Scooters are a fantastic means of encouraging outdoor play, promoting balance and coordination skills, while offering plenty of fun. Cycling is a great way for kids to get exercise, explore their surroundings, and have fun. It’s also a healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around.
Also Read: 7 health benefits of riding a bicycle for kids
Scooters for Every Age
If you arе looking for a fun and hеalthy activity for your kids, cycling is a grеat option. Thеrе аrе many different types of cycling, so you can find onе that is right for your child’s intеrеsts and abilitiеs.
Toddler Scooters (Ages 2-4)
At this age, scooters should be sturdy, stable, and easy to manoeuvre. Three-wheel scooters are the best bet for toddlers, offering necessary stability and control.
Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter: This scooter offers a lean-to-steer design that allows toddlers to navigate by shifting their body weight. It also features an adjustable handlebar height, making it a durable choice as your child grows. The non-slip deck and quiet ride wheels contribute to a safe and smooth ride for your toddler.
Scoot and Ride Highwaykick 1: This innovative scooter doubles as a ride-on toy for younger children and then transitions into a scooter as they get older. It has a low centre of gravity for stability, safety pad for protection, and height-adjustable seat.
Preschool Scooters (Ages 4-6)
As kids grow, they’re ready for a bit more speed and capability. Two-wheel scooters may be introduced at this stage, but three-wheel scooters still provide excellent stability and support.
Micro Maxi Deluxe Scooter: This is the bigger sibling of the Micro Mini and features an adjustable handlebar, robust construction, and unique steering system that leans into turns, teaching balance and coordination.
3Style Scooters RGS-1 Kids Three Wheel Kick Scooter: This scooter is lightweight and features LED light-up wheels, a lean-to-steer system, and adjustable height. The deck has a non-slip surface, and the scooter folds up for easy storage and transport.
Early School Age (Ages 6-8)
At this age, children are ready to transition to two-wheel scooters or stunt scooters if they show a keen interest in performing tricks and have developed good balance and coordination.
Razor A Kick Scooter: This is a classic two-wheel scooter known for its durability and smooth ride. It features a rear-fender brake and is lightweight, making it easy for kids to control.
Mongoose Rise Youth and Adult Freestyle Kick Scooter: Perfect for the budding stunt rider, it has a heavy-duty frame, one-piece welded steel T-bar handlebar, and solid wheels for durability and performance.
Pre-Teens to Teens (Ages 8 and Up)
Older kids might be ready for more speed and versatility or an electric scooter for a different experience.
Fuzion X-5 Pro Scooters – Trick Scooter: This intermediate stunt scooter has a robust and lightweight design with batwing handlebars and four-spoke metal-core wheels, suitable for learning tricks and flips.
Razor E100 Electric Scooter: For a fun twist, this electric scooter offers a kick-start, high-torque motor, and hand-operated front brake. It can travel at a safe speed of up to 10 mph.
Also Read: Physical Health Safety for Kids
Important Features to Consider
When selecting a scooter, consider features such as wheel size and number (two-wheel scooters offer more speed while three-wheel scooters offer more stability), deck width (wider decks provide more space for balance), adjustability of handlebars (for scooter longevity as your child grows), weight of the scooter (lighter scooters are easier for kids to control), and foldability (for easy transport and storage).
When purchasing a scooter for a child, several features need to be considered to ensure that the scooter is safe, comfortable, and suitable for the child’s skills and experience level. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Age and Weight of the Child: It’s essential to choose a scooter appropriate for the child’s age and weight. The scooter should be sturdy enough to support the child’s weight, and the features should be suitable for their age and skill level.
Number and Size of Wheels: Scooters typically come with either two or three wheels. For younger or less experienced riders, a three-wheel design offers more stability and helps to build confidence. Two-wheel scooters are for older, more experienced riders and can go faster. Wheel size also matters, as larger wheels provide a smoother ride and better handle bumps or rough surfaces.
Adjustability: Look for a scooter with adjustable handlebars, which allows the scooter to grow with your child, and ensures it can be set to a comfortable height.
Material and Build Quality: Scooters made from high-quality, durable materials, such as aluminium and steel, can endure more wear and tear and last longer. Look for sturdy construction and check reviews for information about the scooter’s durability.
Brake System: Good braking systems are crucial for safety. Many scooters have foot brakes on the rear wheel, but some models have hand brakes, similar to a bicycle. Make sure the brakes are easy to use and effective.
Foldability and Portability: A foldable scooter can be more convenient for storage and transport. Additionally, consider the scooter’s weight. A lighter scooter will be easier for a child to handle and carry if needed.
Deck Size and Surface: The deck is where the rider stands. It should be wide enough for the rider to comfortably place their feet. A non-slip surface is also important for safety.
Type of Scooter: Depending on your child’s skills and interests, you might want to consider specific types of scooters. For example, stunt scooters are designed for tricks and jumps, while electric scooters provide motorised fun.
Safety Ratings and Reviews: Look at the safety ratings and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the scooter’s safety and quality.
Accessories and Special Features: Some scooters come with special features like light-up wheels or bells. While these can add to the fun, they shouldn’t be the main deciding factor.
Also Read: Playground Safety for Children – Rules and Precautions
Remember, safety gear such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are just as important as the scooter itself. Always make sure your child uses the necessary safety gear every time they ride.
EuroSchool is committed to encouraging students to ride a bicycle to school. The school believes that cycling is a healthy, environmentally friendly, and affordable way to get around, and it is working to create a culture that supports cycling.
