Are you thinking about purchasing a scooter for your toddler? A lot of parents debate whether to get a bike or scooter for their toddler’s first outdoor toy. We’re fans of the scooter idea.
Why? Well, we think they’re more age-appropriate for toddlers and they’re a great way to work up to the bigger milestones. There are some really cool options out right now that are both exciting and beneficial for toddlers.
Let’s take a look at the advantages a scooter offers and what you should look out for when you’re shopping. We’ll give you a rundown on the best scooters for toddlers, currently available on the market.
- Easy to assemble
- Foldable seat
- Lean to steer technology
- Three wheel design
- Highly adjustable handle bar
- Easy to use rear brake
- Adjustable and removable seat
- Weight capacity of 110 lbs
- Durable construction
- LED light up wheels
- Adjustable handlebar
- Uncomplicated folding system
- For kids from 1-14 years old
- Extra-wide anti-slip foot deck
- Lean-to-steer technology
- Smooth-gliding
- Long-lasting scooters
- Extremely lightweight
- 2-in-1 scooter
- 3 levels adjustable height
- Large rear wheel break
- Lean-to-steer design
- Incredibly strong yet extremely lightweight
- 2-year manufacturer's warranty
- 4 wheels
- Under seat storage
- Sturdy frame, durable rolling wheels
- Anti-slip and safe riding
- 120mm big front flashing wheels
- Flexible steering
Should You Buy a Scooter for a Toddler?
We all know that scooters can be loads of fun. But are there any other advantages our toddler can gain from this toy? Let’s take a look at a few:
Encourages Physical Activity
It’s recommended that toddlers enjoy at least three hours of physical activity every day (1). With a scooter, you can play with your little one, making sure they get the exercise they need. It’s an exciting way to burn some energy. Always remember to have your child no matter what age wear a helmet and any other needed safety equipment.
Improves Gross Motor Skills
Your toddler is making the transition from walking to running and jumping. Riding a scooter can be a fantastic way to work on improving their gross motor skills. Of course, they need to use their muscles to push against the ground and build speed.
Riding a scooter also requires your child to move their legs, balance, and turn all at the same time. While it could take a few practice runs for your toddler, they can slowly develop their coordination skills.
How to Choose the Best Toddler Scooter
So, how on earth do you choose the right scooter for this age group? We’ve come up with a list of some features to consider.
Removable Seat
Toddlers are building up their confidence and skills at this age. So, for some, jumping straight into riding a scooter full-on might be too much too soon.
Because of this, some companies make scooters with removable seats. This means they can use it as a ride-on until they feel confident enough to zoom along on their own.
Adjustable Handlebars
Everyone who’s had a toddler before knows how fast they grow. To accommodate this, check out scooters that have an adjustable handle. This will let you adjust it to the right height and make it safer as well.
Some scooters will have pre-set height levels, while some are free-moving.
Lean to Steer
Maneuvering a scooter isn’t easy. The last thing you want is for your toddler to hurt themselves or end up frustrated over and over again.
The best ones for this age group are scooters with a “lean to steer” mechanism. This means that your toddler leans in the direction they want the scooter to move. Sometimes referred to as “lean to turn”, this helps them to practice their balance and coordination.
Rear Fender Brake
Some children love to go fast and they’ll be super excited to zoom along on their new scooter. But safety is essential and it’s best to look out for one that has a reliable rear fender brake.
This is normally over the wheel so it’s easy to stand on when they want to stop. Some of the best scooters will have grips over the brake. This may stop your toddler’s foot from slipping.
Three or Four Wheels
Most standard scooters will only have two wheels. But since toddlers are still learning to keep their balance, we’d recommend looking for scooters that have three or four wheels.
This is going to provide a sturdy base for your little one to stand on. Plus, they’ll be able to work on their balance in a safer way.
The Best Toddler Scooters of 2021
Time to scoot! We’ve reviewed the best scooters for toddlers currently on the market.
1. Skidee Folding Seat Adjustable Scooter
If this is your toddler’s first scooter, they may feel more confident sitting and scooting in the beginning. The good thing about this one is that it has a foldable seat. This is padded for comfort and once they feel confident, it simply folds up.
You can adjust the height of the seat from 13 inches to 13.8 inches. Furthermore, the fully adjustable handlebar means you can use this scooter for a few years. It has the lean-to-turn function, too.
Let’s not forget the cool light-up wheels. They’re multi-colored and flash while your little one is riding. This is fun to watch and makes evening outdoor play even better.
What’s more, you just have to press a button and it all folds up, making storage easy.
The break in the back is wide and hard to miss. With a sturdy frame and comfy rubber handles, your tot is gonna be riding fine in no time.
Pros
- Easy to store.
- Adjustable seat and handlebar.
- Light-up wheels for nighttime fun.
- Variety of color options.
Cons
- Some had difficulties learning to turn with this one.
2. YBike GLX Pro Scooter
With a minimalist design, this scooter is what your little one needs for outdoor fun. It has three wheels for safety and the lean-to-steer means your toddler can zip around and practice their balance.
The handlebar gives your toddler more space and helps to shift their weight back. This encourages better balance and more control. The maximum weight is 66 pounds.
The wheels are big and they’re designed to be durable. There’s a composite wheel core and a cartridge bearing as well. This is combined with long-lasting PU wheels.
A good feature on this scooter is the large brake pedal on the rear wheel. All your little one has to do is stand on it with one foot to slow down. The grips located on the deck help with steady footing.
Pros
- Highly adjustable handlebar.
- Three wheels for stability.
- Minimalist design.
Cons
- Comes with a single color.
3. Lascoota Kick Removable Seat Scooter
This scooter is one of our favorites for toddlers. It has a seat that can be used if your toddler is still finding their bearings. This can also be removed when your little girl wants to be adventurous and learn how to ride.
This scooter is low to the ground, with a wide deck for safety. The lean-to-steer design means balancing skills get fine-tuned. You can also adjust the handlebars and seat height for comfort and precision.
The three wheels mean that this scooter has some support, making riding easy for your toddler. They even light up with cool colors when the sun goes down. It’s constructed from aluminum alloy and stainless steel for durability.
Pros
- Flashing wheels for evening riding.
- Durable construction.
- Lean-to-steer function.
- Adjustable handlebars.
Cons
- Doesn’t fold for storage.
4. Jetson Jupiter Kick Scooter
The shiny black design will most likely appeal to boys, but we don’t see why your little girl wouldn’t love this scooter, too!
There are two wheels. Bright flashing lights run from the stem down to its wheels making it great even at night time use.
Thankfully, this scooter has adjustable handlebars. The handlebars have grips too so that your toddler doesn’t slip off. The maximum weight capacity is 132 pounds.
Pros
- Efficient at shock absorption.
- Wide deck for safety.
- Light up stem, deck, and wheels.
Cons
- Lights might be of lower quality.
5. Hurtle 3-Wheeled Scooter
Does your little one have swag? Then they need a fly scooter to match, like this Hurtle 3-wheeled option. It’s available in eight different colors including blue, green, yellow and even camouflage.
They’ll be the talk of the neighborhood when they drive by the other kids with the power glowing wheels that have LED lights. They flash in rainbow colors which is both super cool, but also a bonus for parents as it provides a little extra safety when riding at night.
If your kid gets tired on longer rides, they can snap down the folding seat. They can ride this while sitting which takes some of the energy off, especially for younger kids.
Some of the other awesome features include a rear brake for safe stopping, a comfortable footrest for when they’re sitting, adjustable handlebars, and an extra-wide foot deck. Overall, this is a safe and fun scooter.
Pros
- It’s suitable for kids from 1-14 years old.
- Your kid can sit or stand while riding.
- The extra-wide anti-slip foot deck is a great safety feature.
- Easy maneuvering thanks to the lean-to-steer technology.
Cons
- The steering takes a little while to get used to.
- It doesn’t fold up completely which makes it difficult to store.
6. Micro Mini Original Kick Scooter
With the choice of seven different colored decks, your child can be the coolest toddler on the block.
You’ve got the lean-to-steer function that we love. There’s also a rear brake that only requires your little one to push on it. This scooter is equipped with three wheels that are “non-marking” so it may be suitable for indoor flooring, too.
There’s a wide deck made from reinforced fiberglass, and rubber grips so that it’s not slippery. The lightweight aluminum frame also makes it easy for your child to lift over curbs.
Pros
- Lean-to-steer function.
- Features non-marking wheels.
- Wide fibreglass deck.
Cons
- Doesn’t have adjustable handlebars.
7. Hikole Height Adjustable Scooter
The “street dance” design on this scooter’s deck is just too cool. It has three wheels for safety and easy-grip handles to boot.
The handlebar is adjustable and you’ll find four height levels to choose from. This allows your child to enjoy this scooter for years to come.
Going for an evening ride? This scooter has cool LED flashing wheels which aren’t only sweet but are a great safety measure.
The rear brake allows your toddler to stop their ride at any point. All they’ve got to do is stand on the wheel cover and it’ll smoothly stop. There’s a weight capacity of 110 pounds.
Pros
- Lean-to-steer design.
- Super cool deck.
- Adjustable handlebars.
- Easy to stow away.
Cons
- Parts may not be the most durable.
8. Micro Mini Deluxe Kick Scooter
Do you want to make playtime active, as well as fun? Check out this bright scooter for toddlers.
What we love are the 12 fun and colorful designs you can choose from. There’s everything from apricot to navy blue.
It has an adjustable t-bar, letting you set the perfect height for your little one. It can be set at anywhere between 17 and 25 inches.
The handlebars are held securely when you tighten the handlebar clamp with the hex wrench that’s included. This should be quick and easy to do before heading off on an adventure by an adult.
This scooter has three wheels — two big ones at the front and one at the back. This supports your child as they lean to change direction. Overall this scooter is fantastic for practicing to lean into a turn safely while keeping your balance.
Pros
- Fun colorful deck designs.
- Adjustable t-bar.
- Lean-to-turn construction.
Cons
- Doesn’t fold up.
9. Radio Flyer Ride-On Scooter
Can’t decide whether your toddler will like a ride-on toy or a scooter? Well, with this, you can enjoy both. This makes it fun and suitable for young toddlers, as well as still being fun as they grow up.
The great thing is that it’s easy to convert to a ride-on, just flip the base and that’s it. You can even use the ledge underneath the seat for storage on the move. Your little boy or girl can carry their own toys.
What’s more, we love the four-wheel design. This is going to be perfect for beginners and will provide total stability for riding. It has a maximum weight capacity of 44.1 pounds.
Pros
- Converts from a scooter to a ride-on.
- Under-seat storage.
- Four wheel design for maximum support.
Cons
- Doesn’t have lean-to-turn steering.
10. ICode LED Flashing Wheel Scooter
One thing you’ll notice straight away with this scooter is the awesome light-up wheels. They’re luminous and fun, creating flashing multi-colors as your tot rides.
It features wear-resistant PU wheels, an aluminum frame, and a carbon steel alloy t-shaped handlebar. You can adjust the t-bar from 24.8 inches up to 35.43 inches to accommodate your growing child. Just choose one of the four heights that you need.
We think that the anti-skid design on the extra-wide deck is great. This allows your child to be more stable on the go. It has a quick-reacting rear brake when your child wants to stop, too.
You can bring this scooter with you anywhere. It simply folds up and can easily fit in your trunk or be stored away when not in use.
Pros
- Foldable for storage and portability.
- Anti-skid design.
- Flashing multi-color wheels.
Cons
- Users reported the plastic parts may break easily.
11. Voyage Sports Kick Scooter
This bright green and black scooter is just what your little boy needs for his birthday or Christmas. It has three wheels for sturdiness and safety, and they even light-up for a fun multi-colored ride.
It’s made with a steel-aluminum frame. This makes it strong and durable for playing with outdoors. It has a maximum weight capacity of 80 pounds.
The t-handlebar can be adjusted to find the right height for your growing toddler. It can be secured at any height from 24 inches to 27 inches, you decide.
The deck is textured for added traction. Be prepared to assemble this scooter when you purchase it — but it shouldn’t take too long, and an Allen wrench is included.
Pros
- Three-wheel design.
- Adjustable handlebar.
- Lean-to-turn steering.
- Textured deck for good grip.
Cons
- Some assembly required.
12. Hikole Flashing Wheels Scooters
This scooter is unique with its amazing girly theme. It’s bright pink and that automatically makes it a lot of fun — green and blue are also available. It is designed to be assembled and disassembled as quickly as 3 seconds so you do not have to worry about consuming a lot of space in your play area.
What’s more, it has a few features that mean it can grow with your child since you have the option to adjust the handlebar. Moreover, it can carry a maximum weight of 110 pounds.
The three light-up wheels will help with stability in those early days.
Pros
- Fully adjustable.
- A variety of functions.
- 3-second assembly option.
Cons
- The quality of materials is a regular customer complaint.
13. 6KU Kick Scooter
This kick scooter, with its awesome flashing lights, provides a unique riding experience for kids. Firstly, the reinforced wide deck makes it much easier to ride than standard scooters. Now, kids can easily fit both feet on this scooter as they cruise across terrain. The non-slip feature means that whether they’re riding in rain or sunshine, they remain safe and steady.
We also like the idea of lean-steering. Instead of turning the handlebars to steer the bike, all your little one has to do is lean! This provides more control when riding and teaches important balance and coordination skills. It takes a while to get used to, but once you’ve ridden it a few times, it’ll be a breeze.
Finally, if your child is experiencing growth spurt after growth spurt, you will be grateful for the adjustable handlebars. You can safely adjust this from 26 to 30 inches tall. Overall, this bike is suitable for kids between three and eight years old!
Pros
- Adjustable handlebars.
- LED flashing wheels.
- Lean steering.
- Non-slip wide deck.
Cons
- Lean-steering takes a bit of getting used to.
- Not very durable.
14. Little Tikes Lean to Turn Pink Scooter
This has a sleek black and pink design and features three wheels to support your toddler. There are two at the front to help with balance, with another wheel at the back.
The soft rubber handlebars are easy to grip and there’s a rear safety brake. It’s got a wide base and the scooter is low to the ground, making balance easier and allowing better control.
To make a turn, your toddler simply leans in the direction they want to go. Another great feature is the quick-release handle. This makes it easy to store away when it’s not in use since it becomes compact.
Pros
- Lean-to-turn design.
- Quick-release handle for storage.
- Low and wide base.
Cons
- Assembly required.
15. Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter
This scooter is perfect for beginners and it may help to build your child’s confidence. It has an extra-wide base with a textured deck for traction.
Your little one can use the hand grips to feel secure. Again, we’ve got the three-wheel design on this one with your standard rear foot brake. It comes complete with a well-designed turning radius, providing extra safety.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 50 pounds. Not only can you use this scooter when your child is a toddler, but it has a recommended age of up to 5-years-old if they are not over the weight limitations..
Pros
- Quality turning radius.
- Extra-wide base.
- Textured deck for traction.
- Comfy handlebars.
Cons
- Chunky design for storage.
- Mostly made from plastic.
To Keep in Mind
Everyone wants their toddler to have fun while scooting. But you’ll want them to be safe too. It’s always a good idea to look for a helmet to protect their noggin. The chances of head injuries can be greatly reduced by wearing a properly-fitted helmet. Remember, toddlers still have not mastered coordination so they can fall easily.
Elbow and knee pads will also protect your toddler from scrapes, cuts, and bruises. Some may argue that they’re not necessary but choose what you feel most comfortable with.
Scoot Away!
We can see that scooters are a great way to get your toddler moving. Daily exercise is essential and a scooter is a fun way to practice motor skills, fine-tune coordination, and burn excess energy with the proper safety equipment.
If we had to pick just one favorite, it would have to be the Skidee Folding Seat Adjustable Scooter. We love that it has a foldable seat to make it a ride-on. It’s also got the lean-to-steer function and cool light-up wheels. Please remember a child should never use any scooter without adult supervision.
