Scooters for Kids and Their Advantages
Riding a scooter playfully trains balance and make children ready for cycling and their first children's bike. This is because kids' scooters train the sense of balance in a similar way to a children's balance bike and also strengthen the leg and core muscles. With a scooter, children also develop a sense of speed and learn to better coordinate several movement sequences. This boosts their self-confidence and helps them to expand their own range of movement and practise riding on public roads.
In addition to the sporting aspect, riding a kids scooter also has a social component. This starts with going on the rampage with friends and leads to practicing considerate riding behavior on the road.
Riding a Children's Scooter – Which Requirements Your Child Should Meet
As children develop very differently, your child's motor skills will largely determine when they can ride a kids scooter. The basic requirements are that your child is tall enough, can hold on and kick off independently. There are different recommendations depending on the manufacturer. However, the first attempts at riding a scooter are usually possible from the age of around 2 years.
In the beginning, it is best to practice on even and car-free areas – for example, in an empty parking lot or playground. Once your child is ready and can handlebar the scooter, the fun can really begin – and the radius of action can be extended as required.
Which Children's Scooter for Which Age?
Manufacturers usually specify the age group for which the respective scooter model is suitable. Many handlebars can be adjusted in height, allowing scooters for kids to be used for longer periods of time. The right size of kids scooter is found when your child is standing on the kids scooter and their arms are at a 90-degree angle or slightly more – i.e. angled slightly downwards.
What Types of Kids Scooters Are There?
In principle, a distinction is made between kids scooters with two wheels and kids scooters with three wheels. The more wheels the scooter has, the more stability is guaranteed. Below we will describe you the different types of scooters in detail
- Kids scooters with three wheels: To help little ones develop a feel for riding a scooter, a kids scooter with three wheels is recommended. The entry-level children's scooter for children from the age of two is ideal thanks to twin tires on the rear axle. The added stability prevents unintentional tipping over and is therefore safer and easier to handle than a kids scooter with just two wheels
- Kids scooters with two wheels: Classic children's scooters are equipped with two wheels – one at the front and one at the rear. Children at the age of four are usually confident enough to move and have good motor skills, to be able to keep their balance when riding a two-wheeled scooter. However, whether a kids scooter with two wheels is the right choice earlier or later depends on the individual child. When buying a scooter, always make sure that the maximum permitted weight is a little higher so that your child can enjoy their new scooter for ages.
Which Kids Scooter Is Suitable for Which Terrain?
If you try to make a purchase decision, it also helps if you know on which ground your child will mainly be using the children's scooter. Children's scooters with small, harder plastic wheels are best suited to paved, tarmac paths – for example, sidewalks or playing areas. Sporty and agile maneuvers work particularly well with them. Kids scooters with large, air-filled tires show their strengths when it comes to uneven terrain – for example on forest paths. Bumps are better cushioned so that your child can ride comfortably over longer distances.
Online Buying Advice – Important Features of Kids Scooters
There is no longer just the one and only kids scooter. Modern kids scooters now impress with many features that are absolutely justified. The tires in particular determine the intended use and maximize the possibilities as well as the range, as we have already learned. Folding models are offering the advantage, that they can be easily transported or stored away. There is certainly no need to argue about the usefulness of good brakes, as the safety of the little ones has top priority. That's why details such as anti-slip materials on the footboard or additional reflectors are a thankful optimization.
To help you make the best possible purchase decision, we have summarized the most important features of children's scooters below:
- Wheels and tires: The wheels and tires of kids scooters come in different designs and sizes. A basic distinction is made between air-filled and plastic tires. ABEC ball bearings are installed in many modern plastic tires. The range extends from ABEC 3 to ABEC 7 – the higher the number, the higher the quality of the ball bearing. Scooters with air-filled tires guarantee: the larger the diameter, the greater the comfort when riding the scooter. Special PU tires are known for their whisper-quiet rolling noise
- Brakes: The majority of scooters for kids are equipped with rear wheel foot brakes. Children should therefore be fit enough to kick down the brake with one foot so that the scooter comes to a quick stop. V-brakes are usually installed on kids scooters with air-filled tires. They also feature a brake lever on the handlebars.
- Accessories: Kids scooters are no longer comparable to the old models that parents are familiar with today. Modern accessories not only increase the little ones' riding comfort, but also their safety when riding a scooter. An anti-slip footboard for a secure foothold is certainly a sensible improvement. Grips, pads and a height-adjustable handlebar not only make gripping more comfortable, but also allow the scooter to grow with the child. Additional reflectors ensure that children on their scooter are better seen by other road users. A bell on the handlebar teaches children to act independently and responsibly. Kick-Stands are also very practical and can be used to easily park the kids scooter and prevent it from falling over. Children's scooters with baskets are also pretty and useful, so that a cuddly toy or water bottle can always be carried along. Last but not least, don't forget to wear a safety helmet
How to Find the Right Scooter for Your Child
A kids scooter is great fun, gives your child freedom of movement and allows them to experiment. Your child learns important motor skills, how to estimate and control speed and how to interact socially with other children who ride scooters. If you used to ride a scooter yourself, then you probably remember the uplifting and proud feeling you had as you rushed along the paths. Or the moments when you took the odd big or small jump.
Compared to earlier models, modern scooters for kids are hard to beat in terms of comfort and quality. This also applies to safety, which has improved considerably. Forest paths or sandy terrain are no longer an obstacle on a weekend outing with today's kids scooters. And nimble maneuvers and safe scooter riding on tarmac roads are no longer a contradiction in terms. This is ensured by high-quality ball bearings, non-slip footboards, reflectors and reliable brakes.
By the way: We stock products from high-quality brands such as PUKY kids' scooters, and the scooters are available in a wide variety of designs and with a wide range of features. So have fun choosing the right kids scooter. You will give your offspring a lot of pleasure.