Nowadays, kids are glued to their screens, whether it’s the computer, TV, or smartphone. To counterbalance this unhealthy habit, it’s important to include some physical activity in their daily lives. Riding a kick scooter is a fun pastime that gives kids a sense of freedom and excitement as they glide around, learning to balance and control their movement. This is a creative gift that can help them break out of their sedentary lifestyle. Read on to discover some important tips for choosing the ideal scooter for your kid.
Age
Whether you’re a first-time shopper, or you’re looking to upgrade your child’s ride, their age is one of the most important factors to consider. Choosing an age-appropriate design means that your child will have more fun, and they’ll be less likely to get injured while using it. You can find a colourful and versatile mini scooter online for kids of different ages. They range from smaller designs suitable for 2-year-old toddlers to bigger and more sophisticated designs meant for 8-year-olds and up. If your child is an advanced rider, opt for a mini-pro scooter made from high-quality, durable parts and additional features that will make them stand out in the skatepark.
Buying things one size bigger so that your kid can grow into them over time doesn’t work with these devices. For example, the designs meant for a 2-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 10-year-old are much different from one another. So, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for all ages. When you’re browsing online, make sure to choose a model that’s suitable for your child’s growth, mental and physical ability, and desire to learn.
What’s the Right Scooter for My Child?
- Ages 2-3: A three-wheeled scooter for 2 year old is the ideal choice for younger children. It’s safe to use and can help them master different manoeuvres and improve their fundamental scooting abilities. It consists of two wheels in the front and one in the back. These models provide smaller children with plenty of stability on their learning journey;
- Ages 4-5: As your child grows, you can swap out their three-wheeler for a 2-wheeled mini scooter. This version takes a bit more skill and balance to manoeuvre, but your child will have plenty of experience and confidence at this point to do it. However, some kids at this age can get overly confident and try to perform tricks that they’re not yet ready for. This is why it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them so that they don’t injure themselves;
- Age 6: At this point, your child has improved hand-eye coordination, balance, and cognitive skills, so you can confidently get them a more advanced model, like a pro scooter. These are typically lightweight, and they keep your kid steady and stable while riding. However, you don’t need to go for the top-notch, expensive ones, especially if you’re buying for the first time;
- Age 10: If your child is 10 years old or older, consider getting them a high-quality trick scooter that’s suitable for both doing tricks in the skatepark and commuting to school. These devices are typically more durable and resilient, so they can handle a lot more weight and daily wear and tear.
Height
When looking to buy a mini scooter for a toddler, another crucial thing to consider is their height. Kids come in all shapes and sizes, regardless of their age, so it’s important to consider how tall your child is. You don’t want those handlebars towering over their head like a giraffe, nor do you want them so low that they’re dragging on the ground. The sweet spot is somewhere between their chest and mid-body. That way, they can grip onto the handlebars comfortably. Some models even come with adjustable handlebars, so you can tweak the height to suit your kid’s growing stature. This takes the guesswork out of figuring out if the handlebars are too high or too low.
Next up, the deck is where your kid plants their feet. You want it to be roomy enough so they can comfortably place both feet on there, one in front of the other, like they’re surfing the sidewalk. They shouldn’t feel cramped and uncomfortable while they’re scooting around the neighbourhood. Plus, a good-sized deck means they’ll have plenty of space to manoeuvre and brake efficiently, which is crucial for avoiding accidental collisions with mailboxes and garden gnomes.
Purpose
If your little one’s main goal is cruising to school or zipping around the neighbourhood, then consider a toddler scooter with a seat. It’s like an upgrade from a bike to a scooter limo. Having a seat can make those longer rides way more comfortable, especially if they’re covering a decent distance every day. Plus, it gives them a little extra stability, which is always a bonus, especially for those wobbly-legged beginners.
On the other hand, if your kid’s more into pulling off sweet tricks and stunts at the skate park, you’ll want something with a bit more muscle. Think models reinforced with safety features and built to handle some serious wear and tear, as well as jumps, spins, and flips. Because when it comes to extreme scooting, durability is key. You don’t want them busting through the deck or snapping the handlebars mid-air, which could result in an injury.
Skill Level
Just like with anything else, you want to make sure that your child is set up for success. So, if they’re already a seasoned pro at scooting, then it might be time to level up their ride.
Opt for a more sophisticated model that can match their mad skills. But if your kiddo is dipping their toes into the world of scooting, you don’t want to toss them into the deep end with a scooter that’s way beyond their skill level. Instead, start them off with a model that matches their beginner status. Look for ones that offer stability and easy handling, so they can build their confidence.
Are Kick Scooters Good For Kids?
A mini scooter for a toddler promotes outdoor time and offers many benefits for your little one:
- Movement and muscle development: When your kiddo is out there kicking and coasting on their scooter, they’re not just having a blast, but they’re also giving their muscles a workout. It’s like a mini gym session disguised as playtime;
- Honing balance and coordination: Every time they push off with one foot and glide on the other, they’re performing a high-wire act on wheels. Your kid learns how to find that perfect balance and stay upright as they zoom around the block;
- Mental workout: Scooting around requires focus, attention, and quick decision-making. Your kiddo’s brain is firing on all cylinders as they navigate the terrain, dodge obstacles, and maybe even pull off a few tricks along the way;
- Social benefits: Whether they’re cruising solo or rolling with their crew, scooting around the neighbourhood is a great way for kids to connect, communicate, and collaborate. They can share laughs, swap stories, and maybe even make some new friends along the way.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
