6 Best Toddler and Preschooler Scooters, Tested by 5 Families

In a nutshell
Based on first-hand product testing by five families, survey feedback from more than 400 parents and expert advice from a pediatrician, an occupational therapist and an injury prevention specialist, we chose the Radio Flyer Flyer Glider Jr. Scooter with Light Up Wheels as the overall best toddler scooter. Its large wheels, stable design and easy-access brake make it especially well suited to beginner riders. We also chose the Banwood Scooter as the overall best preschool scooter, due to its durable construction, easily adjustable handlebar and smooth, stylish design.

As a mom of four, I’ve officially been a “Scooter Mom” for years. We’ve owned five different scooters, and they’ve become a staple in our family’s everyday life. Whether my children are burning off pent-up energy in the backyard or we’re heading out for a family walk after dinner, scooters have long been my kids’ favorite ways to get moving. At this point, they’re basically part of our family transportation system.

Whether your toddler is taking their first wobbly scoot or your preschooler is racing down the sidewalk (with a helmet on, of course), scooters can offer plenty of developmental benefits. “Scooting requires a combination of balance, coordination and strength—all of which contribute to the development of a child’s gross motor skills and engage muscles that are essential in walking, running and sports,” explains Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. Plus, scooting is a fun way for kids to get active and can become a social activity when they ride with friends.

The right scooter can look very different depending on your child’s age, confidence and riding experience. From stability and steering to braking, fit and portability, there’s a lot to consider before choosing the best option for your family.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Toddler and Preschooler Scooters

To streamline your search for the best toddler or preschooler scooter, The Bump editors conducted extensive market research and identified the 15 leading options on the market. Taking a hard look at parents’ needs and the features and functionality that each set of wheels offered, we then created a shortlist of 10 products to test. From there:

• Five families tested a total of 10 scooters with toddlers and preschoolers of various experience levels on a wide range of terrains. After using them around parks and playgrounds, on city and suburban sidewalks, on backyard patios and even inside on carpet and wood floors, our testers evaluated each across testing categories. These included ease of setup, general ease of use, ease of riding, carrying and storage, durability, design and style and, of course, value for money.
• We surveyed more than 400 members of The Bump community and asked about the scooters they’ve used with their families. We then asked parents to rate specific brands and products based on their experience.
• We researched what was being said about scooters for toddlers and preschoolers in The Bump forums—as well as parenting forums and message boards across the internet, and customer reviews—to learn what parents liked (and disliked) about certain brands and styles and understand how these models have worked for families nationwide.
• We interviewed an occupational therapist and a pediatrician to better understand the physical benefits of scooting and key features to look for at different stages. For this update, we also spoke with Heather Trnka, MSSL, EMT-P, CPSTI, manager of injury prevention at Akron Children’s Hospital and State Director of Safe Kids Ohio, for expert insight on scooter safety.
• We considered several factors––like dimensions (folded and unfolded), wheel size, handlebar adjustability and weight capacity––when choosing which scooters to feature in this article.
• I also drew on my own experience owning and using multiple scooters with my four children.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.

What You Need to Know About Scooters for Toddler and Preschoolers

Toddlers and preschoolers have different needs when it comes to scooters. Toddlers who are still working on their balance and coordination will likely do best with a three-wheel scooter that offers more stability. “As a general rule, ride-on and three-wheeled scooters are great for beginners. Two-wheeled scooters require more advanced coordination,” says Trnka, MSSL, EMT-P, CPSTI, Manager of Injury Prevention at Akron Children’s Hospital and State Director of Safe Kids Ohio. “Three-wheeled scooters are typically best for a first scooter because of the wider base and added balance and support—this lets your child practice pushing, steering and stopping while reducing side-to-side tipping.”

I saw this firsthand with my own kids. When they were between 2 and 3 years old, they started asking for scooters, and we stuck with three-wheeled models while they learned how to coordinate scooting and braking at the same time. The extra stability gave them a chance to build those skills without having to worry as much about tipping over.

Preschoolers, meanwhile, may be ready for a two-wheeled scooter if they’ve developed the coordination and balance needed, or if they’ve graduated from a three-wheeled model. According to Trnka, most kids transition to a two-wheeled scooter somewhere around age 4 to 6. “Think of scooter progression like bike riding: The goal is not to move to the next level quickly, but to match the scooter to the child’s abilities so they feel safe building skills confidently,” she says.

That progression played out with my own kids, too. Once their confidence grew and they seemed ready to tackle the next challenge, we introduced two-wheeled scooters. They loved having more independence and a new challenge, which opened up a whole new stage of riding.

Best Toddler and Preschooler Scooters

Types of Toddler and Preschooler Scooters

Choosing your child’s first scooter doesn’t have to be difficult, but knowing what features to consider can help you find the one that fits your child’s age, abilities and experience level. “The type of scooter matters, especially for younger riders developing balance and coordination,” says Trnka. Here are three main types of scooters for toddlers and preschoolers that you’ll come across as you shop:

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 handlebars. Children can sit on it and pedal with their feet until they’re ready to use it as a standing scooter. These convertible designs can also “come in handy when kids fatigue and may be seated to propel the scooter,” says Skinner.

With many ride-on scooters to choose from, Trnka recommends looking at the following factors:

• Proper seat height: When seated, a child should have both feet flat on the ground. If they are on their tiptoes or their knees are pressed up toward the chest, the scooter isn’t the right fit.
• A secure seat: For a ride-and-glide or kick-and-sit scooter, make sure the seat locks into place without shifting or loosening. Check screws and adjustment points regularly.
• Comfortable handlebars: A child should be able to hold the handlebars comfortably with a slight bend in the elbows.
• Easy maneuverability: Make sure the scooter turns easily, and checks the weight limit to ensure it’s appropriate for the child’s height and weight.

Three-wheel scooter.
A three-wheel scooter, with two wheels in front and one at the back, is often a good starting point for beginner riders, according to Skinner. Why? This type generally has a wide, stable base, making it easier for toddlers to keep their balance as they scoot along. Trnka says that added support gives kids a chance to practice pushing, steering and stopping while reducing side-to-side tipping.

Two-wheel scooter
A two-wheel scooter, also known as a kick scooter or balance scooter, has one wheel at the front and one at the back. These models generally require more balance and coordination, making them better suited to more experienced riders. “Two-wheeled scooters are more challenging to balance, which can be helpful for continuing to develop core strength and gross motor skills,” says Skinner. Trnka says many kids make the transition to a two-wheel scooter around ages 4 to 6, but readiness matters more than hitting a particular age.

Toddler and Preschooler Scooter Safety

Safety should be top of mind anytime your child is on a scooter. Before your child takes off, keep these safety tips in mind:

Always use a helmet
First and foremost, “children should always wear a helmet when riding a scooter,” says Skinner. That’s true even for short rides close to home. “Head injuries can occur at very low speeds, even within a few feet of home,” says Trnka. She also recommends establishing the helmet habit early: “Wearing one at a young age makes it feel normal, like always wearing a seatbelt—we want the same thing with bike helmets.”

Putting the helmet on correctly matters, too. Trnka recommends positioning the helmet about two finger widths above the eyebrows, with the straps forming a “V” around the ears. Once buckled, the child should be able to open their mouth and talk comfortably, but the helmet shouldn’t wiggle when they shake their head “no.”

“For scooters, I like a multi-sport helmet, which provides more coverage to the back of the skull if they fall backwards,” she says. Trnka also recommends replacing a helmet after a significant crash and following the manufacturer’s guidance on when it should otherwise be replaced.

Always use protective gear
Tumbles and scrapes can happen while kids are learning to ride. In addition to a helmet, protective gear such as wrist guards and elbow and knee pads can offer added protection.

Look for age-appropriate designs
Always read the age and weight guidelines to make sure the scooter is suitable for your child’s developmental stage. “Scooters are not one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to review weight limits and handlebar height,” explains Skinner.

Trnka also recommends having your child test the scooter before using it. “Have your child stand on the scooter, test the brake, turn the handlebars and walk it around,” she says. “The best scooter is one where the child can comfortably steer, stop and step off safely, because control can prevent injuries.” If possible, let your child try out a scooter before you buy it—whether that’s at a store or by borrowing one from a friend—to get a sense of the fit and whether they can comfortably control it.

Only use with adult supervision
Young children need close adult supervision while they’re learning to ride. Skinner also reminds parents that some kids may benefit from extra time and support when they’re learning to cruise on their scooters. This could look like “visual cues on the handlebars or deck, which can help them remember where to place their hands and feet and how to move them,” she says.

A sticker on the scooter deck, for example, can serve as a visual reminder of where to place the standing foot. Trnka also recommends making sure your child can follow simple safety directions, such as “stop,” “slow down,” “wait for mommy,” and “stay on the sidewalk.” For young toddlers in particular, she advises keeping an adult close enough to provide hands-on help or quickly step in if needed.

Practice, practice, practice
Give your child plenty of time to practice in a controlled environment before moving on to busier sidewalks or more challenging terrain. “For a first trip, choose a flat, open area with a smooth surface and no vehicles, such as a tennis court or empty paved trail,” says Trnka. “Avoid hills and slopes, especially short driveways where a child could gain speed too quickly and end up in the street.”

Driveways, streets and parking lots should also be avoided because of vehicle traffic, while uneven pavement, gravel, grass and large cracks can stop the scooter’s wheels unexpectedly. Instead, start in a quiet, enclosed space and gradually introduce new environments as your child becomes more confident steering, stopping and following safety directions.

What to Look for in a Toddler Scooter

Keep your child’s age and skill level in mind as you consider what features would best meet their needs. “Not all models will work for all children,” Skinner notes. However, there are a few key features across the board that all toddler scooters should have, such as:

• 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.
• Steering system. Experts are divided on the best steering style for toddlers. This is in part because inexperienced riders generally find it tricky to steer a scooter. Skinner upholds that the best toddler scooters have a “lean-to-steer” mechanism, in which they lean in the direction they want to go to shift the wheels and turn the scooter without dramatic turns that result in falls. Alternatively, Phillips-Walker says bicycle-steering style with handlebars that are turned to shift the wheels is easier for toddlers to handle. In other words, the best steering system depends on your toddler’s coordination and preference.
• 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.
• Wide foot deck. A wider foot deck (or base) helps toddlers maintain stability and balance while they ride. The foot deck should measure between three-and-a-half to five inches wide to comfortably accommodate little feet.
• Adjustable handlebar. Although many scooters are marketed as toddler-friendly, very few have handlebars set at the right height for tots, which is between the rider’s belly button and mid-chest. Since the ideal handlebar height can be a moving mark for growing toddlers, opt for a toddler scooter with adjustable handlebars that help the scooter “grow” with your child until they are ready for the next stage, recommends Skinner.

What to Look for in a Preschooler Scooter

As your child grows, their scooter needs may evolve. However, “your child’s motor ability matters more than their age [when identifying] which model to get,” says Dr. Phillips-Walker. Some considerations when choosing the right scooter for your preschooler are:

• Wheel count and steering system. While younger kiddos might appreciate a classic turn-to-steer situation, a three-wheeled, lean-to-turn steering scooter is ideal for 3- to 5-year-olds on the move, says Phillips-Walker.
• Wheel width. As with younger riders, preschoolers benefit from wider wheels, which provide extra stability and slow down speeders—a good thing for parents like me who often worry about losing sight of fast-moving kids on wheels.
• Wheel size. As kids become more comfortable scooting, scooters with smaller wheels “are lighter, which makes them easier to ride, better for handling and steering for children. This feature also helps children accelerate,” Phillips-Walker says. On the other hand, bigger wheels help kids navigate rough terrain, so it’s important to consider your kid’s regular scooting routes when selecting their next ride.
• Deck length. The longer the deck, the more difficult the scooter is to maneuver. However, once kiddos reach 4 or 5 years old, they might need extra foot room. This is particularly true for kids like my son, who likes to place both of his feet on the deck to coast after picking up speed.
• Deck height. While lower decks are easier for little legs to reach the ground, sprouting preschoolers can handle scooters that have more space between the base and the ground.

Scooter Benefits for Toddlers and Preschoolers

There’s no question that scooters are fun to ride, but they also offer a wide range of developmental benefits for toddlers and preschoolers. According to Phillips-Walker and Skinner, here are a few of the ways scooters can support your child’s development:

• Gross motor skill development. As gross motor skills progress, “kids can learn more about body awareness, develop physical balance, strengthen muscles and increase coordination while riding a scooter,” explains Skinner.
• Helps develop body awareness. On scooters, “children have to be aware of their surroundings, anticipate obstacles and make quick decisions that help them learn how to think critically and adapt to new situations,” says Phillips-Walker.
• Socialization. Toddler scooters provide new opportunities for social interaction, offering kids a fun way to engage with peers, says Skinner. I’ve definitely seen this firsthand: Whether they’re racing around the playground or, more often, banding together on the sidewalk to outpace their parents, kids on scooters really do make fast friends.
• Supports sensory development. “Riding a scooter engages both the proprioceptive and vestibular sensory systems, and these movements can aid in regulation,” Skinner states.
• Fosters appreciation for physical activity. Controlling their own speed and movement doesn’t just build confidence—it gives kids a chance to exercise independence, which can help nurture a love of physical activity early on, Dr. Phillips-Walker points out. And that, experts and parents agree, is worth its weight in wheels—no matter which model you choose.

How To Teach Toddler To Ride Scooter

If you’re unsure where to begin, follow this expert-approved step-by-step approach to help your child learn the basics of scootering:

• Look for signs of readiness: There is no exact age when every child is ready to start scooting. Instead, look for signs that they have good balance (can they walk and run without frequent falls or briefly balance on one foot?), can follow simple directions, and have the strength to push off with one foot while balancing on the other and steering safely.
• Find a safe place to practice: Find a smooth, flat, open area without vehicle traffic, such as a tennis court or empty paved trail. Avoid hills, driveways, gravel, grass, large cracks and uneven pavement while your child is learning.
• Make sure the scooter fits: Your child should be able to comfortably hold the handlebars with a slight bend in the elbows, and the scooter should be easy for them to steer and step off safely.
• Practice scooting and stopping: To build skill and confidence, focusing on teaching your child how to scoot, steer, and stop with the break. Trnka notes that kids often learn how to get moving before they master stopping, so braking should be part of practice from the beginning.
• Stay close while they learn. Young toddlers need an adult close enough to provide hands-on assistance or quickly step in if they’re heading toward danger. Gradually introduce more challenging environments as their skills.

About the writer
Dahlia Rimmon is a freelance writer, mom of four, and pediatric dietitian. She writes about pediatric nutrition and kids products for various brands and publications. She lives in St. Louis with her family.