How to Buy an Electric Scooter for Kids? – Buying Guide

Electric scooters are the major trend among adults, but is it okay for a child to drive them?

Many electric scooters on the market are ideal for children.

However, there are a few things that everyone should think about when purchasing an electric scooter for their children.

Through this guide, you will be able to have most of your queries regarding electric scooters for kids answered.

What will you use the electric scooters for?

Think of how you intend to utilize the scooter.

Relatively small motors and a maximum distance of less than 10 miles will suffice for kids who will use it mostly as a toy.

Let’s say you want to purchase an electric scooter for an older child to use for transportation to and from school, extracurricular activities, or other such necessary places.

In that case, you’ll probably want a scooter with greater battery life and a greater range in that instance.

How do electric scooters work?

Electric scooters aren’t only propelled by the user’s feet.

Every electric scooter for kids has one battery or more than one battery at its core.

The voltage and power storage capacity of the scooter’s battery will determine features such as its range on a single charge.

The motor is another key factor to ponder on. The engine determines the scooter’s speed, power, and ability to ascend slopes.

As soon as the rider presses the throttle, the engine and batteries start.

These are connected to a control panel. the control panel also includes an LED screen on the handlebar or a tiny round display on the right handlebar.

Signals are delivered via the cables to the controller at the point of the rider using the throttle.

This instructs the battery to transfer power to the wheels’ motors.

So that’s how you get it going, yet how do you get it to stop?

There are 2 kinds of brakes available for electric scooters.

One of the brakes is an electronic brake, which is normally actuated using the handlebar controls.

A conventional footbrake, which is triggered by pushing the foot against the back bumper, is also common.

All of these parts are integrated into the sturdy body, which is commonly made of aluminum alloy.

At what age can a child ride an electric scooter?

Electric scooters have a rather good speed. This is why the question arises when is a kid psychologically and physically competent to ride a scooter successfully? 

The solution will be different for everyone. 

While scooter manufacturers provide age guidelines, you are the only one who knows your child and how safe a ride is for them at a certain point.

The age guidelines, however, should be always considered when buying an electric scooter.

They are an easy way for you to decide if your child is capable of riding it or not.

For 1 to 1.5 Year Old Kids:

1 to 1.5 is an extremely young age and at this age, only ride-on toys are recommended. 

These toys can simply be propelled forward by the use of feet so they require not much thought by the rider.

For kids who have started walking upright properly, these toys can be used without hassle.

According to the US consumer product safety, their guidelines suggest that kids of this age should use toys that have at least four wheels.

The toy must be at a short enough height for kids to readily ride it. 

It’s also a good idea to have some ride-on toys with depressed wheels. 

This might make it easier for kids to control the ride-on toy. 

They would still be depending on their own power to move their own body weight about because electric scooters for youngsters are not yet available. 

Prior to actually letting your kid use a non-electric scooter for kids, be careful to verify the label, safety standards, and weight limitations.

Our top picks for ride on scooters for 1 to 1.5 years old kids:

For 1.5 to 2 year old kids:

At this age kids are beginning to become more interested in different things, therefore a ride-on toy with bright colors and patterns is strongly suggested. 

Wagons are recommended for this age group, as are ride-on toys with storage compartments. 

Also, any ride that the kids may rock is suitable for this age group as well.

Children’s electric scooters are still not appropriate for this age group. 

You may, however, purchase vehicles with motors that permit for sluggish motion. 

These can be bought rather than the typical electric scooter for children in this situation. 

However, because children still do not have driving abilities and coordination, adult monitoring is crucial at this time.

Our top picks for ride on scooters for 1.5 to 2 years old kids:

For 2 to 3 years old:

At this stage, kids are becoming intrigued by whatever they may be able to cycle. 

Besides running and walking, this is one of the earliest motor abilities kids may master. 

At this point, pedal-assisted tricycles are advised. 

These small kids and their parents may be drawn to an electric scooter for youngsters but ones that have a slow speed. 

As the youngsters use it, they must be under the direct observation of their parents or guardians at all times. 

They should not be permitted to use these electric scooters on their own. 

Parents must hold their children when they learn and practice.

Our top picks for ride on scooters for 2 to 3 years old kids:

For 4 to 7 year olds:

Children at this age become more enthusiastic about riding bicycles and less fascinated by ride-on toys. 

They can start to experiment with electric scooters for children on the condition that they are slow-moving and have easy-to-adjust speeds.

As kids become older, they start to get stronger balance and movement. 

Children of this age have the largest risk of injury and tripping due to their tremendous degree of intrigue and curiosity. 

Adult supervision and instruction are required for all activities.

Our top picks for scooters for 4 to 7 years old kids:

For 8 to 12 Year Olds:

The children of this age are capable enough to ride electric scooters on their own without any adult supervision.

The scooters for kids of this age should still be slow-moving as fast speeds have a higher chance of accidents.

Kids may use the electric scooter to take it to school or certain places for their ease.

Related Post: Best Electric Scooter for 10-Year Old Kids

Our top picks for electric scooters for 8 to 12 years old kids:

For 13+ Year Olds (Teenagers):

When it comes to older kids, it is better to get an electric scooter with a greater range and a higher speed.

Older children are much better at balancing and managing the speed of the electric scooter so they are less at risk of accidents as compared to young kids.

Related Post: Best Electric Scooters for Teenagers

Our top picks for electric scooters for 13+ Years Old Kids:

Electric scooter for adults:

Electric scooters for adults have a much higher speed as compared to kid scooters because well they can definitely ride an electric scooter with ease.

It is a great ride for daily use due to its numerous benefits.

Related Post: What to Look for When Buying an Electric Scooter for Adults? – Beginner’s Guide

Our top picks for electric scooters for adults:

What to look for before buying an electric scooter for your kid?

For kids, every factor of an electric scooter must be looked at carefully in order to help them get one that they can drive safely.

Let’s have a look at what features are important to consider when buying an electric scooter for your little one.

Foot Deck Length and Width

How big a scooter’s foot deck is has a significant impact on the ride’s functionality and convenience.

Wider and greater-sized foot decks offer children more area to put their feet while riding.

As your child gets older, this becomes a challenge, so opt for an electric scooter that has a foot deck that can still be comfortable for your child in the next few years as he/she grows.

Handlebar Height

Another crucial comfort aspect is the height of the handlebar of your child’s electric scooter in proportion to the child’s body.

It is discovered that the optimum location for the handlebar to be is generally at about the waistline, or a couple of inches above or below it.

However, in the best-case scenario, an adjustable handlebar is a perfect choice to go for when buying an electric scooter for kids.

As children grow in height with the passing days, an adjustable handlebar will easily be adjusted with the changes in their height.

Maximum Ride Time

In case you are buying an electric scooter for your child to ride to school or to playtime, this is a crucial element to consider. 

They shouldn’t become stranded.

For this reason, buying an electric scooter that would be operated as a kick scooter if the power is cut off is a good idea.

Kids should always be taught to charge their scooters timely each night so that they don’t have to face the issue of power running out.

The electric scooters for youngsters come with a wide variety of maximum riding times.

The shortest may be around 4 miles, while the majority are approximately 40 minutes or 6 miles.

The longest one may stretch up to 40 miles long.

This is the reason why you need to see for what purpose will your child be using the electric scooter and how much distance he/she need to cover daily.

We may see an even greater range as producers improve their technologies with time.

The range is, once again, greatly dependent on your own requirements.

A model with a somewhat shorter range might suffice if riding for solely recreational purposes.

If you’re going to use it for commuting, though, you should pick the one with the longest range.

Keeping this in mind, you can choose the appropriate ride for your kid that suits his/her travel range.

Brakes

Children’s electric scooters have two types of brakes: a hand brake and a foot brake.

A  child simply needs to put force on the back wheel fender with their foot, to make the foot brake work.

By gripping a hand lever tightly, a hand brake operates similarly to a bike’s hand brake.

The majority of electric scooters for children feature either hand or foot brakes.

Some of the high-quality electric scooters, however, include both.

Hand brakes bring the scooter to a halt more rapidly, whilst foot brakes allow for a more progressive slowing.

Portability

Most of the electric scooters for children may be folded for easier storage or traveling.

This isn’t a big deal if you own a garage and merely ride your scooter around your house.

This will come in useful if you reside in a small house or one which doesn’t have storage space for your electric scooter.

It will also come in handy when you want to put your electric scooter in your car and take it elsewhere.

Related Post: Best Folding Electric Scooters for Adults

Wheel Material

The three major categories of tires are urethane (a form of plastic), rubber air, and solid rubber which is non-air.

The front and back wheels on some electric scooters are the same, whereas on others they may be different.

You need to think carefully about what tire would be best suited for your child.

The urethane tires don’t go flat but they are not as comfortable as a pneumatic (rubber air) tire.

Urethane wheels are also the least expensive and barely require any maintenance.

They, however, don’t give much cushioning over fractures and obstructions because they’re made of plastic.

They also offer less traction in rainy situations and produce a more bumpy ride.

If you plan to be with your child the whole time he/she rides the electric scooter, then a pneumatic tire can be a choice to make.

However, if your child is going to travel long distances alone on the electric scooter then you should go for a urethane tire so that it doesn’t go flat and put your child in a difficult position during his/her journey.

Non-air solid rubber tires on the other hand have excellent traction and will not go flat.

They are often better at damping vibrations than urethane wheels, although they do not provide as much cushioning as air tires.

Solid rubber tires are standard on most new scooters since they provide the greatest positives and have the lowest negatives.

They can be considered the best choice for your child’s electric scooter.

Suspension

To ensure handle stability and good balance, the suspension system increases the friction between the tire and the ground.

The suspension technology also gives relaxation to riders by reducing the impact of different road conditions on both the electric scooter as well as the rider.

Throttle

Push-button and grip twist throttles are the 2 kinds of throttles. They’re both precisely what their names mean.

Push buttons demand a child to press a button with force in order to activate them.

More sophisticated push buttons function rather like a push dial. 

This method is said to be far more pleasant than merely pushing a button directly.

The kid must rotate and grip onto a handlebar while doing a grip twist.

To keep power flowing to the scooter, all throttles demand constant force on the button or grip twist.

When a kid releases their hand from the electric scooter, it will gradually slow and stop.

To activate the electric scooters, some have featured an additional safety system.

Some of such additional features eliminate the start-up shock, which may be rather distressing for a smaller child.

Motor

The motor’s power differs from model to model, however, heavyweight ones generally have more power.

Higher-capacity motors offer greater speed and are more durable.

Brushless or brushed engines are common, however brushless engines are far superior to their brushed counterparts.

Brushless motors last a long time.

Their Watts are generally between 250 and 550 Watts.

Anything with a power rating of 350 watts or above should provide enough performance regarding range and speed.

You’ll also see a metric called maximum Watts, which is the maximum power the scooter can produce while it’s traveling up a slope or carrying heavier weight.

Depending on the way you use your electric scooter, a simple statement can be that the greater the power, the finer will be the performance. 

Lower power should be set for a child operating an electric scooter.

This way the speed will be appropriate for their age.

Chain Drive

When looking for scooters, you’ll frequently come across the phrase “chain driven.”

This simply implies that the motor is connected to the wheels through a chain.

When compared to the belt drive, the chain drive is preferred since it is more efficient and may endure a good number of years.

The main disadvantage is that chain-driven scooters create a lot of sound during the ride. 

Nonetheless, companies have taken a major step and refined these motors to the point where they are almost silent.

It will be quite easy for you to buy an almost soundless motorized scooter for your child.

If you need a perfectly silent scooter, use a belt-drive model.

They perform just as well as chains, but their lifespan is not as lengthy.

Battery

Considering a scooter’s lifespan, batteries are a critical part of it since they offer the required energy.

The batteries in electric scooters are commonly made of lead-acid or lithium.

Always ask and consider how long the rechargeable battery will last while purchasing an electric scooter.

Lead-acid batteries possess a lifespan of 3-5 years and are quite inexpensive.

Lithium-based batteries, on the other hand, are significantly more costly.

These are less powerful and lighter than lead-acid batteries.

In other words, their performance remains constant throughout the journeys.

You get to receive a similar range each time you take it to your desired destination.

The rechargeable battery technology utilized in these scooters has a voltage of 12 volts.

Several scooters, however, contain more than one of these batteries.

This increases the voltage depending on the number of batteries added to the electric scooter.

It would have an effect on the scooter’s range and speed.

One more factor to consider is amps, since the more the amps, the greater the range.

Frame and Forks

Many get so caught up with the electrical technicalities that they forget the fact that the electric scooters their children will be riding are simply just scooters.

As a result, the most important aspects should never be disregarded.

Models with low-quality frames and forks have been known to break down quickly.

This is due to the fact that these children’s electric scooters are fairly large, and if the construction is not solid enough, they will not survive long.

As a result, high-quality tubular steel is used in the construction of good quality children’s scooters to give the essential support for the entire structure.

Speed

Obviously, when it comes to purchasing an electric scooter, most people prioritize speed.

Numerous children utilize it on a daily basis and desire to learn how quickly their electric scooter can travel to the required areas.

The electric scooters, particularly those with more power, maybe fairly rapid.

One more thing to keep in mind regarding the speed of the electric scooter is that it is often influenced by external factors for example the rider’s weight, wind, or the charging of the battery.

As a result, the speed mentioned for an item may differ when you receive it.

Mostly, the performance has been fine-tuned by manufacturers to provide a seamless and enjoyable journey.

When buying an electric scooter for a little child, choose the one with a slower tempo.

A child of about eight years old should be able to travel at a speed of ten miles per hour.

This is due to the fact that a speedier scooter will be difficult for young children to handle.

Related Post: Fastest Electric Scooters under $500 and $1000 on Amazon

Charging time

It is correct that charging the child scooters might take a long time.

It takes around 12 hours on average to completely charge them.

Some devices with high-capacity batteries may require less time about 8-10 hours.

In case you want an electric scooter that charges quickly, remember to look at the range of that electric scooter.

The range should be sufficient for your needs on a full charge.

You’ll possibly need to charge it for a little longer when you first put it together, so read all of the directions carefully before your first charge.

Chrome Plating

Chrome plating is excellent for protecting any electric scooter from rust and not allowing the paint to scratch off. 

Some platings, however, may not be of good quality.

This is where brand name counts a bit more because those that are recognized for their quality create high-quality plating.

Compared to high-quality brands, low-end brands tend to be of worse quality.

If you plan on keeping your scooters in storage time and again, such as during the winter, choose one with high-quality chrome plating.

It may corrode quickly if left in the garage and exposed to dampness.

Weight

As electric scooters comprise a large body, solid structure, a battery or more, and a motor, these are fairly hefty even for an adult.

These can range in weight from 25 to 60 pounds.

For this reason, while picking an electric scooter for your kid, stability is a crucial factor to consider.

Teenagers can carry a heavier one, but because of their lack of strength at an earlier age, little children may not be able to.

For this reason, while picking an electric scooter for your kid, stability is a crucial factor to consider.

Teenagers can carry a bulkier one, but because of their lack of strength at an earlier age, little children may not be able to.

If you’re purchasing a scooter for a child under the age of 12, go for the most lightweight option available.

Manufacturers are also attempting to improve this aspect by putting more energy capacity into smaller cells and making the scooter body out of lighter materials.

Maximum Weight Capacity

In terms of rider weight, electric scooters are built to endure individuals with a very heavyweight.

Several versions can comfortably resist a maximum weight of 220 pounds, which is somewhat more than the normal human weight.

Others, however, particularly electric scooters that weigh less themselves, have a reduced weight capacity.

As a result, it’s better to double-check that the limit is sufficient to support the weight of the user.

If you do not pay attention to this and get one with a smaller capacity, it may not survive long and perform poorly.

In the case of children, most electric scooters will easily be able to carry their weight but it is better that an adult doesn’t try to ride a child’s scooter.

Related Post:

• Best Electric Scooter For Heavy Adults (Over 300 lbs.)
• Best Electric Scooters for Heavy Adults

Price

Electric scooters are costly. With prices ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

The majority of high-end brands retail for more than $500.

Most electric scooters for children, however, cost less than adult electric scooters.

Pricing is crucial, of course, because you want to get the greatest option within your price range.

If you’re on a tight budget, choose a brand noted for its affordable pricing.

When parents buy pricey motorized scooters, their main fear is that they will not function for long or that their child will outgrow them.

So, if durability is your major consideration as well, know that it’s directly associated with the cost of the electric scooter.

When you invest hundreds of dollars in anything, you expect it to endure a long time.

These motorized rides may survive for a long time if properly utilized and maintained.

The scooter may easily survive for 3-6 years based on the type of the motor plus battery as well as the construction material.

 If you have a large budget, aim for a well-known brand to ensure that you obtain something durable.

Style

These electric scooters are made by almost every scooter manufacturer, thus there is a wide range of options.

Purchasing from well-known companies means that you will receive high-quality products and excellent customer service.

The majority of them make ready-to-ride products, although some do require a little initial assembling, which isn’t too time demanding.

When it comes to style, these motorized devices are no less than a kick scooter.

There are several colors to choose from to match your child’s style.

Electric bikes for girls are available in a variety of pink and red colors.

There are also traditional black versions.

Their decks are frequently styled and logo-printed.

There is enough diversity to satisfy everyone’s needs.

Others even come with rings on the handlebars, making them look like a bike that people drive on the road.

Riding Modes

When buying an electric scooter for your child, look for one with different riding modes.

These riding modes are helpful when the child is initially learning to drive or when he/she is an intermediate rider.

These modes also help the child to ride with ease on certain road terrains.

Bluetooth Connectivity and APP Support

With bluetooth and app connectivity you will easily be your lock or unlock your child’s electric scooter, hence preventing them from using it in your absence.

Consider buying an electric scooter that includes this feature.

Navigation

If you get your hands on an electric scooter with the feature of navigation, you will be much at peace.

The reason behind it is that you will be able to track your child wherever he/she takes the electric scooter.

Warranty

A warranty signifies how much belief a company has in the quality of its product.

Getting an electric scooter with a proper warranty will help you in times if you find faults in your ride.

How to make a children’s electric scooter go faster?

Electric scooters, both costly and inexpensive, are rather quick, with most having a range of 12-15 mph.

The quickest can also exceed 20 mph. For cities and suburbs, this speed is adequate.

Nevertheless, if you truly want to improve the speed of your trip, you may try a few other things.

Related Post: Electric Bike Speed Limiter Removal – A Step-by-Step Guide

Dress Light

You’re probably wondering what kind of a difference that will make.

It will! The reason is that your attire and what you carry contribute to your overall weight.

Dropping superfluous items is the greatest method to make it move quicker and lighter.

Only bring a bag if you absolutely must. Unless it’s winter, avoid wearing heavy shoes like boots.

These minor adjustments might enhance the scooter’s overall speed.

If you make use of this technique, you might be able to travel a mile or two faster than normal.

Charge it extra

Even though it is not okay to overcharge your battery for very long, a few minutes of overcharge won’t pose any threats.

The majority of the electric scooter batteries require 12 hours to charge, however charging them for a bit longer won’t hurt.

In fact, it may have greater power, which might enhance speed in the long run.

You may charge it for slightly above 12 hours at nighttime to check whether the speed increases, and if it does, you’ve found the solution.

Maintain your electric scooter

Keep your scooter in good condition.

This is your greatest weapon for maintaining, if not increasing, your present speed.

Clean it on a regular basis and utilize a blower to get rid of dirt in hard-to-reach places.

Also, have it examined by your local scooter store on a regular basis.

The professionals present would be capable of spotting any impending wear-outs or providing some wonderful suggestions that you particularly would have no idea of.

It’s possible that your scooter’s engine has begun to wear down as a result of constant use.

Cleaning and servicing it might significantly increase the speed and return it to where it was on the first day.

If the motor has been in operation for some years, you may possibly change it.

A newer, more powerful motor should assure that the speed increased, or at the very least, that you got the speed your electric scooter initially had.

Related Post: How to Clean an Electric Scooter? Quick Tips

How to ride an electric scooter safely?

Electric scooters might appear to be ones that would never cause a mishap, yet they are responsible for a significant rate of crashes and accidents each year.

Fractures, brain injuries, and torn ligaments are the most frequent injuries encountered in scooter accidents.

Here are some safety suggestions:

• Assemble the electric scooter properly and ensure everything is done according to the instructions provided in user manual. Later, fully charge the battery, and check for brakes and throttle, and ensure everything is working properly. Only, allow your kid to drive after you have ensured that there is no defect.

• Although electric scooters appear to be toys, they are actually powered vehicles. Before your youngster rides, he or she must be informed of this.

• Regardless of the pace, always wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads may also be appropriate for your kid.

• Gradually show and teach your kid how to correctly operate the throttle and brake. Follow the directions and make sure they’re riding in a safe area.

• Prefer electric scooter with horn, bells and lights, as they are safe for kids. However, if any of it is not included, you can buy them easily from online marketplaces.

• When scooting, keep your cell phone in your bag or pocket. The same may be said about headphones and earbuds since music can be used to block out the noise of your electric scooter.

• Stop your kid from carrying extra-weight on electric scooter, like back-packs, or heavy clothing as it can easily dis-balance the vehicle, and also affects the scooter’s performance.

• Avoid traffic unless it’s absolutely necessary. Ride your electric scooter in a park or in an area with safe roads.

• Teach your child about road regulations if they will be riding in public. Remind them how important it is to be aware of pedestrians and other drivers.

• Children like having fun, but tell them that riding an electric scooter with a friend isn’t the best choice. In case, if your child and a buddy are even within the weight restriction, adding another individual to the vehicle will make it more difficult to balance and drive.

• Teaching your kids how to fall properly can help prevent injuries when they engage in activities such as riding an electric scooter. Your children should learn to roll, relax their bodies, and spread out when they land.

• When your child is learning how to fall, it’s a good time to teach them how to use proper hand signals while they ride. Some helpful hand signals for bike riding include pointing in the direction of travel, stopping, turning and looking behind.

Is it okay to ride your electric scooter in the rain or snow?

It is not recommended that you ride your electric scooter in the rain or snow, according to the makers.

Weather conditions can harm the scooter, and sloppy pathways might be hazardous.

A little light rain is typically fine, but large rainstorms should be avoided.

Some electric scooters will have no IP rating, it is not okay at all to ride them even in the slight rain.

Should you test the electric scooter before you let the kids ride them alone?

Yes! It is important that you test the electric scooter before you let your children take them on a longer route or ride them without your supervision.

The question is how to test the electric scooter though?

The answer is simply by letting your children ride them in front of you!

You can allow your youngster to ride the scooters to assess how simple they were to learn and how much fun they were to have while riding them.

The ride should be supervised by adults, and the youngster should be outfitted with necessary safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, closed-toe shoes, etc.

After that, once they are off their scooters, you can ask them for their impressions.

However, it would be best to consider your city’s law for allowing your kid to drive an electric scooter alone on streets, roads, or sidewalks.

According to AAP, Kids below 16 are usually recommended to drive under parents’ supervision within the house or parks where there is less risk of a road accident.

Can kids use adult electric scooters?

Older children might ride an adult electric scooter with adult supervision, sufficient safety equipment, and an area that isn’t dangerous, like a busy street. 

Small children must not ride a grownup electric scooter since they would lack the expertise and certainty that a teenager would have.

Can Electric Scooters be Used in the Bike Lane?

Absolutely, as long as you follow the rules of the road as laid out by your state.

In states where they are legal, electric scooters can be used in designated bike lanes.

Typically, these laws also allow electric scooters to be used on sidewalks if there is no adjacent bike lane or if the adjacent bike lane is obstructed.

However, people riding these vehicles should always proceed with caution when operating on a sidewalk, because they are designed to be shared by pedestrians and other types of motorized vehicles.

There are no set laws that prohibit electric scooters from being ridden on the street unless it is explicitly stated in city or state legislation or local ordinances.

However, You must be at least 18 years old to ride an electric scooter, and you must wear a helmet at all times when riding one. You may only ride an electric scooter on the street, in a bike lane, or on other areas designated for use by bicycles.

Conclusion

For a child, a motorized electric scooter may be a lot of fun.

There are a lot of electric scooters in the market having the perfect style and functions for young riders.

It must be hard to choose the right one between all that variety available.

Hence, we hope that this buying guide has answered all your important questions and that it will help you select the perfect ride for your young one.

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