Electric scooters are in high demand among both children and adults, but there are factors to consider when buying one for a kid. Performance , design, and recommended age limitations should all be considered before your final selection. However, the joy of buying your child their first electric scooter can be a shared experience when gifting them the ultimate birthday present.
To get a better idea of what they like, try browsing through the various models and colors together. That way you can confirm you’re on the right track to finding one they’ll love and ride for years to come. Even with all the choices available, maybe the best children’s electric scooter is the one they’ve helped pick out themselves.
Usually, children start with a manually operated kick scooter before progressing to an electric powered model. You want your child to develop the motor skills needed to steer and push a scooter on their own before advancing to more sophisticated models. Since independence matters for kids, a junior-level, preschool, or smaller version, kick scooter is a good place to start.
Once they are ready for an electric model, scooter safety and performance continue to be the next factors to consider. The recommended minimum rider age for electric scooters is 8 and up.
A top favorite electric scooter among the 8-12 year-old age range is the Power Core E100 Electric Scooter Aluminum Deck, which comes in a variety of colors and can reach a maximum speed of 11 mph. Kids can scooter around for up to 60 minutes without needing to recharge the battery. This is 50 percent more ride time than the E100 model, which gives kids longer periods of uninterrupted play time. The maintenance-free design (no alignment, no chain, no belt) and hand-operated brake and throttle makes this motorized scooter an easy choice for parents looking to purchase an electric scooter for this age of riders.
Another excellent, age-appropriate ride is the E100 Glow Electric Scooter. The E100 Glow has a slightly shorter battery life of 40 minutes but still provides plenty of continuous scooter ride time. Kids particularly love the addition of a light-up glow this model emits as they ride around.. If flare is what your child’s after, this one will make them the talk of the neighborhood..
As with the E100 Glow, the Power Core E90 Electric Scooter also goes up to 10 mph and holds a maximum weight limit of 120 lbs. It has the longest battery life yet of up to 70 minutes of joyous ride time. The same kid-sized deck and frame and kick start in-wheel motor makes it easy to handle and tons of fun to ride. Choose between several colors and wait for the excited look on your child’s face when they realize you’ve brought home the gift of their dreams.
A quick note: all Razor electric scooters must move at 3 mph before the motor will engage. Certain conditions, such as inclines, tire inflation, rider weight, and battery charge level will affect your child’s ride. Like with most things, adults are recommended to supervise and guide allelements of a child’s riding experience.
Typically, older kids and teens don’t necessarily want the same kind of electric scooter as kids younger than them. They are generally larger riders looking for larger scooters and depending on their riding needs will consider other versions outlined below.
The E300 Electric Scooter is the number one choice for many thanks to its sportier look, its impressive performance, and easy-to-use hand brake. It travels up to 15 mph and holds a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs.
The sleek exterior of the E300 Electric model is currently available in four colors: red, blue, gray, and white, and has a super-sized deck and frame. The ride time is 40 minutes of continuous use, which is enough time to get to and from school or to meet up with friends.
More mature riders will appreciate the seated feature of the EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter. This model has an age recommendation of 16 and up and can travel up to 18 mph. Riders who select this scooter should be aware of their local laws and regulations. The EcoSmart includes a replaceable, comfortable seat that is adjustable for a personalized fit, as well as a basket and luggage rack. The 16” pneumatic tube tires provides a more comfortable ride and the bamboo deck adds to the on-trend and eco-friendly design.
The EcoSmart Metro is a higher investment than other electric scooters, but as a main mode of transportation, it’s cost-effective, convenient, and just plain cool. It’s an ideal, eco-friendly ride option for quick commutes to school, a part time job , or fun ride time with friends.
Think about where your kid will ride their scooter the most. Will it be up and down the driveway, to and from school, around a local park, or will it be used to ride around the neighborhood? Some scooter models come with special wheels, ideal for specific terrain. It’s best to know if the model you pick can withstand the terrain of where it’ll be used. Choose a model built specifically to handle their riding style and preferences.
Product quality is also important in the decision-making process. All Razor scooters are built with beautiful design and superior technology to create a premium-quality product. Since 2000, we’ve helped pave the way for the staying power of scooters. Each Razor electric scooter comes with a 90-day limited warranty. Note however, the warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, wheel, or any damage, failure, or loss caused by improper assembly, maintenance, storage, or misuse.
Finally, parents are encouraged to take into consideration the level of ride your child is ready for. It’s all about safety and parents should consider what their kids can truly handle riding. If they’re unable to fit comfortably on the scooter, they shouldn’t attempt to ride it. It’s up to the parent to have the final word on what’s best for your child’s maturity level, skill, and coordination.
After choosing the best electric scooter for your child, help your kids to understand the rules of riding before they hop on board. All scooter models are assigned a weight capacity recommendation as well as an age recommendation. These should be followed to ensure the safety of your kid rider and everyone else around them. Adult supervision for children under 8 is recommended at all times.
Secondly, proper safety gear is essential. This includes an approved safety helmet with a chin strap securely buckled, as well as elbow and knee pads, if necessary. You can find all the recommended scooter accessories and parts right on our website. It’s important to implement smart safety habits when your child first starts riding so they continue to follow these rules in the future.. Additionally, kids should always wear athletic shoes with tied laces and rubber soles and never get on the scooter barefoot or in sandals. Closed-toe shoes help them have more stability when riding or when they need to stop.
Another safety rule to follow is to start slow. Kids are kids and will want to push their limits ut bit is best for them to get a feel for the scooter first and gradually work up to the maximum speed. This is the same recommendation even for more experienced riders.It’s important to get comfortable with the feel of the scooter and always ride cautiously. Just like when riding a bike, all riders must take some time to learn how to properly balance and steer a scooter on their own and at their own pace.
One last thing: a bit of road etiquette goes a long way. There are plenty of distractions and unexpected obstructions that a child will come across while riding. Try to avoid busy riding areas to prevent risky situations as much as possible to alleviate stress for all. Here are a few extrados and don’ts for keeping everyone safe on the road.
Yes, an electric scooter is a fun activity, but there are still safety rules that apply. The sooner they adapt to these, the better.
In addition to proper safety, regular scooter care keeps the good times rolling for longer. Before every use, check all covers and guards to make sure they’re in place and in good condition. Also, check for proper brake functioning and tire inflation to make sure there’s a sufficient tread.
If replacement parts are ever required, use the authorized parts and accessories in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. The barcode is easily found on the charging system, box, battery tray, and on the product stem. Charge the battery after every ride (charging responsibilities should be operated by adults only) to ensure the scooter is good to go.
In general, remind kids to stow their scooters upright after they’re done for the day. No flinging to the ground or leaving in the yard for someone to trip over. Find a spot where the scooter can be safely stored out of the way to reduce the risk of damage or accidents.
From the range of options, make a list of all the factors. What is the desired top speed? What color should it be? What is the cost of the electric scooter you are looking to purchase? Everything that’s important to you and your child, mark it down. Check off which of these considerations match your selections. Narrow down your choices until you have two or three contenders left. From there, read reviews about the product and see what other riders love about it. It’ll help you get to a clear winner.
An electric scooter is perfect for a birthday gift, back to school surprise and also for a holiday present. By factoring in all the important details, you’ll be able to find a safe and fun electric scooter that your child will adore.
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By: Ashley Morgan, MD, MS, FAAP
Shared electric scooters (e-scooters) are common in cities and on college campuses across the United States. Much like bike shares, you can find them on the street, unlock them with a smartphone app and leave them at your destination. But there is a cost to convenience: e-scooter-related emergency room visits have spiked.
With this increase in e-scooter injuries, it is important to be aware of dangers and regulations surrounding e-scooters and how to keep kids safe. Read on to learn more.
If you fall off an e-scooter, which can travel up to 15 and 20 miles per hour, you are going to get hurt. Period.
The most common injuries are cuts, fractures and head injuries. Some of these injuries are severe. Many of these injuries are caused by incidents with motor vehicles or user-control issues of the e-scooter.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 16―who are too young to have a driver's license―should not operate or ride on motorized or e-scooters.
If e-scooters haven't reached your sidewalks yet, here is an overview on the various types of scooters:
1. Non-motorized scooters: Human-powered scooters without a motor.
2. Motorized scooter: 2-wheeled vehicle with a rechargeable battery.
3. E-scooter: Dockless, 2-wheeled vehicles available for rent in various cities.
All scooters pose a similar―if not increased―risk of head injury compared with bikes.
Helmets are the best way to prevent serious head injuries, but usage remains low. Consider:
A 2017 survey found that parents were less likely to make their child or adolescent wear a helmet while riding a scooter when compared to riding a bike. Only 57% of parents said they would make their child or adolescent wear a helmet while riding a scooter.
When signing up on the apps to rent e-scooters, riders are asked to wear helmets; yet helmets are not provided.
Images on social media often make it seem like it's ok to ride a scooter without a helmet. Always make sure to wear a helmet when using an e-scooter, even if advertisements do not show riders wearing them.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study showing that there are about 14 injuries per 100,000 trips on motorized scooters. Some of these injuries were severe.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2021, there were an estimated 42,200 emergency room visits due to e-scooter injuries. This number shows a 66% increase from 2020.
E-scooters are responsible for 68 deaths from 2017 through 2021.
E-scooter injuries in children are increasing, which is likely due to the rising popularity of e-scooter sharing apps. It is important that parents are aware of the dangers and regulations surrounding e-scooters.
Children under 16 should not operate or ride on motorized or e-scooters. In some cities, it is illegal for kids under 16 to use an e-scooter.
Wear a helmet and closed-toe shoes. Wearing a helmet may prevent or reduce the severity of e-scooter injuries. An adult who falls off an e-scooter is just as likely to hit their head as a child.
Wear protective gear. This includes elbow and kneepads and reflective gear when riding at night.
Start slow. The accelerator and braking tabs on the handles can take getting used to.
No texting and riding. Use both hands to operate the scooter.
No earbuds in. Be aware of your surroundings.
Use bike lanes when available. If not available, riders should stay on the right side of the road.
Do not ride e-scooters on sidewalks, beach paths, or parks. This puts pedestrians at risk of injury as well as riders.
Do not operate an e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or even some prescription medicines. Parents should set an example for their children in this regard.
E-scooters are not allowed on highways. Many e-scooter accidents involve motor vehicles. Be aware when riding an e-scooter on busy streets.
Many cities set an age restriction for 16 years and up to operate e-scooters. . Law enforcement can issue traffic violations to those who break those rules. A juvenile age 16 or over is treated as an adult for traffic offenses. For younger offenders, however, a court can require a parent or guardian to appear personally at court hearings and pay a fine.
Ashley Morgan, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician and an adolescent medicine fellow at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is a member of to the Section on Adolescent Health. Follow her on X/Twitter
@AdolescentMD.