11 Best Scooters For Toddlers [Kids 3-Wheel Scooters for 1 to 5 Years Old]

Wondering how to choose the best toddler scooters? Look no further! Discover tips for how to choose the best scooter for toddlers and preschoolers as young as 12 months old and going up to 3, 4, 5, and 6 years old! Below, you'll find our best 3 wheel scooters for kids – with all of them being great picks for 2 year olds!

Overall Best Scooter For Toddlers: Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe

Micro Kickboard Mini scooter is best for 1 to 5 years old, but if your child is 4 years old or older, we suggest their Maxi scooter. These both offer the quietest, smoothest ride of all the scooters we tested on this list.

The Micro Mini scooter is one of the best scooters for young toddlers and kids on the market. These things are made from quality materials and incredibly durable.

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

NOTE: For older kids (4 years old + to 12 years old) we suggest going for the Micro Maxi Scooter instead – it's height will last you longer, without compromising the quality. It's cheaper as it doesn't have all the seat and handlebar conversions of the mini; but they do have a foldable option. Check price on Amazon, Target, Walmart, or Maisonette

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 an adjustable T-bar handle.

Best Scooter For Babies To Pre-K: Cooghi

If you're looking for a scooter for baby to toddlerhood to preschool years with unique safety features and a push handle for when young riders refuse to scoot back home

First, when the 4-in-1 scooter is in baby mode for 10 to 18 months, it has a full rim around the scooter acting as a safety rail to keep kids on. This mode also features footrests which resolves a common complaint of the Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter where kids kept putting their feet on top of the wheel. These two features (rail and foot rest) are what separate the 4-in-1 scooter from the 3-in-1 option.

The floating seat dips down with slightly raised handle bars minimizing the risk of younger children flipping over them.

A handle bar can easily be added to the seat for parents (or friends) to push the child while seated. we LOVE this feature as our kids often decide they don't want to scoot home. Also the neighborhood big kids love pushing the younger sibling and younger kids on this too.

Set up and transition between the modes is incredibly simple, the ride is super smooth, and our kids love it. It also features a height-adjustable handlebar.

I'd say the biggest downside is that it only comes in lime green and a milky grey color, but it does have light up wheels which kids love.

Runner Up: Scoot & Ride – Highwaykick 1

If you're looking for an easy transition, sit-to-stand scooter that rides smooth with safety features better than the Globber Go Up Kick Scooter

Scoot & Ride Highwaykick 1 scooter is one of the more popular 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.

Honorable Mention: Globber Go Up Kick Scooter

Our least favorite between the previous picks we discussed; it lacks in safety features and caters to a smaller range than the Cooghi, but does transition easily with frequent sales so we are leaving it on the list.

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.

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!).

Best Full Turn 3-Wheel Scooter: Razor Jr. Lil' Kick Scooter

The Razor Jr. Lil' Kick is the best scooter for 3 year olds or younger kids who have mastered the lean to turn scooters, but maybe aren't ready for a two-wheel scooter yet.

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.

The two wheels in the back versus the front make it a bit of a slower ride than a two-wheeled 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 as it wouldn't fit over the rear wheels.

Best Multi-Purpose Toddler Scooter: 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.

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

We love the beginner skateboard skill level has a parent push handle option; something we found invaluable when teaching our preschooler to skateboard.

Best Budget Toddler Scooter: SKIDEE Kick Scooter

Affordable option offering a smooth ride and great option for older children or tall kids

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.

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 too.

Runner Up: LaScoota 2-in-1 Kids Kick Scooter

LaScoota is a better option if you want a budget scooter with a seat for 2 year olds or younger as the seat height can be adjusted and sits lower than the Skiddee.

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

Best Ride-On Scooter for 1 year old: Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter

More of a ride-on toy for young children, less of a scooter

The Radio Flyer has evolved from a wagon to a 2-in-1 four wheel scooter that makes it one of the best scooters for very young toddlers.

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

What we do like about it is the low price and turning capabilities.

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.

Best Wooden Scooter: 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.

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 fender brake
• Wider deck
• Optional seat
• Light-up wheels

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.

Wheels

Avoid cheap plastic and wooden wheels if you plan to ride outdoors. You'll get a smoother ride from high elasticity and wear-resistant polyurethane wheels; and these typically have fun features like lighting up.

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 works fine and gross motor skills. 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 or Micro Kickboard Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe which both offer 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 Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe which offers a bit more in the way of safety features, sturdiness, and durability – plus is one of the prettiest scooters we've seen! For older siblings or kids, it comes in a Maxi version too with the same high quality design.

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.