9 Best Scooter For Toddlers [+ Best 3 Wheels Scooters for Kids in 2022!]

Wondering how to choose the best toddler scooters? Look no further! Discover tips for how to choose the best scooter for toddlers as young as 12 months old and going up to 3, 4, or even 5 years old!

Below, you”ll find our best 3 wheel scooters for kids – with all of them being great picks for 2 year olds!

Scoot & Ride – Highwaykick 1

Scoot & Ride Highwaykick 1 scooter is one of our favorite toddler scooters with a seat for kids 1 to 5 years old! Aside from it’s gorgeous design and wide range of aesthetically pleasing colors, it has some of the more unique safety features we’ve seen which are crucial for this “tricycle” style.

The seated position is similar to a balance bike tricycle, which also makes this a cost saver for parents looking to get a little more bang for their buck.

It features a low deck to the ground, and patented safety pad helps reduce falls forward and to the side by preventing tilting.

Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe

The Micro KickBoard Mini 3 in 1 scooter for toddlers features a fully customizable design perfect for ages 1 through 5 years old, or up to 110 lbs.

The Micro Scooter seat height has two adjustment levels and is fully removable.

One year olds looking to start scooting start with the O-bar for easy grasp, then as your toddler grows you can replace it with the included traditional T-bar.

How it works: When your young toddler is first being introduced to the scooter they can use the seat, and then once they’ve mastered that you can remove the seat and put on the O-bard to help them continue learning their balance. Finally, once they comfortable standing on the scooter you can replace O-bar handles with a T-bar handle.

Globber Go Up 3 in 1 Kick Scooter

For parents with back problems then the Globber Go Up Scooter is a great toddler scooter with seat option, offering a different riding mode than the Micro Scooter or the Scoot & Ride that works well for toddlers 15 months to kids aged 6 and up.

This scooter allows parents to add the handlebar to the seat and push their toddler. Additionally, it has a a “balance bike” feel than traditional sit on scooters; so parents looking to save some money may opt for this one instead of a balance bike and scooter.

However, some reviewers noted their toddlers went over the handlebars – and looking at the design (seat to handlebar height is much more shallow compared to a balance bike) we can totally see how that can happen.

NOTE: With any seated scooter there is an added safety concern. Despite the few negative reviews we found, the Globber Go Up Scooter still makes the list due to its unique design allowing caregivers to push the child on the scooter. This is a fantastic option for parents with back problems who may not be able to squat down and push a toddler refusing to move on their own (if you’re a toddler parent, you know how it goes!).

Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick Scooter

The Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick is the best scooter for 3/4 year olds who have mastered the lean to turn scooters.

Unlike most 3 wheel scooters, this one features a single wheel in the front, and two in the back. Allowing kids to learn how steering *really* goes on a big scooter, with the added stability of the extra wheel and wide deck.

Razor is one of the leading scooter brands in the world. The Jr. Lil’ Kick version has an extra wide, non-slip deck with larger wheels to help with toddlers balance.

The two wheels in the back versus the front make it a bit of a slower ride than a two wheel scooter, while requiring toddlers have more balance than scooters with two front wheels. It also has a front brake as opposed to the typical back brake on 3 wheel scooters.

Mishidesign OTSBO Scooter-Skateboard

The OTSBO scooter is the most versatile scooter on the market. It offers a whopping six different riding styles starting with a push ride-on style and can grow with your child to be a skateboard.

The OTSBO is designed to help your toddler or child eventually learn how to skateboard. While it’s pricier in terms of scooters, it’s one of the cheaper “learn to skateboard” options for kids, making it an outstanding pick.

Comprised of wood, aluminum, metal, and rubber, it’s one of the most sustainable and non-toxic scooters on the market as well.

SKIDEE Kick Scooter

The Skidee is a 2-in-1 scooter for kids 2 to 12 years old that is one of the more affordable options. It features a low, extra wide deck for safety. We love that the seat folds up when not in use, making it easy for toddlers to go back and forth between sitting and standing.

TThe y200 version also comes with light up wheels that do not require any batteries, while the y100 version requires batteries and will play music as your child rides.

As far as affordable scooters go, it’s a top notch pick over the La Scoota, which requires you to twist the seat on and off and gets very annoying, fast. Both have the same feel in terms of stability, durability, and turning.

Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter, Toddler Scooter or Ride on

The Radio Flyer has evolved from a wagon to a 2-in-1 4 wheel scooter that makes it one of the best scooters for 2 year olds and other younger toddlers.

Unlike most of the scooters listed, the Radio Flyer is a 4-wheel design and the handlebars turn.

This small and sturdy design makes it an optimal choice for younger toddlers and the turn capabilities make it an easier transition to a bike or regular scooter.

It easily concerts from sit to stand with the push of a button, and flip of the seat which snaps to the deck, so all of the parts remain together always.

LaScoota 2-in-1 Kids Kick Scooter

Similar in price and ride quality to the Skidee scooter (though it generally runs a bit cheaper), but instead of a foldable seat the LaScoota 2-in-1 scooter’s seat is removable and needs to be screwed and unscrewed whenever adjusted.

The LaScoota 2-in-1 scooter is generally the most affordable scooter of it’s class. It features a low, wide deck, 4 height handlebar and light up wheels.

While it doesn’t boast the same safety features, versatility, or ease as the others on this list, it’s a durable budget friendly pick.

Lil’ Rider Kids Wooden Scooter

Truthfully, we are only including the Lil’ Rider Kids Scooter for it’s all wooden 3 wheel design. It’s basically the wood version of the Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick Scooter that we know some “montessori families” who are all about the aesthetics of toys will love.

In terms of durability, it’s made from a birch plywood, with wooden wheels encased in rubber. So it’s not going to be nearly as sturdy or weatherproof as an aluminum based pick.

Additionally, it does not come with a seat and the handlebar height is not adjustable so this is one of the shortest lived scooters on the list.

With that said, considering the typical markup on all wooden toys and how it’s price compares to others on this list, it’s shockingly affordable.

How To Choose The Best Toddler Scooter

When it comes to choosing the best scooter for toddlers you need to consider their current age, weight, and height in relation to how long you want the scooter to last.

Most toddler scooters include the same features:

• 3 wheels
• Adjustable handlebar
• Lean to turn
• Rear brake
• Wide deck
• Optional seat

These features all have slight variations given the individual scooter and that’s where your child’s age come into play.

Pretty much all toddler scooters come with a wide deck that’s low to the ground making it easy for toddlers to get their foot placement situated comfortably. They all generally feature adjustable handlebars and 3 wheels too (though two on this list includes 4 wheels).

More to consider:

Seat:

While most (not all) toddler scooters include an optional seat there are a few things to consider here based on the age of your toddler:

• Is the seat height adjustable? If not, what’s the height of the seat to the ground and will that fit your child?
• How easy is it to adjust and remove the seat when not in use? Some require you to screw it off entirely, while others fold up on the scooter when not in use.

Wheel placement:

While most toddler scooters feature 3 wheels, there are some that feature two wheels in the front and one in the back, while others feature one in the front and two in the back.

Two in the front, one in the back: This feature is more of a “lean to turn” the handle bars are often stiffer and child learns the very basics of balancing their body weight on a board.

This is a great starter option for toddlers who haven’t used a balance bike or any sort of toy like this before. It quickly builds confidence and is pretty sturdy. Keep in mind, toddlers can get a little bored/frustrated once they’ve mastered this type of scooter since they can never do a “sharp” turn on it so you may need to upgrade around 4 years old if you introduced a lean to turn scooter at 18 months or 2 years old.

One in the front, two in the back: This feature feels more like a bicycle handlebar, meaning kids will learn the power of turning handlebars and rely on the back wheels for stability, much like a tricycle.

This is a great pick for older toddlers or young kids who have used a balance bike before, or graduated from a lean to turn scooter.

Bonus features:

Some scooters offer more unique designs and features where they convert to a tricycle or skateboard as well as a scooter.

Additionally, some scooters fold flat or have storage; though most toddler scooters are pretty small and fit easily in most trunks or backseats of a car without folding so it’s not necessary.

Lastly, some scooters have traction on the deck or extra large front wheels to discourage slipping.

FAQs About Scooters For Toddlers

Is a scooter good for toddlers?

Yes! Scooters are a great for vestibular (sense of balance), proprioceptive (ability to sense body in relation to the world to plan next step/movements), and fine and gross motor skill development. Toddler scooters provide ample opportunity for coordinating movement of small and large muscle groups while remaining upright and planning their next moves.

These all may seem like things we do every day without thinking about, but there is a reason Dr. Montessori said play is the work of the child! They are able to work on all of this amazing physical input while scooting.

To make things even better? 3 wheel scooters are generally pretty stable and easy to learn, which can build their confidence and trust in their body.

How do I choose a scooter for my toddler?

Start by determining your toddlers current height and weight, and keep those in mind while browsing.

From there consider the height of the handlebars in relation to your child’s height (how long they’ll comfortably be able to use this). As well as their height from a seated position, since most toddler scooters include a seat you’ll want them to be comfortable.

For more tips on how to choose a scooter for your toddler, see the “How To Choose The Best Scooter For Toddlers” above which covers more details on features.

What age is best for a scooter?

Most scooters (and toys in general) are safety recommended for 3 years and up due to brands going through certain certification processes.

With that said, most toddlers I’ve experienced love a scooter around 18 months to 2 years old. At this point they’ve been walking for a little, and are eager to explore and gain some independence.

Scooters with seats can be great for this younger age as they first learn; and depending on which scooter seat style you choose, you may be able to introduce it as early as 12 months old.

My suggestion: introduce it earlier than later. If you give it to your toddler and they get frustrated or you just don’t feel comfortable, store it away and try again in another month or two. At the very least, most 12 month olds enjoy spinning the wheels while the scooter lays on its side!

Which scooter is best for a 2 year old?

Since 2 year olds tend to be rough on their toys and are just building confidence/coordination, we’re big fans of the SKIDEE Kick Scooter for 2 year olds. It’s an affordable price with an easy fold up seat (because 2 year olds will ask for the seat on and off a gazillion times!), fun light up wheels, low deck, and height adjustable lean to turn handlebar making it a great first scooter.

If your 2 year old is a bit of a daredevil, we would also suggest considering the Scoot & Ride – Highwaykick 1 Scooter which offers a bit more in the way of safety features, sturdiness, and durability.

We also love Mishidesign OTSBO Scooter-Skateboard which can really grow with your 2 year old, and offers a push option for parents with back pain if your child isn’t quite 2 yet.

What’s the best scooter for a 3 year old?

The Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick Scooter is one of the best scooters for a 3 year old who has started to gain some coordination and self control. It’s still a stable 3 wheel scooter, but it features a turn to steer design thanks to the single from wheel, making it a bit more of a challenge compared to lean to turn scooters.

If your child hasn’t quite mastered coordination or impulse control (re: wants to yank the handlebars into sharp turns) then we suggest looking at the previous recs for 2 year olds just above.

How do you teach a toddler to ride a scooter?

Toddler scooters are fairly self explanatory and most kids learn from observing others. If you can, spend some time around other toddlers/kids on scooters so your toddler can see how to do it. You could also try watching videos together online if the latter isn’t an option.

When first starting out, you can also place your toddler on the seat of a scooter, and guide their feet to push as they learn how to propel the scooter forward.

Be sure to narrate a lot out loud throughout this can also help your toddler learn to use a scooter as well as develop the vocabulary to talk about the scooter with you. For instance, “I’m placing your butt on the seat and hands on the handle bar. The wheels light up as we go.”

Are three wheel scooters safe?

Yes, three wheel scooters are considered one of the safest scooter options for toddlers. They are more stable than two wheel scooters and can remain upright without any help. Additionally, the added stability and wide deck associated with most 3 wheel scooters make it super easy for toddlers to learn to use.

Most 3 wheel scooters feature two wheels in the front, which requires the toddler to lean to turn – an added safety feature where they can’t make a sharp turn.

Scooter safety caution:

Most negative reviews for toddler scooters are due to children using the seat option, then stepping on the wheel while moving forward, causing them to tip/flip themselves and the scooter. While this is not the norm, it’s something to be aware of.

All toys have some level of risk and you always want to abide by manufacturer’s safety recommendations first and always watch your child when using a scooter. Additionally, we have a strict “walk your scooter down the driveway” or any hill rule and always use a helmet (this is our fave, fits tiny heads well!).

Final thoughts on scooters for toddlers

Scooters help children develop a wide variety of skills, are easy to learn, and can burn off all that toddler energy!

Our favorite budget friendly pick is the SKIDEE Kick Scooter. It’s a smooth ride at an affordable price. We love the easy fold up seat (because toddlers will ask for the seat on and off a gazillion times!), fun light up wheels, low deck, and height adjustable lean to turn handlebar making it a great first scooter.

Additionally, if you have an accident prone toddler, or a daredevil on your hands, we would also suggest considering the Scoot & Ride – Highwaykick 1 Scooter which offers a bit more in the way of safety features, sturdiness, and durability – plus is one of the prettiest scooters we’ve seen!

Lastly, the Mishidesign OTSBO Scooter-Skateboard is one of the coolest scooters on the market with a 6 in 1 design that goes from a seated version with a push pole option for parents, to scooter, to skateboard. It’s one of the priciest scooters on the market, but in terms of early learning skateboards, it’s on the lower price end.