Best Scooters For Toddlers

Having gone through a few scooters with my oldest son and doing lots of research when looking for the best scooter for my toddler, I know what features are important when choosing a scooter for toddlers. Here are my top features that are a must when buying a scooter for your toddler.

A scooter with 3 or 4 wheels - It almost goes without saying that the scooter must have 3 or 4 wheels. No toddler has the balance for a 2 wheeled scooter.Sturdy and stable - Look for scooters which have features to make them sturdy, stable and safe. A wide base makes it easier for toddlers to balance. Two wheels at the front can help with stable steering. A scooter which is low to the ground makes it easier for toddlers to get on and off and tends to be more stable too. Is the scooter easy to steer? - Quite often its useful to read reviews on the scooter you are going to purchase. Some scooters are reviewed as being quite stiff and hard to steer for young users due to the scooter being too safe.

Adjustable - Are the handle bars and scooter able to adjust so that the scooter will grow with your toddler?

Longevity - How long will the scooter last for? Many toddler scooters are designed to last for children up to 5 which makes it more worthwhile if you're spending more money. Some have features which can be adapted as your child grows so can be used from when they're 1 until they're 5. Make sure the materiel the scooter is made from is durable and resistant to dents and cracks.

Does it fold? - I have always liked my son's scooters when they fold as for me it has been such a useful feature. Foldable scooters are good when you're out and about and your toddler has had enough of their scooter. You can then fold it up and carry it. It's so much easier than carrying a scooter you can't fold up. I've also been known to fold up the scooter and hang it on the back of my other son's pushchair, I couldn't have done this with a scooter that didn't fold. Also, foldable scooters take up less space to store and are easier to transport.

Lightweight - Personally I prefer the scooter to be as light as possible. This makes it easy to carry when your toddler has had enough. Also they can pick up the scooter themselves to turn it around and maneuver it themselves. A lighter scooter is easier for younger children to control too.However some prefer a heavier scooter as it seems more durable and sturdy. Some of the heavier models don't pick up as much speed which can be seen as a plus or a minus depending on how fast your child wants to go.

Read on for recommendations of the best first scooters for toddlers.

Radio Flyer Scooters are for ages 2 to 5, so are perfect for toddlers. It has been designed with safety in mind. It has the following features:

An extra wide base for maximum stability.
Two wheels in front for stable steering.
Tapered base creates a clear kick path
Rear wheel cover for safety

For the price, it's a great 1st scooter for a toddler (especially good between 2 and 3 years). However, older children may prefer another scooter.

This is actually the scooter I bought my youngest son. So it is my top choice. After you've finished using it, if your scooter is in good condition you could also sell it secondhand on ebay and recoup back some of your money.

This is an award winning toy - winning the best toddler toy 2012 at the Nuremberg Toy fair.

There are two versions of the mini scooter. The first version featured below comes with a ride on and a seat so the youngest toddlers can use it from about age 1 up until 5 years. As they grow older it converts into a scooter with an adjustable handle. It therefore scores high on longevity and is great for smaller toddlers.

The second version comes with just a t bar. This is the version we bought our son and he was fine using it when we bought it at about 2 1/2 years old.

The only downside to this scooter is that it doesn't fold which is something I've reluctantly decided to compromise on. However, non folding scooters tend to be stronger and more durable. It is also extremely lightweight so is still very easy to carry. Other reviewers agree with me! (see this forum discussion.)

This is another good option for the youngest child. The toy can be used as a ride on and converted to the scooter when your child is ready.

Kettler make a range of scooters designed for children aged from 18 months and older.

The Kiddio-Scooter is one to look at. The age range of this scooter is 18 months to 3 years so its designed for the youngest toddler. It has the following features:

Three-wheel system provides great stability
Extra-wide footplate for safety
8 position adjustable handlebar
Patented limited turn radius steering device helps prevent tipping

I think the mini kick and the radio flyer scooters above are excellent choice for toddlers.

But if you're looking for something else, here are a few more options.

One option is the Little Tikes Lean to Steer scooter.

This may be a good choice for very young toddlers as it's designed for those from 24 months
It's another lean to steer scooter. It features 2 wheels and the front and one at the back. It's deck is low to the ground which is great for easy balance and control. There's an easy touch safety brake and soft rubber handlebars as well.

It's an inexpensive scooter but looks really cool due to the funky colors. Choose between green, red and orange.

The scooter is an inexpensive option and a good cheap and cheerful one. However, you may trade off on some of the features. For example, the scooter has plastic wheels which aren't as good as other materials.

If you have a child coming up to 3 or who is a preschooler, you may also want to consider the scooters below which is designed for children aged 3 and above.

Preschoolers are the perfect age for a scooter. They have the balance and co-ordination to use them and they will enjoy using them to whizz around the park.

It's amazing how quickly toddlers can pick up speed on their scooters, especially when they are going down slopes and hill. A helmet is highly recommended for safety reasons and for peace of mind.

This scooter features 3 wheels. It features lean to steer turning and is designed for kids aged 3 and up.
It also features a foot brake.
They have premium E-Z glide wheels (made of urethane) which is a better material than plastic wheels. Urethane like polyurethane offers a smooth glide when riding. Great for slightly older children.

If you're looking for scooters in the UK for toddlers, check out this article for advice on what to look for when buying a scooter for young children as well as specific examples of toddler scooters.

There are all kinds of scooter accessories that make perfect gifts. They include:

Bells - let people around you know you're coming.

Bottles and bottle holders - carry a drink for when you're thirsty.

Scooter bags - attach them to your scooter and carry your essentials.

Stickers and name plates - personalize your scooter with some funky stickers and your name.