The Best Toddler Scooters for Little Tykes
Searching for activities to tire out an energetic tot? Head outside, pop them a toddler scooter and watch them whiz around. Scooters (as well as bikes and tricycles) help kids develop strength, mobility and coordination skills—plus, they offer a fun way to get from A to B!
Generally, children 2 years old and up can learn to ride a toddler scooter, but there are also options with a transition seat that are designed for kids as young as one—making scooters an awesome option for toddlers of any age. The best toddler scooters are durable, adjustable, lightweight and, most importantly, safe. Need a little help to kickstart your search? Check out our top safety tips and browse our pick of the best scooters for little girls and boys.
In this article:
Types of toddler scooters
Toddler scooter safety
What to look for in a toddler scooter
Best toddler scooters
It’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 16 should not operate or ride on motorized or e-scooters. Here are the three types of scooters that are suitable for toddlers:
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Ride-on scooter. A ride-on scooter is the best option for young toddlers who are still finding their feet. This type has a removable seat and adjustable handle bars. Children can sit on a ride-on scooter and pedal with their feet until they’re ready to use it as a standing scooter.
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Three-wheel scooter. A scooter with three wheels (two at the front and one at the back) is the best option for 2- and 3-year-olds. Why? This type generally has a wide, stable base, making it easier for toddlers to keep their balance as they scoot along.
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Two-wheel scooter. A two-wheel scooter, also known as a kick scooter, has one wheel at the front and one at the back. This is perhaps the most common type of scooter, especially for tots with well-developed balance skills.
The best toddler scooters are cute, colorful, easy to use and—you guessed it–reliably safe. Here are the main safety considerations to keep in mind.
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Protective gear. Tumbles and scrapes are inevitable, so all riders (big and small!) must wear protective gear when using a scooter. According to the AAP, protective wrist, elbow and knee pads should be worn, and helmets are particularly important for preventing and minimizing head injuries.
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Age-appropriate. Always read the brand’s age and weight guidelines to make sure the scooter is suitable for your child’s developmental stage.
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Supervision. Children under the age of 8 should always be supervised while riding a scooter.
Here are a few features to look for when choosing the best toddler scooter for your little one.
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Foot brake. A foot brake—also known as a rear fender brake—is a must-have safety feature for new riders. It’s positioned over the back wheel, making it easy to step on when kids need to slow down or stop.
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Steering system. Inexperienced riders can find it tricky to steer a scooter. The best toddler scooters have a “lean-to-steer” mechanism. Rather than moving the handlebars, toddlers lean in the direction they want to go to shift the wheels and turn the scooter. This steering system is easier for toddlers to grasp and can help prevent dramatic turns, which may result in falls.
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Durable wheels. Your little one is bound to hit some bumps in the road while they scoot, meaning wheels that can tackle uneven terrain are a must-have.
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Wide foot deck. A wider foot deck (or base) helps toddlers maintain stability and balance while they ride. The foot deck should measure between 3.5 to 5 inches wide to comfortably accommodate little feet.
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Adjustable handlebar. Although many scooters are marketed as toddler-friendly, very few have handlebars set at the right height for tots. For reference, the scooter handlebars should rest between the rider’s belly button and mid-chest. With this in mind look for a toddler scooter that’s adjustable, so you can change the handlebar height to suit your growing kiddo.
Ready to start your search? From jazzy light-up scooters to ride-on models that grow with your child, we’ve selected the best toddler scooters for boys and girls below.
Best toddler scooter for a one-year-old
Searching for a scooter for a newly-minted toddler? The Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe may be the one for you. Suitable for ages 1 to 5, this clever option seamlessly converts from a ride-on toy to a toddler scooter before adapting to a big kid three-wheeler. It’s virtually indestructible with non-marking wheels, so your little one can even use it indoors at a gymnasium or local rec center. It comes with all the latest safety features, including a foot brake, a stable three-wheel design and a lean-to-steer mechanism. Plus, this model comes with a short O-handlebar that’s easy for toddlers to grip as well as a classic T-bar for slightly older kids. Parents love this scooter, with one Amazon reviewer writing: “If you are going to get a first scooter for your kid, this is it. You can’t go wrong.” High praise indeed!
- Age range: 1 to 5 years
- Weight guidelines: Up to 44 pounds with seat and 110 pounds in scooter mode
- Other specs at a glance: Scooter weight: 4.2 lbs.; Deck dimensions: 12.5″ length x 4.5″ width; Handlebar height: 17″ to 24″
- Swiss engineering
- Two adjustable handlebar options
- Two-seat heights in ride-on mode
- High price point
- No foot rests make it harder to operate ride-on mode
Best toddler scooter for a 2-year-old
Another pick from the top-rated brand Micro Kickboard, this toddler scooter is built for a slightly older age set. The three-wheel scooter ticks every box in terms of safety—with an easy-to-use rear brake and a toddler-friendly “lean-to-steer” system. Meanwhile, top-quality wheels and a flexible fiberglass deck absorb shocks, so your kiddo can enjoy a smooth ride. The T-bar can be adjusted by up to 8 inches, which is more than any other toddler scooter on the market. For a glow-up, check out the Mini Deluxe LED version with light-up wheels or the foldable option that’s great for city kids.
- Age range: 2 to 5 years
- Weight guidelines: Up to 110 pounds
- Other specs at a glance: Scooter weight: 4 lbs.; Deck dimensions: 12″ length x 4.5″ width; Handlebar height: 17″ to 25″
- Quality construction
- Easy to adjust handlebar offers multiple height settings
- All parts are replaceable, meaning you can fix it up for younger siblings
- High price point
Best toddler scooter for a 3-year-old
Designed for kids over the age of 3, this scooter has a responsive lean-to-steer function making it a great choice for confident riders. The high-quality ABEC-5 wheels roll smoothly over bumpy terrain, while built-in LED lights illuminate your kid’s path. Better yet, the adjustable handlebar comes off in a snap without the need for tools, so it’s easy to transport and store too. It’s also super-lightweight with a wide twin-tip deck and an integrated footbrake. Looking for something a little different? Check out the totally tubular Skatieskootie—a toddler scooter that doubles as a skateboard.
- Age range: 3 years +
- Weight guidelines: Up to 110 pounds
- Other specs at a glance: Scooter weight: 5.28 lbs.; Deck dimensions: 18.1″ length x 4.3″ width; Handlebar height: 18.5″ to 26.8″
- Handlebar is detachable
- Responsive lean-to-steer system
- Top-quality wheels
- Heavier than other models
- Lowest handlebar height may be too tall for petite toddlers
Best affordable toddler scooter
Beginner riders will be off to a flying start with this pick from Radio Flyer. The three-wheel toddler scooter boasts an extra-wide base and foot brake for added control. Plus, the specially designed turning radius provides additional safety without compromising on mobility. And with a price tag under $30, this model is a bargain to boot.
- Age range: 2 to 5 years
- Weight guidelines: Up to 50 pounds
- Other specs at a glance: Scooter weight: 5 lbs.; Handlebar height: Up to 24.21″
- Affordable price point
- Turning radius makes it easy to steer
- Extra-wide deck helps with balance
- Lower weight capacity than other models
Best wide deck toddler scooter
Older kids who’ve already mastered the art of balance may not need a toddler scooter with a seat. The YBIKE Cruze 3-wheel scooter is a great option for riders between the ages of 2 and 5. It’s super-lightweight with extra-wide wheels for added stability. Plus, the curved handlebar gives children more room to position themselves and maintain their balance while they scoot. Additional safety features include a non-slip, gripped foot deck and an easy-to-use rear brake.
- Age range: 2 to 5 years
- Weight guidelines: Up to 44 pounds
- Other specs at a glance: Scooter weight: 5.5 lbs.; Handlebar height: 25.8″
- Lean-and-steer function
- Wide rear wheel and curved handlebar helps with stability
- Non-slip deck
- Handlebar is not adjustable
- Lower weight capacity than other models
Best convertible toddler scooter
The best toddler scooters adapt to your kids’ needs. Case in point: The GO-UP Sporty by Globber. This sleek style offers ride-on, walking bike and scooter modes to complement your little ones’ developmental stage. It has a rear foot brake and a patented steering lock button that fixes the two front wheels in place, so that they can only move back and forth while your kid learns to ride. We’re big fans of the screw-less design: All it takes is a click of a button to remove or insert the adjustable T-bar and toddler seat. Another cool feature? The LED front wheels that flash in red, green and blue.
- Age range: 15 months to 6 years
- Weight guidelines: Up to 110 pounds
- Other specs at a glance: Scooter weight: 8.82 lbs.; Deck dimensions: 22″ length x 5.5″ width; Handlebar height: 20.5″ to 26.5″
- Screw-free design
- Adjustable handlebar has three height settings
- Functions as a ride-on vehicle, push toy and toddler scooter
- High price point
- Heavier than other toddler scooters
Best toddler scooter with a seat
Here’s another awesome convertible option: Hurtle ScootKid. which can be ridden with a seat like a tricycle or used as a traditional scooter. Like many of the best toddler scooters it has a rear brake, a wide non-slip deck and light-up wheels that can glide over any terrain. It also boasts lean-to-steer technology and an adjustable T-bar handlebar. Ready for the real standout feature? This toddler scooter has a fold-down seat, so your kiddo can swap between cruising and scooting in a flash.
- Age range: 12 months +
- Weight guidelines: Up to 132 pounds
- Other specs at a glance: Scooter weight: 9 lbs.; Deck dimensions: 22.4″ length; Handlebar height: Up to 32.3″
- Fold-down seat
- Wide deck fits both feet
- Adjustable handlebar has four height settings
- Light-up wheels require batteries
- Heaviest model on the list
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