Maybe your little one wants a set of wheels, but is far from mastering a bicycle. Or perhaps your children love to speed along, but you want to find them riding toys that don’t take up much space. Or maybe you want to help your child develop greater balance skills, but he likes to keep both feet safely on the ground. Finding a kick scooter that fits your child’s needs is a fun way to meet each of these challenges, while encouraging new growth and independence, too!
You’ve surely seen other kids (and teens or even adults) riding on these self-propelled toys. They come in a variety of materials, colors, and dimensions, but all share the design of having a skateboard-like deck to stand on, an upright handlebar for both hands to grip, usually a rear brake, and they are sped by the rider pushing off with one leg. Some might associate the likes of the classic Razor scooter with skater stunts, but for my kids, scooters let them zoom to a new level of fun during playtime and allow them to keep up with me when we go on a long walk around town.
What skills do children develop while learning to ride a scooter?
- Build confidence in physical ability
- Strengthen large motor skills
- Improve general balance and endurance
- Prepare for bicycle riding
- Value outside play and exercise time
10 Great Budget Scooters for Kids
We have reviewed budget scooters that are kid-friendly, durable, and easy on the budget. You can be sure these scooters will provide your child entertainment, exercise, and a whole lot of fun!
Three-Wheeled Scooters
These are our favorite three-wheeled scooters. Younger kids can get a little more balance from the extra wheel. Older kids may prefer 2-wheeled scooters.
6KU Kick Scooter
Like all the scooters in this section, this model has a base of three wheels that help younger children develop their balance skills with a little extra stability. What sets this scooter apart, though, is the wider-than-average deck for feet to rest on. The width is comfortable for children who need additional support but not so wide that they can’t comfortably kick off. This model is great for younger children, as it is easy for them to balance on the 6KU.
This scooter can be folded for storage or transport. Additionally, the quality of materials is wonderful, the color options are bright, and the light-up wheels bring additional fun to this stand-out option. The handlebars are adjustable and the scooter is meant for kids ages 3 to 8-years-old.
Radio Flyer Lean ‘N Glide Scooter
The Radio Flyer brand is one of the most widely-recognized for children’s riding toys, and their Lean ‘N Glide Scooter (with light-up wheels!) fits the bill for great quality and sure-fire fun. While the colorful lights in the wheels go along with the trend that several models on this post share, the design’s classic look and “lean to steer” technology make it a strong choice for new scooter riders.
I love the adjustable handlebar height, so children can enjoy it year after year (even as they rapidly outgrow clothes). It’s designed for children ages 3 and up, with a weight capacity of 60 pounds. Parents love the quality of this item, and it is simple and safe to steer even for young riders.
Voyage Sports Kick Scooter
Easily assembled and available in a small range of inviting neon colors, this model will have young riders zipping along in no time! For a three-wheeled scooter geared toward younger children (ages 2-6-years-old), the 80 pound weight limit is a bit higher than others its size. That means the Voyage Sports Kick Scooter can be a great option for older children that haven’t yet learned the balance skills needed to be comfortable on a two-wheeled scooter.
The handlebar is adjustable and leads the steering (rather than by the rider shifting their balance). Stable and with rubber tread on the deck for sure-footing, the Voyage Sports Kick Scooter is a simple and colorful introduction to greater independence for your child.
Outon Kick Scooter
The Outon scooter’s four height settings will let it grow with children from ages three to twelve! While there are only a few color options (pink, blue, and purple), the lights on the wheels offer a unique feature of increasing their brightness with greater speed. As your child develops their coordination and balance with the lean-to-steer feature, the wide base will help them stay upright (as they work on building that speed!). The handles of the scooter also have a non-slip surface, and brake over the back wheel has an extra-wide cover. Parents appreciate how easily the handlebar height is adjusted, and typically report that their child simply loves this fun scooter!
Little Tikes Lean to Turn Scooter
This streamlined scooter is best for early learners, with a secure three-wheeled base. The height is not adjustable but being at the lower end of price range makes it friendly on the wallet. Plus the “lean to turn” feature encourages riders to steer using their balance, which allows for gradual and safe turns while building coordination. It does take some kids a little extra time to learn to use this feature, but once they get the hang of it, it’s easy. The quick-release handle at the base of the handlebar allows it to fold for storage.
As you would expect with Little Tikes, the quality of materials is excellent and you can be sure this scooter will last. Best for 2 to 4-year-olds (up to 44 pounds), this scooter is a basic but secure option for your little one!
Lascoota 2-in-1 Kick Scooter with Removable Seat
For a scooter that has it all, the LaScoota is a stand-out choice. Not only is it available in a rainbow of bold colors, it features a removable seat to let your child sit or stand. Younger riders will especially enjoy using the seat as a ride-along option as they build their scootering skills, and parents agree it is very helpful.
With a four-way adjustable handlebar, this scooter will grow along with children for toddlers up to 10-year-olds (up to 110 lb). It’s constructed thoughtfully with materials that stand the test of time (and the wear and tear of highly-energized kiddos) and rides smoothly. In addition, the deck is wide enough for two feet, it features lean-to-turn technology, and the wheels light up for even more colorful rides!
Two-Wheeled Scooters for Kids
These are our favorite two-wheeled scooters for older kids. Our 8-year-old and 9-year-old boys love their two-wheeled scooter.
Razor A Kick Scooter
The classic, original, and unforgettable kick scooter surprisingly is designed for children as young as five years old! But since the front wheel can rotate freely, this scooter will be best suited to children who have the balance and coordination it will require. The body is composed of sturdy aluminum, but comes in a range of colors featured on the wheels, handles, and textured deck.
This scooter folds easily with a flip of the latch, and the soft -padded handlebars can also be folded down for streamlined storage! The Razor A is durable and easy to use. It can provide endless rides to those up to 143 pounds, and its pricing is especially ideal for such a long-lived item.
WeSkate Scooter
For similarly sleek style with a standout twist, check out the WeSkate Scooter! This is a great option for a colorful transition from a three-wheeled to two-wheeled scooter, but it is best sized for children on the younger end of its recommended 3-10 range (up to 110 pounds). So check the dimensions to make sure it would fit your child well before purchasing!
The LED light-up wheels on this model are a fun feature. It is well-constructed and durable. The brake’s dimensions and the wide low deck is make it easy for riders to use. As with other scooters, it also has an adjustable handlebar and folds away compactly.
Razor A5 Lux Kick Scooter
While this scooter is clearly related to the Razor A featured above, the Razor A5 Lux is designed with older and larger riders in mind. For ages eight and up, the extra-strong aluminum frame can carry riders up to 220 pounds. The wheels are larger and the handlebar can be adjusted to greater height. This scooter (like many others) can fold for storage, and the deck has a small kickstand to keep it upright.
The Razor A5 Lux can easily be enjoyed into adulthood. While the pricing is significantly higher than that of the Razor A, this is a rare toy your child may not outgrow. And if your town is sidewalk-friendly, this option might save you on some car expenses as an alternate means of transportation for your teen! In fact, many adults enjoy purchasing one for their own use.
Razor Pro RDS Dirt Scooter
One last Razor scooter for your consideration, but with a twist: this model is ready for off-roading! The extra strength built into the frame is reflected by the higher price, but for children who like to roam, this is a great option for exploration. The extra-wide, heavily treaded wheels actually have pneumatic tires to handle the off-pavement terrain, and the y-shaped handlebar adjusts to proper height for the rider. The scooter is heavily built for stability, and can bear up to 220 pounds for normal riding conditions, but only 120 pounds during “aggressive” riding. Due to the heavier demands being placed on the scooter, owners need to make sure that tires are properly inflated and any adjustable parts secured before each use. The unique niche of this particular scooter will invite your child into a new range of outdoor fun!
So with all these options and several common features, how do you choose?
- Is street safety a concern? Opt for a model with light-up wheels to help other to be more observant of your child in motion. And always remember a helmet, too!
- How to choose the right size? Look at the measurements for your favorite models. Compare the height to that of your child and try to find an option that will fit while leaving room to grow! Be sure to check the weight of the scooter too. Some models will be heavy and possibly unwieldy for younger children, so if in doubt, err on the light side.
- Is my child ready for a two-wheeled scooter? When you see your child run, jump, or do other tasks that require balance, note if they are still correcting themselves with frequent wobbles. If you notice lots of obvious corrections, probably stick with a three-wheeled scooter to be safe. This will build their balance and coordination as they practice using it, and they will be ready for a two-wheeled scooter in time.
Check out these fun scooter tricks your kids can learn:
Kick Scooter Safety
Note: Your children will learn to fly along on their scooters quickly, so make sure that they wear a helmet for each ride! Additionally, some parents find it best to steer clear of three-wheeled models with two rear wheels in favor of those with two front ones. Those with double rear wheels can be more challenging for some children because it requires them to place their feet wider than they would naturally to push off. Additionally, some of these scooters have open bolts on back wheels that can scrape soft heels or ankles. Such models are not included on this list, to help your kiddo to avoid injuries if possible, and to spare you sneakers that get worn out on just one edge (like my son’s shoes did)! What kind of parent would I be if I didn’t warn you about my own mistakes? Now, on to the fun possibilities!
Final Kick Scooter Recommendations
Final recommendations: The Razor A scooter is probably the simplest and strongest two-wheeled option for most children. For those who will do best with the stability of a three-wheeled scooter, I recommend the Radio Flyer Lean ‘N Glide for the many features it includes and the quality I’m most familiar with. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the varieties above, so take some time to find the best fit for your child, and soon you enjoy some more fun in the sun in the backyard together!
We have linked to the skate park locator if you want to find a skate park nearby.
