Looking for activities to help your toddler burn that extra energy? Here is a good one: Go outside, give them a scooter, and watch them zoom around. Like bikes, scooters are a great tool to help children develop movement, strength and coordination skills. Plus, it also offers a fun way to get from one point to another.
But before you hurriedly purchase a scooter for your child, there are a few things you’ll want to consider to ensure your child’s enjoyment, safety and, of course, your peace of mind.
How Old Should a Toddler Be to Ride a Scooter?
Since childhood is a time for discovery and learning, there is no set age at which your kids should start riding scooters. Scooters are a great option for toddlers of all ages, but typically, kids two years old and older can learn to ride one. However, some models come with a transition seat designed for younger kids.
Types of Toddler Scooters
When shopping for a toddler’s scooter, you’ll find that different models are available, designed for different ages and skill levels.
Ride-on
This scooter is meant for small toddlers who are still getting their feet. It comes with a seat that can be removed and a handlebar that can be adjusted to allow the toddler to sit on it and pedal with their feet until they are confident enough to ride the scooter standing up. The convertible design of this scooter can also come in handy when children get tired, so they can propel the scooter while seated.
Three-Wheel
A three-wheel scooter is a good option for toddlers to learn how to ride a scooter. The wide, stable base featuring two wheels in the front and one in the back makes it much easier for small children to maintain their balance as they ride the scooter.
Two-Wheel
Also called a kick scooter, a two-wheel scooter is the most popular style among older children with well-developed balance skills. The one wheel at the front and one at the back make balancing the scooter more challenging. However, this can be beneficial for continuing to improve gross motor skills and core strength.
Features to Consider
Frame Material
Aluminium frames are lightweight, making them easy for even small toddlers to carry around. Steel frames are heavier, but also more durable and better able to withstand rough use.
Handlebar Height
Your child’s back and general development may suffer if the handlebar of the scooter is too low for them to bend over in order to ride it. However, if the handlebars are too high, your child will not be able to control the scooter correctly. The handlebar’s height ought to be roughly parallel to your child’s pelvis.
For the smallest children, handlebars longer than fifty centimeters are appropriate. You can choose an adult scooter for your youngster if they are taller than 140 cm. If you choose a toddler scooter with an adjustable handlebar, you may change the handlebar height to suit your child’s growing needs.
Brake Type
Scooters for kids can come with either a foot brake or a calliper brake, each of which differs in design and function. If your child will only be riding in urban areas, then a foot brake will work well. On scooters with inflated wheels, calliper brakes are typically present and controlled by handlebar levers. Both types of brakes are easy to maintain. Generally, toddler scooters do not come with brakes. It is expected that a little child will not achieve high speeds.
Weight Limit
Make sure the scooter you purchase has a weight limit suitable for your child. If your child’s weight exceeds the scooter’s limit weight, it may become unstable and unsafe to ride. Tri-wheel scooters generally have a weight limit of 20 to 25 kg. Two-wheel scooters often have a weight limit of 50 to 60 kg.
Steering System
Steering a scooter can be a bit difficult for inexperienced little riders. High-end toddler scooters come with a “lean-to-steer” system. With this feature, toddlers can turn the scooter and operate the wheels by leaning in the appropriate direction instead of using the handlebars. Young children can easily learn how to steer using this method, which can reduce abrupt twists that could cause falls.
Deck Stability
A scooter with a sturdy and wide deck will give your child a stable platform to stand on. This helps to reduce wobbling and increases stability, letting your child ride with more balance and control. Some scooters also include non-slip deck surfaces, which provide extra traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Wheel Type
The type of wheels fitted to a scooter can have a great impact on its performance. Smaller wheels are easier to control, but larger wheels tend to provide a smoother ride, particularly over uneven terrain. Make sure the scooter’s wheels are made of durable material that will provide an enjoyable ride.
Style and Design
The scooter’s style and appearance are crucial in drawing in your child’s interest and enhancing the experience. Choose a scooter that has colorful graphics, lively patterns, or themed designs to increase your toddler’s love and passion for riding.
Safety With Scooters
Minor scrapes and bruises are common when learning how to ride a scooter. So, when your child rides a scooter, make sure they always wear a scooter helmet. Even if your toddler is simply riding around the house or standing on their scooter, you should advise them to wear a helmet. This will help your child acquire good habits and protect their head in case of accidents.
To help prevent falls and injuries, your child should also wear knee, elbow and wrist protectors, as well as supportive shoes with enough grip and protection. Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, and loose shoes are a no-no for riding scooters.
Additionally, you should never leave your child alone when they’re riding a scooter, particularly if they’re still learning how to control it. Start teaching your child in a place that is open, level, and safe with few obstacles. Let your little one practice using the scooter’s basic controls and motions before letting them explore more difficult terrain.
