They’re easy to mistake for toys, but scooters can reach surprisingly fast speeds. Combine speed with bad sidewalk etiquette, steep hills, or hard surfaces, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious injuries.
Consumer product safety officials rank scooter injuries as one of the leading causes of ER-treated injuries among children ages 5 to 14 years old. Thankfully most scooter injuries can be avoided by wearing the proper equipment and choosing the properly-sized scooter.
The truth is when you have the right scooter (and safety gear) it’s one of the safest forms of outdoor fun. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best scooter before you make your purchase.
⚠ Parent Tip
Don’t purchase a scooter just because it’s cheap. A flimsy scooter with loose handlebars or low-quality wheels is much more dangerous than a scooter that is a few dollars more but is safe.
Step 1 — Match the Scooter to Your Child’s Age and Size
The most important feature to look for in a safe kids scooter is that it’s appropriate for your child’s age and size. A 10-year-old scooter left under your chair for a 4-year-old won’t just be uncomfortable…it’ll be unsafe. On the other hand, that tiny toddler scooter is going to annoy and physically tax an older child.
| Age Range | Recommended Type | Key Features to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 – 3 years | 3-wheel scooter (lean-to-steer) | Wide base, low deck, lightweight frame, rear foot brake |
| 3 – 5 years | 3-wheel scooter | Adjustable handlebars, non-slip deck, smooth wheel bearings |
| 5 – 8 years | 2-wheel kick scooter | Adjustable height, rear brake, 120–145mm wheels |
| 8 – 12 years | 2-wheel kick scooter / light stunt | Folding mechanism, 200mm+ wheels, hand brake option |
| 12+ years | Adult-grade kids’ scooter | Dual brakes, large deck, higher weight capacity |
Aside from age, pay attention to the manufacturer’s weight capacity. When a child surpasses the listed maximum weight capacity, you are straining the deck, axle, and wheels of the wagon. This creates the potential for abrupt breakage. Opt for a wagon that has a weight capacity at least 10–15% higher than your child’s weight.
Step 2 — Understand the Different Scooter Types
Three-Wheel Scooters (Ideal for toddlers)
Three wheel scooters – usually two at the front and one at the back – have the added benefit of keeping little ones upright while they learn balance. Steering by leaning also feels very natural for toddlers and there is less danger of falling over sideways. Choose a scooter with a low deck height (less than 10 cm) and grip tape on the deck where your child will be standing.
Two-Wheel Kick Scooters (Ideal for school-aged kids)
When your child has learned their core balance and coordination skills – usually around age 5 – you can graduate them to a 2-wheeled kick scooter. They’re lighter and easier to manoeuvre around the neighbourhood. Plus they’ll “grow with” your child if you get a scooter with an adjustable handlebar. The height of the handlebar should rest at your child’s waist to hip level. Handlebars that are too low will cause your child to ride with a hunched posture. If they’re too high your child won’t have enough leverage to control the scooter.
Electric Scooters — Use Caution
Electric scooters are becoming more common for kids but they bring some extra safety considerations: increased speeds, heavier frames and brakes that can take some practice to master. If you’re in the market for an electric scooter, look for a model that comes with a speed governor and a maximum speed of less than 15 km/h for kids. Check your municipal bylaws before riding on the road. We don’t recommend electric scooters for children under the age of 8.
Step 3 — Check These Essential Safety Features
Safety Checklist. Run through this list before you buy any scooter:
- Adjustable handlebars — Let the scooter adapt to your child as they grow. Helps ensure good riding posture at all stages of growth.
- Rear foot brake — Easier for young kids to operate than hand brakes. Should snap into place with modest pressure.
- Non-slip deck — Grip tape or moulded texture on the area where your feet stand. Helps prevent slipping feet (great for little puddles).
- Wheel quality — Polyurethane (PU) wheels provide some vibration absorption and traction. Hard plastic wheels should be avoided on rough surfaces— they’ll just slip around.
- Wheel size — Larger wheels (125mm+) roll over cracks and bumps easier. They’re also much better for real-world pavement conditions.
- Stable folding mechanism — If it folds, make sure the locking mechanism is solid and won’t inadvertently unlock while riding.
- Low centre of gravity — Lower deck height = more stability + shorter distances to hit the ground.
- No sharp edges or protrusions — Check around the bottom of the deck and wheel wells for any jagged metal or rough plastic.
Step 4 — Look for Recognised Safety Certifications
Never neglect this item. Safety Certification means that a third-party testing organization has independently verified that your scooter conforms to standards of structural integrity and sound materials. Marks to look for based on where you live:
- CE Mark (Europe) – Product conforms with EU toy and product safety standards.
- ASTM F2264 (USA) – Standard specific to non-powered scooters from the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- EN 71 (Europe) – European standard for toy safety. Tests for mechanical and physical properties, flammability, and chemicals.
- CPSC Compliance (USA) – If the scooter is being sold in the United States, then it must be compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- SGS or TÜV Certification – These are globally accepted third-party testers.
💡 Pro Tip: If a product listing cannot confirm which safety certifications the scooter holds, treat that as a red flag. Reputable brands are proud to list their certifications prominently on packaging and product pages.
Step 5 — Never Skip the Safety Gear
Even the world’s safest scooter can’t protect you like a proper set of protective gear can. Helmets are proven by several paediatric safety groups to decrease your chances of a serious head injury by up to 85%. But helmets are just the beginning:
- Helmet — Absolutely essential. Buy a helmet that meets ASTM F1447, EN 1078 or similar standards. The helmet should rest flat on your head, two finger-widths above your eyebrows, and your chinstrap should be tight enough that you can only fit one finger under it when buckled. Replace your helmet after a serious crash—even if you can’t see any damage.
- Knee Pads — Nine times out of ten you’ll fall forwards. Knees take the brunt of the impact. Hard-shell pads offer more protection than foam-only designs.
- Elbow Pads — When you fall, your instinct is to put your hands out in front of you to break your fall. That means elbows and wrists are vulnerable. Elbow pads provide cushioning and prevent road rash.
- Wrist Guards — Broken wrists are one of the most common scooter injuries for kids. Wrist guards help to spread the impact over a larger area, and protect your growth plates.
- Closed-toe shoes — No flip-flops or sandals should ever touch a scooter. Wear closed-toed shoes with good support and non-slip soles to keep your feet anchored to the deck.
Step 6 — Evaluate Build Quality and Brand Reputation
A scooter should be made from the best materials possible. Look for scooters with frames made from aircraft-quality aluminium or sturdy steel. Aluminium is ideal for lighter scooters, as it won’t rust and is very strong for its weight. Don’t buy a scooter that wobbles or bends when you press down on the deck with your hands – it’s made from cheap materials.
Stick to well known brands like Micro, Globber, Razor or Oxelo who have had years to prove themselves with rigorous testing and customer reviews. They are more likely to spend money on ensuring quality, have readily available spare parts, and take safety warnings or recalls seriously. Check that real parents have had good experiences with a model over several years by searching for reviews across different websites, not just the store’s review section.
If you’re unsure about a brand, spend a few dollars more on a name you recognise and trust than taking a gamble on a no-name brand – you’ll sleep better at night.
Step 7 — Teach Safe Riding Habits from Day One
No scooter is risk-free if ridden carelessly. Ensure your child understands the basic safety principles BEFORE they begin riding:
- Wear all their safety gear ALL of the time. No excuses.
- Stay on footpaths and bike paths, unless there’s an actual bikeway.
- Take it slow around corners and intersections. Never zip around blind corners.
- Look where you’re going. Don’t stare down at your feet or scooter deck.
- Don’t ride when the ground is wet until you’re very confident – PU wheels are very slippery when wet.
- Walk your scooter up hills that are too steep to ride down. Its easier than riding faster than your brakes can handle.
- NO earbuds! Kids need to hear what’s going on around them, particularly traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can children use a scooter?
Children as young as 2–3 years old can typically handle a 3-wheeled scooter if they can stand up on their own and follow simple directions. Kids usually don’t have enough balance or coordination to ride a 2-wheeled scooter until they’re about 5 years old.
Are kids electric scooters safe?
Electric scooters are not safe for young kids. They can reach higher speeds and weigh significantly more than standard scooters. Avoid electric scooters for children under the age of 8, and if you do buy one, ensure that it has a speed limiter and all kids safety gear. Also, be sure to check your local laws to ensure electric scooters are allowed where you live.
How frequently should I maintain my child’s scooter?
Do a visual inspection every time you ride. Tighten any loose bolts, ensure wheels aren’t cracked, and brakes are intact. Each month you should do a more detailed inspection and tighten all of the hardware down. If your scooter folds up, make sure the mechanism that holds it closed locks securely.
What kid scooter safety feature is most important?
The rear foot brake is the most important safety feature you can teach your child. If they need to stop quickly, it’s the easiest to operate under pressure. Having the right size wheel and a deck that doesn’t slip are also crucial. Really these three things are the pillars of safe riding.
Foot brakes or hand brakes for kids scooter?
Young children (ages 2-7) should use scooters with rear foot brakes. Foot brakes don’t require as much strength or coordination to operate. Kids ages 7–8 and up can start using hand brakes which allow for more controlled stops. Look for scooters that have both hand and foot brakes for older kids.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the safest scooter for your child really can be simple. Just make sure you get a scooter that fits your child’s age and size. Look for critical safety features. Make sure it’s certified. Demand high-quality protective gear. Buy from a trusted brand. That way you’ll give your kids every chance of having a positive scooter experience.
Kids scooters are an excellent way to help your child learn balance, coordination and self-confidence. When you select the right scooter and teach them to use it responsibly, they can provide years of healthy, happy fun. Always worth the investment.
Armed with that know-how, go out there and find your kiddo the best scooter you can. And watch them ride, safely.
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