Best Electric Scooter For Kids

Scooters are a fun, fast, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation and play.  People have been riding wooden kick scooters in some form since sometime during the late 19th century.

The first motorized scooter which was designed for adults was patented over a century ago in 1916, by the inventor Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson.

It wasn't until 80 years later that the first mass-produced electric scooter would be released when the French car manufacturer Peugeot released the ‘Scoot’Elec’ in 1996.  

Doesn't that seem crazy to you? All that time and so little development! 

The last couple of decades have seen an explosion in the popularity of scooters as both a toy and an increasingly viable mode of transportation.

As more people look to reduce their carbon footprint, more and more electric scooters are being seen on the roads, sidewalks, and in parks all across the world.

Many cities and companies now offer the chance to hire electric scooters to get around, though regulations and laws vary across the country.  

There is now an extraordinary number of electric scooters on the market, and a huge number of those are aimed at kids, making finding the right one an unenviable task.

Though fear not, as in this article, we will look at some of the best electric scooters for kids today. We will assess their strengths and weaknesses, find out about the manufacturers, and consider the safety issues around riding electric scooters. 

Read on to learn more about electric scooters, how to find the right one for your kid and how to keep them safe. 

Buyers Guide  

Safety Gear

It's imperative to ensure your child's safety when they are going to be using an electric scooter. At the very least, provide them with a high-quality helmet to protect them from any nasty bumps to the head. 

You might also want to level up their protection and encourage them to use elbow and knee pads, as tacking a whack on these can be painful indeed!

Gloves can help prevent any unfortunate scrapes and cuts, whilst reinforced wrist guards greatly help in preventing strains or worse! 

Let’s also consider what time of day your child might be using the electric scooter, and where will they be traveling?

If they are likely to encounter other riders, pedestrians, or vehicles whilst they travel, then be sure to add a bell (or horn?) to your child's scooter. The easier it is for them to alert those around them, the better. 

If your child will be using the electric scooter during hours when the light is fading and the night emerges, then they will need extra protection. The best way to combat the darkness is with visibility, which can be achieved through various means. 

Some methods include wearing reflective clothing, wearing reflective straps on the wrists or ankles, and adding reflective stickers to your child's bag and scooter.

You could add a light to the scooter or your child's bag, whilst some parents have had their children wearing head torches for optimum vision and visibility! 

Highway Code & The Rules Of The Road

Always carefully check local laws and regulations regarding electric scooters and their use, as these vary from state to state and locality to locality.

Be sure to use the scooter in an appropriate location, especially whilst your child is still getting to grips with learning how to ride. 

Teaching children about the Highway Code and the ‘Rules of the Road’ can be both fun and educational.

Encourage them to learn how to stay safe when walking or riding, how to interact with others, and how to navigate the road and sidewalks safely.  

Teach them about when it's appropriate to stop, safe to go, and how to indicate which direction they want to turn.

The most simple way is using hand signals, though, of course, scooters are safer when ridden with two hands!

To help them turn safely, encourage your child to slow down before using a hand signal, and be patient before making their turn. 

Are You Ready To Ride?

Before you let your child drive off into the sunset like an easy rider, make certain that both your child and the scooter are ready! 

Carefully and patiently explain and demonstrate how the different aspects of the scooter work. Show them proper form and technique for riding, ensure they understand the braking system and that they can carefully control the scooter's acceleration. 

Carefully check that the scooter is in optimal condition, check that there are no loose bits and bobs, nuts, bolts, or wires that seem out of place. Check the handlebars are sturdy and the wheels are firmly connected.

Allow the battery a full charge before testing out the electrics, ensuring both the throttle and brake work efficiently. Once you’re satisfied that both your child and the scooter are ready, then it’s time for some fun! 

Factors To Consider Before Buying

• Growing Pains

Is your child at that stage where they’re growing at a seemingly exponential rate? If so, carefully consider whether the scooter you’re looking at is futureproof.

Much like clothes, shoes, and bicycles, kids could grow out of an electric scooter pretty fast. They might become too large to comfortably use it, or feel underwhelmed by the reduced power as they grow older and seek a more thrilling experience.

• How Far Will They Travel?

Consider where and how far your kid might be traveling on the scooter. If they only intend to play in your neighborhood, then range and battery life aren't so important.

However, if your child intends to ride it to school, to a family or friend’s place, then more careful consideration is needed.

Battery life, range, and charging time become especially critical in these circumstances, so be sure to pick a suitable scooter for your kid’s needs. 

• How Old Is Your Kid?

Most scooters are designed with a specific or minimum age requirement, though of course, these cannot account for differing sizes of children and levels of ability.

Ensure that your child is suitably confident and skilled enough before they step up to a more powerful electric scooter.

If they suddenly go from a maximum speed of 7.5 mph to one of 15 mph, it could be easy for them to feel nervous and lack control. 

• Where's The Trunk?

If your child is carrying school bags or other baggage, be sure to account for that additional weight when considering your purchase. Scooters with a bigger deck or seating will provide a more comfortable and safer riding experience when carrying any cargo. 

Frequently Asked Question

What Age Is Appropriate For Electric Scooters?

Although there are no rules or regulations specifically regarding this, most manufacturers advise that electric scooters are not suitable for children under eight years of age.

A good rule of thumb used by many: The handlebar should be taller than the child’s waist, but well below their armpits.

Of course, the choice is down to each parent's discretion as they consider the physical and mental maturity of their child. 

Does My Child Have To Wear A Helmet When Riding?

The simple answer is yes. Your child's safety is of the utmost importance, and although these scooters can be fun, they can also be dangerous to the users or those around them.

It’s quite easy to lose control of an electric scooter and take a tumble, possibly crashing into other people, objects, or pets along the way.  

There aren’t any Federal Laws in the U.S. regarding bicycle helmets, though there are numerous laws at the state and local levels regarding this.

Some states, such as California, have specific laws written regarding the use of electric scooters to improve the safety of riders. Always be sure to keep up to date with your state and local regulations to stay safe, legal, and avoid any accidents or disputes. 

Are Electric Scooters Legal In The USA?

There are currently no Federal Laws specifically regarding electric scooters, which means that the rules can vary from state to state. Interestingly,

in 2001 Congress amended the Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972 to include e-bikes, so there is a precedent for possible future change to incorporate electric scooters. 

It’s always recommended to carefully check the laws in your area before you decide when and where to use an electric scooter. Some areas allow their use on private land only, whilst others allow their use in cycle lanes, and on roads under specific low-speed limits.  

Even within some cities that have legalized the use of electric scooters, certain localities, districts, and neighborhoods have implemented their own rules and restrictions.

For example, even though electric scooters are legal in California (within the set laws), areas including Beverly Hills and West Hollywood have enforced bans and restrictions on individuals and businesses. 

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks — 5 of the very best electric scooters for kids. Consider the points in our buyer’s guide to help you find the right one for your child, and get ready to watch their beaming smile and priceless reaction when you gift it to them.