The 11 Best Scooters for Kids

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We tested dozens of scooters to find the safest, easiest for beginners, and best for tricks.

In This Article

Parents

Let’s face it, when you’re young, zooming around the neighborhood is pretty darn cool. Whether they’re satisfying their need for speed by hopping on a skateboard or tearing up the pavement on a balance bike, the principle remains. If your kid is somewhere between those two stages and they’re ready for a scooter, you’re in luck. We found the best scooters for kids of all ages and stages.

Aside from the obvious cool factor of scooting across the playground in style, riding a scooter has some great benefits. The activity is great for developing gross motor skills like balance, getting some age-appropriate exercise, and enjoying fresh air in the great (or at least decent) outdoors.

In order to find the best scooters for kids, we tested 23 of the most popular scooters on the market with our own families. We also consulted experts in healthcare and academics, checked guidance from the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), and did a ton of research. After evaluating each model for design, safety, durability, and value, these are the best scooters for kids, plus tips for finding the right scooter for your family and how to use them safely.

Generally, kids 2 years old and up can have success riding scooters. “[This age] is a great time to start since most kids will be walking confidently at this age and will be starting to explore balance,” says Robert Pasin, third-generation owner and CEO of Radio Flyer. “Scooters help teach kids balance, steering, and coordination as they learn to balance on one foot, steer in the direction they want to go, and build coordination by kicking and gliding.“

Pasin adds, "It’s a great tool to learn these skills before graduating to a bike. Scooters are also a fun, active alternative to a stroller for getting little ones from point A to B.”

That being said, the AAP suggests that you keep an eye on them while they’re zooming around until the age of 8. As every kid is unique, it’s important to use your own judgment as to when your child should try scooting. And if you're thinking about electric scooters for your kid, the AAP recommends waiting until they're 16.

When it comes to little ones and their toys, the easier something is to use the better. This scooter is all about ease right out of the box without any assembly or reading instructions. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, store, and carry. It even folds up nicely with a one-push button. “Once folded, it can easily be carried or even packed in a suitcase!” our parent tester noted.

The Micro Mini has wheels that light up as your rider gets moving, and the handlebars have extra grip material for a safe ride. The lean-to-steer design means a stable ride, that our young rider picked up right away, though it might take a bit for other small children to master. We also noticed that it’s very durable so far, not showing signs of wear after our tester fell with it a few times. In line with the company’s Swiss-design theories of engineering, the modular construction of this scooter means all parts are replaceable, making it repairable for your kid and any others you hand it down to when they’ve outgrown it.

"I love the LED wheels. They're so great now that it gets dark early while we're still out and about." —Kseniya, mom of a 6-year-old

If your young one has a growth spurt, it’s also noted that the handlebar’s setting limitations might fall short sooner than you might like. Our testing mom says her 6-year-old is already growing out of hers.

The Details:

Popular among big kids and teens, the Sprite is a great scoot-to-school companion. The model is extremely lightweight but still able to withstand rough use. [Note: We tested the Sprite without LED lights, which is no longer available at any retailers.] Our editor’s child tested this out as his first two-wheeled scooter and picked it up right away. Both parent and kid thought it offered a smooth on its medium-size polyurethane wheels—better than similar Razor scooters we’ve tried—and it makes sharp turns on a dime. Stopping happens just as quickly thanks to a very responsive brake system.

It boasts an adjustable height handle bar that extends 34 inches above the deck, so it grows with your kid up until they're 6 feet tall. In fact, our tester's dad tends to borrow this scooter too, even though the brand recommends adults use a different model. When their journey is complete, a handy two-way kickstand allows the rider to “park” the scooter. Or they can fold it up to a slim, packable size (it may even fit into a school locker) thanks to its double-button folding system. Like the other Micro Kickboards on this list, all parts on the Sprite are completely replaceable, but even after more than a year of use, there's no sign of damage to this scooter.

"I'm honestly surprised this scooter is so inexpensive, especially since it looks like something he can keep into adulthood." —Sabrina, mom of an 11-year-old

Some report that the wheels don't have traction on wet terrain, though we had no such trouble during testing. Its lightweight nature can also translate to a very fast ride, a surprise if your rider isn’t used to soaring at such speeds. The brand says this model is strictly for traveling from one point to another, so leave the stunts to another scooter.

The Details:

No more grabbing for the older sibling’s scooter! When your little one is ready to ride, this is a low-stakes investment they can learn on. The My 1st Scooter Sport has an extra-wide base to help develop coordination and balance for kids as young as 2 years old. For our tester, who started using this before he turned 3, the two front wheels and wide base helped him feel confident enough to hop on and off. The wheels and turning response aren’t very fast, which is a good thing for a first-time rider and any adult who has to run after them. Once they do get going, there is a simple back foot brake.

Though it doesn’t fold up, this Radio Flyer is light and our testing parent didn’t mind having to pick it up and carry it when her toddler got tired. In our initial testing period, it only showed minor scratches after a couple of falls inside and outside the house. It even withstood the weight of a pregnant grownup testing it for a turn or two. After a year, "it has a few more scuffs and scrapes but works just like new," our testing mom says.

“This scooter does not feel flimsy or cheap. It has some substance to it without being overly bulky or heavy.”—Katy, mom of a 3-year-old

It’s built for stability but not for speed, so older kids may tire of it quickly. The handlebar height is not adjustable for shorter kiddos, and taller ones will outgrow it.

The Details:

The Jupiter is out of this world when it comes to keeping your older kids (and budget) on track while zipping around the neighborhood. The all-over LED lights twinkle like stars, making the rider stand out while making their moves. The lights in the wheels illuminate automatically every ride, and those in the stem and frame can be set in any of seven different preprogrammed styles. “My daughter absolutely loved this,” our testing parent said. “The lights made the scooter feel special and the different lighting configurations kept it fresh and interesting.”

Perhaps more important, the scooter’s wide, sturdy deck and light weight made it maneuverable for the young rider, and its brakes were simple to operate. Plus, she could fold it up and pack it into the car. It’s also a fraction of the cost of other similar scooters on this list, and after more than a year of use, our tester said it still looks and works good as new.

"I think the slightly wider, sturdier base of this scooter makes the handling around turns and braking easier. My daughter could move around at a pretty quick speed. I think this scooter gives a great riding experience." —Kathryn, mom of a 6-year-old and 10-year-old

This wouldn't make a good stunt scooter, because of its sturdy build. While online customers have noted that the LED twinkle lights don’t have a very long life span, our tester had no such experience.

The Details:

Larktale’s multi-functional riding toy is designed to keep your active kiddo busy as their trailblazing adventures become more advanced. With the push of a button, you can change the Scoobi from pedaled tricycle to balance-bike mode to a three- or two-wheeled kick scooter with or without training wheels in less than a minute, no tools required. The heavier base allows for a much smoother ride than seen on other scooters. Even the handlebar grows as they do, with three height levels. The scooter has a reliable foot brake, non-skid tread on the footplate, and a grippy handlebar, so they’ll feel secure during every trip around the block.

An 18-month-old initially tested this for us as a balance bike and tricycle, only occasionally venturing on it in scooter mode with a parent holding it for her. But her brothers, ages 7 and 10, were able to borrow the Scoobi and change it into scooter mode by themselves for some test rides. That means this scooter not only grows with your child, but can also be shared among siblings. The removable pedals are stored within the unit, so there are fewer opportunities to misplace them. The scooter’s non-slip deck and the bike seat’s nice rubbery cushion add to safety and comfort. Our testing parent also really liked the included cup holder.

"I love how you can easily change up the scooter and bike by just pushing some buttons. There are so many different options depending on your child's stage. If they are less confident, you can widen the legs, if they are more confident, you can move them closer." —Rachel, mom of three

Some kids may be too short for the scooter mode or too tall for the balance bike mode; making it less multifunctional all at once. The weight is also quite heavy for young kids to carry, and the handlebar adjustments need to be made by adult hands only.

The Details:

Thanks to three wheels (two in front and out of the way of your child’s kick path), the Maxi is big on stability. The T-bar extends 10 inches, so the handlebar hits the right height for a safe ride that meets your children’s growing needs, and as with other three-wheeled scooters on this list riders lean to turn it (like a skateboard rather than turning the handlebar like a bike). Our kids tested this version, as well as the Maxi Foldable LED version, and both earned high marks from riders and their grownups.

The Maxi's big wheels helped our 6-year-old tester navigate bumpy city sidewalks. And since it weighs only 5.5 pounds, his mom didn't mind having to carry it home when he decided he'd had enough. Again, these Micro Kickboards lived up to their durable reputation, showing little signs of wear other than some scuffed up tires after being ridden four days a week for over a year. Those tires are also easy to replace, by the way!

"I was beyond confident and comfortable with my son riding the scooter because the overall design is sturdy and the wheels were supportive." —Erinn, mom of a 6-year-old

The lean-to-steer is challenging to some, so be sure your kid gets the hang of it before they start upping the speed. This is also a more expensive model than most on the list—you’re paying for its durability, foldability, and lights.

The Details:

This Razor is great at quick turns and maneuverability, thanks to a stem that pivots 360 degrees to provide a greater turning radius. The three kids (ages 8–10) who tested the A3 had a blast riding and doing trick jumps on it. There’s also a wheelie bar attached to the back of the scooter for anyone interested in more complicated stunts. The handlebars are easy to adjust, and the rear-fender brake allows for confident stopping. The larger (125 mm/5 inches) bump-mellowing polyurethane wheels and vibration-absorbing suspension help smooth out their ride, even when the pavement would suggest otherwise.

After a month of rough use by three kids, we can tell this is a durable scooter. The A3 scooter has the same craftsmanship that brought Razor to the top of the scooter market more than 20 years ago. The aluminum construction is super high quality and lightweight.

"The collapsable nature of the razor scooter is great. It makes it easy to store but does require me or my wife to open it up for them, which is not as convenient." —Michael, dad of three

The folding nature of the Razor scooter makes it easy to store, but in testing, it required an adult to fold it, which can interfere with convenience. Our parent tester also noted the footbed could be a tad longer and the stem a bit higher for taller or bigger kids.

The Details:

Our 9-year-old tester was “obsessed” with her Chilli the second she tried it, and worked on her jumps, spins, and grinds daily for the first month of testing. At just under 8 pounds, this stunt scooter has all the key design elements that make it a trickster’s choice: a rigid frame, wide fixed-height steel handlebars, large durable wheels, a strong rear brake, skateboard-like grip tape, and a lightweight aluminum deck that’s ever so slightly concave, giving your young rider enough space to move around and optimum control when mastering their first tricks. The long deck is ramp-ready, and the super-wide bars make it easy (and safe) to whip the scooter around faster.

After all her daughter’s tricks, our testing parent was impressed with the Chilli’s durability, noting that it just has a few scuff marks. “You'd never know all it's been through based on looking at it.” When we checked in with her after a year, she reported that it's still looking great, and they haven't had to replace the wheels or even the grip tape yet, despite frequent stunt use.

"We really appreciate that it has a sturdy, reinforced base to withstand all her jumps, spins, and grinds. We're so thrilled that this scooter has held Emily's attention for weeks and has safely supported her trick scootering skills." —Lisa, mom of a 10-year-old

Some riders note that the wheels might need to be replaced sooner than you might like. Trick scooters as a rule don’t fold up, and the Micro Chilli is no different.

The Details:

Easy to turn and hard to tip over, Razor’s Rollie is good for tiny ones just getting comfortable with scooter riding. They can ride with a seat at two heights before transitioning to using it as a traditional kick scooter. Our testing parent said her 3-year-old had trouble balancing on other scooters, but he felt comfortable hanging out on this one, sometimes even sitting on it to have snacks. And once your kid is that comfortable, you know they’ll eventually gain confidence to try something new. Within a month, the preschooler was riding around his driveway three times a week.

We love the stability of this scooter, with three wheels to absorb the impact of small bumps. The multi-color LED lights in the front wheels and the deck illuminate when the scooter is in motion, though our testing parent said she liked this feature more than her son.

“My son loved the seat. It meant that he could spend longer on the scooter and get more comfortable learning one skill at a time (like steering or going fast).”—Julia, mom of a 3-year-old

The limited handlebar height was disappointing to our tester who was hoping to extend the life of the scooter as her son grows.

The Details:

On this Razor’s 8-inch polyurethane wheels, kids can ride faster and over bumpier roads with plenty of control. Thanks to the anodized aluminum body and large deck, this scooter can comfortably support riders up to 220 pounds. Our 9-year-old rider noted that it even handled gravel driveways like a champ, and she enjoyed riding it daily during our testing period. Her parents had to remind her to slow down, which she did easily with the rear fender brake.

The handy retractable kickstand allows riders to pop off and on during their adventures without tossing the whole thing on the ground. The handlebars are adjustable for growing kids (or switching between riders), and the A5 Lux’s foam grips allow your child to keep a safe and comfortable hold as they scoot.

“Our daughter is eager to get home to ride it every day… She loves the large wheels, and how tall the handles go up so she's not bent over while she's riding it.”—Ashley, mom of a 9-year-old

Our testers found that you need to use your hands to put down the retractable kickstand (you can't "kick" it out), which could lead to pinched fingers. The folding mechanism was also a bit difficult at times. The scooter is also a couple of pounds heavier than smaller-wheeled alternatives.

The Details:

Parents

When your teen wants to get everywhere, like, now, the electric Ninebot E22 scooter gives them a faster ride. There are three modes (cruise, normal, and sport), so they can base their speed on their level of confidence or terrain, all by double-tapping the handlebar. But parents can breathe a little easier knowing the speed tops out at 12.4 mph. The company also recently upgraded its tires by adding an inch for a smoother ride. An external battery pack (purchased separately) allows for a maximum range of 27 miles and a speed of up to 15.5 mph.

The tires are filled with a new polyurethane foaming material instead of air, so you won’t have to worry about flats. Should practice or a study session run late, the 44-foot range headlight and the automatic tail light provide enhanced safety and visibility for nighttime riding. The scooter is also foldable.

Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend against e-scooters for anyone under 16 years old. (This is why we decided not to test electric scooters with our kids.) “Children should be 16 years old or older,” says Alison Tothy, M.D., a Chicago-based pediatrician, of the right age to ride an e-scooter. “They should know how to operate one before riding it. Wear a helmet, even if your friends choose not to. Use two hands and don’t have your earbuds in.”

The Details:

To determine the best scooters for kids, 22 people on our staff tested 23 scooters with their own kids at home over the course of a month. We also choose scooters that could fit a variety of budgets, skill levels, and age ranges. We paid special attention to each of the following attributes when deciding which scooters should roll onto our best list:

To gain expert insight on how to choose a scooter for your child, we spoke with:

There are several factors parents and caregivers should consider when choosing the right model. Since the rider is in motion, there is still a chance of injury if they aren’t up to the task. Here are some elements to look into before purchasing a scooter for your child. While these are merely guidelines, it’s really up to you whether to allow your child to use a scooter based on their individual skill level, balance, and coordination.

Recommended Age and Developmental Stage: Before getting on a scooter a child should be able to walk and run confidently and show signs of developing balance. “Some of these include the ability to balance on one foot for a few seconds or doing things like trying to walk on a curb like a balance beam. Scooters help advance balance skills, so they only need very basic skills before getting on a scooter,” says Pasin. Even though they might be able to ride on their own, the AAP recommends that children younger than 8 years old not use scooters without close supervision. According to the AAP guidelines, children under 16 should not operate or ride on a motorized e-scooter. And of course, no matter their age, everyone should wear a helmet when riding.

Weight and Height Limits: Each scooter has a weight limitation based on its materials and wheel size, and it’s important to respect these numbers. Weight maximums vary among models, with some capping at 220 pounds. Most of the smaller plastic models have 50-pound weight limits, supporting a younger age range.

Material: Non-electric scooters are usually made of aluminum, steel, or titanium. While aluminum scooters might carry a hefty price tag, they boast a lighter frame which can make riding more comfortable, and they are great for kids to maneuver and carry during their rides. Regardless of its material, the scooter should feel sturdy and durable.

Number and Size of Wheels: Three-wheeled scooters provide more stability than two-wheeled scooters and are the best choice for younger kids, according to Pasin. Most scooter wheel diameters (the overall wheel size of the wheel) range from 4 to 5 inches, with thicknesses between 1 to 1.5 inches wide. (“We’ve found the thickness of the wheels doesn’t have a strong impact on the overall safety of the wheels,” Pasin says.) Some scooters for bigger kids and adults have a larger diameter of 8 inches, which makes them faster and smoother over bumps.

Foot Deck: Most scooter deck widths range from 3.5 inches to 5 inches. Wider decks are popular among toddlers and preschoolers because the extra room allows them to remain stable on the scooter. Scooters used for commuting or travel typically have a thinner deck, while trick scooters can have wider ones to help the rider stick the landing.

Braking System: Rear wheel brakes are the most common braking system on kids’ scooters. “They function by stepping down on a brake that makes contact with the rear wheel,” says Pasin. But let’s not discount good old-fashioned kid power. “In addition to brakes, we often see littler kids placing their kicking foot down in order to stop themselves. Once they get a bit older and are moving faster, the rear brake becomes more functional for them.

Price: As we looked for scooters, the price range started around a budget-friendly $30 to a higher-end tag of $150, depending upon style, material, and brand. Once you get into the electric scooters, the average price is around $350 but can skyrocket upwards of $1,000 for bells and whistles.

Extra Features: The most useful feature a scooter can have is its ability to easily tuck away for storage or carrying once the destination is reached. Reminiscent of something out of a Transformers action movie, most scooters fold up neatly and quickly and remain in that slim state until a latch or button is released. Don’t look for a folding mechanism on a trick scooter; they don’t fold for safety reasons. Adjustable handlebars are another great feature for your child’s scooter, especially during this time when their height is a moving target (just like them).

While considered a fun way to hop around the neighborhood to see friends, get exercise, or run an errand, a scooter should be considered more than just a toy. It’s a functional means of transportation and can come along with some safety concerns. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance system, 2014 to 2018 saw an estimated 134,548 nonmotorized scooter injuries, with head and neck injuries being the most common, followed by upper extremities injuries. “Sprains and strains can occur, but when children fall, scrapes, lacerations, bruises, and head injuries are more common,” says Dr. Tothy.

The AAP suggests children wear a helmet for all wheeled sports, and that includes scooters. Also consider purchasing other protective gear for your child, including elbow or knee pads, to prevent further injury should a spill occur. “Wear a helmet, even if your friends don’t,” she continues.

It’s important to check the integrity of the scooter before riding. If the materials aren’t vetted to withstand wet weather, a scooter left outside might have rust that needs to be addressed. Dr. Tothy also suggests keeping an eye out for worn-out parts and sharp edges. Test the brakes and make sure they work before the ride.

Once the scooter is ready to ride, supervision is key for your on-the-go kid.

“Make sure they’re comfortable with the scooter,” says Dr. Tothy, adding that first-time riders should practice on grass or another soft surface that can cushion falls. “Pay attention to the terrain where your child is playing. Be on the lookout for rough ground, potholes, rocks, glass,” she adds. And riding in the traffic is a clear no-no.

Balance and coordination generally improve as kids get older. Three-wheel scooters can provide the best stability for kids who have never ridden before, teaching them balance and steering and building their coordination. “After they’ve mastered the three-wheel scooter, they can graduate to a two-wheeler,” says Pasin, noting it’s an individual milestone not one driven by age.

While they might sound the same, these scooter options are quite different in a very important aspect, steering. You steer a kick scooter like you would a bicycle—by turning the handlebars to turn the front wheel. Kickboard scooters (originally by Micro Kickboards) allow a child to lean their body in the direction they want to go. While this might limit sharp turns or quick maneuvers they see their older siblings doing on their scooters, a lot of younger riders find this a more stable scooter to ride.

Typically scooters with larger wheels provide a smoother ride over uneven surfaces, while smaller wheels are better suited to smoother terrain.

The handlebar should be no higher than the rider’s belly button and ideally no lower than hip level when they’re standing on the scooter. If the bars come up higher than the waist, it can make the scooter difficult to control.

Cheryl Fenton is a Boston-based writer for Parents who has enjoyed a 30-year career of writing for national magazines and popular websites, as well as authoring a book or two. Knowing her limitations, Cheryl leaves the scooting to her husband, who typically leaves his car at home and rides his Razor to the gym to be more environmentally friendly.

Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience and a passion for finding the best products for families. Her ankles are still recovering from the razor scooter craze of the ‘90s and early 2000s.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Bike riding & beyond: 5 times your kids should wear helmets.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Why children should not ride E-scooters.

Trisha Korioth; Rolling safely on skateboards, scooters, caster boards. AAP News. August 2009; 30(8):26.

Magee LC, Chan C, Talwar D, Maguire KJ, Horn BD. A Comparison of Motorized and Nonmotorized Scooter Injuries in Pediatric Patients Seen in US Emergency Departments. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022;38(6):e1314-e1319. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000002706