The Best Scooters Our Kids Rode, Jumped With, and Tossed on the Ground

­­­­­Best Scooter for Little Kids: Micro Kickboard Mini Foldable LED Scooter

Why We Like It

When it comes to little ones and their toys, the easier something is to use the better. This scooter is all about ease right out of the box without any assembly or reading instructions. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, store, and carry. It even folds up nicely with a one-push button.

“Once folded, it can easily be carried or even packed in a suitcase!” our parent tester noted. “I can see taking it on a vacation that involved a lot of walking.”

The Micro Mini has wheels that light up as your rider gets moving, and the handlebars have extra grip material for a safe ride. The lean-to-steer design means a stable ride, that our young rider picked up right away, though it might take a bit for other small children to master. We also noticed that it’s very durable so far, not showing signs of wear after our tester fell with it a few times. In line with the company’s Swiss-design theories of engineering, the modular construction of this scooter means all parts are replaceable, making it repairable for your kid and any others you hand it down to when they’ve outgrown it. 

But Take Note

With all that simplicity, some might say it’s a bit bare bones save the LED lights. As a higher priced scooter, the lack of accessories like bells or handlebar tassels can be disappointing. And if your young one has a growth spurt, it’s also noted that the handlebar’s setting limitations might fall short sooner than you might like.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 2 to 5 years
• Weight limit: 110 pounds
• Product weight: 4.2 pounds

Best Scooter for Big Kids: Micro Kickboard Sprite Scooter

Why We Like It

Popular among big kids and teens, the Sprite is a great scoot-to-school companion. The model is extremely lightweight but still able to withstand rough use. Our editor’s child tested this out as his first two-wheeled scooter and picked it up right away. We found the ride to be very smooth on its medium-size polyurethane wheels—better than similar Razor scooters we’ve tried—and it makes sharp turns on a dime. Stopping happens just as quickly thanks to a very responsive brake system.

It boasts an adjustable height handle bar that extends 34 inches above the deck, so it grows with your kid up until they're 6 feet tall. When their journey is complete, a handy two-way kickstand allows the rider to “park” the scooter. Or they can fold it up to a slim, packable size (it may even fit into a school locker) thanks to its double-button folding system. Like the other Micro Kickboards on this list, all parts on the Sprite are completely replaceable.

But Take Note

Some report wheels are lacking in great traction on wet terrain, though we had no such trouble during testing. Its lightweight nature can also translate to a very fast ride, a surprise if your rider isn’t used to soaring at such speeds. The brand says this model is strictly for traveling from one point to another, so leave the stunts to another scooter.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 6 years old and up
• Weight limit: 220 pounds
• Product weight: 5.5 pounds

Best Budget (Little Kids): Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter

Why We Like It

No more grabbing for their older sibling’s scooter. When your little one is ready to ride, this is a low-stakes investment they can learn on. The My 1st Scooter Sport has an extra-wide base to help develop coordination and balance for kids as young as 2 years old. For our almost 3-year-old tester, the two front wheels and wide base helped him feel confident enough to hop on and off. The wheels and turning response aren’t very fast, which is a good thing for a first-time rider and any adult who has to run after them. Once they do get going, there is a simple back foot brake.

Though it doesn’t fold up, this Radio Flyer is light and our testing parent didn’t mind having to pick it up and carry it when her toddler got tired. She also noted that it only showed minor scratches after a couple of falls inside and outside the house. It even withstood the weight of a pregnant grownup testing it for a turn or two.

But Take Note

It’s built for stability but not for speed, so older kids may tire of it quickly. The handlebar height is not adjustable for shorter kiddos, and taller ones will outgrow it.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 2 to 5 years old
• Weight limit: 50 pounds
• Product weight: 4.85 pounds

Best Budget (Big Kids): Jetson Jupiter Kick Scooter

Why We Like It

The Jupiter is out of this world when it comes to keeping your older kids (and budget) on track while zipping around the neighborhood. Happy, galactic vibes are to be had thanks to the all-over LED lights twinkle like stars that make the rider stand out while making their moves. The lights in the wheels illuminate automatically every ride, and those in the stem and frame can be set in any of seven different preprogrammed styles. “My daughter absolutely loved this,” our testing parent said. “The lights made the scooter feel special and the different lighting configurations kept it fresh and interesting.”

Perhaps more important, the scooter’s wide, sturdy deck and light weight made it maneuverable for the young rider, and its brakes were simple to operate. Plus, she could fold it up and pack it into the car. It’s also a fraction of the cost of other similar scooters on this list. 

But Take Note

Some online customers have noted that the LED twinkle lights don’t have a very long life span, and others reported paint peeling and slight plastic cracks. Our own tester has yet to notice any such damage after a month of usage, but we’ll check in with her periodically to see if she has.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 5 years old and up
• Weight limit: 132 pounds
• Product weight: 6 pounds

Best Scooter, Balance Bike, and Tricycle Combo: Larktale Scoobi 5-in-1 Convertible Scooter

Why We Like It

Larktale’s multi-functional riding toy is designed to keep your active kiddo busy as their trailblazing adventures become more advanced. With the push of a button, you can change the Scoobi from pedaled tricycle to balance-bike mode to a three- or two-wheeled kick scooter with or without training wheels in less than a minute, no tools required. The heavier base allows for a much smoother ride than seen on other scooters. Even the handlebar grows as they do, with three height levels. The scooter has a reliable foot brake, non-skid tread on the footplate, and a grippy handlebar, so they’ll feel secure during every trip around the block.

An 18-month-old tested this as a balance bike and tricycle, only occasionally venturing on it in scooter mode with a parent holding it for her. But her brothers, ages 7 and 10, were able to borrow the Scoobi and change it into scooter mode by themselves for some test rides. That means this scooter not only grows with your child, but can also be shared among siblings. The removable pedals are stored within the unit, so there are fewer opportunities to misplace them. The scooter’s non-slip deck and the bike seat’s nice rubbery cushion add to safety and comfort. Our testing parent also really liked the included cup holder.

But Take Note

Some kids may be too short for the scooter mode or too tall for the balance bike mode; making it less multifunctional all at once. The weight is also quite heavy for young kids to carry, and the handlebar adjustments need to be made by adult hands only.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 2 to 5 years old
• Weight limit: 35 pounds as tricycle; 48.5 pounds as scooter
• Product weight: 11 pounds

Best 3-Wheel for Big Kids: Micro Kickboard Maxi Scooter

Why We Like It

Thanks to three wheels (two in front and out of the way of your child’s kick path), the Maxi Deluxe is big on stability. The T-bar extends 10 inches, so the handlebar hits the right height for a safe ride that meets your children’s growing needs, and as with other three-wheeled scooters on this list riders lean to turn it (like a skateboard rather than turning the handlebar like a bike). According to our tester, the brake is slightly larger than a typical kids’ scooter, so it works well when traveling down hills. They also appreciated this model’s LED lights as a safety feature that “made me more comfortable about having her ride a little past the sunset (not too late though) because the lights helped me keep track of her and keep her in sight better.” 

Despite being made from super-light plastic, this is one sturdy scooter, and the parts are easily replaced if they do end up wearing out. The bigger front wheels were also a hit, making the scooter easier to navigate sidewalk bumps and gaps at any speed without falling over the front. This version of the Maxi also folds up for storage and off-road transport.

But Take Note

The lean-to-steer is challenging to some, so be sure your kid gets the hang of it before they start upping the speed. This is also a more expensive model than most on the list—you’re paying for its durability, foldability, and lights.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 5 to 12 years old
• Weight limit: 110 pounds
• Product weight: 5.5 pounds

Best Maneuverability: Razor A3 Kick Scooter

Why We Like It

This Razor is great at quick turns and maneuverability, thanks to a stem that pivots 360 degrees to provide a greater turning radius. The three kids (ages 8–10) who tested the A3 had a blast riding and doing trick jumps on it. There’s also a wheelie bar attached to the back of the scooter for anyone interested in more complicated stunts. The handlebars are easy to adjust, and the rear-fender brake allows for confident stopping. The larger (125 mm/5 inches) bump-mellowing polyurethane wheels and vibration-absorbing suspension help smooth out their ride, even when the pavement would suggest otherwise. 

After a month of rough use by three kids, we can tell this is a durable scooter. The A3 scooter has the same craftsmanship that brought Razor to the top of the scooter market more than 20 years ago. The aluminum construction is super high quality and lightweight. 

But Take Note

The folding nature of the Razor scooter makes it easy to store, but in testing, it required an adult to fold it, which can interfere with convenience. Our parent tester also noted the footbed could be a tad longer and the stem a bit higher for taller or bigger kids.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 5 years old and up
• Weight limit: 143 pounds
• Product weight: 7.02 pounds

Best for Tricks: Micro Kickboard Chilli Base Stunt Scooter

Why We Like It

Our 9-year-old tester was “obsessed” with her Chilli the second she tried it, and worked on her jumps, spins, and grinds daily for the first month of testing. At just under 8 pounds, this stunt scooter has all the key design elements that make it a trickster’s choice: a rigid frame, wide fixed-height steel handlebars, large durable wheels, a strong rear brake, skateboard-like grip tape, and a lightweight aluminum deck that’s ever so slightly concave, giving your young rider enough space to move around and optimum control when mastering their first tricks. The long deck is ramp-ready, and the super-wide bars make it easy (and safe) to whip the scooter around faster. 

After all their daughter’s tricks, our testing parent was impressed with the Chilli’s durability, noting that it just has a few scuff marks. “You'd never know all it's been through based on looking at it.”

But Take Note

Some riders note that the wheels might need to be replaced sooner than you might like. Trick scooters as a rule don’t fold up, and the Micro Chilli is no different.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 6 years old and up
• Weight limit: 220 pounds
• Product weight: 7.7 pounds
• Wheels: Two wheels (110 millimeters)

Best With Seat: Razor Rollie DLX Scooter

Why We Like It

Easy to turn and hard to tip over, Razor’s Rollie is good for tiny ones just getting comfortable with scooter riding. They can ride with a seat at two heights before transitioning to using it as a traditional kick scooter. Our testing parent said her 3-year-old had trouble balancing on other scooters, but he felt comfortable hanging out on this one, sometimes even sitting on it to have snacks. And once your kid is that comfortable, you know they’ll eventually gain confidence to try something new. Within a month, the preschooler was riding around his driveway three times a week.

We love the stability of this scooter, with three wheels to absorb the impact of small bumps. The multi-color LED lights in the front wheels and the deck illuminate when the scooter is in motion, though our testing parent said she liked this feature more than her son.

But Take Note

The limited handlebar height was disappointing to our tester who was hoping to extend the life of the scooter as her son grows. 

The Details:

• Recommended age: 30 months old and up
• Weight limit: 43 pounds
• Product weight: 6.4 pounds

Best With Large Wheels: Razor A5 Lux Scooter

Why We Like It

On this Razor’s 8-inch polyurethane wheels, kids can ride faster and over bumpier roads with plenty of control. Thanks to the anodized aluminum body and large deck, this scooter can comfortably support riders up to 220 pounds. Our 9-year-old rider noted that it even handled gravel driveways like a champ, and she enjoyed riding it daily during our testing period. Her parents had to remind her to slow down, which she did easily with the rear fender brake.

The handy retractable kickstand allows riders to pop off and on during their adventures without tossing the whole thing on the ground. The handlebars are adjustable for growing kids (or switching between riders), and the A5 Lux’s foam grips allow your child to keep a safe and comfortable hold as they scoot.

But Take Note

Our testers found that you need to use your hands to put down the retractable kickstand (you can't "kick" it out), which could lead to pinched fingers. The folding mechanism was also a bit difficult at times. The scooter is also a couple of pounds heavier than smaller-wheeled alternatives.

The Details:

• Recommended age: 8 years old and up
• Weight limit: 220 pounds
• Product weight: 8.38 pounds

Best Electric: Segway Ninebot E22 E-KickScooter

Why We Like It

When your teen wants to get everywhere, like, now, the electric Ninebot E22 scooter gives them a faster ride. There are three modes (cruise, normal, and sport), so they can base their speed on their level of confidence or terrain, all by double-tapping the handlebar. But parents can breathe a little easier knowing the speed tops out at 12.4 mph. The company also recently upgraded its tires by adding an inch for a smoother ride. An external battery pack (purchased separately) allows for a maximum range of 27 miles and a speed of up to 15.5 mph. 

The tires are filled with a new polyurethane foaming material instead of air, so you won’t have to worry about flats. Should practice or a study session run late, the 44-foot range headlight and the automatic tail light provide enhanced safety and visibility for nighttime riding. The scooter is also foldable. 

But Take Note

Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend against e-scooters for anyone under 16 years old. “Children should be 16 years old or older,” says Alison Tothy, M.D., a Chicago-based pediatrician, of the right age to ride an e-scooter. “They should know how to operate one before riding it. Wear a helmet, even if your friends choose not to. Use two hands and don’t have your earbuds in.” 

The Details:

• Recommended age: 14 years old and up (16 years and up, per AAP)
• Weight limit: 220 pounds
• Product weight: 29 pounds