There are loads of great electric scooters for kids out there. It’s a fun hobby, and teaches them important skills like riding safely, following rules… lots of good stuff.
Are you thinking about getting your child their first electric scooter? Or perhaps they’ve outgrown their current one and you want to upgrade? If so, we’ve come up with five key things to consider before you part with your cash.
5 things to think about if you’re buying an electric scooter for a child
When you’re starting your search for your child’s next electric scooter, bear these five questions in mind. They’ll help you make the right choice…
1. How fast can the scooter go?
Some electric scooters can go fast. Really fast. Models with big motors can easily speed along at 15mph, and even 20mph isn’t unheard of. If your child is 8 years or younger, or not an experienced electric scooter whizz-kid, these top speeds are way too fast.
For smaller kids a top speed of 5mph is absolutely fine. That’s fast enough to give them a feeling that they’re speeding along, and it’s slow enough for them to stop safely when they need to. When they build up their confidence and decide that speeding around on an electric scooter is the life for them, 10mph is a perfectly acceptable top speed.
2. How much weight can the scooter carry?
Next up, you’ll need to make sure the electric scooter can carry the weight of your child safely. So check that the manufacturer’s maximum weight recommendation matches up.
You should even do a bit of crystal-ball gazing, and pick a scooter your child won’t be too big for when they’re two or three years older.
If anyone rides an electric scooter they’re too heavy for, it really affects its performance. It probably won’t get snapped or broken, but it definitely won’t go as fast or as far.
3. What age is the scooter suitable for?
The recommended minimum age for riding an electric scooter is 8 years old. If your child is under 8 years of age, you should think carefully about whether they’re ready to handle a powered scooter. It’s a good idea to see how well they can ride a manual scooter before you decide.
You should easily be able to find the manufacturer’s recommended age range for any electric scooter you’re interested in. So, just like the weight recommendation above, make sure it matches up to your child’s age.
And remember, electric scooters aren’t allowed on public roads, pavements or cycle-paths. In fact, they that it can only be used on private land with the owner’s consent – so taking it on the school run is a no-no!
4. What kind of brakes are on the electric scooter?
The brake for your electric scooter will be on the front or rear wheel – or on both wheels. All options are absolutely fine, but rear brakes are best for younger kids as they give a more gradual and controlled stop. Electric scooters with front bakes stop a little more abruptly, and this can sometimes take inexperienced riders by surprise the first few times it happens. Once they get used to it, they’ll be fine.
5. How powerful is the motor?
The motor of an electric scooter powers the wheels, and the more powerful motors help the scooter go faster and carry more weight. The drawback is that powerful motors make the scooter heavier, which isn’t great for younger kids. And because electric scooters with powerful motors can go at faster speeds, they’re more suited for the teenagers in your family.
A few final words…
Electric scooters are motorised vehicles, not toys. So your child needs to be responsible and always be thinking about safety first.
Make sure they’ve got the correct safety gear, and they’re always wearing a helmet. Supervise them while they learn how to ride their electric scooter, and make them aware of where they can (and can’t) ride it. Then they should be ready to scoot off safely!
Feeling like you could use some more advice? Feel free to chat with our experts on ShopLive!