A scooter is a great choice for your kids to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun workout. It also helps improve motor skills and builds confidence in your child.

What to Consider

• Type
  • Your child's motor ability matter more than their age to determine which type of model you should get. Here is how scooter types rank in terms of how easy they are to ride for a child: 
    • 3 or 4 wheeled bicycle-steering type (easiest to handle for 2-3 year olds)
    • 3-Wheeled lean-to-turn type (suitable for 3-5 year olds) 
    • 2-Wheeled type (best for 6 year olds+)
• Wheel Width
  • Wider wheels mean greater stability, but less speed. Large and narrow wheels are suitable for uneven roads, but are not fast and maneuverable.Scooters with little rubber wheels or wheels made of rubberized plastic are suitable only for smooth surfaces and are fast.
• Wheel Size
  • Small wheeled kick scooters (100mm-125mm) are lighter, making them easier to ride, handle, steer and accelerate for children. However, they are not suitable for kids with an aggressive riding style as they an be used in a relatively more risky, ride-fast, brake-hard style. 
  • Large wheel kick scooters (200mm+) are more challenging for very small children to ride because they take more effort to push and steer, and take longer to brake to a stop. However, they are also more stable and perform better over rough surfaces. Due to its size, it forces kids to ride in a more moderated manner. They also have the added advantage of a long lifespan as it can be used even by adults.
• Deck (standing platform)
  • Consider the deck's width, length and height from the ground. 
  • Broader decks are best for beginners or young children. The longer the deck, the more difficult it is to maneuver. Finally, lower decks are easier for little legs to reach the ground to kick.

  • Tips

    • Your child is ready for a kick scooter from 2-3 years old if they can walk with a steady gait
    • The handlebar should be below the child's neck to avoid risk of injury during collision. For height-adjustable handlebars on kick scooters, fix the handlebar below the neck height for safety. When the child stands beside the scooter, it should measure up to the chest level. The child's posture on the scooter should be straight with arms slightly bent at the elbow.
    • Test drive different types of scooters to determine your child's comfort level and riding style.
    • Back brakes are better than front brakes since the latter are more likely to lead to falls. Make sure to practise braking with your child.
    • Kids should wear a helmet, wrist guards and knee pads when using a scooter. Never buy safety gear second hand!
    • If buying your scooter second hand, make sure to check the brakes and that the nuts and bolts are tight before using the scooter.