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Christmas is just around the corner, so now is the best time to look for that all-important gift for your child. Electric scooters have become popular gifts in recent years as they encourage outdoor activity and exercise in children.
If you are tired of seeing your kid sit in front of a computer screen or phone, then get them an electric scooter for Christmas; it’s guaranteed to put a smile on their face and make sure they get out and about in the fresh air.
Our Guide To Buying An Electric Scooter For Your Child
Make sure you get an electric scooter that is designed for children
When choosing the best electric scooter for your child, you’ll want to find one that’s suitable for your child’s age, because as always, safety should be your primary concern when it comes to moving electronic gadgets such as these.
When you want to buy an electric scooter, you need to make sure that it has been designed for children. Some are designed for adults while others are designed for youngsters. It can be hard to tell them apart. Find out whether the scooter has features that make it the right option for young kids.
Choose a scooter that is right for your child’s size and age
Kids electric scooters come with weight limits or max rider weight, limiting the amount of weight they can carry. If the e-scooter has a weight limit of 120 lbs and your child weighs more than that, look for another option.
There is no need to buy something with a low weight limit compared to your kid. E-scooters also have recommended age limits; make sure you put this into consideration before you buy one. This will ensure the weight and height of your child is suitable for the scooter.
Make sure it has safe speed restrictions
Adults usually go for scooters that run as fast as possible, but it is not safe to let kids ride scooters with high ranges and are too fast. The kids’ scooters are usually slower compared to adults’ scooters. You have to look at your kid’s age when determining the right range and speed. There are e-scooters for kids that are faster than the recommended age limits.
Make sure you choose an easy model for your kid to manage. Choosing a scooter with a short-range is essential so they can’t go too far.
A quick-charging battery
Electric scooters today come with rechargeable batteries, which is why you don’t have to decide whether to buy one with a rechargeable battery or not. The focus now is on how long the battery will take before it charges fully. When choosing an electric scooter for your child, make sure it takes a short time to charge but can give a long ride. A good battery will let your kid go for 40-50 minutes straight, no matter the terrain.
Make sure it has the proper safety features
You need to prioritise safety over everything when buying an electric scooter for your child. While the e-scooter may look cool, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t have the safety features needed to make sure your child is safe when riding it.
Make sure you choose an e-scooter with safety features, including headlights, bell, reflector, and lock. These safety features will ensure your kid is safe when riding the scooter, whether during the day or at night. Safety is one of those things you shouldn’t compromise on when buying an electric scooter for your kid.
Always safety first
While most of the scooters suggested here are geared for kids from the age of six upwards, you should be sure that your child is old enough to understand the rules of operating an electric scooter, especially if they’ll be riding in the street.
You should also ensure that your child always wears a helmet and knee pads when riding an electric scooter, bicycle, skateboard or kick scooter. Elbow and knee pads are also highly recommended.
Our Top Picks
As one of the most coveted Christmas gifts, e-scooters for kids are sure to sell pretty fast this time of the year, so you’re going to want to start shopping around for yours now. With Black Friday quickly approaching, you may also be able to grab a good deal in the process.
There are so many electric scooters for kids on the market, so to help you find the best option, we’re sharing a few of our favourite electric scooters that are sure to put a smile on your child’s face this Christmas.
Comparison Chart
Most electric scooters go 10 mph or more; however, that is really fast for a young child. For kids under 8, several brands make electric scooters with lower maximum speeds. This is a much safer alternative for kids who are not developmentally ready to go so fast.
Best Overall
Segway Ninebot E8
- Perfect for kids aged 6 to 8
- Maximum speed – 8.6 mph
- Safety mode – parents can set maximum speed limit
Best Value For Money
GoTrax GKS
- Perfect for kids aged 6 to 8
- Steady speed while climbing
- It doesn’t go too fast on the downhill
- The wide and long deck provides plenty of foot space
- Automatically turns off when not in use
Best For Toddlers
Huffy 2-in-1 Bubble 3 Wheel Electric Scooter
- Perfect for kids aged 3 to 4 years old
- Makes bubbles as your child rides
- Very low maximum speed
- Non-slip deck
- Fun colours and characters
Best For Older Kids
Segway Ninebot ZING E10
- Perfect for 8 to 12-year-olds
- Maximum speed – 10 mph
- Larger wheels and suspension system make for a super smooth ride
- Cruise control mode
- Safety mode – parents can set maximum speed limit
Best For Teenagers
Swagtron Swagger 8
- Perfect for kids aged 10 to 16
- Maximum speed – 15 mph
- 3-speed settings (5, 10, or 15 MPH)
- LED screen shows speed and total mileage
- Short charge time
Our Selection Of The Best Electric Scooters For Christmas
Best Overall
Segway Ninebot E8
The full-featured Segway Ninebot comes in several models to cater to a wide age range of kids. Each model offers a different maximum speed, maximum scooter weight, and handlebar height. It also provides a very comfortable ride.
The E8 has a lower 8.6 mph max, and a lower and more narrow handlebar, making it ideal for younger kids. The E10 has a 10 mph max and a higher handlebar, best for kids at least eight years old and 4’3 tall.
With larger wheels and a front-wheel spring damping system, the Segway Ninebots offered the smoothest ride of any of the kid’s electric scooters. A unique and super cool feature of the Ninebot is that it’s the only electric scooter for kids that offers a cruise control mode and a safe mode.
Every other scooter requires a child to keep the throttle engaged the entire time they are riding, which can quickly get tiring. When set in Cruise Control mode, once the max speed is reached, it will stay there until the child engages the hand brake. The motor shuts down when the hand brake is engaged until the child kicks off the ground to re-activate it.
Safety Mode allows a parent to lower the scooter’s maximum speed, enabling them to keep younger or less coordinated kids safely riding at slower speeds. Cruise Control and Safety Mode cannot be used at the same time.
Pros
- Different models provide different maximum speeds
- Larger wheels and suspension system make for a super smooth ride
- Cruise control mode
- Safety mode – parents can set maximum speed limit
- Easy to fold
- Climbs hills well
- Coloured LED lights on the bottom of the scooter
- LED light indicator shows you how much battery power you have left
- EBS recovery brake helps regenerate power upon use
- Available in fun colours
Cons
- Handlebar height is not adjustable
Best Value For Money
GoTrax GKS
The GoTrax GKS sticks to the basics to keep the price tag down. The GKS has two main things going for it.
First, its slower max speed of 7.5 mph allows younger kids to ride an electric scooter safely. And while most other electric scooters end up going fast, down steeper hills, we found that the GKS maintained a relatively slow speed on the downhill. This is a considerable safety pro.
Second, the GoTrax GKS has a unique foot-engaged, kick-to-start throttle, another safety benefit for young kids. To get the scooter started, a child places their foot on the front deck button and kicks off the ground to get the scooter moving.
Once the scooter moves to 1.8 mph, the child places their rear foot on the rear button to engage the motor and accelerate to 7.5 mph. To slow down, the child can raise their rear foot, which stops the motor and engages the rear fender brake.
Pros
- Stays steady speed while climbing
- It doesn’t go too fast on the downhill
- The wide and long deck provides plenty of foot space
- Automatically turns off when not in use
Cons
- Quite bumpy on larger cracks or uneven surfaces
- The rubber on wheels is harder and thinner than others
- Handlebars aren’t adjustable
- Requires more assembly than most other scooters
Best For Toddlers
Huffy 2-in-1 Bubble 3 Wheel Electric Scooter
This is one of the few scooters on the market for toddlers. But it is an ideal option if you are gifting their older siblings with an electric scooter and you don’t want them to feel left out. It also makes a very exciting Christmas present as it blows bubbles and comes in bright colours. It’s perfect for getting them outside and will make sure they are tired when it gets to nap time.
Pros
- It makes bubbles as you go
- Very low maximum speed
- Non-slip deck
- Fun colours and characters for girls and boys
- It can be used as a regular scooter when the battery runs out
Cons
- The battery may run out quite quickly.
Best For Older Kids
Segway Ninebot ZING E10
Faster than its little brother, the E8, the Ninebot ZING E10 has a 10 mph max and a higher handlebar, best for kids at least eight years old and 4’3 tall. The Segway Ninebot eKickscooter Zing e10 is a kid sports scooter with a slim and lightweight design. Its frame boasts a slick, matte grey colour with eye-popping electric blue accents lining the fringes of the E10’s deck.
The design integrates dynamic-shaped handlebars clad in thermoplastic rubber (TPB) with good handgrips providing riders with good control.
Pros
- Larger wheels and suspension system make for a super smooth ride
- Cruise control mode
- Safety mode – parents can set maximum speed lower
- Easy to fold – more straightforward than other kids electric scooters
- Climbs hills better than any other scooter on this list
- Cool, coloured LED lights on the bottom of the scooter
- LED light indicator shows you how much battery power you have left
- EBS recovery brake helps regenerate power upon use
Cons
- Handlebar height is not adjustable
- Only offered in one colour
Best For Teenagers
Swagtron Swagger 8
Athletic and coordinated older kids can safely manage faster speeds. These electric scooters reach 15 mph, which is the fastest of any other scooters on this list.
With a 15 mph max and an LED screen to monitor speed, the Swagtron Swagger 8 is the most grown-up scooter. Athletic kids like this scooter because it can go so much faster than the others.
If your child isn’t yet ready to go 15 mph, the Swagger 8 has three different speeds settings – 5, 10, or 15 mph. This is unique because every other kid’s electric scooter we tested can only accelerate to its max – a child can’t choose to ride at a slower speed.
With the push of a button, the Swagger 8’s maximum speed can be changed while riding. Unfortunately, a parent can’t lock a child out of a higher speed, so exercise caution if your child is younger or a bit of a daredevil.
Pros
- 3-speed settings (5, 10, or 15 MPH)
- LED screen shows speed and total mileage
- Short charge time
- The thumb throttle is easy to keep engaged
- Suspension for smooth riding
- Extended deck – more room for feet
- Rear brake and a hand brake for slow or fast stopping
- Best for riding on grass or dirt
- It can be used as a kick scooter when the battery runs out
Cons
- Screw on grips can come out of place while riding
- Maximum speed on screen is 15 – can’t show when you’re going faster downhill
- Hard to fold
- Very loud when it hits cracks in the sidewalk
How Do Electric Scooters Work?
Simply put, when you press the throttle (switch on the handlebar) on the scooter, a signal is sent to the battery, which in turn releases power. The power released travels via the wires to the motor, which moves the wheel. Of course, the movement of the wheels equates forward movement of the scooter.
How long does an e-scooter take to charge?
For a new scooter, the charging period should be an average of 12 hours, but for regular charging, the time should be between 4 and 20 hours, depending on its capacity and the charger you use. Depending on the scooter, the charge can last between 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Adjustable Handles
There are two options for the steering handles of an electric scooter; fixed and adjustable. Keep in mind that the steering handles on the scooter serve the same purpose as a vehicle’s steering wheel. This is why you should focus on the steering handle when buying an electric scooter for your child. If you purchase a scooter for a small child, it is better to go with an adjustable handle. This is a handle you can adjust as the child grows. If the scooter is for a teenager, you can choose a fixed handle because they aren’t growing that much.
Things To Consider When Selecting Your Kids Electric Scooter
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 on a farm? Some scooter models come with unique wheels, ideal for specific terrain. It’s best to know if the model you pick can withstand the terrain where it’ll be used. Choose a model built specifically to handle their riding style and preferences. Please also make sure to look up the laws in your local area or country about where your child can legally ride their e-scooter.
Finally, parents are encouraged to consider the level of ride their child is ready for. It’s all about safety, and parents should think about what their kids can truly handle riding. If they cannot fit comfortably on the scooter, they shouldn’t attempt to ride it. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to decide what’s best for your child’s maturity level, skill, and coordination.
Electric Scooter Safety Rules
After choosing the best scooter for your child, help your kids understand the rules of riding before they hop on board. All scooter models are assigned a weight capacity recommendation and 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 eight 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 for children and parts right on our website. It’s essential to implement smart safety habits when your child first starts riding, so they continue to follow these rules in the future.
Another safety rule to follow is to start slow. Kids will want to push their limits, but they should 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.
Electric Scooter Etiquette
A bit of road etiquette goes a long way. A child will come across plenty of distractions and unexpected obstructions 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 extra dos and don’ts for keeping everyone safe on the road.
- Do keep hold of the handlebars at all times.
- Don’t ride the scooter in mud, ice, puddles, or water.
- Avoid sharp bumps, drainage grates, and sudden surface changes.
- Don’t wear headphones or text when riding.
Yes, an electric scooter is a fun activity, but safety rules still apply. The sooner they adapt to these, the better.
Final Thoughts
From the range of options, make a list of all the factors. What is the desired top speed? How much are you looking to spend on kids electric scooters? Everything that’s important to you and your child, write it down. Narrow down your choices until you have two contenders left.
An electric scooter is perfect for a birthday gift, back to school surprise or Christmas 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 love.
Community Questions
Can a child ride an e-scooter on the pavement/path?
Unfortunately, according to UK law, these scooters are treated as mopeds. Permission is only granted for riding them on private property, given the landowner allows it. Riding these scooters in public, such as on pavements, roads, and paths, is illegal. However, other countries such as Ireland continue to implement laws that allow for the usage of these modern-day scooters, while in others, such as the US, they are legal.
How long do they last?
Depending on the make and model of the scooter, they can last between 2 to 5 years. The high-end scooters tend to last long. The durability is also dependent on the type of terrain you ride on and your maintenance activity.
Do I need insurance for an e-scooter?
Because of the rules and restrictions surrounding the use of these scooters in countries such as the UK, you can only use them in official trials with the individual riders required to have insurance to use the tools. However, it would be best if you had health insurance in case you get injuries. On the contrary, countries like Ireland have no regulations over their usage and thus require them to be insured.
Can an electric scooter battery be replaced?
The batteries on electric scooters are rechargeable, and yes, you can replace them since they have a lifespan of about three years. It is advisable to do so with the help of qualified personnel.
Nely Hayes
BIO:
Nely is an adrenaline junkie and one of her life goals is to sky dive, but until that day she gets her kicks from testing fast electric scooters. Part time scooter fanatic & part time SEO analyst. Nely’s favourite scooter is the Dualtron X.
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