How to Choose the Right Scooter for Your Child

 

In a world of digital influence and screen-based lifestyles, outdoor fun has never been more important for the little ones. Among the myriad of options, scooters remain a timeless and favourite choice for kids of all ages. 

 

Why is Scootering Good for Kids?

Besides being a means of transport, it gives kids the chance to be a bit more independent as they get to know more of the yard, the driveway, the footpath, the neighbourhood, the playground or the park. 

 

And, the incredible fun aside, it’s a great workout for them and parents can rest assured there’s improvement in balance, coordination, motor skills, muscle development all wrapped up nicely in this type of physical activity. Think of it as an encompassing exercise both you and your child can enjoy and benefit from. 

 

What are the main considerations?

What’s not to love about them really? One thing, however, is that choosing from the range of top-notch scooters for kids isn’t quite the same as choosing from the adult scooters range. We’re here to help you focus on what matters the most - safety, to make your shopping experience smooth and care free. 

 

Safety Should Be High Priority

Failing to look at shopping for children scooters through the safety lens can lead to scootering with higher risk of falls, collisions, and injuries. In addition, it can make for a purchase that’s inappropriate with inadequate weight and features that aren’t of much use to your child. Focus on aspects like size, handlebar placement (shouldn’t be lower than the waistline or higher than the chin), the child’s age, quality materials, terrain compatibility and the adequate scooter safety gear to ensure they ride safely and with confidence. 

 

Size and Age-Appropriateness

The reason there are different options of scooters for children is because each of them is designed to cater to the needs and physical development of children of different age categories. 

 

Children Aged 2 to 4

The scooters for toddlers can be of help with assisting your little one’s development of balance and coordination. They differ from other scooters for kids in the lightweight frame, low deck height, balance-focused design, stable and wide non-slip deck. Usually, these are 3 wheel scooter models with two front wheels and one rear wheel, soft handle grips and easy steering mechanisms for added comfort, stability and security. 

 

Since they’re designed with toddlers in mind, the colours and decorations like animals or superheroes are more vivid and engaging. Let them be the ones to choose their preferred aesthetics. If your toddler feels more confident and has more control over the scooter, you could upgrade to a toddler 2 wheel scooter like the Envy One S3 Series 3 complete scooter available in pink/teal and teal/black for girls and boys.

 

Children Aged 5 to 8

As children become more confident in their movements, having more control over them, this is where you can introduce them to beginner scooters designed for young scooter riders. It’s perfectly normal for some kids to still prefer a three wheel scooter at this point, mainly because of the added security. 

 

However, if your child is confident enough and has control over balance, and is no longer fit for the maximum weight capacity of the 3 wheelers, you can browse through the 2 wheel scooters for kids. These are characterised by their high-quality durable pro scooter parts, high-quality wheels and grip tape. Additionally, the bolt on nylon brake system and foldable design make them easy to use, store and transport. Adjustable handlebars are a neat feat that allows the scooter to grow with your child.

 

Children Aged 8 to 11 

With school-aged kids who are experienced in scootering by this age range, you don’t have to worry about the deck being high as they already have balance mastered. At this age, they can show interest in trying out some tricks at the skatepark. In addition to faster and more durable kick scooters they can use to cruise around, you could also introduce them to robust stunt scooters with characteristically smaller wheels for control over jumps if they’re confident enough. 

 

Children Aged 12 and Above

By this age range, kids and teens are already independent enough to use the scooters for kids to commute to school, other activities, as well as for sport. As they’d be using the scooter to cover considerable distances, the focus should be on a sturdy design with comfortable grips and handlebars in the perfect height (preferably adjustable to accompany their growth), a foldable frame for easy transport and storage, locking mechanism, and shock absorption properties. 

 

Materials

Basically, there are two material options a scooter can be made from: plastics and metals like aluminium. Besides the differences in price, with metal being the costlier and more durable choice, the purpose and age of your child can help you determine the ideal one. 

 

For toddlers and preschoolers who are still getting used to the whole idea of scootering, 2 and 3 wheel scooter for 2 year old, scooter for 3 year old and scooter for 4 year old models are more basic, made up of plastic that’s light in weight, easy to ride on, balance on and manoeuvre. The sturdier and heavier designs made of metals for more resilience and value for money are suitable for kids aged 5 and above as they can stand up to the wear and tear from commuting and serious riding.

 

Wheels

We already talked about the difference in 2 and 3 wheel scooters related to the age categories, but what we didn’t talk about is that wheel size and material are equally important too. Larger wheels are typically made with a thicker PU (polyurethane) layer, making them smoother, more supportive and suitable for better shock absorption and more control over varied and uneven terrains. As opposed to them, the smaller wheels are typically harder with a higher durometer PU which makes them better for speed, manoeuvres, tricks and jumps. As such, they’re also more suitable for even, paved terrains. 

 

Safety Gear

One can’t talk about scootering safety without mentioning the safety accessories in the likes of helmets, pads, mouthguard and gloves. It’s essential to invest in quality gear that’s designed to comply with the Australian standards, so you can have the peace of mind your child is protected properly. 

 

Be sure to show them videos and guides about safety on the streets, and why wearing the gear is important - this can be of help especially with toddlers who might be unwilling to try the accessories on, or wear them every time they get on the scooter. And, leading by example with your own adult scooter and safety gear can also do the trick. Not to mention the quality bonding time you’d have together! 

 

Scooter Village, the Place for Tailored Scootering Solutions

As we specialise in providing high-quality scooters, we’d be more than happy to help you out with the shopping so get in touch with us for a custom build. Our team can guide you through the scooter brands, models, weight range, adequate spare parts and pricing so you can find the perfect scooter for your child.