There are some toys that never go out of style. They dominate gift giving holidays and keep kids smiling all year round. The toddler scooter is one such toy because it has a timeless and classic appeal. While designs and technological features may change, its carefree nature endures. ‘Cos let’s face it, all most toddlers want is to do is move fast and explore their world.
The question is, where should you start looking for a top quality child’s scooter? There is no shortage of products on the market, with a huge variety of gadgets, perks, and special features. Safety is, of course, a top priority. So, the build quality needs to be impeccable. It should be guaranteed a long life, even with plenty of ‘rough and tumble’ treatment.
To help you pick the right toddler scooter for your little one, we’re going to countdown the top ten products on the market. Price, build quality, comfort, and design are major considerations in this review. We’ll be looking at a range of scooter types, so it’s useful to know if you’re looking for a classic three wheeler, a trike style scooter, or an early years’ safety scooter.
Take a look, pick out one you know your child will love, and get ready to see them smile.
Toddler Scooter Comparison Table
| Model | Adjustable? | Ages | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Mini 3-In-1 | Yes | 1-5 Years | 9.4 | Check Price |
| Radio Flyer Scoot-About | Yes | 1-3 Years | 9.2 | Check Price |
| Fisher Price Smart Stages Scooter | No | 1-3 Years | 9.1 | Check Price |
| Razor Jr. Lil Kick Scooter | No | 3+ Years | 8.4 | Check Price |
| Den Haven 3 Wheel Scooter | Yes | 3+ Years | 8.2 | Check Price |
| La Scoota 2-in-1 | Yes | 2-8 Years | 8.0 | Check Price |
| Little Tykes Push-N-Ride | No | 9-36 Months | 7.9 | Check Price |
| Globber Primo 3 Wheel Scooter | Yes | 2-6 Years | 7.8 | Check Price |
| Yuppy Kick Scooter | Yes | 3-12 Years | 7.8 | Check Price |
| Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter | No | 2+ Years | 7.6 | Check Price |
1. Micro Mini 3-In-1 Kick Scooter – Best Toddler Scooter
The Micro Mini is one of the most popular child’s scooters on the market. In fact, you’ve probably seen more of these than you realize, as they’re a big hit with primary age kids. Parents love this scooter for one important reason; it’s actually three different toys in one neat package. With a little adjustment, the Micro Mini can be used as a seated toy, a standing scooter for older children, and a full sized device for older kids.
To say it offers value for money is an understatement. While it’s true the price tag is a little bigger than average, you’re getting a scooter that grows with your child. Not only that, but it provides an expert mix of speed and safety. The Micro Mini strikes a balance between ‘zoom’ appeal and reliable braking and steering. You’ll be hard pushed to find a more intuitive steering system for toddlers and young children.
The lean to steer system allows riders to take control by leaning, a process that aids balance and coordination. You can grind to a quick halt by stomping on a big brake button. The controls are simple, obvious, and easy to use. It’s one of the reasons why this toddler scooter is a favored introduction to these toys. It has also a reinforced deck that absorbs bumps and shocks, particularly when riding outdoors.
You don’t need to banish it to the garden, however, as the Micro Mini 3-in-1 comes with indoor wheels. In theory, at least, it won’t leave scuffs on your floor. Although, it’s a good idea to test this out somewhere discreet before you give the go ahead. To summarize, this is an excellent product that is perfect for kids with no previous riding experience. The 3-in-1 comes with a helmet, an O bar for supported riding, a detachable seat, and a classic T bar for older users.
- 3-in-1 design grows alongside your child
- Simple, safe braking system (stomp on stopper)
- Lean to steer system helps kids ride better
- Can be used indoors without scuffing surfaces
- Expensive, compared with other scooters
- Handle (itself) is not adjustable
- Hard to ride on anything but flat surfaces
2. Radio Flyer Scoot-About
Compared with the Micro Mini 3-in-1, the Radio Flyer scooter is very simple and classic. It is suitable for kids aged 1-3 years and has a seated design. It’s much lower to the ground than a standing scooter. So, it’s ideal for first timers and children who are a bit unsteady on their feet. We are particularly fond of the design. The cherry red frame is vibrant and almost reminiscent of bicycles from the fifties and sixties.
The tasselled handlebars are bound to thrill little ones. As this scooter moves, they fly in the air and create the illusion of extra speed. It also has a pretty cool bell, though we’re not sure parents will love this feature for long. The steel frame is highly durable, with a bump friendly face and ergonomic handlebars. Unlike some other toys, this toddler scooter is great at tackling bumpy outdoor surfaces. The ride is always smooth and stable.
Plus, the seat is adjustable so you can raise it as the rider grows. One feature that may put parents off is the fact that it’s a self-assembly product. There are quite a lot of pieces to figure out, but it can be constructed in around forty five minutes. We asked several different people to build this scooter and it took less than an hour in every case. So, it seems a little complicated, but don’t be discouraged.
It is remarkably easy to ride, even for the youngest of kids. There may be a little wobble or two, to begin with, but most riders are scooting around successfully in no time. The toy moves backwards and forwards, though it isn’t as manoeuvrable as a standing scooter. It is safe for use both inside and outside, as the wheels are scuff free. Although, again, it’s a good idea to test, particularly if you have high maintenance floors.
- Adjustable seat for growing kids
- Beautiful, classic, vibrant design
- Bump friendly front to protect furniture
- Can be used indoors without leaving marks
- Self-assembly (quite a lot of pieces)
- Not as easy to turn as a standing scooter
- Bell can become a bit of a nuisance
3. Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter
The Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Scooter offers more than just a chance to get moving. It is designed to be a learning aid, as well as a travel support. The scooter contains a series of buttons that, when pressed, perform silly songs and sound effects. For kids under the age of three, it’s a great way to learn new words. What’s more, the age setting can be changed to ensure all content is valuable to your child.
In some ways, it’s a bit like the Micro Mini 3-in-1, except that this toddler scooter doesn’t change size. It’s the audio content that grows alongside the rider. Some audio plays when a button is hit. Other clips are activated as soon as the scooter moves. This makes it suitable for even the youngest toddlers – you get a lot of fun, in exchange for little effort. We especially loved the pretend clicker key that riders use to ‘start’ the scooter.
If there’s one thing we had a problem with, it’s the weight. Yes, the Fisher Price scooter is lightweight and transportable. However, it also tips over more easily than expected. It’s best to practice indoors or on a grassy surface, particularly if this is your child’s first scooter. Due to its weight, it’s easy to store. It’s quite a small toy and a good choice for families that don’t have a lot of space.
While you can take this toddler scooter outdoors, it isn’t really designed for prolonged use outside. Unlike standing scooters, it’s mostly plastic on the bottom. There’s also no steering features. It is primarily designed to be a colorful walking aid. The handlebar turns but it does not affect steering. In fact, the scooter just rolls backwards and forwards. It may be a little too simple for kids over two and half years.
- Extra songs & sounds make a great addition
- Great attention to detail (clicker key)
- Suitable for very young children (partially mobile)
- Small & compact, makes it easy to store
- No steering functions/features
- Only really suitable for indoor use
- So, lightweight, it can be tipped over
4. Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick Scooter – Best Kick Scooter For Toddlers
This next toddler scooter is all about stability and safe handling. It is a little more advanced than some of the other products and would, therefore, suit an older child better than one in the early stages of walking. The manufacturer recommends it for kids over the age of three. It is a standing scooter, with traditional steering, so riders should be capable of gripping, turning, and braking.
The Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick Scooter has expertly balanced rear wheels for maximum steadiness. They make it hard tip the device over, even if riding quite fast. We liked it because it felt safe and solid, two attributes that are vital for outdoor use. Take the foot deck, for example. It’s noticeably wider here than it is on other scooters to prevent trips and slips. In fact, it’s made of polypropylene which is extremely grippy and slip resistant.
All in all, the Razor Jr. is a very conventional scooter. It doesn’t have any flashing lights, bells, or whistles. It might even be considered plain by those looking for gadgets and cool extras. However, it is one of our favourites because it delivers a classic experience so skilfully. It’s easy to see why and how this scooter got its design. The padded handlebars protect little hands from blisters. The short, wide deck means it can be launched with a few small kicks.
We should mention that there is a recurring complaint about the Razor Jr. Lil Kick Scooter. According to parents, bigger kids may get hit by the rear wheels. As the deck is quite short, larger feet can end up hitting the back of the scooter. This product is best kept for smaller children, below the age of five, even though it can carry the weight of larger kids. It’s definitely a design flaw – one wheel is better at the back – but we still think it’s a fab product.
- Grippy deck for safe, stable riding
- Padded handlebars to protect fingers
- Big, broad wheels for maximum balance
- Wide, short deck makes it hard to tip over
- Rear wheels can end up hitting ankles
- Needs to be assembled before use
- Not really suitable for kids over 5yrs
5. Den Haven 3-Wheel Scooter – Best 3-Wheel Toddler Scooter
This Deluxe Scooter from Den Haven is a three wheel glider, with lean to turn steering. As it’s a glider, it has a slightly different shape than you might expect. The foot deck is long and tapers to a narrow point at the back. It’s fantastic at maneuvering round corners, but it is best kept for slightly older children. It isn’t the best choice for a first standing scooter unless the rider is willing to learn from scratch.
In other words, it’s not a ‘get on and go.’ Younger kids might find the steering frustrating. Once launched, however, the Den Haven Scooter is a real firecracker. It’s surprisingly speedy, but the ride is smooth and the frame feels stable. It can take a bit of practice to get balanced on that narrow, tapered deck. Give it a few tries though and you’re soon zipping about the neighborhood.
In theory, the scooter can be used indoors. Just be careful though because it picks up speed fast. It performs much better outside anyway. Though, if your child is riding indoors, the padded handlebar should protect walls and other surfaces. One thing that we didn’t like was the underlying structure of the foot deck. It is almost entirely plastic which, if you’re a parent, you’ll know is no match for a rowdy five year old.
As there is no steel or nylon support, the deck sometimes bows under larger kids. It’s also vulnerable to impact, especially if the scooter is dropped from any kind of height. While it could be constructed better, the Den Haven Deluxe Scooter is great value for money. It costs a third of what you might spend on other standing scooters and it delivers a very solid riding experience. Just don’t expect it to last for long if your child plays rough.
- Great value for money
- Padded front to protect indoor walls
- Grippy foot deck for safe standing
- Once mastered, it rides beautifully
- Plastic deck is prone to bowing & buckling
- Build quality is lower than some other scooters
- Takes practice to master the glide technique
6. La-Scoota 2-in-1 Scooter
The LaScoota is another product that was designed with longevity in mind. Unlike the Den Haven scooter, however, it combines value for money with great build quality. It’s similar to the Micro Mini 3-in-1, only there’s no middle option. There’s a seat for the youngest riders and an adjustable T bar for older children. There is a decent amount of ‘growth’ to play with, but it is a 2-in-1 (not a 3-in1) product. Children can sit or stand at one of four height options.
The manufacturer claims this scooter is suitable right up to 14 years. We think this is a bit generous, as a teenager would likely find the deck to be very cramped. The overall design is patently childlike too, so it hardly young adults. For kids aged 2-10 years, on the other hand, the LaScoota gives a zippy, exciting ride. The lean to steer technology is smooth, intuitive, and highly satisfying once it picks up speed.
As it comes with a removable seat, there’s plenty of time for toddlers to hone their skills and master the deck. It’s got flashing wheels too, which we think is a better choice than a bell. There’s a ‘stomp’ brake on the back. Kids just need to swing one foot behind them and press to come to a controlled stop. It’s a useful feature, though most of our young testers could put foot to the ground and stop without any trouble.
The removable seat is easy to handle and it can be used by kids as old as eight years. The maximum weight capacity is 110lbs. While most children grow out of the seat quite quickly, its durability makes it a great choice for kids with impaired mobility. This toddler scooter is sturdier than it looks, with robust wheels and a frame built to withstand rough treatment. The deck is reinforced with aluminium alloy, so expect this product to perform well under pressure.
- Superb value for money
- Fantastic build quality
- Grows alongside your child
- Seat can be used by kids with low mobility
- Not suitable for teens, as suggested
- Comes with a flimsy helmet (consider upgrading)
- No O bar for assisted (transition) standing
7. Little Tykes Push n’ Ride Racer
If you’re looking for a toddler scooter that’s suitable for kids below two years, this Little Tikes Racer could be perfect. It is different to the other scooters we’ve reviewed, as it’s better matched to babies than older children. The manufacturer says it’s ideal for riders between 9 and 36 months. Although, we’re not so sure about that upper limit. We reckon most kids have moved on to standing scooters by this point.
The Little Tikes Push & Ride Racer does make an excellent toy for younger babies and toddlers. While it has no adjustable features, it still grows alongside the rider. Toddlers with limited mobility can use the scooter as a walking aid. It’s very sturdy and well balanced, so pushing on the back won’t cause it to tip over. When kids feel ready, they can get in the seat and start steering.
It’s a scoot along, so there are no fancy extras. The rider simply pulls the device along with their feet. Or, an adult pushes them around. It’s quite a basic toy, but we did have a soft spot for the ‘teddy’ seat in the back. Slip a stuffed animal through the slot and it’ll stay in place as your little one zips around the room. The scooter can be used outdoors, but it often struggles on uneven surfaces. It can be tough to push across grass, but it works great on concrete.
This product delivers exactly what it promises – a sturdy, reliable mobility aid. However, don’t expect bells and whistles. If your child is older and already walking unaided, this is probably too simple for them. In fact, most kids will grow out of this toy quite quickly. On the other hand, it does offer great value for money. You’re not left paying a fortune for a scooter that’ll be outgrown in six months.
- Great value for money
- Sturdy and solid, no risk of tipping
- Toddlers can push & ride, depending on ability
- Seat is set low enough for little legs
- Likely to be outgrown fast
- Not great outdoors needs a flat surface
- Very basic, no interesting extras
8. Globber 3-Wheel Adujustable Scooter
The first thing we noticed about the Globber Primo 3-Wheel Scooter is its cool design. It’s got a futuristic vibe to it that kids are bound to love. Perhaps it’s the curvy foot deck or the oversized front wheels, but this almost looks like a teen or adult scooter. It’s suitable for riders aged 3-6 years, so older children can get in on the action. The handlebar adjusts to fit the height of the user which gives it longevity in the home.
The scooter has a reinforced steel plate deck that can hold up to 110 pounds. This is actually double the load capacity of most other products. We’re not sure it’s a major benefit, but it’s nice to know the frame is practically unbreakable. Parents with children that are big for their age might get peace of mind from this. As the deck is low to the ground, the scooter remains stable even when hopping on and off.
Some of the other Globber scooters struggle outdoors, but the Primo is a real star. There’s not much it can’t handle once the rider has mastered steering. The high rebound PU wheels allow it to glide smoothly over all kinds of surfaces. Again, it can be used indoors, but inside floors are a bit limiting for this product. It feels like it should be outside zooming across sidewalks and pathways.
Our favourite feature is the super chunky brake. It’s another stomp brake, as is common with standing scooters. However, this is one of the biggest we’ve seen. It almost covers the entire back wheel, so it’s hard to miss. It’s fortunate, as the Globber Primo 3-Wheel Scooter is a speed demon. We strongly advise kids to practice at lower speeds before they head outside for adventures. The device is easy to use, but its momentum can take riders by surprise.
- Super sturdy reinforced deck
- Picks up a surprising amount of speed
- Beautiful, futuristic design & colours
- Huge stomp brake for safe stopping
- Can be difficult to transport (heavy)
- Not great for indoor use, as too fast
- Steering spring may need tightening
9. Yuppy 3-Wheel Scooter For Kids
The Yuppy Kick 3-Wheel Scooter is another product with an interesting look. You can buy it in several different versions, but we were especially fond of the ‘emoji’ design. Yes, it’s a bit cheesy and silly, but that’s why kids love it. There’s also a cool cow design for riders who prefer animal themes. Not only that, but the wheels light up when it’s in motion. We’ve seen this feature on rival scooters. The Yuppy Kick, however, beats them hands down.
It is a lean to steer scooter, so the front handlebar does not turn. Instead, the rider leans and it pulls it to one side when they want to switch direction. It’s tricky to master at first, but practice makes perfect. Most kids are zipping around quite skilfully after an hour of experimenting with the steering. The handlebar has three adjustable settings. All of them conform to a special ‘triangle’ framework.
According to the manufacturer, the top of the handlebar is always perfectly aligned with the back wheel.
This makes it hard to tip, flip, or roll, even when getting on and off. The nylon foot deck has an extra grippy coating to prevent slips and falls. It isn’t as wide as some of the others we’ve seen, but it shouldn’t be a problem for kids with good stability. With a long, thin stomp bake at the back, this scooter can be safely ridden by children as young as three.
- Really fun, humorous designs
- Triangle system makes it hard to flip
- Super cool flashing wheels
- Three adjustable height settings
- Foot deck could be a little wider
- Lean to steer can be tricky at first
- Handlebar doesn’t turn at all
10. Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter – Best Budget Scooter For Toddlers
The Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter is a standing toy for slightly younger kids. It has a similar design to larger, taller scooters, but its dimensions are more modest. Essentially, it’s a bit like a training device, hence the name ‘my 1st scooter.’ It’s ideal for children who have grown out of scoot along rides but aren’t quite stable enough for a full sized toy. The foot deck is extra wide to accommodate wobbles and prevent trips.
There are raised, grippy bumps across the deck to help kids stay upright. So, it’s a very stable scooter. In fact, it’s harder than you might think to fall off. The deck is noticeably shorter than on some other products. Again, this is to keep it suitable for little feet. It ensures that even small riders can stretch back and hit the stomp brake. On the other hand, it does mean fast growing kids are likely to get too big, too fast.
Our favourite feature was the tapered base. The deck gets narrower at the back so riders don’t hit their ankles on the wheels. This is a common problem, particularly for three wheeled scooters, so it’s nice to see a considered solution. We were also impressed with its ability to support while remaining lightweight. The Radio Flyer toddler scooter can hold up to 50 pounds, but it weighs a mere four pounds.
Therefore, it’s extremely easy to transport. It doesn’t fold, but it’s not much of a problem. Just pick it up and carry it wherever you need to go. Or, slip it in the boot of the car. When it’s out and about, the scooter performs best on flat surfaces. It struggles a little on grass and polyurethane wheels don’t catch every bump in the road. Generally, it’s a smooth ride, but we do think this toy works better indoors, on tiled or wooden floors.
- Tapered base for safe kick launches
- Very lightweight & easy to carry
- Super wide deck for max stability
- Great ‘transition’ scooter for young riders
- Foot deck could be a bit longer
- Can struggle on bumpy surfaces
- Short deck not ideal for older riders
Criteria Used In Our Review
There are lots of different scooters on the market. So, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and whether it’s a good match for your child. Here are some of the criteria we considered when compiling our list of the best products.
Wheel Size
Even if you’re not specifically searching for an outdoor scooter, it’s worth picking one that has the capability. It is likely to have stronger wheels that will last longer and offer a smoother ride. This doesn’t mean that indoor only toys are less worthwhile. It just means they’re built to be more robust. Only metal wheels can withstand regular riding on outdoor surfaces.
It’s worth noting that there’s a trade-off required when picking a toddler scooter. The wider the wheels, the higher the stability. However, broader wheels do affect speed. So, if speediness is your top priority, we recommend a product with thinner wheels. On the other hand, most parents value safety over speed and we made sure to reflect this in our choices.
Grippy Foot Deck
We advise all parents to opt for standing scooters with grippy decks. It isn’t a big concern if the toy is designed to be ridden. If it’s a classic scooter though, it needs a rough surface to prevent feet from slipping off. This can be done in several different ways. Some manufacturers cover the entire deck with a coarse material. Others add raised bumps and ridges.
The foot deck should be very low to the ground. This will help your toddler or child get on and off safely. If the deck is too high, there is a greater risk of falls. Even if your kid doesn’t trip, they’ll find riding quite tiring. The younger the user, the broader the deck. It isn’t a hard and fast rule, but a big, wide deck is better for children who are unsteady on their feet.
Construction Material
Again, there’s nothing wrong with lightweight, plastic scooters. They make great indoor toys and parents can help kids carry them around the house. However, if you’re looking for longevity, a scooter with a metal base is the best option. The majority of these toys have a plastic shell casing. Pick one that has metal reinforcements below this veneer.
That is unless you’re looking for an inexpensive, short term toy. If, for example, you know your child is likely to grow out of a scooter very quickly, it could be worth buying a cheaper interim product. For older kids, consider a slightly heavier and more durable design. The strongest scooters on the market contain a mixture of plastic, aluminium, and steel.
Big, Stompable Brakes
Scoot along toys rarely have brakes. They move quite slowly and, more often than not, need to be constantly pushed forward by the toddler. So, it’s not a problem if you buy a scoot along toy and it doesn’t have this feature. Unless, of course, it’s a product that is designed to grow alongside the rider. 3-in-1 scooters, for example, should always come with a brake.
There isn’t much variation among the standing scooters. You’ll see a slight discrepancy in size, but most manufacturers choose chunky, stomp style brakes. If you are concerned about speed and control, opt for the biggest brake you can find. It should be neatly positioned right at the back of the foot deck so that a rider can simply lean and stamp right on the button.
Adjustable Handlebars
Again, your choice of scooter doesn’t have to come with adjustable handlebars. There are plenty of great products that don’t have this feature. When it comes to longevity and value for money though, the ability to switch settings is desirable. Kids grow remarkably fast, so it’s handy to have a scooter that can match their size.
We recommend you buy a toddler scooter with a padded handlebar. It protects not just those little hands, but also any walls and furniture that may get in the way. Some of our favourite products have padding so thick they literally bounce off obstacles. It’s a great feature if you’re worried about having a learner driver zooming around the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Toddler Scooter Safe for My Child?
There is always a small amount of risk involved with allowing children to use scooters. No matter how high the build quality, kids can trip and fall off. Nevertheless, it is extremely rare for these situations to end with more than a bruise or scratch. To ensure maximum safety, pick a scooter with a wide deck and broad wheels [4]. You can also buy a sturdy riding helmet.
Is My Child Old Enough to Ride a Scooter?
There are scooters out there for kids of all ages. One of the products included in our list can be ridden by babies as young as nine months. As long as you pick a scooter that is appropriate for your child’s age and size, they should have no trouble mastering it. Check the age guidelines for all products and let the rider move and learn at their own pace.
How Long Will a Toddler Scooter Last?
This depends on the quality of the product you buy and whether or not the scooter is adjustable. Many of the finest toys on the market claim to last up to seven years or more. However, it’s worth considering these claims carefully. In several cases, we thought it was a bit of an over exaggeration. In theory though, if you buy a quality scooter and take good care of it, it could last a child from, say, three to ten years.
Last update on 2020-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
