One of the children’s favorite toys is scooters, being easy to handle and make for great exercise your little ones will enjoy. You can find scooters for all ages and sizes, even adults have fun with them!
But with the vast selection of children’s scooters out there, it can be a bit difficult trying to figure out which one is best for your child in terms of design, safety, among other factors. To help you out, here are some tips and factors to consider when it comes to finding the perfect scooter for your kids.
Type of scooter
Before choosing a scooter, think about where your little one will be using it, and this would be connected with their age. For younger children over 2 years old, opt for tri-scooters to maintain their balance.
For older children, there are more options, and what you choose will depend on the surface they will ride on. If riding in urban areas, invest in smaller folding scooters that are made with PVC or PU wheels. The wheels can’t puncture and will have a long service life.
If it is for recreational riding areas and on more unpredictable terrains, opt for ones that have inflatable wheels and enforced frame. Specialized freestyle scooters are for older children who are more adventurous!
Make sure to watch out for other useful features, such as an anti-slip surface for safety. There are also foldable scooter designs, which may be best for those who travel a lot or have smaller spaces for easier storage.
Handlebar height
This is another important factor to consider as you choose a scooter.
If it is too low, then your child will need to bend too far, which would negatively affect their back and growth. If it is too high, then your child can’t steer his scooter properly.
It’s best to measure your child’s height, as the handlebar height should be the same level as his pelvis. Go for more than 50 centimeters for the youngest kids. For kids who are over 140 centimeters tall, you may need to invest in adult scooters.
We recommend getting scooters that feature adjustable handlebars for easy adjustment according to your kid’s comfort and growing height.
Type of brake
There are two kinds of brakes on children’s scooters, which are foot brakes and caliper brakes. These brakes have different designs and functions but are both easy to maintain.
If your little one rides in urban locations, opt for a foot brake. Caliper brakes are usually found on scooters with inflatable wheels, as they are controlled by the handlebar’s levers for more control and unpredictable terrains. There are scooters without any brakes, which are only for the youngest children as they don’t reach such high speeds.
Brand and materials
Scooters are usually made of steel or aluminum.
Aluminum frames are lighter and will be easier for smaller children to bring around. Steel frames are heavier but also heavier duty, which is best for older children who are on uneven terrain or love to go rough as they play around with their scooters.
Some scooters are made of plastic, which is very lightweight and flexible to handle. However, these are made for the youngest children that are 3 years old and under.
Besides the materials, think about the brand of your chosen scooter. You’ll want to choose scooters from reputable brands like Micro scooters, which are known for their strong and durable products. You may check out reviews from parents and children to see which scooter brands are popular and reliable.
Weight Limit
The weight limit will, of course, depend on your child’s weight. However, you will need to add more leeway!
Remember, the weight on the scooter will increase as your child performs jumps or when creating an impact on uneven terrains. Furthermore, your child may carry other items, like his backpack or another friend.
Take note that the weight limits of tri scooters made for younger children are around 20-25 kilograms.
Children’s scooters would have a weight limit of around 50-60 kilograms. If ever your child exceeds that weight limit, you’ll need to get one more suitable for older kids and adults, which have weight limits of 100-150 kilograms.
The wheels
Scooters may have two to four wheels. The more wheels, the more stability there will be.
Two-wheel scooters have less stability compared to 3- or 4-wheel scooters. This is best for experienced scooter riders who have learned to balance and control as they ride on scooters. Three-wheel or four-wheel scooters are best for younger children and beginners as there is minimal risk of imbalance and fewer accidents.
As for the wheel material, folding scooters that have small wheels made with PU rubber would be light and easy to store. However, they are a bit dangerous as they are smaller wheels that can sink in small holes. Scooters that have inflatable wheels are heavier compared to PU rubber but are able to handle various types of surfaces and uneven terrain.
Smaller wheels would be slower and lighter, keeping the deck low to the ground for stability. Larger wheels are faster and raise the deck higher, making it a smoother ride. However, larger wheels are best for experienced riders for doing tricks and to ride at faster speeds.
The standard size for beginners should be 110mm, with 120-125mm wheels being great for experienced riders.
Wrapping It Up
Just like choosing any other toy for your little one, it is imperative to do research before purchasing