12 of the best scooters for toddlers, preschoolers and older kids

And we've found some really whizzy winners, in a range of designs and prices – even including an electric one (that doesn't go too scarily fast). We've also compiled a list of things to consider when you're buying a scooter, and (at the end of this article) some helpful tips for helping a child learn to scoot and scooter safety tips.

Best scooters for kids at a glance

• Best eco-conscious scooter: Globber Go Up Foldable Plus Ecologic, £94.99
• Best lightweight scooter: Mini Micro Eco Deluxe Scooter, £87.95
• Best budget buy scooter: My First Folding Scooter Dinosaur, £39.99
• Best scooter for great fun: Xootz Bubble Go Scooter, £45
• Best for responsive steering: Squish Mini LED Tilt Scooter, £40
• Best scooter for space-saving storage: Yvolution Y Glider NUA, £85
• Best scooter for bright colour choices: RGS-1 Little Kids 3 Wheel Kick Scooter, £49.99
• Best scooter for bold designs: Xootz Wild Rider LED Scooter, £39.99
• Best quality foldable scooter for older children: Maxi Micro Deluxe Foldable LED Scooter, £143.29
• Best scooter for off-roading: Liferyder Infinity Scooter, £140
• Best scooter for e-scooting: Zinc E4 Max Lithium Electric Scooter, £89
• Best scooter for teens and heavier children: Large Wheels Neochrome Micro Scooter, £179.95

Jump to:

• What to look for when buying a scooter for toddlers & 2-3 year olds
• What to look for when buying a scooter for children aged 3-5 years
• What to look for when buying a scooter for children aged 5+ years
• Can children use electric scooters in the park?
• Best scooters for toddlers and 2-3 year olds
• Best scooters for children aged 3-5 years
• Best for children aged 5+ years

What to look for when buying a scooter for toddlers & 2-3 year olds:

• How many wheels? Three or 4 wheels is the best choice for children under 3 years old. A 4-wheel scooter is a safe option for young toddlers, but 3-wheelers are great for encouraging independence. Scooters with 2 wheels at the back are easiest for a young toddler to get the hang of but don't encourage balancing because of the wider wheel base at the rear; a 3-wheeler with 1 wheel at the back develops balancing skills, especially if it also has lean-to-steer handlebars.
• How heavy is it? Scooter weight is definitely a consideration, as at this age you are likely to end up carrying it around often when your toddler abandons it mid-walk. Lighter scooters are also easier for children to pick up.
• Can it fold? You'll need to store the scooter when it's not being used, whether that's at home, school or on the go. While scooters don't take up as much space as a bike, scooters that fold are invaluable if you're short on space, need to stow the scooter under a buggy or take it on public transport. And don't forget to check how the scooter folds: most have simple, 1-click mechanisms your child can do without help but some larger scooters require adult input and even tools to fold.
• How does it steer? Most 4 and 3-wheeled scooters are lean-to-steer – as the rider leans left or right, the scooter gently curves in the same direction and the handlebars provide balance rather than controlling the direction of scooting. This makes for easier, smoother and safer scooting for younger and less experienced riders.
• What brakes does it have? Toddlers don't tend to have the gross or fine motor skills to operate hand or foot brakes. If you have a little speed demon on your hands you may want to consider a scooter with parental controls, so you can hold the handle and control your child's speed, especially when scooting alongside a road.

What to look for when buying a scooter for children aged 3-5 years:

• How many wheels? A 3-wheeler is the perfect choice for your preschooler, to help them perfect their gross motor skills. A 3-wheel scooter with 1 wheel at the back develops balancing skills, especially if it also has lean-to-steer handlebars.
• How heavy is it? Chances are at this age you will still be left carrying the scooter on a regular basis, so weight will still be important. Preschoolers love a bit of independence, so make sure any scooter you buy for this age range is light enough for them to pick up and manoeuvre on their own.
• How adjustable is it? You can expect a few growth spurts during the leap from preschool to Year 1, so you want a scooter that can adapt as your child grows. Many scooters feature height-adjustable stems that allow the handlebars to be set at the correct height for the rider for a safer and more comfortable ride. As a general rule, the handlebars should be set to match the rider's waist height.
• How long will it last? Generally speaking, less expensive scooters have a more restricted age range – and that can be perfect if your child has siblings to pass the scooter on to or you think an older child will want a different look or style. If you're thinking of a pricier scooter because it will last your child for years, look at the maximum child weight, as well as the recommended age range, and check out what height the handlebars can adjust to.

What to look for when buying a scooter for children aged 5+ years:

• How many wheels? By the age of 5 most children will be ready to move on to a 2-wheeled scooter. Over-5s have the steering control and strength to kick the scooter up to a speed that will keep a 2-wheeled scooter stable and upright.
• How does it steer? Two-wheeled scooters, which are aimed at older and more experienced riders, are turn-to-steer: moving the handlebar changes the direction of the front wheel, which gives more control and tighter turning.
• Can you buy replacement parts? When buying a scooter for an older child it needs to be durable enough to match their energy levels. Rather than having to replace a scooter, look for a model which offers replacement parts, keeping the overall cost down.
• Where do they want to use it? While many 5-year-olds will use their scooter for the school run or on family walks, others may be keen to take it down to the skate park. Think about where your child's scooter will get the most use; if it's the skate park you may want to consider a specialist model, designed for tricks.

Can children use electric scooters in the park?

While electric scooters can be a popular choice, it's worth knowing that it is currently illegal to use electric scooters in the park, on roads, pavements, in cycle lanes or on any public property in the UK. Electric scooters can only be used on private property and children should always wear a helmet when using them.

Here's our pick of the best kids' scooters

Best scooters for toddlers and 2-3 year olds

1. Globber Go Up Foldable Plus Ecologic, £94.99

– Best eco-conscious scooter

Available at: Globber, John Lewis, Amazon and Argos

Age: 15 months +| Best for age: 18 months +| Size: 74.4-88.5cm x 60.2-72.9cm x 28cm | Weight: 3.8kg | Max child weight: 20kg in ride-on mode) 50kg in scooter mode | Handlebar height: 67.5cm, 72.5cm & 77.5cm (from the ground) in scooter mode | Award: Joint Bronze, MadeForMums Toy Awards 2023

Pros:

• Eco-friendly materials
• Versatile
• Additional parental controls
• Durable
• Choice of 2 colours
• Folds
• Adjustable seat and handlebar

Cons:

• 3-wheel design may be tricky for very young toddlers
• Bit pricey

Looking for a planet-friendly playmate that’s going to take you places? The Globber GO-UP Foldable Plus Ecologic is a scooter made from recycled plastic and biodegradable wheat-straw. As well as eco-credentials, the scooter also offers parents value for money with three modes in one model.

The scooter transforms into a ride-on and walking bike (for 15-36 month olds) and a scooter mode ideal for 3-7+-year-olds. There is a two-height adjustable seat and three-height adjustable handle bar, meaning the scooter will grow with your child. In a handy win for parents, the scooter has been designed with spring-loaded buttons to help you transform it between modes (no tools needed!)

The Globber is really sturdy, and it feels like it will last really well for the many months it is appropriate for my child. I love that you only need to buy one product and that it can adapt to different stages of her life. I also think the fact that it's recycled plastic and more eco-friendly is worth paying a bit more for.

2. Mini Micro Eco Deluxe Scooter, £87.95

– Best lightweight scooter

Available at: Micro Scooters and John Lewis

Age: 2 to 5 | Weight: 1.95kg | Max child weight: 35kg | Handlebar height: 49cm to 68cm

Pros:

• Replacement parts available
• Eco-conscious
• Lightweight
• Adjustable handlebars
• Durable

Cons:

• Doesn't fold
• Pricey
• Not suitable for very young toddlers
• No choice of colours

Featuring everything we love about the bestselling standard Mini Micro Deluxe model, including adjustable handlebars, rear brake and removable stem, this lightweight, 3-wheeled lean-to-steer toddler/preschooler scooter, also boasts an extra grippy foot deck made from recycled discarded fishing nets. It's good to see a more sustainably built scooter and, since Micro Scooters are known for the quality of their (replaceable) parts (check out the anodised stem), this one should last your child a long time.

He's wanted to take it everywhere with him and he didn't even want to come in the house when it was raining! He's in love with it.

3. My First Folding Scooter Dinosaur, £25

– Best budget buy

Available at: Amazon

Age: 2+ | Weight: 2.68kg | Max child weight: 20kg | Handlebar height: 65cm (not adjustable)

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Can swap between 4, 3 or 2 wheels
• Folds
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Handlebars aren't adjustable
• Fold mechanism a little stiff
• Limited design choices
• Narrow footplate

This clever, foldable, handlebar-steered toddler/preschooler trainer scooter adjusts from 4 (PVC) wheels to 3 to 2. Featuring easy-grip handles and anti-slip footplate, it's available in kid-friendly dinosaur or unicorn designs. We really like the wheel changes you can make on this best selling scooter as your child gains confidence balancing and steering, moving down from 4 to 2. It's great value but the footplate is quite narrow, the handlebars don't adjust and it's a little stiff when it folds.

The fact that you can change from 4 wheels to 3 or 2 wheels is excellent. A scooter for £25 that will adapt to your child's ability is amazing!

Best scooters for children aged 3-5 years

4. Xootz Bubble Go Scooter, £45

– Best for fun

Available at: Wilko and Very

Age: 3+ | Weight: 3.4kg | Max child weight: 40kg | Handlebar height: 50cm to 67cm

Pros:

• Produces a lot of bubbles
• Sturdy
• Folds
• Adjustable handlebar
• Wide footplate
• Quite affordable

Cons:

• Requires a lot of batteries
• Uses up bubble solution quickly
• Limited colour choice

What's not to love about a scooter that blows out bubbles as you go? This 3-wheeled toddler/preschooler scooter features a front-mounted bubble blower and, while bubble mixture is included, you will need to add 6 x AA batteries for it to work. As well as this, it features adjustable handlebars, easy-grip handles, rear brake and a wide anti-slip footplate. The scooter itself is relatively light and sturdy – it also folds down – but the trailing bubbles are the star of the show here.

Charlie has played with this daily – he loves it. I've never seen a bubble machine produce so many bubbles, but the downside for me as a parent is that it needs 6 AA batteries, which can be costly. It also uses the bubble solution up very quickly. The scooter itself is very well made and sturdy, and easy to ride.

5. Squish Mini LED Tilt Scooter, £40

– Best for responsive steering/ tilted steering

Available at: Argos and Jack Stonehouse

Age: 3+ | Size: H79cm x W54cm | Weight: 2kg | Max child weight: 50 kg | Handlebar height: 64cm, 69cm, 74cm, 79cm | Award: Bronze, MadeForMums Toy Awards 2023

Pros:

• Shine-in-the-dark and motion-activated wheels
• Adjustable handlebar
• Lightweight
• Removable stem for easy storage
• Affordable

Cons:

• Requires a certain amount of speed/motion to see the wheels light up

This double-fronted wheel scooter is packed with features that make it suitable for younger children. It has a colourful, red, and blue paint splatter pattern and is decorated with stickers including an alien character. There are also motion-activated light-up wheels that shine in the dark. The scooter is robust, with a non-scratch, aluminium stem, PU cast wheels and nylon reinforced deck with wide footplate. The wheels are motion-activated and shine in the dark.

For scooter novices, there is a ‘tilt 'n' turn’ steering action to make it easier to navigate the pavements. The handlebars feature soft moulded grips for little hands for a comfortable ride. The deck also has smooth sides reducing injury to ankles. This is a sturdy and durable budget-conscious option for younger children.

It's really cool. I like the alien! The wheels light up so you can see it in the dark.

6. Yvolution Y Glider NUA, £85

– Best for space-saving storage

Available at: Amazon

Age: 3 to 10 | Weight: 3kg | Max child weight: 50kg | Handlebar height: 64cm to 80cm

Pros:

• Light-up wheels
• Choice of colours
• Easy to fold
• Adjustable handlebar
• Hanging slot for easy storage
• Wide footplate
• Lightweight
• Grows with your child

Cons:

• Pricey
• Light-up wheels can only be seen in the dark

This foldable, 3-wheel, lean-to-steer scooter is perfect for preschoolers to school-aged children. It has light-up front wheels and a 3-position, height adjustable handlebar. It features a wider-than-average rear wheel, brake and footplate, and comes with an accessory slot that allows the scooter to be wall-hung once folded.

It's so simple to use – and my daughter is able to fold and unfold the scooter with ease.

7. RGS-1 Little Kids 3 Wheel Kick Scooter, £49.99

– Best for bright colour choices

Available at: Amazon

Age: 3 to 6 | Weight: 2.3kg | Max child weight: 50 kg | Handlebar height: 48cm to 74cm

Pros:

• Light-up wheels
• Choice of colours
• Folds
• Adjustable handlebar
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Fixed height adjustment for handlebars

We love how many colours this foldable, turn-to-tilt, 3-wheeled preschooler-to-schoolchild scooter comes in. It also has adjustable handlebars, rear brake and multi-coloured LED spin and flash wheels. It's great quality for the price – particularly as it folds flat for excellent portability and has flashing wheels and a rear brake – and it rides and steers smoothly. The push-button height adjustment is generous but fixed to 4 different heights, rather than being freely adjustable.

8. Xootz Wild Rider LED Scooter, £38.99

– Best for bold designs

Available at: Xootz and Amazon

Age: 3+ | Size: 65cm L x 37cm W x 80.5 cm D | Max child weight: 50kg | Batteries: Rechargeable 600mAh battery (included along with USB charging cable) | Award: Silver, MadeForMums Toy Awards 2023

Pros:

• Affordable
• Durable
• Adjustable handlebar
• Bold colour scheme
• Folds

Cons:

• Needs to be charged

The lights are the star of the show with the Xootz - Wild Rider LED Scooter, with LED lights on the wheels but also the deck of the scooter too. You will need to charge the scooter for it to light up, but a USB charge cable is included. With a single front wheel design learning to balance is key with the Xootz - Wild Rider LED Scooter, making it more suitable for older riders. It is built to last, with an adjustable handlebar that you can expand as your child grows. The scooter has a striking leopard print design and bold colour scheme in neon pink and blue, and is also available in an equally statement-making green and orange tiger print.

I really like the scooter; it is really cool because it flashes because there's lights on it and because it's wheels light up. It's a really fast scooter and you can zoom so fast and win the race.

Best for children aged 5+ years

9. Maxi Micro Deluxe Foldable LED Scooter, £157.95

– Best quality foldable for older children

Available at: Micro Scooters, John Lewis and Amazon

Age: 5+ | Size: 33cm x 13cm x 92cm | Weight: 2.5kg | Max child weight: 35kg | Handlebar height: 49cm to 68cm | Award: Gold, MadeForMums Toy Awards 2023

Pros:

• Fairly lightweight
• Induction energy-generated LED wheels
• Adjustable handlebars
• Durable
• Good colour choice

Cons:

• Very pricey

This is a top of the range Maxi Micro Deluxe scooter from a reputable scooter brand that is packed with features. There is a one click folding system making it easier to carry it, take it on days out in the boot of the car and store it at home. Micro's 'lean-to-steer' mechanism helps newer scooters steer and navigate the pavement by leaning in the direction they want to go. Safety is also a big consideration in the design. For gloomier days, the light-up LED wheels use induction energy from child-generated movement. The scooter has a footplate made from flexible reinforced fibreglass and an anti-slip silicone logo to help keep children's feet in place, even when the weather is wet. There is also a sensitive braking system, rubber handle grips and polyurethane wheels.

The scooter is available in four colourways - navy, pink, purple, turquoise, and red.

This scooter is great fun. I love the wheels because they light up. I want to go on my scooter every day and want to ride it to school, it is super cool.

10. Liferyder Infinity Scooter, £140

– Best for off-roading

Available at: Liferyder

Age: 5 to 15 | Weight: 5.5kg | Max child weight: 50kg | Handlebar height (measured from deck): 75cm to 85cm

Pros:

• Rides well on various terrain
• Adjustable handlebar
• Made to last
• Huge choice of designs
• 2-wheel design great for older children

Cons:

• Pricey
• Requires tools to adjust and fold
• Heavier than other models

A sporty-looking, 2-wheeled, lean-to-steer foldable scooter that is made in the UK from recyclable plastic composite material with 12" off-road wheels and inflatable tyres made from recycled rubber. It features 3 handlebar height settings, a 13cm-wide foot deck and rear brake, and is suitable for children between 110 and 160cm tall who weigh between 20 and 50kg.

This sturdy scooter can handle all kinds of tough terrain, riding fast and smooth over cobblestones, grass and even wet sand thanks to large wheels and air-filled tyres. The price tag is high but this scooter has great longevity: the height-adjustable handlebar and easy-to-change graphics that cover the frame, forks and spokes will ensure it fits your child and looks fresh for years. Plus, every part of the scooter is replaceable. It does require assembly and tools to adjust and fold, but the tools are included and the instructions are clear.

My daughter loves this scooter and this is her preferred choice over her bike and another scooter she has. She loves the funky design on the scooter which makes it really unique and she feels really grown up.

11. Zinc E4 Max Lithium Electric Scooter, £135

– Best for e-scooting

Available at: Argos and Very

Age: 6+ | Weight: 4.8kg | Max child weight: 55kg | Handlebar height: 81.5cm to 86.5cm

Pros:

• Folds
• Adjustable handlebar
• Made to last
• Great ride
• Lots of fun

Cons:

• Can only be used on private property
• Expensive
• Not suitable for young children
• Battery needs to be charged up
• Limited colour choice

Older children will love this foldable 2-wheeled electric scooter that goes up to 8kph and can cover 5km on 1 charge. Design features include a footpad sensor, adjustable handlebars, rear brake, anti-slip footplate and easy grip-handles. The rechargeable lithium battery (included) needs to be charged for 3 hours at a time. It's fast enough to be thrilling but not so fast that your child will zoom out of sight (some electric scooters can reach 25kph or more!) It's easy to steer but it's not particularly lightweight. Available in Red and Blue.

12. Large Wheels Neochrome Micro Scooter, £179.95

– Best for teens and heavier children

Available at: Amazon and Micro Scooters

Age: 8 to adult | Weight: 4.7kg | Max child weight: 100kg | Handlebar height: 72cm to 103cm

Pros:

• Adjustable handlebar
• Made to last
• Great ride
• Stylish rainbow design
• 2-wheel design great for older children
• Long brake works as mudguard
• Built-in kickstand

Cons:

• Expensive
• Higher foot brake takes some getting used to

This sturdy, foldable, 2-wheeled scooter with its cool rainbow-inspired finish and big (20cm) wheels is fast, smooth, stable and suitable for riders up to 15st 10lbs (100kg), making it a great buy to last right through the teenage years. It has an easy-to-use one-click fold, and a long and wide aluminium foot deck to help with stability for younger scooters. The built-in kickstand is another great feature, meaning the scooter can stand up on its own without leaning against a wall.

I love that it can be used from 8 years to adulthood and feels sturdy enough to last.

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