Scooter riding is one of the most popular and favorite outdoor activities among people of all ages. And especially among children. Not only is it very easy to learn how to ride a scooter, but it is also always convenient to take with you due to its small dimensions.
Due to high demand, the scooter market in Russia is replete with offers of children's models: folding children's scooters, with luminous wheels, for children from one year old and for older children.
How to choose a good children's scooter so that it makes your child happy, lasts a long time and provides a decent level of safety? We'll tell you and show you.

Tip 1: you must understand what parts a children's scooter consists of

A scooter, like any other sports equipment, is subject to wear and tear. But don’t be discouraged, the lifespan of any scooter can be increased if you know how it works and how to properly maintain it.

The structure of a children's scooter

Regardless of the number of wheels, body material and folding mechanism, children's scooters have the following parts:

Steering wheel - the steering wheel of a children's scooter can be height-adjustable or non-adjustable. Obviously, it is more practical for a growing child to buy a children's scooter with an adjustable handlebar.

Grips are the rubber handles of a scooter. Tech Team children's scooters are equipped with anatomically shaped grips, which are designed taking into account the anatomy of a child's hand. Therefore, even during long walks, the baby will be provided with a comfortable grip. In terms of material, foam and rubber options are most often found: foam is softer, but less wear-resistant. Rubber has long been considered the best material for scooter handles.

The deck is the base, the platform of the scooter. Depending on the model, they are made of plastic (composite) or metal (steel, aluminum). The surface of the deck should not slip, so it is equipped with either sandpaper or engraving on the surface. The wider the deck, the more comfortable it is for a child to stand on it, and the more stable the scooter is while riding.

The wheels of a children's scooter should be large and soft when it comes to models for comfortable and leisurely city riding. For children from one to 4 years old, we recommend giving preference to three-wheeled scooters. They are more stable and easier to control. Turning in modern models of children's scooters with three wheels is carried out by tilting the steering wheel, which is easier and safer. Wheels often wear out from active riding and poor asphalt, so they are considered a “consumable”. Wheels are easy to replace: the main thing is to know the hardness and diameter.

The hub is the rigid part of the wheel. It’s good when the hub of a children’s scooter is made of composite. Its strength is quite enough for active children's skating, and it also absorbs road vibrations well.

Bearings are the basis of the rotating mechanism of the wheel. The comfort of your child’s walk depends on whether the bearings spin well and how long they keep rolling. For a children's scooter, bearings of class ABEC 3 or ABEC 5 will be quite sufficient: the higher the number, the more accurately the mechanism is tuned - the faster the bearings are, but the less wear-resistant. Keep the bearings free of moisture and sand and lubricate them if necessary. Bearings, like wheels, are easy to replace. The bearing radius of sports equipment is standard in most cases.

The brake is the key to your baby's safety, especially when he takes his first steps in riding. The presence or absence of a brake on a children's scooter should not even be a reason for discussion. All Tech Team children's models are equipped with a smooth brake.

Tip 2: how to choose the right scooter size for a child

In order for your child to ride comfortably and safely, it is important to choose the correct height of the handlebars of the children's scooter. Considering that the child continues to grow, manufacturers offer scooters for children with adjustable handlebars. But, still, how to correctly correlate the child’s height and the height of the steering wheel?

It's very simple! Measure the height from the floor to the child’s elbow with a centimeter and add 10 cm to this value. Done. Here is the ideal handlebar height. Please note that the child should not slouch, and his arms should be bent at a right angle while riding.

Tip 3: what should a children's scooter be like - from one to 7 years

Children grow and develop quickly, and their capabilities and preferences change. To choose the right children's scooter, we have identified three age groups:

One to two years
The baby is just taking his first steps, so the scooter should be as stable, safe and easy to control as possible.
Hybrid scooters with a seat perform very well, as they help the child maintain balance in the first stages of riding. Also, such scooters for little ones are equipped with a parental control handle, which helps set the trajectory of movement and help the child ride if he is tired.
If you are looking for a scooter for your child between 1 and 2 years old, we recommend paying attention to the Genius model. The hybrid easily combines the functionality of a balance bike, scooter, and stroller. And when the baby learns, you can remove unnecessary parts and the model will turn into a classic children's three-wheeled scooter.


From two to 4 years
At this age, the child already holds his balance quite well, so he does not need additional support. However, there is no need to rush, and it is better to look for a three-wheeled model. Did you know that many three-wheeled models actually have 4 wheels: the rear dual wheel gives the scooter additional stability.

Remember that it is better to buy models in which turning is carried out by tilting the steering wheel - they are more stable.
A good representative of the class is the Tech Team Rally model: a wide stable platform, large soft rolling wheels, turning by tilting the steering wheel, anatomical grips. And, of course, a reliable folding mechanism.

From 4 to 7 years
At this age, if the child already feels confident on a three-wheeled scooter, you can begin to get acquainted with two-wheeled models.
When choosing, pay attention to the height of the steering wheel: we told you how to choose above. The housing material (aluminum is lighter, steel is stronger) and bearing class (ABEC5, ABEC7 - optimal) are also important selection parameters.
A good model is Tech Team Comfort 125. Lightweight, durable, easy to fold and lasts a long time.

Whatever your choice of a children's scooter, remember that it is important to give preference to trusted manufacturers who guarantee the quality of the scooters and the safety of your child.

A children's scooter can be an ideal first vehicle for a child to move independently due to its light weight, safety and ease of control. Unfortunately, not all scooters can please you with quality and convenience, so when choosing this product, “Price Expert” advises you to pay attention to several important points.

Wheels are the key part of a scooter

When making a purchasing decision, pay special attention to:

• number of wheels. Scooters come in two-wheel, three-wheel and four-wheel varieties. Among the three-wheeled ones, there are both options with a classic wheel arrangement (one in front, 2 in the back), and more modern kickboards, which have 2 wheels in front and one small one in the back. By the way, kickboards are especially stable and easy to control.
• wheel material. Plastic wheels with rubber coating are the cheapest, but they rattle on the road, have almost no spring and wear out quickly. Polyurethane wheels perform much better: they are elastic, silent, durable and require no maintenance. Inflatable pneumatic wheels provide particularly soft movement, but they are more bulky and are recommended for children over 4 years old.
• wheel size. The smaller it is, the more bumps the scooter “catches”. “Golden mean” - a scooter with 12-15 cm wheels.

The material from which the scooter is made

These are mainly plastic and metal (aluminum, steel). In a good scooter, the handle and connecting panel should only be metal. Options for children may have plastic elements to facilitate construction.

Control method

There are two of them: a classic steering wheel that rotates left and right or an innovative steering wheel-joystick, which must be tilted in different directions to turn. The first is ideal for two-wheeled models, helping to maneuver, and the second is great for “little” scooters, because. allows the vehicle to remain stable when turning.
When choosing, also take into account the age (and therefore the height and weight of the child) the scooter is designed for, the possibility of its simple and compact folding, the durable and non-slip frame of the handles, and for children over 3 years old - the mandatory presence of a brake.

The best manufacturers of children's scooters

Children's scooters from European and overseas brands are the best in quality - Micro(Switzerland), Scoot and Ride(Austria), Glober(France) and also Tech Team(Russia). These companies pay a lot of attention to the safety and reliability of their products. True, their products cost a lot: from 3 to 10 thousand rubles. Models made in China and Russia will help you save on purchases. But under no circumstances buy copies made of low-quality bendable plastic with stickers falling off - these will not last long. Better take a closer look at trusted brands: Trolo And Sweet Baby(Italy), Novatrack(Russia), which have good quality models at affordable prices.

Rating of the 8 best scooters for children

Having studied the market for this type of children's transport, Price Expert selected the 8 most worthy children's scooters.

The scooter has a fairly simple design, which allows you to start using it right out of the box, unlike bicycles, which are often delivered disassembled. However, some users have a question about how to unfold or fold the scooter. The whole point is that Different manufacturers use different folding systems. This article will help you understand the main ones, in addition, the process will be discussed in detail using examples from some brands.

Main types of folding systems

When studying the question of how to fold a scooter, it is necessary, first of all, to become familiar with the main types of systems used. Knowing the principle of their operation, it will be much easier to understand one or another type that is used on a specific scooter model. So, the following types of systems are distinguished:

Now let's look at the folding process using the example of some popular manufacturing companies.

How to fold a micro scooter

Micro scooters are produced for both children and adults. Most models feature a folding system using a button and lever. To unfold the scooter you need to:

Folding is performed in the reverse order: first the lever is loosened, then the buttons are pressed and the steering wheel is moved.

How to fold a Xiaomi scooter

In addition, children's devices can be adjusted in height of the steering wheel, so that as the baby grows, you do not have to spend money again. Changing the size is simple and does not require special skills or tools.

A scooter is a convenient vehicle for children aged two years and older. It’s not difficult to learn how to ride it, the main thing is that the child can already maintain balance while standing on one leg. A scooter is lighter and more compact than other vehicles; it can be stored without problems even in a small apartment.

Riding a scooter develops a child physically, trains coordination of movements, and strengthens the muscles of the arms and legs.

Riding it is potentially less dangerous than riding a bicycle or roller skates, because it occurs at a lower speed, and the child’s feet are closer to the ground, which allows him to brake faster. The main thing is to ensure that the child periodically alternates the pushing and supporting legs for uniform development of the musculoskeletal system.

Children's scooter device

The simplest scooter consists of:

• frames with a horizontal platform for feet (deck);
• steering wheel on a vertical stand;
• wheels (two, three or even four);
• brake.

Foot platforms vary in length and width - the shorter it is, the easier the scooter is to maneuver, and the wider it is, the more comfortable it is to stand on it. However, the too wide platform causes your feet to catch when pushing.

It is not necessary that the child can put both feet on the deck at the same time. It is enough for only one leg to stand steadily on it, and there is a little space left to place the second leg half-sided.

The top covering of the deck must be made non-slip, covered either with anti-slip stickers or rubberized protrusions. Pay attention to the height of the deck - the higher it is from the ground, the more effort the child will have to make when pushing off, because he will have to squat.

But specimens with a very low deck position cause inconvenience when driving on uneven surfaces, clinging to ledges and potholes.
The frame is made of aluminum, steel or their alloy, which provide the necessary reliability of the entire structure.

Steering wheel tips (grips) are made of foam or foam rubber (bright, pleasant to the touch, but quickly get dirty and difficult to clean), or from rubber pads. Plastic grips are undesirable for use in children's scooters, because they begin to slide easily when they get wet, and can slip out of a child's hands and lead to a fall.

If the steering wheel of the selected model is height-adjustable, this will allow a growing child to ride it comfortably for more than one season. The height of the handlebar is changed either using a screw that can be unscrewed or a push-out latch.

Scooter wheels are made of plastic, polyurethane or rubber. Plastic wheels are installed on inexpensive models; their disadvantages include noise and increased wear.

Polyurethane wheels are most often installed on scooters; they wear out slower than plastic ones, soften road irregularities better, but are a little more expensive.

Such wheels vary in degree of rigidity, and the diameter varies from 100 to 210 mm. Rubber wheels are softer and more comfortable when driving on hard and uneven surfaces, and have increased shock absorption, however, they are vulnerable to punctures.

The design of the scooter is complemented by a foot or hand brake. The foot brake is made in the form of a pad above the rear wheel. Having accelerated, the child presses it with his foot, the pad is pressed against the wheel and gradually stops it.


It is worth remembering that sharp braking at high speed can overturn the vehicle, and young athletes should be explained that they need to brake smoothly. Not all children master the foot brake the first time, since pressing it while walking with one foot requires high coordination of movements.

However, it is worth fully mastering it in order to be able to stop or brake when skating from inclined surfaces.

The handbrake is an additional handle on the steering wheel that, when pressed, locks the front or rear wheel. This type of brake acts sharper, but is easier for children to master.

Most scooters are equipped with a folding mechanism for compact storage and transportation. They can be folded in two ways, differing in the type of mounting of the steering column:

• on the screw;
• on the latch.

In the first option, when folding, the fastening screw is unscrewed and the steering column is bent to the foot platform. There are copies with an automatic mechanism, in which you just need to press a button, and the scooter itself folds in half.

In the second option, the steering wheel and support are pulled out entirely after pressing the latch. The first option is more convenient for storage, because... the scooter remains a single whole and there is no chance of losing one of the parts, but if folded frequently, the mount between the handlebar and the platform may become loose and produce unpleasant squeaks.

Some models also have grips that are pulled out and then attached parallel to the steering column for a compact fold.

Types of children's scooters

Children's scooters differ in the number of wheels, which determine stability, controllability and the age of the rider.

Four-wheeled vehicles are intended for the youngest children from 1.5 years old. Such models use variants of wheel arrangement - either pairs of wheels at the front and rear are located at the same distance from each other, or one of the pairs (usually the rear) is located close to each other - such a scooter is very similar in appearance and handling to a three-wheeled one.

Three-wheeled scooters are chosen for children from the age of 2-2.5 years.

Such models attract with their bright design with images of your favorite cartoon characters, hanging baskets, and animal-shaped bells.

Three-wheeled modifications are available with different combinations of wheel arrangements:

• two in front and one in back;
• one in front and two in back.

The first option is more convenient for small children, because... when pushing, the foot does not cling to the widely spaced rear wheels. But in this version, to turn to the side, the steering wheel is tilted to the side rather than turned - and this type of control is more difficult for some children to master than the traditional one.

However, such control is safer, since it eliminates sharp turning of the steering wheel to the side, as a result of which the front wheel can sharply turn at a large angle, and the vehicle can overturn.

There is also a modified second option, when the rear wheels of the scooter are located close to each other, which reduces the risk of getting caught on them. However, such models are less stable than traditional three-wheeled ones with two wheels widely spaced, and therefore are suitable for children aged 4 years and older, who already have confidence in their balance, but cannot yet stand on two wheels.

Some models of three-wheeled scooters are equipped with a removable seat that fits onto the handlebar post.


This option is convenient for small children 1.5-2.5 years old, who still find it difficult to maintain balance on one leg, and it is easier for them to push off while sitting. As the child grows, the seat is removed.

There are universal models of the scooter-running bike type, which are transformed either into a scooter or into a balance bike - a pedalless two-wheeled bicycle. In this case, the platform either stands at the bottom or rises up, forming a seat.

Another type of three-wheeled models is with two platforms for legs, which are called inertial scooters. The technique of riding them is somewhat different from the traditional one. Here, both legs simultaneously stand on the platforms and make pushing movements, similar to the pushing movements of skating on ice, reminiscent of the cutting movements of scissor blades.

Such models are suitable for riding by children from 9 years old and are intended for walking only on flat surfaces.

Two-wheeled scooters are suitable for children from the age of 5 who already have good control of their body and have mastered maintaining balance. Such specimens develop greater speed than their three-wheeled counterparts. The smaller the diameter of the wheels and the shorter the deck, the faster the child can accelerate.

For active teenagers, special stunt scooters are suitable, with high-speed wheels of small diameter and a reliable, rigid, awkward frame. It is best to ride such models in specially equipped skate parks.

Unusual modifications

Manufacturers are trying in every way to modify their models and add new functions to them. There are scooters with a device for striking sparks - in the form of a special metal bar, which you need to press with your foot after acceleration, the bar scrapes along the asphalt and, depending on the speed gained, single lights or even whole sheaves of sparks appear.

Other models are equipped with a chalk holder, and the child draws ornate patterns on the go, repeating the trajectory of his movement.

Scooters are produced with an inertial mechanism in the form of an additional pedal on the back of the deck, which is pressed with the foot several times after acceleration, and the child rides longer without pushing off the ground.

Children's electric scooters

An interesting variety is the electric scooter - a scooter equipped with an electric motor. The motor in such models is mounted under the foot platform and allows a speed of 15-25 km/h. The driving time when the battery is fully charged is about an hour.

To start the motor, you must first push off the ground with your foot, as on a traditional scooter, after which the motor starts, and the child rides with both feet on the platform. The weight of such models is significant - from 10 kg to 20 kg.

When purchasing such a model, be sure to pay attention to the protective motor cover - it must be securely covered from small debris and drops of water.

Such models are suitable for children over 10 years old, who can already adequately assess the speed of movement and road conditions.

Accessories

For scooters, as for bicycles, additional accessories are sold. If a child is able to actively accelerate or already performs tricks while skating, then it would be a good idea to purchase him a protective kit - a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves. They will help protect the young athlete from unnecessary injuries and abrasions.

The range of accessories includes drinking water bottle holders, storage baskets, handbags and bells.

They produce special covers that will protect your vehicle from unnecessary contamination during storage and will help others to travel safely with a scooter on public transport.

How to use

It is better to ride a scooter on a flat surface, without holes or bumps. Suitable places for skating are specially equipped areas, roller rinks with an even surface and smooth slides. Children are not allowed to ride along roads and highways.

You should not ride through puddles (although children love to do this), because water getting into the wheels will wash the grease out of the bearings, and the metal parts of the frame may rust.

Therefore, after a walk in wet weather, you should thoroughly wipe the vehicle with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth and leave to dry in a warm place.

Malfunctions

The most prone spot on a scooter is where the steering column is attached to the platform. If there is a welding seam in this place, then over time it may fail and begin to delaminate. So when choosing a model, you must pay close attention to this place.