightweight at just 5.5 lbs.
Best value kick scooter
Our opinion
To be honest, the Razor A3 (check price on Amazon) isn’t quite as good as the Sprite, but it’s not far off and costs a lot less. A big plus!
Our young testers found the A3 handled almost as well as the Sprite. If they hadn’t been testing the two scooters back to back, then they would have been more than happy with the A3.
The A3 was one of Razor’s flagship scooters and, though it has been superseded by the A4, 5, and 6, it remains a classic kick scooter and is excellent value for money.
Made from durable aluminum, the A3 gives a solid ride and is a cinch to fold up and store away.
The telescoping steering mechanism is easy to adjust, and stepping on the rear fender quickly brings the A3 to a full stop.
The big 125-mm skate wheels are ideal for easily negotiating sidewalk cracks, curbs, and other urban obstacles.
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Recommended age: 5+
- Max rider weight: 143 lbs.
- Durability: Decent unless subject to heavy riding
- Heavy/Light: A reasonable 7 lbs.
Best 3-wheel scooter
Our opinion
The Micro Maxi (check price on Amazon) is a top quality, 3-wheel kick scooter of near-legendary status.
Its build quality is excellent and it handles beautifully. This is an ideal choice for most young children, while its extendible handlebars mean it will grow with them till around 12-years-of-age.
During our research, we learned that the Maxi is slower and less agile than most 2-wheel scooters.
This isn’t a design flaw and is actually typical of 3-wheel scooters. The benefit is that they’re extremely stable and easy to balance.
The downside is that they’re a little heavier and have a larger turning circle. This is only a problem if your kiddo is a speed demon who loves to dodge and weave.
For this reason, we recommend the Maxi for casual, not adventurous, riders.
Using a lean-to-steer design, the Micro Maxi has two large front wheels that smoothly sail over bumps without leaving streaks or marks on indoor flooring.
Its footplate (deck) is nice and wide, and it also benefits from a large rear brake that’s easy to operate, even for younger riders.
Read full review: Our review of the Micro Maxi
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Max rider weight: 110 lbs
- Handlebar height: 24″ to 34″ (above deck)
- Recommended age: 5 to 12 years
- Durability: Strong, lightweight, and engineered for durability (but not if aggressively ridden)
- Heavy/Light: A lightweight 5.5 lbs
Best scooter for toddlers
Our opinion
Our top choice of scooter for toddlers is the LaScoota Sit n’ Scoot (check price on Amazon).
This is because the Sit n’ Scoot comes close to the Micro in terms of versatility and performance while being significantly more affordable.
In our opinion, neither of these scooters will last your child until their upper age limit. We’ve always found that kids outgrow their first scooter by the time they reach 4 or 5 years.
So, if upgrading, we recommend you invest in your kid’s second scooter when you’re sure they’re up for it, and when that next scooter will see them through for more years.
The LaScoota is a good value, solid ride for first-timers. It’s ideal for toddlers from around the age of two, who can begin by using the detachable seat.
This is wide and secure and can be removed without the need for tools.
When your kiddo is more confident, off comes the seat and now they can cruise around on a perfectly respectable 3-wheel kick scooter with adjustable handlebars, a lightweight frame, and light-up PU wheels.
Our youngest scooter testers were just as happy on the LaScoota as the equivalent Micro. It has a wide deck, double-width break, and smooth lean-to steering.
Related: 6 of the Best Balance Bikes for Toddlers
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Recommended age: 2 - 8 years
- Max rider weight: 110 lbs.
- Handlebar height: 17″ to 25 ” (above the deck)
- Durability: Solid engineering. With a little maintenance will last for years.
Best for preschoolers
Our opinion
The Micro Mini Deluxe (check price on Micro) is a true modern classic. This multi-award-winning scooter is beautifully designed and engineered to an incredibly high standard.
It rides smoothly and stably and is an obvious choice for young, first-time riders.
Using a lean-to-steer design, the Micro Mini has two big front wheels that smoothly sail over bumps without leaving streaks or marks on indoor flooring.
Our 4-year-old tester fell in love with this scooter and several families we interviewed said that it was extremely durable and survived being passed down from older to younger siblings.
Be aware, though, smaller nuts and bolts can work themselves free over time. If you want this scooter to last, then you’ll need to actively maintain it – minimal effort, but well worth it.
Read full review: Our review of the Micro Mini Deluxe
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Recommended age: 2 to 8 years (though, in our opinion, more like 2 to 5 years)
- Max rider weight: 110 lbs
- Handlebar height: 17″ to 25 ” (above deck)
- Durability: Solid engineering. With a little maintenance, will last for years.
Super-fly design
Our opinion
Svolta is an up-and-coming scooter brand that has started to make waves with its cool, modern, androgynous designs.
The Svolta Legend (check price on Svolta) is a well-made 2-wheel kick scooter that rides nicely and looks super fly!
While the Svolta wins on its looks, its handling isn’t quite as smooth and stable as scooters by Micro or Razor.
Our young tester felt it was quick and light, but a little ‘skittish’. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend it for tentative, first-time riders.
That said, if your child is a confident, casual rider who likes to stand out from the crowd, then this is an awesome choice.
Families who owned the Svolta for over a year noted that it was durable and stood up well over time.
Its gorgeous gold and aqua design will turn heads but be aware that its extendible handle only rises to 31.5″, which means it could become too small when your child reaches 9 years.
Read full review: Our review of the Svolta Legend
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Recommended age: 6+ (we’d say up till 9 or 10)
- Max rider weight: 132 lbs
- Handlebar height: 24” to 31.5”
- Durability: Stands the test of time with casual riding
The best pro scooters
If your child wants to take the scooter experience to the max, consider a pro scooter (also known as a stunt scooter). Designed for use at skate parks and able to do advanced flips, jumps, stunts, and tricks, pro scooters are a great choice for athletic youngsters who want to improve their balance and hand-eye coordination.
"Pro scootering for very young kids, (eg, 4+ years), is definitely possible but you need to be pickier with the scooter you choose. It can be hard to find ones that are small and light enough for young children to handle. To save you time, I've picked our favorite below." (Matthew Haines, daddy to 4-year-old pro scooter talent, Krazy Kai)
Best pro scooter
Our opinion
We didn’t get our hands on the Prodigy 8 to test it but are in no doubt about this choice.
Envy’s Prodigy series is world-famous and the series 8 was one of the most hotly anticipated pro scooters for years.
Sleek, durable, and agile, the Envy Series 8 Prodigy (check price on Amazon) is a go-to for professional riders and is ubiquitous at serious skate parks all over the country.
This hyper-cool scooter is available in 6 fresh colors and is packed with high-quality, durable components, from wheels and bearings to front plate, rear inserts, and nylon brakes.
The Prodigy 8 is also known for being solid and well-engineered, and while you can’t expect your that your kid will be immune to wipe-outs, at least they’re unlikely to suffer mechanical failures as they thrash around the park.
The Prodigy weighs in at less than eight pounds — light for a pro scooter. This enables even smaller riders to pull off some tricks.
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Recommended age: 8+
- Durability: Very solid
- Heavy/Light: A relatively light 7.7 lbs
Best beginners pro scooter
Our opinion
The Fuzion X3 (check price on Amazon) is a legendary and best-selling beginners’ pro scooter.
While the X3 is certainly very affordable, this belies its solid build quality and excellent performance.
You could say that it ‘punches above its weight,’ which is probably why this scooter is so popular more than three years after its initial release.
During our testing, we found the Fuzion X3 to be smooth, lightweight, and sturdy. The Smiths (our family who had owned the scooter for over a year), reported that it was very durable.
In fact, the only sign of wear was where the rubber handle grips began to shed little black bits after around 9-months.
The Fuzion X3 is a great value entry-level stunt scooter. Unlike many similarly priced beginner options, the X3 should actually last your rider until they reach an intermediate level.
By this time, you can be sure they’ll know exactly what they want and will definitely let you know!
At a glance
- Our rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Recommended age: 8+
- Handlebar height: 32.5″ (this will feel tall for shorter riders)
- Durability: Solid
- Heavy/Light: A decent 8 lbs
Best pro scooter for very young kids
Our opinion
Our resident expert, Matthew Haines, is the father of 4-year-old pro scootering prodigy, Krazy Kai.
He explains that you must be much pickier when choosing a pro scooter for very small children. You need to consider handlebar height and width, deck length, and overall weight.
“This was something that was incredibly hard for us to learn, as we are among the first going through this process with a child riding pro scooters at such a young age,” says Matthew.
Root Industries’ Type-R Mini (check price) has a deck that’s 2 inches shorter than regular ones such as the Prodigy.
It also has shorter and narrower handlebars. All of this contributes to a lighter scooter that’s more manageable for even the smallest of riders.
(Note that kids as small as Kai may still need further modifications.)
At a glance
- Smaller components while keeping the professional-level specs
- No assembly required
- Handlebars: 17" height, 18" width
- Mini deck: 17" length, 4.8" width
- Weight: 7.3 lbs
Top off-road scooters
These are the scooters your child needs if they will be riding on rough and broken pavements, or on dirt and grass. They have oversized, off-road tires making them the only option for this terrain.
Best off-road scooter
Our opinion
If your child is looking for some off-road fun, you won’t go wrong with the RDS Dirt Scooter (check price on Amazon) from Razor.
Capable of safely negotiating obstacles on paved surfaces, the RDS has huge 200-mm inflated tires that are perfect for dirt, grass, sand, and other off-road terrains.
The tires have a special tread designed for dirt while the grip tape on the deck keeps the rider safely in place.
Unlike other Razor scooters, however, this one does not fold up.
Although it is built to carry up to 220 pounds for normal riding, Razor recommends that only riders up to 120 pounds attempt to use this for advanced stunts, flips, and tricks.
At a glance
- Rugged tubular steel design
- Giant 200-mm tires for off-road use
- Rear fender brake
- Can handle up to 220 pounds of weight, kids age 10 and up
- Weighs 11.5 pounds
Best for extreme terrain
Our opinion
The Mongoose Expo (check price on Amazon) is essentially a hybrid between a kick scooter and a BMX.
It has two huge 12-inch pneumatic tires and handlebar breaks, just like a bike, but then a large scooter deck instead of pedals and a saddle.
It’s weird and wild, but a ton of fun for kids who like to be different and to go extreme!
Ideal for both rough, off-road terrain and smooth, skatepark or urban riding, the Expo can reach high speeds while remaining incredibly stable.
The hand-operated bicycle-style caliper brakes allow for efficient and safe stopping.
Both wheels come with axle pegs for performing tricks and stunts while the rugged steel tubular design makes the Mongoose Expo one very rugged stunt scooter.
It also features 360-degree rotating handlebars which provide further options for stunts and tricks.
We had mixed reports from families that we interviewed.
Some said that their kids fell in love with the Mongoose and would constantly tear off on it across the neighborhood, while others said it didn’t get much action, their kids preferring to either use their bike or traditional kick-scooter. So, looks like it could go either way!
At a glance
- Rated for kids age 6 and up
- Two beefy 12-inch pneumatic wheels easily handle off-road terrain
- Axle pegs for performing stunts and tricks
- Bicycle-style caliper brakes on the handlebars
- Eye-catching black and neon green design
The best electric scooters
Electric scooters are powered by a motor and battery. They come in all shapes and sizes and are massively fun for kids over the age of six. The only drawbacks are that they are bulkier and more costly than your average kick scooter. Another consideration is that, obviously, your child won’t get the same amount of exercise. If, however, your child already gets lots of other physical playtime, then electric scooters are invariably a winner when it comes to gifts. Here are two of the best:
Best electric scooter for younger kids
Our opinion
Your kiddo will reach new speeds with this electric razor scooter. Don’t let the bright color spectrum fool you.
This sidewalk beast will leave neighborhood kids in a cloud of dust. Don’t worry parents; it’s equipped with handlebar brakes and rubber grips.
The Razor E100 (check price on Amazon) has a rechargeable 24-volt battery, packed tightly below its footboard.
This scooter even offers rear-wheel drive for increased traction and control. Due to its incredible speed, the E100 is ideal for intermediate scooters.
Keep in mind it has a weight limit of 120 pounds. As such, parents and older siblings should resist taking a turn.
At a glance
- Travels up to 10 mph
- Super quiet chain drive motor
- 24-volt rechargeable battery
- Several fun colors to choose from
- Durable metal frame
- Reliable hand brakes and slip-resistant rubber grips
- UL-approved battery charge included
- Rear wheel drive for better traction and control
Best electric scooter for teens
Our opinion
The Razor E300 (check price on Amazon) is a powerful beast, definitely not suitable for younger kids but perfect for teens (13+).
It’s big, bad, and chunky – certainly not to be mistaken for a “kiddy toy”.
Razor invested heavily in the engineering of this cutting-edge electric scooter, and while it does have a higher price tag, it’s easy to see why.
Its high-torque chain motor delivers speeds of up to 15 mph, and the twist-grip acceleration and hand-operated rear brake give the ride the feel of a real motorbike.
Welcome news for parents is that the super-sized deck makes for a safe and stable ride.
At a glance
- Rated for kids age 13+
- Ride time up to 45 mins
- Battery charger included
- 2 x 12V batteries and high-torque motor
- Speeds up to 15 mph
- Foldable
Caster scooters
These unusual scooters are crazy yet fun. Perfect for a child who wants to stand out with some cool wheels. (Just don’t get these for your kid if they are into pro scooting as they won’t work on skate ramps.)
Best electric scooter for teens
Our opinion
Step up your child’s scootering with this three-wheeled wonder. The DeltaWing (check price on Amazon) features a durable steel frame with two polymer wings.
Watch as your kid pumps the wings back and forth, mastering incredible scooter stunts and freestyles. Handbrakes and rubber grips are much-appreciated safety features.
Meanwhile, a pneumatic front wheel provides bike-like stability on pavement and dirt.
Since this scooter boasts an extra extremity, it provides unmatched stability and acceleration.
At a glance
- Recommended for children 6 and older
- 142-pound weight limit
- Perfect for sidewalks and pavement
- 16-inch pneumatic front wheel
- Hand-operated brake and rubber
Final verdict
If you have a toddler, then it’s got to be the LaScoota Sit n’ Scoot. If your child is between 5 and 12 years old, then we’d recommend the Micro Sprite.
And, finally, if your child is a teen or getting into pro scooting, then go for the Envy Prodigy S8 (pro scooter). These are all top of their game for build quality and fun factor.
Depending on your child’s age, and whether they’re into pro scooting, you can’t go wrong with these three picks!
FAQs
What scooter accessories do I need?
In a nutshell, the only accessories you actually need are those designed to keep the rider safe. That means a helmet that meets approved safety standards, plus knee and elbow pads.
Are scooters safe?
This question comes up a lot. You could ask the same about bicycles, skateboards or roller skates. The fact is that all ride-on toys carry inherent risks.
Scooter-related accidents were the leading causes of injuries according to a study carried out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
However, it should be noted that scooters are the most popular ride-on toy by far and that kids tend to spend more time on them than other toys.
Also, this study didn’t include bicycles, which were responsible for more injuries than all toys combined!
I can’t recommend whether you do or don’t buy a scooter for your kids. That’s up to you. I did for mine, and I’m happy that it encouraged them to be active, get outdoors, and be away from screens.
What everybody agrees with is that children should play with age-appropriate toys and use recommended safety gear.
Scooter safety
Recommended safety gear
Helmet: Riders of all ages should wear a helmet that meets approved safety standards. In case you are wondering, the right type of helmet for scooting is the same as a helmet for riding a bicycle.
This means that any helmet intended for scooting must meet the CPSC bicycle helmet standards.1Rissel, Chris, and Li Ming Wen. “The possible effect on frequency of cycling if mandatory bicycle helmet legislation was repealed in Sydney, Australia: a cross-sectional survey..” Health promotion journal of Australia 22.3 (2011): 178-183.
cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/spor
After that, it’s a case of comfort and style.
Knee and elbow pads: While we notice fewer children wearing these, put simply, they should. We certainly recommend that you encourage your kids to wear them.
Hopkins Medicine found that “elbow pads can prevent 82% of elbow injuries, and knee pads 32% of knee injuries. 2For Parents: Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboard and Scooter Safety
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/for-parents-bicycle–inline-skating–skateboarding–scooter-safety
To encourage your kids more, you might want to show them the super-popular vlogger and pro scooter funny man, Claudius Vertesi, who always wears them for scooting.
There are plenty of other high-profile riders out there looking after their knees and elbows.
Tips for keeping safe on scooters
- Always use a helmet
- Wear knee and elbow pads
- Wear brightly colored clothes
- Ride on smooth, paved surfaces without traffic, and avoid surfaces with water, gravel or sand on them
- Don’t ride at nighttime
- Closely supervise younger children
- Always dismount from the scooter before crossing a road
- Ride on the inside of sidewalks away from the road
Wrapping up
Call us old-fashioned, but in an age where smartphones are everywhere, we applaud the companies innovating with modern scooters. Scooting keeps the outdoors fun and encourages kids to be active. Win-win!
