The Ten Best Scooters For Under Fives
Nemesis of mobility vehicles, the scooter, has been reinvented for a new generation of pre-skater-dudes and dudettes… with three and four wheeled scooters making it possible, and safe, for unfeasibily mini scooter-ists to take to the pavements. It’s good news for parents, once their kids have mastered the basics — previously heel-dragging preschoolers can make it to nursery or the shops in double time! And it’s great exercise too, making mundane journeys fun again. So, now we know why a scooter is a must-have vehicle for the under-fives, how do we know how to whittle down the options to the very best high-scorers for style and safety? Consult The Ten Best, of course:
- Mini Micro T-Bar Scooter with Seat & O-Bar Handle, pink or blue, £79.95, John Lewis: This adaptable version of the extremely popular Mini Micro Scooter can be used from just 12 months. For very young kids, a sturdy seat clips onto the Mini Micro Scooter, transforming it into a ride-on toy. As the child grows, the shorter O-bar handle helps them to graduate comfortably to safe scooting. Later, from around age three, the T-bar handle can be used to, as the child blossoms into a confident scooter pro! Suitable for children aged 12 months – 5 years. Also available from Micro Scooters.
- Mini Micro Scooter, blue, pink, neon blue or neon orange, £54.95, John Lewis: The Mini Micro Scooter has become something of a classic, popular with kids and parents alike. The grown-ups appreciate the safety of its low centre of gravity and the stability of its three-wheeled design, which makes it easier for kids to balance. Kids are wowed by its sheer coolness and sleek styling — and the fact that it helps them zoom effortlessly along the pavements. The T-bar steering column is easy for small hands to grasp and it gives them a smooth, un-clunky ride. Suitable for ages 3-5 years. Also available from Micro Scooters, along with an eye-popping range of fun accessories and safety gear.
- Puky R1 Scooter Pink
(also sold in red), £50, Amazon: Designed as a first scooter for children from aged two years, this easy-on-the-eye classic scooter is a simple, gimmick-free model. With quality foam tyres and powder coating, ball-bearing steering, handlebar grips and a non-slip platform, this is a high-standard build with comfort and safety in mind.
- Mookie Street Cruz Retro Scooter
, blue/green, £37.66, Amazon: It’s just a suspicion but this is probably a scooter that parents are wowed by more than their kids — the retro styling is so very cool. That said, it is an ideal set of wheels for skater-dudes-in-training. The robust design has a wooden footplate and a strong tubular frame. Easy-to-grip handles and large hand-grips make the rider feel secure, while three wide wheels help them develop balance and co-ordination skills.
- Ozbozz My First Scooter for Girls
(pink)/for Boys
(blue), £13.99, Amazon: This height-adjustable pre-school trainer scooter grows with the child. Its four large PU wheels provide extra balance as the child develops coordination and balance. The design can be adapted to a three-wheeler, then a two-wheeler, as the child grows and gains confidence. Another nifty feature is the easy-to-use fold and lock system, making the scooter extra portable and space-saving.
- Huffy Firestorm Scooter, £24.99, Halfords: This stable, three-wheeled design is suitable for beginners, from aged three years. The eye-catching design is a winner for scooter dudes — radical paintwork teamed with flashing deck lights helps them stand out from the crowd. On the practical side, this is a sturdy piece of kit, with a steel frame and durable wheels.
- Twist n Roll Scooter, pink or blue, £30, Tesco: An ideal first scooter, this low, stable model made from heavy duty plastic features a clever “twist and roll” design that’s safe and simple for young children to master. When the rider wants to change direction, they don’t have to turn the handle bars, but just lean on the scooter footplate the way they want to go. There’s also a strong rear brake. Recommended for children aged three years and up (weighing up to 50kg).
- Cosmic Light Scooter, pink or blue, £24.99, ToysRUs: This scooter is designed with younger children in mind. With a fun, flashing, light-up deck, it offers much more than the obvious visual feast. Its three-wheeled design gives the rider a sense of balance and stability also offers excellent balance and stability. This helps young novices enjoy scooting safely as they develop coordination and balancing skills.
- Ladybird Tri Scooter, £20, Woolworths: This sturdy three-wheeled scooter is super-stable for beginners. It features child-friendly hand grips and a large standing plate for a comfortable ride. The bright colour and spotty ladybird pattern make it a winner with little fashionistas (and a refreshing change from pink). Recommended for children from age three.
- Mondo Motors Minnie Mouse Twist and Roll Scooter
and Mickey Mouse Twist and Roll Scooter
(scooters available featuring other characters including Hello Kitty and Spiderman), £32.99, Amazon: If your kid’s favourite character is one of those chosen by Mondo to embellish this three-wheel scooter, this is a no-brainer purchase. Steered simply by twisting their body, children find it is easy to master. A light aluminium frame, soft PU plastic wheels and non-skid foot rest make this a good quality scooter. Suitable for children from age three.
