You don’t have to be a statistician, or even particularly observant, to have noticed that scooters are experiencing another big surge in popularity among small people. But when it comes to finding the best toddler scooters for your own clan, it bears a little more consideration. Luckily, we’ve put in the legwork in rounding up the safest and most stable options for beginner scooters (scootists?)
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Unless you have some kind of scooting savant on your hands, you’ll likely want to look out for a three-wheeled scooter in the first instance to help them build their confidence and get them used to the mechanics of scooting before having to worry about epic wipeouts or scraped knees.
Proving they can still lead the pack when it comes to making safe, well-built and irresistibly fun kids’ toys, Little Tikes make it to our number one spot with the Lean to Turn Scooter, a three-wheeler with an ultra-swish design and stability-enhancing features, but if you’re after something more streamlined, or even with more modes, keep reading below.
If they’re keen to learn, but you’re not sure their skill set is quite fine-tuned enough for the delicate art of balancing and scooting at the same time, encourage them to try our best scooter for toddlers on for size. It has a cool contrasting design that kids will love, and while they’re chuffed to bits at their sweet new ride, you can rest assured that they’re in capable hands. It has a three-wheeled design and extra-wide base that’s low to the ground for more confidence, while the unique ‘lean to steer’ mechanics teach them balance and coordination.
Get them building balance and confidence early with this adjustable scooter, suitable from just 12 months. The famous Swiss design of scooter stalwarts Micro reaches new versatile heights here in the form of a 3-in-1 scooter, which starts as a ride-on toy, turns into a toddler scooter and then, Transformer-like, to a Mini Micro scooter with a higher weight capacity, making it suitable from the ages of one to five. It’s also suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and wherever they choose to use it, the silicone grip on the handlebars and the super-responsive brakes will keep them feeling cool and in control.
3-in-1 is impressive, but how about 5-in-1? The Globber Evo might look like something from outer space, but in reality that oddball design makes it one of the most versatile kids’ scooters on the market, suitable for ages one to six. Like the Micro Mini it starts as a ride-on toy, this time with a detachable pull bar for the grown-ups to act as cart horse, and adjusts a further four times to suit them as they grow in height and in confidence.
For toddlers two years and up, the My 1st Scooter from Radio Flyer is a safe, stable and frankly adorable option. With three wheels to keep them upright while they’re still finding their feet, and a decent brake – although they’re unlikely to reach high enough speeds to need it, it’s still nice to have for their reassurance as much as yours – reviewers loved the quality build and found that kids took to it happily. Unlike our top three-wheeled scooter, it doesn’t have a turning function, but to avoid confusion when they’re starting out, this will do nicely.
From 15 months upwards, this scooter offers a smooth, safe and confidence-building riding experience, with four adaptable stages for them to progress through at their leisure. A bit like a meeting between our first Little Tikes offering and the Globber Evo, it has a sturdy three-wheeled design that teaches them the mechanics of scooting without having to worry about balance just yet, and starts with a seat, making for a balance bike-like experience without having to shell out for a separate trike.
