Our Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Scooters For Kids
As our name might suggest, cycling is our main focus and passion. However we have nothing against scooters, and we think they’re a great way to get your little ones active. If you're getting a scooter for your child, as with a bike, it's important to choose one that suits their size. We have a range available on subscription at affordable prices.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about scooters for kids. We'll start by focusing on scooters for toddlers (ages 2 to 5 years old). And then we'll take a look at some of the features of scooters for older children.
Scooters for Toddlers (Ages 2 to 5 years old)
Here, we'll outline key scooter features for children aged 2 to 5, along with our recommendations.
Weight & Size
When selecting a scooter for toddlers, it's crucial to consider the weight and size. Toddlers have smaller bodies and developing motor skills, so a lightweight and appropriately sized scooter is essential for their enjoyment. Look out for light scooters with adjustable handlebars.
There are many brands out there, including Evo, Smoby, Trunki, Micro, and more. We recommend Micro Mini Scooters, such as the Mini Deluxe LED for toddlers.
Mini Micro Deluxe scooters are amongst the lightest on the market for their age range. The Deluxe LED for example weighs just 1.95kg. We believe they are amongst the best scooters for 2 year olds in the UK. The Deluxe LED also features light-up wheels with LED lights.
All Micro scooters we stock feature lightweight frames and adjustable handlebars. We want to ensure a comfortable and safe riding experience for your little one.
Stability
Stability is a key factor to consider when choosing a scooter for toddlers. Most scooters in the 2 to 5 range will have three wheels. This design allows toddlers to gain confidence while riding and promotes coordination and motor skill development.
We advise going for premium brands, to give them the smoothest ride possible with lean-to-steer designs. If the scooter feels unstable then it will be frustrating to ride, and they will definitely let you know about it!
At Bike Club we stock scooters for toddlers that are known for their stable designs. The toddler scooters we offer have three wheels for excellent balance and support.
Safety Features
Safety should be a top priority when selecting a scooter for your toddler. Young children are still developing their coordination and balance skills, so look for a stable scooter with safety features. Most brands will offer toddler scooters with low decks to make them easy to control and stop.
Micro Scooters incorporate various features to give you peace of mind. These include non-slip decks for secure footing, high-quality brakes for little hands to use, and handlebar grips for comfort.
Manoeuvrability
Toddlers need a scooter that is easy to manoeuvre, allowing them to navigate turns and obstacles effortlessly. Not all scooters will have the same effort put into their steering design.
The last thing you want is a stiff scooter that frustrates your child, as it will soon frustrate you too.
Micro Mini Scooters excel in manoeuvrability, offering scooters with responsive steering mechanisms that enable smooth and controlled movements.
This feature helps toddlers build confidence in their riding abilities and enhances their overall riding experience.
Durability
Given that toddlers can be quite energetic and adventurous, it's important to choose a scooter that can withstand their enthusiasm. Many brands will go for eye-catching designs rather than hardy components and materials.
The scooters we offer are constructed with durability in mind. They use high-quality materials that can withstand rough handling and everyday wear and tear.
Scooters for Kids (Ages 5 to 12 years old)
Scooters designed for children aged 5 to 12 should accommodate their growing energy levels and offer a responsive ride experience.
Whether you require a scooter for a 9 year old or a 12 year old, let's look at the key considerations.
Weight & Size
When selecting a scooter for kids aged 5 to 12 years old, it's important to consider weight and size. Look for scooters that are lightweight yet sturdy enough to support their growing bodies.
Scooters in the 5 to 12 years range generally weigh between 2 kg and 4.5 kg.
Micro Sprite Scooters are a fantastic choice. The Sprite Deluxe weighs 2.5 kg, featuring a durable lightweight aluminium frame. As a folding scooter, it is also portable.
Stability
Stability is still crucial to instil confidence in young riders. Look for scooters with a strong and stable base, with a deck wide enough for your child’s feet. This provides better balance and support during rides.
Stability is also all the more important as they grow older and want to zoom along at high speeds. This is why we’d recommend going for quality brands to reduce the chance of wipeouts.
Micro Scooters excel in stability. They offer a wide deck that helps kids feel secure and in control, even during turns or bumps on the road.
Safety Features
Safety should obviously still be a priority when selecting a scooter for older children. Look for scooters with reliable braking systems, preferably with a rear brake, allowing for smooth and controlled stops.
Additionally, consider scooters with grippy handlebar grips to ensure a firm hold and prevent slipping. At Bike Club we stock scooters that prioritise safety. Incorporating high-quality brakes and comfortable grips, they enhance the overall riding experience for kids.
Speed and Manoeuvrability
When choosing a scooter for a 12 year old, speed is paramount. Kids in this age range love to zip around and explore.
Therefore, scooters that can get around with excellent manoeuvrability are ideal. Look for scooters with responsive steering mechanisms that allow for quick turns and easy navigation.
We aim to stock scooters with fantastic manoeuvrability and impressive speed. We look for those that give precise control and offer a fun and agile riding experience.
Quality Frame and Components
Durability is paramount when it comes to scooters for active kids. Look for scooters made from high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use and rough handling.
Micro Sprite Scooters are renowned for their durability, featuring robust construction that can withstand the demands of energetic riders. This ensures that the scooter will last for years.
For Bike Club this means when we receive scooters back we can refurbish them and send them out to new children.
Differences Between a Kids Scooter and a Kids Bike
If your child loves getting active, you might be torn between getting them a bike or a scooter. Both options offer unique benefits and cater to different preferences. We’ll give a quick run-through of the differences to help you make the best decision for your little one.
Balance
One notable difference between scooters and bikes is the aspect of balance. Bikes require more balance and they have a greater learning curve as they have a higher centre of gravity.
On the other hand, scooters offer a lower centre of gravity and a wider deck, providing excellent stability. Along with anti-slip footplates, scooters are a great choice for younger children who are still developing their balance skills.
Speed
In terms of speed, bikes offer faster travel compared to scooters. With pedalling power, kids can achieve higher speeds on a bike.
This can be advantageous for older children who are seeking more thrill and the ability to cover longer distances. Scooters, however, provide a controlled and moderate speed suitable for younger riders.
Terrain
When it comes to terrain versatility, bikes have an edge over scooters. Bikes with larger wheels can handle various terrains such as gravel, grass, and uneven surfaces.
Scooters, while capable of handling smooth pavements and flat surfaces with ease, may not perform as well on rougher terrains. Consider the type of terrain your child will likely encounter during their rides to determine the most suitable option.
Size & Portability
In terms of size and portability, scooters are generally smaller than their bike counterparts. For example, scooters for 8 year olds are significantly more compact than bikes for the same age. Scooters are generally more compact, lightweight, and easier to carry or transport when compared to most bikes, especially foldable scooters.
This makes them convenient for family outings or for quickly stowing away in a car trunk. Bikes, being larger and bulkier, require more space for storage and transportation. If you have limited storage space or frequently need to transport equipment, scooters offer a more practical solution.
Cost
Cost can also be a factor when choosing between a scooter and a bike. Scooters, particularly models designed for younger children, often come at a more affordable price point compared to bikes.
At Bike Club, however, we offer both bikes and scooters on subscription to make them both affordable. You can also exchange your bike or scooter for a bigger one when the time comes.
Safety Tips for Kids Riding on a Scooter
Ensuring the safety of your child while they ride a scooter is of utmost importance. Whether they are riding a scooter for the first time or have prior experience, it's essential to establish safety guidelines. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:
Always Wear a Helmet
A helmet is crucial safety gear for scooter riders. Make it a rule that your child must wear a properly fitting helmet every time they ride.
It should cover the forehead, fit snugly, and have the chin strap securely fastened. Wearing a helmet protects the head in case of falls or accidents, preventing serious injuries.
By establishing this rule, you emphasise the importance of helmet usage and create a consistent safety habit.
Lead by example and wear a helmet while riding with them. Prioritising helmet usage is a crucial step in ensuring your child's safety during scooter rides.
Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
In addition to a helmet, it's important for your child to wear other appropriate safety gear. Elbow and knee pads, as well as wrist guards, can provide additional protection against scrapes, bruises, and fractures.
Make sure the safety gear fits properly and is worn consistently during scooter rides.
Choose the Right Terrain
Encourage your child to ride their scooter on suitable terrains. The small wheels are not adapted to rigorous off-road riding so stick to smooth surfaces. Pavements, tarmac, and dedicated bike paths are ideal.
Avoid bumpy grassy areas or loose gravel that may cause instability or increase the risk of accidents.
Follow Traffic Rules
Teach your child the importance of following basic traffic rules when riding a scooter. They should understand the significance of stopping to cross the road, looking in both directions and giving priority to pedestrians.
Emphasise the importance of obeying traffic signals and signs, such as traffic lights and stop signs. Remind them to ride on the left side of the road, in the same direction as other vehicles.
Encourage them to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid distractions while riding, such as using electronic devices.
Ride During Daylight Hours
Encourage scooter rides during daylight hours to ensure better visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Riding in well-lit areas allows your child to see potential obstacles or hazards more easily, making their ride safer. For scooting in the sun you can also refer to our blog on kids safety when cycling in the sun.
If riding at night is unavoidable, ensure that your child has reflective clothing or accessories for improved visibility to motorists.
Always Supervise Young Children
For younger children, especially those who are new to riding a scooter, adult supervision is essential. Monitor their rides closely, providing guidance and assistance as needed.
Keep a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring they are safe from traffic, other riders, or potential hazards.
Teach Your Child How to Ride Safely
Before letting your child ride a scooter, teach them the basics of safe riding. This includes proper positioning on the scooter, how to brake effectively, and how to maintain control and balance.
Teach them to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid distractions while riding. If you plan on having a child cycling with you, you can read our kid's bike safety guide.
Kids Scooters with Bike Club
As well as our vast range of kid's bikes, we do offer some great scooters. We know what makes a good child’s scooter and our stock reflects this.
We offer these scooters on a subscription basis at an affordable monthly rate. So why not sign up to Bike Club today and get your child a fantastic scooter? In addition to kid's scooters, we also offer adult scooters so that you don't get left behind.
Finally, when you exchange your scooter or send it back, we will refurbish it as part of our reBike program. This is how we aim to promote sustainability and get more kids active.
