11 of the Coolest Scooters for Cruisin’ Kids

Scooters are one of the first ride-on toys that really let kids get their first taste of independence. They're easy to ride and come in a ton of different sizes, styles, and configurations. There are the ever-popular three-wheeled toddler scooters and the newer electric models, with pretty much every type in-between. My own kids have each had scooters since they were about 2 years old, and every year, they get more and more into the fun outdoor activity.

What to Consider

When it comes to buying a scooter, you're going to look at a few basic metrics: style, height, materials, wheel size, budget, and how they are powered. All of these factors combined will be what determines which scooter is best for your kid.

Style

Scooters for little kids generally have three wheels, two in the front and one in the back, to add stability and maneuverability for little learners. The bars are usually adjustable and are most likely to be covered in spongy foam for easy gripping. (Also, if your kid does a header into the bars, which they will, it won't hurt as badly.) The deck — or the board of the scooter — is usually plastic, and the bar is hollow steel, making them stable and light. These scooters are low to the ground, with wheels made of bouncy rubber, and in general, they're just the cutest little things on the sidewalk. These are best for the smallest of riders, up to about 5 or 6 years old, depending on size and riding ability.

After the starter scooter, you're likely going to move into a two-wheel option, but you'll keep the super-padded bars and smaller wheels. It's lighter, slower, and generally easier to ride.

Here's where it gets complicated. After that stage, when your child is between 9 and 11, they're going to want to level up. At this point, you have several options. The obvious choice for many families is the classic Razor scooter made of metal with short wheels, a sturdy deck, and narrow, lightly padded grips on the bars. This is a great scooter for tweens. It's not too fast, not too slow, and kids maintain a great deal of control over the scooter.

There are also scooters with larger front and back wheels — the bigger the wheel, the faster the scooter. And let me tell you, my kids have the larger-wheeled scooters, and they positively fly around the park. Of course, it's not always good for my nerves, and more than once, I've had to look away because I was certain things would end poorly. However, kids are really bouncy, and so far, they've been OK. (They also wear helmets and gear, which has probably helped a lot.) And the styles of scooters for kids don't stop there. There's also trick scooters and swing scooters, which provide different options for kids looking for something new and interesting.

Finally, let's not forget electric scooters. These have gained popularity in recent years, and they're a fun option for teens who are confident in their ability to ride safely and who have a good grasp of riding etiquette. However, it should be noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that no one under 16 should be riding an electric scooter.

Height

The tops of the bars should come to about the chest of the rider for younger kids. For older kids, it should be tall enough for them to hold comfortably without rounding their back or slouching forward as they power their scooters. Their back should be upright, chest forward, eyes straight ahead as they ride. Otherwise, they'll be much more likely to fall or experience a collision. Thankfully, most scooters for kids have adjustable bars, which is great for growing kids and parents' budgets.

Materials

What the scooter is made of is going to be one of your biggest concerns. The frame is usually made of hollow steel, which is lightweight, durable, and doesn't cost a ton to manufacture. The deck is where you're going to come across different materials. The scooter deck should be able to hold your child's weight without bending or bowing, even if they're jumping on it. If you notice that your child's deck has started to give as they step onto it, then they've either outgrown it, or it is worn out. Steel will last the longest, but it's also the least forgiving. The wheels should be rubber, and the handles can also be wrapped in a foam cover that is easy to grip.

Wheels

Wheels come in a variety of sizes, and your choice of size will be largely dependent upon your scooter, with most running between 100 and 125 millimeters for standard scooters. Pro Scooters suggested that a good starting size is a 110-millimeter wheel made of rubber with either a solid core or simply filled with air. Polyurethane rims are standard and very durable. I must reiterate that the larger the wheel, the faster it goes, so if you're buying a scooter for a younger kid, stick to that 100- to 110-millimeter size.

Budget

I'm going to be honest with you: Scooters can get downright expensive. They range anywhere from $25 for a novelty scooter into the hundreds or thousands for pro scooters and electric styles. Luckily, most of the middle-of-the-road scooters are in the $50 to $90 range, and they are solid scooters that your kids will get years of use from. Higher-end models are going to have more bells and whistles, and they might be made with slightly better materials. However, on the commercial market, you're mostly paying for extras like LED decks and wheels and fun finishes. If you can afford those, go for it, but it doesn't make a difference in the ride.

Power

There are a ton of electric scooters on the market, and we've included a few here today. However, we did not include pricier models designed for adult riders because those things can fly, and honestly, they really aren't for kids. Instead, we've chosen more economical options that are easy to charge with speeds that do not exceed 15.5 miles per hour.

Our Picks

• Best Beginner Scooter: Razor Junior Lil' Kick Scooter
• Best Toddler Scooter: Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter
• Best Sit and Scoot: Skidee Kids
• Best Folding Scooter for Younger Kids: Greentest Foldable Scooter
• Best Small Wheels: Razor A2 Kick
• Best Transition Scooter: Razor A5 Lux Kick
• Best Air-Filled Tires: Mongoose Expo Youth
• Best Off-Road: Razor Pro RDS Dirt Scooter
• Best Swing Scooter: Razor Delta Wing
• Best Long-Run Electric: Gotrax Commuter Scooter
• Fastest Recharge: Razor E326 Electric Scooter

The scooters on this list have been chosen because they are highly rated, make sense from a budget perspective, and they can easily be shipped to your home. We chose a variety of styles for different ages, keeping in mind the sizes and materials. There is something on this list for your little cruiser. And please, grab your kid a great helmet and pads to go with it. Because again, while kids are pretty bouncy, their skulls and bones are precious.