The Best Scooters for Kids to Get Them Rolling
From toddlers to teens, shop our top-tested kids' scooters.
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As parents, we love that scooters help develop gross motor skills, develop balance, strengthen muscles and are more compact than trikes or bikes, but we also want to make sure that we're putting them on the best equipment out there. To make sure you're shopping the best scooters on the market, the Good Housekeeping Institute Little Lab tested the most popular kid scooters, from models for toddlers all the way up to teens, to find the best scooters for kids in 2021:
- Best Overall Scooter: Micro Kickboard Sprite
- Best Scooter for Trick Riding: Razor A3 Kick Scooter
- Best Scooter for Older Kids: Razor A5 LUX Kick Scooter
- Best Three-Wheel Big Kid Scooter: Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe
- Best Scooters for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Micro Kickboard Mini Micro Scooter
- Best Indoor Toddler Scooter: Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter
- Best Transitional Scooter: Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe
- Best 2-in-1 Scooter: Lascoota Kick Scooter
How we test scooters
The GH Institute looked at several factors during its tests. After checking to make sure the materials were durable and well constructed, we looked at the ease of assembly. (Does it come fully assembled? Does it require tools?) We also checked the weight for portability, and also how convenient they are to store and carry. Then, we looked at how they ride: How smooth is the ride over bumpy terrain? How easy is it to steer and turn? How simple is it to brake? And finally, we also had young riders between the ages of 1 and 9 weigh in with their own thoughts — because they have to be fun to ride, too!
Take note: At the moment the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend e-scooters (a.k.a. those motorized scooters with a battery) for kids, due to a spike in emergency room visits. Focus instead on non-motorized, human-powered scooters, and remember to use a properly fitting helmet and pads.
Pros
- Glides smoothly
- No assembly required
- Folds up for easy storage
Cons
Testers were impressed by how well constructed this two-wheeled scooter is. It offers a smooth, stable ride and when it's not in use it folds up small so you can stash it away easily. Ages: 8+
Pros
- Fully rotatable handlebars
- Folds for storage
Cons
For older, more experienced riders, this scooter offers features like rotating handlebars, a shock-absorbing suspension system and a wheelie bar for tricks. It also made of a lightweight aluminum. Ages 5+
Razor A5 LUX Kick Scooter
Pros
- Easily adjustable height
- Folds up for easy storage
Cons
The height of this scooter adjusts very easily, so it will stick with them through all of their growth spurts. The extra-large wheels of this two-wheeled scooter make for a comfortable ride, and when it folds up, even the handlebars fold in for storage in a locker. Ages: 8+
Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Steering can take some time to get used to
- Doesn't fold for storage
When they're looking to transition to a big-kid scooter, this one still has the stability of three wheels and the height adjusts to grow with them. It comes in more than a dozen colors, too. The lean-to-steer system takes some practice to get used to, though. Note: There's also the Maxi Deluxe "Eco" Collection for those interested in greater sustainability. Ages: 5 – 12
Micro Kickboard Mini Micro Scooter
Pros
- Ideal for smaller rider
- Helps kids gain confidence
- No assembly required
Cons
Kids as young as 2 can start learning to ride with this scooter. The three-wheeled design and low-to-the-ground deck help with stability. It also comes in lots of fun colors. Ages: 2 – 5
Pros
- Very stable for little riders
Cons
This scooter can be used indoors or outdoors. A wide base, low deck, two front wheels and specially designed turning radius helps toddlers and preschoolers stay stable, and a textured deck keeps kids from slipping off. Ages: 2 – 5
Pros
- Starts as a ride-on toy, then transitions to scooter
Cons
If you're looking for a scooter that'll last them a long time, even in the very young years, this scooter has three phases. It starts as a ride-on to toy that can be used by kids as young as 1; afterwards, it becomes a scooter with an O-bar handlebars and, finally, a scooter with a T-bar handlebars. Ages: 1 – 5
Pros
- Starts as a ride-on and transitions to a scooter
- Height adjusts
Cons
This scooter also starts as a ride-on for smaller kids, then becomes a scooter with a T-bar handlebars. Once the seat is removed, there are four height positions for the handlebars, which should accommodate kids until they're 12 years old. There are also cool, light-up wheels! Ages: 3 – 12
What to look for when you're buying a scooter
While all of these scooters for kids passed our rigorous tests, there are some things you'll want to consider when figuring out which one is right for your family.
✔️ Your child's size: Check the recommended age range, weight limit and height specifications outlined by the manufacturer.
✔️ Adjustability: Are you looking for a scooter just for now, or one that will grow with your child over time? Many scooters have the ability to adjust the height, and some even start as ride-on toys for toddlers before transitioning to a big-kid scooter. A scooter that last through several growth stages might be a better value over time.
✔️ Wheel type and wheel count: In general, large wheels (120 – 125 mm) made of polyurethane allow for faster and more stable riding, while small wheels allow for more agility. Younger kids usually require a scooter with three wheels, since they're more stable, while older and more experienced riders might be able to handle just two.
✔️ Stability factors: If you have a young child or a new rider, wider decks and wider handlebars can help with balance, in addition to three wheels. Grooved decks also help kids from slipping off.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.
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