Best scooter: The top scooters for kids, from £20
These are very best scooters to get children rolling, whatever their age
As a toy that doubles up as a mode of transport, few products can match the best scooters for the sheer number of years they’re able to entertain and occupy your little one. Kids – and some adults – of all ages will get a kick out of a scooter, and a well-made one will last for years even with regular use. For kids and teens after something bigger and faster, then one of the best electric scooters might be a better option.
This buying guide should help you pick the perfect scooter, all without the stress of traipsing around town to find the right one.
How to choose the best scooter for you
Scooters come in all sorts of sizes and prices, so there are plenty of options to consider when you’re in the market for buying one. Contemplating your answers to the following questions should help you narrow the search and identify your ideal option.
What age range do you need your scooter to cover?
The most important thing to work out when you’re buying a scooter is the size you need. Most scooters on the market will tell you in their production description what age group they’re suitable for. Others might tell you the height of their ideal user. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that the one you buy is suitable for your little one.
This chart will give you a guide on what sizes to go for. Although the list starts at three years old, you can get scooters for younger toddlers and we’ve listed a couple of options below.
| Child Height | Approximate Age | Recommended Scooter Height |
| 95-112cm | 3-5 years old | Under 70cm |
| 112-126cm | 5-7 years old | 60-75cm |
| 126-138cm | 7-9 years old | 65-79cm |
| 138-149cm | 9-11 years old | 75-80cm |
| 149-160cm | 11-13 years old | 75-85cm |
| 160-172cm | 13-15 years old | 78-85cm |
| Over 172cm | 15+ years old | 79+cm |
As a general rule, measure the distance from the ground to your child’s hip and navel. The best scooter will then sit somewhere between these two heights.
Do you need a foldable scooter?
One way to save a few quid when buying a scooter is to avoid opting for a foldable option. If you don’t need the folding functionality and have space for it, you’ll save a bit of cash. On the other hand, if you need to cram it into your car boot on a regular basis, the foldable option can be a lifesaver. It might cost more, but it will make your life a little bit easier.
How long do you want this scooter to last?
You can get scooters that extend, meaning they grow with your child, although these tend to come at a premium. Meanwhile scooters of a set size obviously can become too small. And given how quick some children shoot up, this may mean you only get a month or so’s use out of it.
If you just want a cheap scooter for using now, which you can sell on or use as a hand-me-down when your child outgrows it, a cheaper one-size option will work fine. This is also a good option if you’re not sure if your child is going to take to using it. If you want to invest, opt for one that grows and extends.
How much should you spend on a scooter?
You should be able to get a top-quality scooter for less than £150, but you can cut this cost if you don’t need all of the snazzy features. The very low end of the market hovers around the £20 mark, but that’s a false economy if you have to keep replacing it.
What scooter accessories do you need to buy?
If your child is going to be using their scooter anywhere other than the safety of your garden, it’s vital that you buy a helmet. There are loads available on Amazon, including a set from Kurou that gives you a helmet with some shoulder, knee and elbow pads for just £23. There are also some more fun scooter accessories available, from novelty unicorn heads to classic colourful ribbons.
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The best scooters you can buy in 2023
1. Trunki Folding Scooter: Best foldable scooter
Price: £80 | Buy now from Trunki 
This scooter seems to have the answers to any and all practical conundrums. With three hardy wheels, it’s nice and stable, ideal for smaller children who are just getting to grips with their balancing skills. The rear wheel is thick, on its way to being spherical, with a corresponding brake that makes the scooter really easy to navigate, particularly for children who are less confident.
The frame is lightweight – good news for parents who might be charged with towing their little ones, which can be done with the help of the included detachable strap that doubles up for a carrying tool when the scooter is folded. When folded, the scooter can be stored in an included bag and is much less cumbersome than some of its non-foldable counterparts.
The folding mechanism is a doddle to operate and involves a two-button release system; a four- or five-year-old child should be able to manage it. There is no danger of trapped fingers or pinched skin. Ditto with the height-adjustable handlebars – you won’t need tools, and you can change the height in mere seconds, with four height positions to choose from.
Trunki’s Folding Scooter is available in two sizes: small for children aged one or two years old, and large for children aged between three and five years old. It comes in two colours: pink and blue.
Key specs – Age range: 1-2 years or 3-5 years; Handlebar height: 58-86cm; Maximum weight: 50kg
2. Little Tikes Lean To Turn Scooter: The best scooter for younger children
Price: £28 | Buy now from Amazon
As the name suggests, the Little Tikes Learn To Turn scooter is the best scooter choice for children under the age of four who are just getting to grips with the concept. The extra wheel at the front makes turning and controlling the scooter that little bit easier, without compromising the experience for your child, and without potentially knocking their confidence with a fall or tumble.
The base is wider than your average scooter, which allows the user slightly more space to balance on, and the steering mechanism is controlled by leaning to the right or left. This provides a fun way for your child to learn the ropes. Additionally, the easy-touch safety brake at the rear makes stopping incredibly easy.
Little Tikes is an expert at this age range and, despite the recommended age range starting at 3, our 18-month-old got to grips with this quickly (under strict supervision, of course!)
Key specs – Age range: 3-4; Handlebar height: 67.3cm; Maximum weight: 50kg
3. Razor Beast V5 Stunt Scooter: The best scooter for older kids
Price: £86 | Buy now from Scooter Hub
The Beast V5 scooter by Razor is a stylish and affordable option for older kids, with its sleek design and bright colouring combining to create an eye-catching scooter. Various facets of its design are geared towards maximum strength and durability: it has fixed handlebars and a reinforced TIG build, and military-grade aluminium is used in the deck and riser bar.
The 98mm urethane wheels ensure smooth-rolling, and the anti-slip footplate with full grip tape adds an extra layer of grip and safety. This is an ideal purchase to make if you’re in the market for a more sporty scooter, without wanting to break the bank.
Key specs – Age range: 8+; Handlebar height: 77cm; Maximum weight: 100kg
4. ATK Off Road Scooter: Best scooter for rougher terrain
Price: £80 | Buy now from All Terrain Kart
This is the perfect pick for older children – aged between 5- and 12-years old – who are confident, adventurous and ready to explore more than just paths and pavements.
ATK claims that the Off Road Scooter rolls on grass and gravel as well as it does pavement, and we can confirm this to be the case – the wide pneumatic tyres allow the scooter to slip through fields and rough dirt tracks easily and smoothly, with no unnerving ‘wobble’ for little passengers.
Made from sustainable high grade plywood with neon accents, this scooter is a lovely blend of modern and traditional aesthetics. The grippy footboard stops little feet slipping off, and our five-year-old tester reported that it made her feel “stuck but in a good way”.
The footbrake for the rear wheel responds quickly to even the lightest of pressure, so might take a little getting used to for younger riders.
There is some DIY required to begin with, but we built the scooter up in less than five minutes, and tools are supplied so you don’t need to root through your tool box.
Key specs – Age range: 5- 12 years; Handlebar height: 80cm; Weight: 4.6kg; Wheel diametre: 10 inch
