12 of the best scooters for toddlers, preschoolers and older kids

And we've found some really whizzy winners, in a range of designs and prices – even including an electric one (that doesn't go too scarily fast). We've also compiled a list of things to consider when you're buying a scooter, and (at the end of this article) some helpful tips for helping a child learn to scoot and scooter safety tips.

Best scooters for kids at a glance

• Best scooter for gradually improving balance: Globber Go Up Foldable, £84.99
• Best scooter for switching between scooter and trike: Smoby 2-in-1 Switch Scooter, £43
• Best eco-conscious scooter: Mini Micro Eco Deluxe Scooter, £82.95
• Best budget buy scooter: My First Folding Scooter Dinosaur, £25
• Best scooter for great fun: Xootz Bubble Go Scooter, £50
• Best scooter for space-saving storage: Yvolution Y Glider NUA, £99.99
• Best scooter for bright colour choices: RGS-1 Little Kids 3 Wheel Kick Scooter, £56.99
• Best scooter for stand-out light features: Q Play Future Scooter, £39.99
• Best quality foldable scooter for older children: Maxi Micro Deluxe Foldable LED Scooter, £157.95
• Best scooter for off-roading: Liferyder Infinity Scooter, £135
• Best scooter for e-scooting: Zinc E4 Max Lithium Electric Scooter, £135
• Best scooter for retro styling and heavier children: Cruiser Micro Scooter, £129.95

What to look for when buying a scooter for toddlers & 2-3 year olds:

• How many wheels? Three or 4 wheels is the best choice for children under 3 years old. A 4-wheel scooter is a safe option for young toddlers, but 3-wheelers are great for encouraging independence. Scooters with 2 wheels at the back are easiest for a young toddler to get the hang of but don't encourage balancing because of the wider wheel base at the rear; a 3-wheeler with 1 wheel at the back develops balancing skills, especially if it also has lean-to-steer handlebars.
• How heavy is it? Scooter weight is definitely a consideration, as at this age you are likely to end up carrying it around often when your toddler abandons it mid-walk. Lighter scooters are also easier for children to pick up.
• Can it fold? You'll need to store the scooter when it's not being used, whether that's at home, school or on the go. While scooters don't take up as much space as a bike, scooters that fold are invaluable if you're short on space, need to stow the scooter under a buggy or take it on public transport. And don't forget to check how the scooter folds: most have simple, 1-click mechanisms your child can do without help but some larger scooters require adult input and even tools to fold.
• How does it steer? Most 4 and 3-wheeled scooters are lean-to-steer – as the rider leans left or right, the scooter gently curves in the same direction and the handlebars provide balance rather than controlling the direction of scooting. This makes for easier, smoother and safer scooting for younger and less experienced riders.
• What brakes does it have? Toddlers don't tend to have the gross or fine motor skills to operate hand or foot brakes. If you have a little speed demon on your hands you may want to consider a scooter with parental controls, so you can hold the handle and control your child's speed, especially when scooting alongside a road.

What to look for when buying a scooter for children aged 3-5 years:

• How many wheels? A 3-wheeler is the perfect choice for your preschooler, to help them perfect their gross motor skills. A 3-wheel scooter with 1 wheel at the back develops balancing skills, especially if it also has lean-to-steer handlebars.
• How heavy is it? Chances are at this age you will still be left carrying the scooter on a regular basis, so weight will still be important. Preschoolers love a bit of independence, so make sure any scooter you buy for this age range is light enough for them to pick up and manoeuvre on their own.
• How adjustable is it? You can expect a few growth spurts during the leap from preschool to Year 1, so you want a scooter that can adapt as your child grows. Many scooters feature height-adjustable stems that allow the handlebars to be set at the correct height for the rider for a safer and more comfortable ride. As a general rule, the handlebars should be set to match the rider's waist height.
• How long will it last? Generally speaking, less expensive scooters have a more restricted age range – and that can be perfect if your child has siblings to pass the scooter on to or you think an older child will want a different look or style. If you're thinking of a pricier scooter because it will last your child for years, look at the maximum child weight, as well as the recommended age range, and check out what height the handlebars can adjust to.

What to look for when buying a scooter for children aged 5+ years:

• How many wheels? By the age of 5 most children will be ready to move on to a 2-wheeled scooter. Over-5s have the steering control and strength to kick the scooter up to a speed that will keep a 2-wheeled scooter stable and upright.
• How does it steer? Two-wheeled scooters, which are aimed at older and more experienced riders, are turn-to-steer: moving the handlebar changes the direction of the front wheel, which gives more control and tighter turning.
• Can you buy replacement parts? When buying a scooter for an older child it needs to be durable enough to match their energy levels. Rather than having to replace a scooter, look for a model which offers replacement parts, keeping the overall cost down.
• Where do they want to use it? While many 5-year-olds will use their scooter for the school run or on family walks, others may be keen to take it down to the skate park. Think about where your child's scooter will get the most use; if it's the skate park you may want to consider a specialist model, designed for tricks.

Can children use electric scooters in the park?

While electric scooters can be a popular choice, it's worth knowing that it is currently illegal to use electric scooters in the park, on roads, pavements, in cycle lanes or on any public property in the UK. Electric scooters can only be used on private property and children should always wear a helmet when using them.

Here's our pick of the best kids' scooters, as tested by children and rated by parents

Best for toddlers and 2-3 year olds

1. Globber Go Up Foldable, £84.99

– Best for gradually improving balancing

Age: 15 months to 3 years | Weight: 2.68kg | Max child weight: 50 kg (20kg in ride-on mode) | Handlebar height: 67.5cm to 77.5cm

This 3-wheeled lean-to-steer scooter starts as a ride-on with parent handle, then transforms to a walking bike before becoming a scooter. Featuring plenty of toddler-friendly touches like a long rear brake, adjustable seat and handlebars, anti-slip footplate and steering lock, it's a great entry-level scooter.

It's a swish-looking ride-on/scooter combo that's well-built and cleverly designed (with a push button mechanism for starting the switch between modes) and it rides well. We particularly like the steering lock option, which you can click on in ride-on mode (where you’re steering with the parent handle) and then release once your child has mastered balancing, so they can now learn to steer. In scooter mode, the metal handlebar stem can reach 3 heights and fold flat against the footplate, making it easy to transport or stow in a car boot. We also love the light-up wheels and choice of 3 colours – Pink, Blue and Mint.

Pros: Versatile, additional parental controls, lightweight, durable, light-up wheels, choice of colours, folds, adjustable seat and handlebar

Cons: 3-wheel design may be tricky for very young toddlers, pricey

Available at: Globber, John Lewis and Plum Play

2. Smoby 2 in 1 Switch Scooter, £43

– Best for switching between scooter and trike

Age: 18 months to 3 years | Weight: 2.8kg | Max child weight: 19kg | Handlebar height: 53cm and 63cm

Starting out as a balance trike, before transforming into a 3-wheeled scooter, the Smoby 2 in 1 has a 2-position height-adjustable handlebar stem, non-slip handles, and a large front wheel. It's sturdy, lovely to look at and the mechanism that turns it from trike to scooter is brilliant – just a few quick tool-free steps – and takes less than a minute. Rebecca, mum to our child tester Harry, 2, said, "It feels well-made and secure and I think it's good value for money – it will grow well with your child and last a good few years." If we're being picky, we'd have liked handlebars to adjust to more than 2 height positions, but the options should work fine for the age range. Choose from Grey & Yellow (pictured) and Blue & Green. Some self-assembly is required.

Pros: Versatile, lightweight, choice of colours, folds, affordable

Cons: Limited adjustability, some self-assembly required, doesn't fold

Available at: Vertbaudet and Very

3. Mini Micro Eco Deluxe Scooter, £82.95

– Best for eco-conscious scooting

Age: 2 to 5 | Weight: 1.95kg | Max child weight: 35kg | Handlebar height: 49cm to 68cm

Featuring everything we love about the bestselling standard Mini Micro Deluxe model, including adjustable handlebars, rear brake and removable stem, this lightweight, 3-wheeled lean-to-steer toddler/preschooler scooter, also boasts an extra grippy foot deck made from recycled discarded fishing nets. It's good to see a more sustainably built scooter and, since Micro Scooters are known for the quality of their (replaceable) parts (check out the anodised stem), this one should last your child a long time.

Our child testers scooted about on it very happily, finding the ride very smooth. "He's wanted to take it everywhere with him," said Rebecca, mum of our child tester Odin, 3, "and he didn't even want to come in the house when it was raining! He's in love with it". Rebecca and other tester parents were impressed that, although it doesn't fold, you can easily unclip the whole stem for quick storage and that, at just under 2kg, it's very light. Pricey but whizzy and robust.

Pros: Replacement parts available, eco-conscious, lightweight, adjustable handlebars, durable

Cons: Doesn't fold, pricey, not suitable for very young toddlers, no choice of colours

Available at: Micro Scooters and Selfridges

4. My First Folding Scooter Dinosaur, £25

– Best budget buy

Age: 2+ | Weight: 2.68kg | Max child weight: 20kg | Handlebar height: 65cm (not adjustable)

This clever, foldable, handlebar-steered toddler/preschooler trainer scooter adjusts from 4 (PVC) wheels to 3 to 2. Featuring easy-grip handles and anti-slip footplate, it's available in kid-friendly dinosaur or unicorn designs.

We really like the wheel changes you can make on this best selling scooter as your child gains confidence balancing and steering, moving down from 4 to 2. It's great value but the footplate is quite narrow, the handlebars don't adjust and it's a little stiff when it folds. Sarah, mum of our 2-year-old child tester Finley, was blown away by this scooter's price and adaptability. "The fact that you can change from 4 wheels to 3 or 2 wheels is excellent," she said. "A scooter for £25 that will adapt to your child's ability is amazing!”

Pros: Very affordable, can swap between 4, 3 or 2 wheels, folds, lightweight

Cons: Handlebars aren't adjustable, fold mechanism a little stiff, limited design choices, narrow footplate

Available at: Smyths Toys and Argos

Best for children aged 3-5 years

5. Xootz Bubble Go Scooter, £50

– Best for fun

Age: 3+ | Weight: 3.4kg | Max child weight: 40kg | Handlebar height: 50cm to 67cm

What's not to love about a scooter that blows out bubbles as you go? This 3-wheeled toddler/preschooler scooter features a front-mounted bubble blower and, while bubble mixture is included, you will need to add 6 x AA batteries for it to work. As well as this, it features adjustable handlebars, easy-grip handles, rear brake and a wide anti-slip footplate.

The scooter itself is relatively light and sturdy – it also folds down – but the trailing bubbles are the star of the show here. Our child tester Charlie, 5, was beside himself with excitement when he saw the box. His mum Amanda said, "Charlie has played with this daily – he loves it. I've never seen a bubble machine produce so many bubbles, but the downside for me as a parent is that it needs 6 AA batteries, which can be costly. It also uses the bubble solution up very quickly. The scooter itself is very well made and sturdy, and easy to ride." Comes in Pink and Blue.

Pros: Produces a lot of bubbles, sturdy, folds, adjustable handlebar, wide footplate

Cons: Requires a lot of batteries, uses up bubble solution quickly, limited colour choice

Available at: Argos, Freemans and Very

6. Yvolution Y Glider NUA, £99.99

– Best for space-saving storage

Age: 3 to 10 | Weight: 3kg | Max child weight: 50kg | Handlebar height: 64cm to 80cm

This foldable, 3-wheel, lean-to-steer scooter is perfect for preschoolers to school-aged children. It has light-up front wheels and a 3-position, height adjustable handlebar. It features a wider-than-average rear wheel, brake and footplate, and comes with an accessory slot that allows the scooter to be wall-hung once folded.

Our child testers and their parents were super-impressed by this scooter's sleek, curved frame and built-in safety features (including LED front wheels and sturdy wide footplate). Gemma, mum of one of our child testers, Alice, 7, was particularly impressed by the 1-click folding mechanism. "It's so simple to use – and my daughter is able to fold and unfold the scooter with ease,” she said. Gemma also singled out the "game changer" hanging slot, "It's perfect for saving space – no more tripping over abandoned scooters on the floor." Available in Red, Pink, Blue and Green.

Pros: Light-up wheels, choice of colours, easy to fold, adjustable handlebar, hanging slot for easy storage, wide footplate, lightweight, grows with your child

Cons: Pricey, light-up wheels can only be seen in the dark

Available at: Halfords and Yvolution

7. RGS-1 Little Kids 3 Wheel Kick Scooter, £56.99

– Best for bright colour choices

Age: 3 to 6 | Weight: 2.3kg | Max child weight: 50 kg | Handlebar height: 48cm to 74cm

We love how many colours this foldable, turn-to-tilt, 3-wheeled preschooler-to-schoolchild scooter comes in. It also has adjustable handlebars, rear brake and multi-coloured LED spin and flash wheels. It's great quality for the price – particularly as it folds flat for excellent portability and has flashing wheels and a rear brake – and it rides and steers smoothly. The push-button height adjustment is generous but fixed to 4 different heights, rather than being freely adjustable. Our child tester Mya, 4, said, "I love the wheels that have lights in them. I can go very fast down my hill!"

Pros: Light-up wheels, choice of colours, folds, adjustable handlebar, lightweight

Cons: Fixed height adjustment for handlebars

Available at: Amazon

8. Q Play Future Scooter, £39.99

– Best for stand-out light features

Age: 3 to 8 | Weight: 2.7kg | Max child weight: 50kg | Handlebar height: up to 84cm

A cool-looking, lean-to-steer, foldable, preschool to schoolchild 3-wheeler, with aluminium adjustable stem, rubber handgrips, rear brake and light-up front wheels and deck. It comes in Black with Green trim, and requires 3 x AAA batteries (not included).

This lightweight scooter literally stands out from the rest thanks to its unique deck with strips along the outer edges that light up in 3 modes: glow, flash or quick flash. Coupled with the co-ordinating LED front wheels, there's no chance this scooter won't be seen in the dark – or the day, for that matter. Our child tester Charlie, 4, said, "My favourite thing is when the lights flash: they flash lots when I go really fast!" His mum Amanda thought it was "very robust" and "smooth to ride". We like the compact 1-click fold, the textured footplate and the very adjustable handlebar. A good value-for-money buy.

Pros: Light-up wheels and deck, folds, adjustable handlebar, lightweight, durable, good value

Cons: Requires batteries, no choice of colours

Available at: Smyths Toys

Best for children aged 5+ years

9. Maxi Micro Deluxe Foldable LED Scooter, £157.95

– Best quality foldable for older children

Age: 5 to 12 | Weight: 2.5kg | Max child weight: 50kg | Handlebar height: 67cm to 93cm

Awards: Silver, MadeForMums Toy Awards 2022

This 3-wheeled, lean-to-steer scooter for school-aged children is packed with all of the classic Micro scooter features you'd expect, including light-up wheels, rear brake, adjustable handlebars, extra-grippy silicone-moulded footplate and a 1-click fold.

It's a super-high-quality, robust, nippy scooter with a nice wide footplate and snazzy white-light wheels. And the foldable mechanism is great – it folds down to a length just shy of 70cm, which one of our child testers said fitted in her suitcase! It's expensive but should last your child till the first few years of secondary school. Our child tester Charles, 8, said "I loved everything about this scooter. It folds up easily and I don't need Mummy to help me with this, and I love the LED lights in my wheels!" His mum, Anna, said, "At first it may seem quite a lot to pay, but this scooter is so well built and a great investment for your children. The quality is 10 out of 10." Available in Pink, Purple, Red and Blue.

Pros: Light-up wheels, folds, adjustable handlebar, lightweight, made to last, great ride, choice of colours

Cons: Expensive, older children may prefer 2 wheels

Available at: Micro Scooters, John Lewis and Amazon

10. Liferyder Infinity Scooter, £135

– Best for off-roading

Age: 5 to 15 | Weight: 5.5kg | Max child weight: 50kg | Handlebar height (measured from deck): 75cm to 85cm

A sporty-looking, 2-wheeled, lean-to-steer foldable scooter that is made in the UK from recyclable plastic composite material with 12" off-road wheels and inflatable tyres made from recycled rubber. It features 3 handlebar height settings, a 13cm-wide foot deck and rear brake, and is suitable for children between 110 and 160cm tall who weigh between 20 and 50kg.

This sturdy scooter can handle all kinds of tough terrain, riding fast and smooth over cobblestones, grass and even wet sand thanks to large wheels and air-filled tyres. The price tag is high but this scooter has great longevity: the height-adjustable handlebar and easy-to-change graphics that cover the frame, forks and spokes will ensure it fits your child and looks fresh for years. Plus, every part of the scooter is replaceable. It does require assembly and tools to adjust and fold, but the tools are included and the instructions are clear. Holly, mum of our child tester Evie, 7, said: "My daughter loves this scooter and this is her preferred choice over her bike and another scooter she has. She loves the funky design on the scooter which makes it really unique and she feels really grown up." Available in more than 35 different graphic designs – which can be peeled off and replaced as your child's tastes change.

Pros: Rides well on various terrain, adjustable handlebar, made to last, huge choice of designs, 2-wheel design great for older children

Cons: Expensive, requires tools to adjust and fold, heavier than other models

Available at: Liferyder

11. Zinc E4 Max Lithium Electric Scooter, £135

– Best for e-scooting

Age: 6+ | Weight: 4.8kg | Max child weight: 55kg | Handlebar height: 81.5cm to 86.5cm

Older children will love this foldable 2-wheeled electric scooter that goes up to 8kph and can cover 5km on 1 charge. Design features include a footpad sensor, adjustable handlebars, rear brake, anti-slip footplate and easy grip-handles. The rechargeable lithium battery (included) needs to be charged for 3 hours at a time.

It's fast enough to be thrilling but not so fast that your child will zoom out of sight (some electric scooters can reach 25kph or more!) Our child tester was beyond herself with excitement even before she started riding this scooter, and her dad really rated how you use the footpad to increase or maintain your speed. It's easy to steer but (as is often the case with electric scooters) it's not particularly lightweight. (Please note that any child on an electric scooter should wear a helmet and it's currently only legal to ride them on private property unless you're on one that's part of a council-approved scooter-rental trial.) Available in Red and Blue.

Pros: Folds, adjustable handlebar, made to last, great ride, lots of fun

Cons: Can only be used on private property, expensive, not suitable for young children, battery needs to be charged up, limited colour choice

Available at: Argos and Very

12. Cruiser Micro Scooter, £129.95

– Best for retro styling and heavier children

Age: 5 to 12 | Weight: 4.5kg | Max child weight: 100kg | Handlebar height: 74cm to 89cm

This sturdy, foldable, 2-wheeled scooter with its retro-style handlebars and big (7.5") wheels is fast, smooth, stable and suitable for riders up to 15st 7lbs (100kg). It has a lower footplate than other 2-wheeled scooters, making it easier for children to balance, and the wider bicycle-style chopper handlebars give greater control.

"I can ride it really fast because it has strong wheels and I don't fall over," said our child tester Leo, 7. "I've had so much fun playing on this!" We really like the kickstand and how easily it takes bumps in the path. The set-up instructions are a little tricky, though, there is a good YouTube video that helps. Choose from Red, Aqua, Purple, Pink, Black or Blue.

Pros: Wide handlebars for greater control, folds, adjustable handlebar, made to last, great ride, choice of colours, 2-wheel design great for older children

Cons: Expensive, a little tricky to set up

Available at: Amazon and Micro Scooters

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