As a fun toy that doubles up as a mode of transport, few products can match the scooter for the sheer number of hours it can entertain and occupy your little one. Kids of all ages can get a kick out of a scooter, and a well-made one will last for years even with regular use.
As you’re here, presumably you’re looking to buy the best scooter possible. You want one that will suit your child’s needs, without breaking the bank or having too short a lifespan. If you buy carefully, you might even end up with a scooter that your child can keep using as they grow up from garden path practising to heavy-duty usage.
This buying guide should help you pick the perfect scooter, without any of the stress that you’d encounter if you were traipsing around town to find the right one.
How to pick the best scooter for you
Scooters come in all sorts of sizes and prices, so there are plenty of options to consider when you’re in the market for buying one. Contemplating your answers to the following questions should help you narrow the search and identify your ideal option.
What age range do you need your scooter to cover?
The most important thing to work out when you’re buying a scooter is the size you need. Most scooters on the market will tell you in their production description what age group they’re suitable for. Others might tell you the height of their ideal user. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that the one you buy is suitable for your little one.
Do you need a foldable scooter?
One way to save a few quid when buying a scooter is to avoid opting for a foldable option. If you don’t need the folding functionality and have space for it, you’ll save a bit of cash. On the other hand, if you need to cram it into your car boot on a regular basis, the foldable option can be a lifesaver. It might cost more, but it will make your life a little bit easier.
How long do you want this scooter to last?
You can get scooters that extend, meaning they can grow with your child, though these come at a premium. On the other hand, scooters of a set size obviously can be outgrown and won’t last as long. If you just want a cheap scooter for using now, which you can sell on or use as a hand-me-down when your child outgrows it, a cheaper one-size option would work fine.
How much should you spend on a scooter?
You should be able to get a top-quality scooter for less than £150, but you can cut this cost if you don’t need all of the snazzy features. The very low end of the market hovers around the £20 mark, but that’s a false economy if you have to keep replacing it...
What scooter accessories do you need to buy?
If your child is going to be using their scooter anywhere other than the safety of your garden, it’s vital that you invest in a helmet for them. There are loads available on Amazon, including a set from Kurou that gives you a helmet with some shoulder, knee and elbow pads for just £23. There are also some more fun scooter accessories available, from novelty unicorn heads to classic colourful ribbons.
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The best scooters to buy in 2018
1. Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter: The best all-round scooter
Price:£125 | Buy now from John Lewis
Micro is a scooter brand with a great reputation and it’s easy to see why when you look at the Maxi Micro Deluxe. It’s sturdily built with a weight limit of 70 kilograms, and it has an adjustable handlebar height. These features mean that, as your child grows, the Maxi Micro can grow with them. And the folding feature means it’s easy to transport.
It may be one of the more pricey options on the scooter-buying spectrum, but the Maxi Micro is a top-quality product that’s really built to last. The steal is anodised, which protects it from corrosion, and the whole scooter is made from premium materials. It will suit your child’s needs for years, and remain in a tip-top condition to be handed down or sold on in future.
Key specs – Age range: 5-12; Handlebar height: 67-93cm; Maximum weight: 70kg
2. Zinc Zoomi Scooter: The best affordable scooter
Price:£18 | Buy now from Argos
Right at the other end of the price range is the Zinc Zoomi Kids Scooter from Argos, which could be yours for under 20 quid. The fact that it doesn’t fold makes this scooter somewhat trickier to transport, but it also means that it has a rigid and durable structure.
In terms of features, this scooter has an anti-slip footplate, a rear foot brake and easy-grip handles.
It’s suitable for ages four and up, and it can handle weights up to 50 kg. It also has ABEC 5 bearings, which promise to deliver a smooth ride. It may not have the snazzy features of some of its competitors, but the Zinc Zoomi Kids Scooter is a real contender if you’re looking for something cheap and sturdy.
Key specs – Age range: 4+; Handlebar height: 72cm; Maximum weight: 50kg
3. Little Tikes Lean To Turn Scooter: The best scooter for younger children
Price:£30 | Buy now from Amazon
As the name suggests, the Little Tikes Learn To Turn scooter is an ideal choice for children under the age of four who are just getting to grips with the concept. The extra wheel at the front makes turning and controlling the scooter that little bit easier, without compromising the experience for your child.
The base is also wider than your average scooter, which allows the user slightly more space to balance on. The steering mechanism is controlled by leaning to the right or left, which provides a fun way for your child to learn the ropes. Additionally, the easy-touch safety brake at the rear makes stopping incredibly easy.
Key specs – Age range: 3-4; Handlebar height: 67.3cm; Maximum weight: 50kg
4. Globber Evo 5-in-1 scooter: The best versatile scooter
Price:£88 | Buy now from Amazon
The Globber Evo 5-in-1 Scooter is the smartest, most versatile option on the market. It’s designed to engage children from the age of one onwards, and, in order to achieve that goal, it has five distinct modes that you can use at different stages in your child’s development. It starts as a ride-on trike, ideal for pushing a small child on, but you can adjust the Globber Evo over time to transform it into a fully fledged scooter.
The spring-loaded steering mechanism will help your little one learn the ropes, and the secure direction button lock will help them maintain a straight trajectory. The handlebar height is adjustable, and the hand grips are made from durable, dual-injected material. If you’re looking for a scooter that your child can use for years, this would be a really strong choice.
Key specs – Age range: 1-6; Handlebar height: 67-99cm; Maximum weight: 110 kg
5. Razor Beast V5 Stunt Scooter: The best scooter for older kids
Price:£50 | Buy now from Argos
The Beast V5 scooter by Razor is a stylish and affordable option for older kids, with its sleek design and bright colouring combining to create an eye-catching scooter. Various facets of its design are geared towards maximum strength and durability: it has fixed handlebars and a reinforced TIG build, and military-grade aluminium is used in the deck and riser bar.
The 98mm urethane wheels ensure smooth rolling, and the anti-slip footplate with full grip tape adds an extra layer of grip and safety. This is an ideal purchase to make if you’re in the market for a more sporty scooter, without wanting to break the bank.
Key specs – Age range: 8+; Handlebar height: 77cm; Maximum weight: 100 kg