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5 Best Kids Scooters, Reviewed by Real Kids

Jessica Hartshorn
A boy giving a thumbs up while standing on a scooter surrounded by various scooter models on a blue background.
5 Best Kids ScootersCourtesy of Tester / Good Housekeeping

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Quick Overview
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Image for the mini product module
Image for the mini product module
Image for the mini product module
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We love that scooters help kids hone gross motor skills, develop balance, and strengthen muscles. And while we love kids' bikes, scooters are more compact. Where I live, in Brooklyn, plenty of parents walk next to a scooter-riding kid to get to school each morning.

Our top picks:

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Our choices are based on personal experience with kids scooters over the course of years, following the toy market for decades, and testing toys—scooters included—for our gift guides and award programs.

1) Micro Kickboard Mini

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WHY I LIKE IT: Micro Kickboard's scooters steer left and right when a child leans in the direction they want to go, making the brand easy for preschoolers to control.

TESTING NOTES: The three-wheel design keeps the scooter stable for young riders. A height-adjustable handlebar helps you keep up with growth spurts. It doesn't fold, but it's a small scooter to start with. I can't go more than three blocks in my neighborhood without seeing a kid on one of these!

OTHERS FROM MICRO KICKBOARD: The Mini Rock and Go can start at age 1 as a rocking toy. For ages 5 to 12, the Micro Kickboard Maxi folds and has LED light-up wheels.

Pros
  • Kids lean to steer
  • Three-wheel design is stable
  • Height-adjustable handle
  • Compact design
Cons
  • Doesn't fold

2) Razor A Kick Scooter

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WHY I LIKE IT: For older, more experienced riders, this affordable scooter offers features like rotating handlebars and a shock-absorbing suspension system, which makes it easier for them to handle bumps or try tricks.

TESTING NOTES: Both of my kids used this model. It's made of a lightweight aluminum and folds up, so it was easy to take with us and for them to store in a locker. Due to its material and two-wheel design, it rattles more than a plastic three-wheeler, but elementary school and middle school kids seem to be able to handle it. Plus, others on the sidewalk can hear this scooter coming!

OTHERS FROM RAZOR SCOOTERS: The A2 model has a slightly wider deck for the same price. The Razor Jr. Kiddie Kick Scooter is a foldable scooter for toddlers up to 44 pounds.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Shock absorption
  • Lightweight aluminum frame
  • Folds for storage
Cons
  • Light weight and two-wheel design means it rattles

3) Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter

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WHY I LIKE IT: Get them started early with this Radio Flyer scooter that starts as a ride-on.

TESTING NOTES: Radio Flyer confirms that this is a popular crowd pleaser, and I've seen kids in my local park enjoying it in both modes. In ride-on mode, kids can stash toys under the seat. It's got four wheels to be extra sturdy and prevent tipping.

There's assembly required; you'll need a screwdriver and a hammer. The Scoot 2 Scooter also comes in blue and pink.

ANOTHER FROM RADIO FLYER: The My First Scooter for ages 2 to 5 is a more traditional three-wheeler and includes a nonstick deck.

Pros
  • Ride-on and scooter mode
  • Toys stash under the ride-on seat
  • Four wheels make it extra sturdy
Cons
  • Some assembly required

4) Segway Ninebot eKickScooter C2 Lite

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WHY I LIKE IT: While electric scooters for adults make me nervous, this model for kids can't go more than 9.9 mph andalso can't be ridden more than 8.7 miles away. It starts up at more like 3 mph so there's no sudden acceleration. It won a previous Best Toy Award.

TESTING NOTES: "Our son is obsessed," said a parent of a 10-year-old. "He is consistently charging and using the Segway pretty much every single day!" Said another: "My son loves being able to speed down paths on an electric scooter—the freedom, the acceleration, the breeze." It can run for about 70 minutes before needing a charge.

ANOTHER FROM SEGWAYFor ages 14 and up, the Segway Ninebot E2 Plus II can go faster (up to 15.5 mpg), further (16 miles in eco mode) and longer (about 7.5 hours). It has a weight capacity of 198 pounds.

Pros
  • Tops out under 10 mph
  • Kids love the freedom of riding it
  • Can run for about 70 minutes
Cons
  • Needs to be charged up for use

5) Razor A5 LUX Kick Scooter

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Razor

WHY I LIKE IT: The height of this scooter for ages 8+ adjusts very easily, so it will stick with them through all of their growth spurts. When it folds up, the handlebars fold in for easier storage.

TESTING NOTES: The eight-inch wheels of this two-wheeled scooter make for a comfortable ride. I've seen it used on college campuses by young adults; the high weight limit of 220 pounds means it can work for grown-ups, too. There's a kickstand to help it stay upright.

ANOTHER FROM RAZOR SCOOTERS: Razor has an A6 model that's a bit more expensive

Pros
  • Easily adjustable height
  • Folds up for easy storage
  • High weight limit
Cons
  • Not sized for kids under 8

6) Woom Ready

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Just like with bikes, kids should wear a helmet while scootering. The Ready is the first helmet we've seen with a magnetic, non-pinch strap. One parent described it as "premium and more thoughtfully made than other helmets" they had used and said, "My kids seem to want to keep it on longer, since it's more comfortable." XS, S, and M; ages 1 to 14

RELATED:20 Products That Help Babies and Kids Learn, Play, and Grow

7) How I chose the best scooters for kids

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

I've had personal experience watching kids, tweens, and teens with all of the scooters on this list. Some have also been tested as part of our continuous toy testing process in service to award programs like the Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards and the Good Housekeeping Parenting Awards. That means we sent them to consumer homes for their real-life feedback. As a final step, I read through online reviews to be sure the picks are strong ones.

8) What to look for in the best scooters for kids

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Consider:

✔️ Your child's size: Check the recommended age range, weight limit, and height specifications outlined by the manufacturer.

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✔️ Adjustability: Are you looking for a scooter just for now, or one that will grow with your child over time? Many scooters for kids have a height adjustable handle, and some for toddlers start as a ride-on toy first. A scooter that lasts through several stages can be a better value over time.

✔️ Wheel type and wheel count: In general, large wheels allow for faster and more stable riding, while small wheels allow for more agility. Younger kids usually require a scooter with three or four wheels, 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. A grooved deck helps a kid stay on.

9) Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn has covered the kids' product market for 25 years, including the past four years for Good Housekeeping. Before that, she wrote and edited for Parents magazine. She's the mom of two young adults.

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