Category Archives: Preschoolers

Balance Bike Vs Scooter

Balance Bike or a Scooter? Which One Should I Get?



My son had a balance bike for his second birthday and a scooter for Christmas when he was 21/2.

So should you get a balance bike or a scooter for your 2 or 3 year old? 
Well, my son had both and I don't think there is a right answer to this question. They will get something out of both a balance bike and a scooter.

However in this article I will share with you my son's experiences with a scooter and a balance bike, what I personally think of each one and the advantages and benefits for both.

The One You Buy First Will Probably Be Their Favourite

My son had a balance bike for his second birthday. It took him a couple of months to really take any interest. But when he did he loved it and was zooming around. We couldn't get him off. He would want to take his bike everywhere he went, to the park, to his Nan's house, to his friends, on the school run, to nursery.

He loves the balance bike, so he will love a scooter too... Right? 
He loved his balance bike so much I figured he would love a scooter too. So for Christmas when he was 2 1/2, I bought him a scooter. The thing is he loved his bike so much, it took a real effort to get him to have a go on the scooter. The bike always came first and was always the first choice. I had to really encourage him to use his scooter in the beginning. Wheras his older brother (who had a scooter before a bike, always preferred a scooter when he was younger).

Balance Bike Wins...
Now he loves his scooter and his balance bike. However, the balance bike is the favourite. I don't think this is because balance bikes are better in any way. I think that he found the balance bike easy and fun so in the beginning using the scooter took more effort for him. I think that if we had got the scooter first, he would have loved that more. But it's something to bear in mind when choosing whether to get a scooter or a balance bike.

Lightweight or Heavy?

Scooters are lighter
Generally a scooter will be lighter than a balance bike. Although this will depend very much on the brand of scooter and balance bike that you buy.

The mini micro deluxe scooter weighs 1.8kg whereas the strider balance bike weighs 2.4kg. Most balance bikes weigh more than the strider. A scooter is easier to carry when he kids no longer want to scoot around.
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Having said this you couldn't get my son off his balance bike so I didn't have to carry it much. But on the occasion I did, it was certainly heavier!

Consider hilly areas
There are occasions where you might have to carry a balance bike and a scooer like when you are going uphill. It's hard on their little legs to get that balance bike up a steep hill. If you live in a hilly area, as a scooter is lighter to carry it might be the best choice!

​Although on both the balance bike and the scooter I would be very careful about letting them go down hills. They can get up a tremendous speed which can be extremely dangerous.

Make Sure You Buy The Right Size

Common mistake - buying a balance bike which is too big
Parents will often say my child preferred a balance bike or a scooter but quite often it could be because they didn't buy the right sized balance bike or scooter for their child. Many people make the mistake of buying a balance bike which is too big for their two year old. When a child sits on a balance bike their feet must be able to touch the ground. They use their feet to push them along so if they can't touch the ground, they can't use it. If you are buying for a 2 year old, the strider bike is a fantastic option. It's small enough for little legs to use. My son had a bike for his second birthday and he used it constantly for 2 to 3 years until he grew out of it.

The handlebars on a scooter should be around waist height
The same goes for a scooter. A child will be much more inclined to use a scooter if it's the right size for them. The handlebars should come up to around waist high. Any higher and it will be difficult to control. Any lower and the user will be hunched over. For young children (around 2 years old) I really recommend the mini micro scooter deluxe (the lowest height on this scooter is 44cm  which makes it easier for little children to control.

Steering

Another thing to be aware of is the steering on a scooter and a balance bike.

Traditional steering vs lean to steer
My son's balance bike had traditional steering where you use the handles to steer the wheels in the right direction. In contrast, the mini micro scooter has a lean and steer mechanism, where you lean to the left to turn the scooter to the left and lean right to go right. As my son got used to his balance bike first, it did confuse him a little bit when he first started using the scooter as the handlebars didn't control the wheels and you had to lean to steer the scooter in the right direction. He did get the hang of it fairly quickly but in the beginning it did confuse him.

What Happens When They Get Tired

When they get tired both a balance bike and a scooter have an advantage.

Can rest feet when riding on balance bike
On the balance bike, their legs get a rest as they can sit down and just cruise for a while. I think another reason why my son didn't ask me to carry his bike so much is that he could always sit down and just cruise when he was tired.

No place to rest feet on a scooter
When their on a scooter, if they get tired and you don't want to carry it, you can get straps which you can use to pull them along. Just attach the strap to one end of the scooter and pull with the other end. Check out the Scoot and Pull.

Beware - Overuse

Obviously both scooters and bikes are great. However I would say to be careful they don't get too reliant on either of them and that they do plenty of walking too. As I said, my own son loved his balance bike and he wanted to take it out everywhere we went. But as kids are still developing you have to ensure they do a wide range of activites and movement to make sure their muscles and bones are not overdeveloping in one area and not in another. For example, overuse of a scooter can result in one side developing stronger than the other side due to one foot being used to push you along.

 Advantages And disadvantages

Both scooters and balance bikes have other pros and cons. Here is a summary:

Balance bikes Pros:

  • Balance bikes are great to get kids ready for the transition to a pedal bike.
  • They are perhaps a better choice if you intend to commute long distances with your child (to nusery or school). Kids can go quite quick on them with little effort.

Balance Bike Cons:

  • No brakes on balance bikes for young children. Can scuff shoes quite easily when stopping. (Balance bikes for older children do often have brakes)
  • Bigger, bulkier and heavier so harder to store and transport. Not easy to carry.

Scooter Pros:

  • Scooters  are lighter and smaller and some fold up and so store better than balance bikes. They are perhaps a better option if you want to take it on public transport as they are lighter, take up less space and are easier to carry.
  • Better for hilly areas as you may want to carry them when your child goes up and down hills.

Scooter Cons​

    • The lean and steer steering can make it confusing for them when they transition onto other rides ons or bikes with traditional steering which is controlled by the handlebars.

Strider Balance Bike

Strider balance bike is an excellent choice for a first balance bike.

  • The age recommendation is 18 months to 5 years.
  • Lightweight for a balance bike at 2.9kg
  • Adjustable seat height from 27cm to 48cm
  • Adjustable handlebar height
  • Maintenance free, puncture proof wheels
  • Padded seat
  • Footrests
  • Lightweight steel frame
  • Mini handlebars and mini grips perfect for little hands.

Mini Micro Deluxe Scooter

It's difficult to go wrong with the mini micro scooter for kids aged 2 to 5.

  • Lightweight at just 1.8kg
  • Adjustable handlebar from 44cm to 69cm to accommodate most children between ages 2 and 5.
  • Not foldable but stem can be taken out of the base for easy storage and transportation.
  • Built to last. Each main part is either repairable and replaceable so scooter can be passed onto younger siblings or sold secondhand.
  • Easy and safe rear brake

Videos

Globber vs Mini Micro

Globber vs Mini Micro Scooter


Key Considerations:

  • Globber scooters have quickly become a notable competitor to Micro scooters
  • This article compares Globber Go Up Series with Mini Micro 3 in 1 Series for toddlers, and Globber Primo with Mini Micro Deluxe and Classic for older kids.
  • Mini Micro scooters are lighter, making it easier for very young children and parents to handle.
  • Globber scooters offer higher handlebar adjustments, making them more suitable for taller children.
  • Mini Micro's eco-friendly design with replaceable parts ensures longevity.
  • Globber's steering lock feature aids beginners in learning to scoot.

Globber scooters entered the scooter market a few years ago and have become a key brand in the scooter market rivalling longtime brand Micro scooters.

So can Globber give Micro a run for their money? This article compares some of the Mini Micro and Globber versions.
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Firstly, we compare the Globber Go Up Series for toddlers vs Mini Micro 3 in 1 Series aimed at kids aged 1 plus.

Secondly, we compare the Globber Primo and Mini Micro Deluxe and Mini Micro Classic for kids aged 2 or 3 and above. Scroll down toward the end of the page to see the comparison.

Quick Summary: Globber Go Up Series vs Mini Micro Push Along Scooters

The Globber Go Up series offers two types of scooters Standard and Deluxe—designed for children aged 15 months to around 6 or 7 years. Both models feature adjustable handlebars, with the Deluxe version extending slightly higher. Each scooter offers three stages: a parent-controlled push bar, a ride-on version, and a scooter. Additionally, the Deluxe version comes in a folding model.

The Mini Micro includes two versions (the push along and the 4 in 1 trike/scooter). The push along is suitable for children aged for 2 to 5 years old (up to 110cm in height).  The 4 in 1 scooter is designed for kids up to 6 years old (up to 122cm in height). Both versions have a ride-on stage, a ride-on without the parent handlebar, and a scooter stage, with adjustable handlebars.

In terms of features, the Globber offers a steering lock for beginners which allows them to just scoot in a straight line. Both scooters use polyurethane wheels and have a weight limit of 20kg for the seated version and 50kg for the scooter.

The Globber's lowest handlebar height starts and 67.5cm, making the scooter part suitable for kids aged from 3 years old, while the Mini Micro push alongs handlebar adjusts from 49cm (ideal toddlers who want to scoot from aged 2).  The Micro scooters are also notable for their replaceable parts, ensuring longevity and environmental sustainability.

Globber Go Up Foldable 3 Wheels (Standard)

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Mini Micro Push Along

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Detailed Comparison of Globber Go Up Series vs. Mini Micro Scooters

Seats

Seat height adjustment is important. The right seat height ensures it's easy for little legs to reach the ground to push along on the lower seat.  The higher seat ensures that longer legs won't be bent too much when pushing along

The Globber has two seat heights on the standard version and 3 on the Deluxe version.

The seat on the mini micro scooter push along is adjustable to two different heights (22cm and 25cm). On the 4 in 1 the seat is at one height which is 24cm.

Steering

When converted to scooters, both the Globber and the Mini Micro scooters have a lean-to-steer mechanism. This means that kids lean to steer left and right rather than turning the handlebar.

As already mentioned, one feature the Globber has that the Mini Micro doesn't is a steering lock. Press a button and the steering can be locked, so the scooter can only move forwards and backwards and doesn't turn. The idea is that when kids are learning to scoot, they don't have to worry about steering until they have mastered scooting in a straight line.

Weight of Scooter

When used as a stand alone scooter, the Globber weighs 2.5kg and the Mini Micro weighs 1.8kg.
​They are both light but the Mini Micro is much lighter than the Globber.

Light scooters give young children who are learning to scoot an advantage. They are able to control the scooter much more easily. They are also able to lift and turn the scooter when needed so don't always need to steer at the beginning. It's also easier for small children to lift the scooter up and down kerbs and steps.

Additionally, a light scooter is easier for parents to carry and move when little kids have had enough scooting.

Scooter Handlebar Height​

Globber
The Globber Standard has a 3 height adjustable handlebar heights from 67.5cm to 77.5cm.  This makes the scooter  suitable for the 3 to 6 year age group. It may also work better for toddlers who are taller. The Deluxe version has 4 height adjustable handlebars which extend to 82.5cm.
Mini Micro
The Mini Micro push along comes with a height adjustable handlebar of between 49 and 67cm. Adjust the handlebar to at any point within this range, making it easy to find the perfect height for your child. The low handlebar height is excellent for very young kids. Your child could use the scooter from as young as 2 (or even younger) if they are ready. Ideally, handlebars should be no higher than waist height. Any higher than this makes it difficult for young children to control.
The 4 in 1 version has a handlebar which extends between 45cm to 79cm so you child use this for an even longer period.

Deck

Both scooters have a low to the ground deck which makes it easy to get on and off the scooter

Longevity

What I love about the Micro scooters is that all their parts can be repaired or replaced. This means that once you've bought a Micro scooter it can be kept out of landfill indefinitely and passed onto siblings, cousins or sold on eBay. Check out the range of spare parts over on the Micro website.

There are some spare parts you can get for the Globber scooters to keep them going (including wheels and brakes) so it could be possible to use it for some years. However, it doesn't have quite the range of replacement parts as the micro so it won't last forever.

Comparison Chart (Globber Go Up Series vs Mini Micro 3 in 1)

FeatureGlobber Go UP seriesMini Micro 3 in 1 Series
Seat2 heights adjustments on the standard
3 heights on the deluxe
2 seat height adjusment on the push along
Fixed height seat on the 4 in 1
Parent handlebarHeight adjustable
(3 on Standard, 4 on Deluxe)		Adjustable handlebar on both versions
FootrestsOn Deluxe versionsOn both versions.
Handlebar height adjustment 3 height adjustments on sporty (67.5 - 77.5cm)
4 height adjustments on Deluxe and comfort up to (67.5 - 82.5cm)
Push along version is height adjustable at any from 49cm to 67cm. 4 in 1 version is adjustable up to 79cm
Weight of stand alone scooter2.5kg 1.8kg
SteeringLean to steer
Button to turn off steering while learning		Lean to Steer
Age Recommendation15 months to 6 years 2 year to 5 years or 6 years

Which One?

Choosing a winner is challenging because both scooters offer unique features that appeal to different preferences.

If you’re buying for a very young child who is eager to start scooting soon and may only use the seat for a short period, the Mini Micro is an excellent choice. It’s lighter, and the lowest handlebar height on the Deluxe scooter is shorter, allowing kids to start using it as early as 2 or 2.5 years old. Some exceptional kids even start scooting on the Mini Micro at just 18 months!

On the other hand, the Globber scooter is better suited for children around 3 years old. Its height makes it ideal for kids who will use the ride-on feature longer before transitioning to scooting around their third birthday. Additionally, the Globber has a unique steering lock feature that makes it easier for beginners to learn how to scoot.

If eco-friendliness is a priority and you want to pass the scooter on to others rather than adding it to a landfill, the Mini Micro is your best bet. You might also consider the Mini Micro Eco version for an even more environmentally friendly option.

Globber Primo Vs Mini Micro Classic and Deluxe

If you're buying for an older child, you will most likely be looking at the differences between the Globber Primo and the Mini Micro Deluxe or Classic.

 

Globber PrimoMini Micro DeluxeMini Micro Classic
Handlebar: 67-78cm
​(Adjustable to 3 different heights) 		Handlebar: 49cm to 69cm
(adjustable to any height within this range).		Handlebar: 69cm (fixed height)
Folding & non foldable versions available
You can remove the stem from base for easy storage on non-folding version		Foldable & non-foldable versions available.
You can remove the stem from base for easy storage on non-folding version		Not foldable
But remove the stem from base for easy storage.
Scooter weight: 2.5kgScooter weight: 1.8kgScooter weight: 1.5kg
Lean to steer
Button to turn off steering 		Lean to steerLean to steer
3 to 6 years2 to 5 years3 to 5 years

Micro Deluxe Scooter


Globber Primo

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Globber (Foldable)

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Micro (Foldable)

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Which one?

The table above makes it really easy to see the differences between all 3 scooters but it may not be easy to decide if you're not sure which features make it best for your child:
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For 2 Year Olds - Winner - Mini Micro Deluxe
The Globber Primo and Mini Micro Classic are aimed at kids age 3 and above.​The Mini Micro Deluxe has a really low handlebar height of 48cm so can accommodate kids from age 2. If you are buying for a 2 year old and have the budget it's worth going for the Mini Micro Deluxe as 2 year olds will find the lower handlebar on this scooter much easier to control.​​

Mini Micro Classic - Advantages

The Mini Micro classic may not appear to be the best choice as it's pricier than the Globber and offers fewer features.

However, one area where it scores very highly and which may affect your ultimate decision is how lightweight this scooter is. As it has no adjustable handlebar or folding mechanism, the scooter is super lightweight. This means that kids can easily move and control the scooter. It is super easy for them to pick up and move up and down kerbs and steps independently. It also makes it easier to learn how to scoot with the scooter is lighter. Parents with back issues will also appreciate having a lighter scooter to carry when it's time to put it in the car or carry it when little ones have had enough.

The Mini Micro Classic is also less expensive than the Mini Micro Deluxe. It's fixed height on the scooter suits the 3 to 5 year age group the best.

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Other Mini Micro Advantages
Mini Micro ensure that all the parts on their scooter are repairable and replaceable. You can pick up any spare parts you need on the micro website. This is great for keeping the scooter out of landfill. You can keep the scooter on the road and pass it down to siblings and friends. Or even sell it secondhand when you've finished with it. The scooters keep their value over on eBay.

Globber Primo- Advantages

Obviously, the lower price point makes the Globber Primo attractive, especially for those on a budget.

The adjustable handlebar with three different height settings means it will grow with your child. The maximum handlebar height is a lot higher than the Mini Micro Classic and Deluxe so will grow with your child for longer. There is potentially another year of use you can have with this scooter.

It is slightly heavier, which means it may be a little harder for little ones to pick up and down steps.

It's perhaps the better choice for taller and heavier children who won't even notice the extra weight. ​

Top 6 Best Travel Scooters For Kids

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What Is The Best Travel Scooter for Kids?

Are you looking to take a lightweight and compact travel scooter for your kids on your travels? Taking a scooter on holiday means that kids who are reluctant to walk can keep up without moaning. They can also be fun for exploring!

However, packing a scooter in our luggage can bring challenges. If travelling by airplane, you will have weight limits with your luggage or have a limited amount of luggage you can take on board. If you are travelling by car, a scooter may be hard to fit in the car with all the other bags you are taking. This may put you off taking a scooter along with you. But fear not, there are many scooters that can accommodate for these problems.

Wherever you are going the important considerations for a scooter to take on holiday are that it is lightweight so is easy to carry and will fit inside your luggage. It must be able to fold or have an easily removable handlebar so you can fit it in your suitcase or the car.

Here are some options of good scooters for travelling with the kids.

Mini Micro Scooter (Classic)

It's no secret on this website that I love the mini micro scooter and I think you will find most people who make the investment and buy one feel the same. It also makes the best scooter for travelling with young children.

✔️ Super Lightweight - Probably the most lightweight scooter on the market coming in at 1.5kg. This means it won't add much to your luggage weight which is great if you are flying and don't want to pay extra for luggage.

✔️ Removeable Handlebar - Although this scooter cannot fold you can very easily remove the handlebar to fit it in your car or your suitcase too.

✔️Age Recommendation - 3 to 5 years

Check out my full review of the scooter.

 

Mini Micro Scooter (Deluxe)

The Mini Micro Deluxe is very similar to the classic scooter above expect it's foldable, it's age range covers 2 to 5 years and it has an adjustable handlebar. The adjustable handlebar and folding mechanism adds just a little bit more weight to the scooter. So it weighs 1.8kg and not 1.5kg like the classic. It has more features than the classic but does costs a little bit more.

✔️ Very lightweight - next to the micro classic, it probably is the lightest scooter for young children out there with a weight of just 1.8kg

✔️ Adjustable handlebar - the handlebar adjust from 48 to 64 cm

✔️The t-bar can be removed from the base for easy transportation.

✔️Age Recommendaton - 2 to 5 years

Which scooter you get may depend on the age of your child, how much you want to spend and if it's important the scooter can quickly fold and unfold.

Globber Primo Elite Scooter

The Globber Elite Primo has some great features which make this a great 3 wheel travel scooter for little kids.  It's aimed at kids between ages 2 and 6 and has some fab features which make it super handy to have on your travels.

✔️  Trolley System -  Once folded an adult or child can easily pull the Primo scooter along behind them using the trolley system. This is ideal when little kids have had enough of scooting but you still need to walk somewhere.

✔️ The scooter is light, weighing 2.5kg so easy to carry (although not as light as the micro deluxe scooter)

✔️ "Lean to steer". Lean left to go left and right to go right (exactly the same steering as the mini micro scooters).

✔️4 height adjustable handlebar.

✔️A steering lock. Press the button and the scooter can only go forwards and backwards. This is great for young rider who are learning to scoot as they don't have to worry about turning until they can scoot in a straight line.

Zinc Flyte Case Scooter

Would the kids love to scoot with their luggage rather than walk? This suitcase/scooter combo could be the optimal choice for them.

It's both a scooter and a suitcase. Pack your suitcase (it has a 25 litre capacity) and then ride it along as a scooter. The scooter can be folded down into the suitcase when needed. You can also just use the scooter handlebar to pull the suitcase along as well. And the handles can be used to carry the case.

There are lots of different designs to choose from including a space, dinosaur, unicorn, shark and owl design. It's aimed at kids between 4 and 8 years old.

The scooter should be fine to fit as cabin luggage although the size you can take on varies between airlines, so check with your airline before you buy and fly.

Maxi Micro Scooter

For older kids, another great lightweight scooter option is the maxi micro scooter. It's a 3 wheel scooter which is designed by the same people who make the mini micro above but it's designed for kids aged 6 to 10 years old. It's super lightweight for a scooter at just 2.5kg so again shouldn't add too much to the weight of your luggage. You can also remove the handle for easy storage and transport.

✔️ Very lightweight for an older child's scooter at just 2.5kg

✔️ Removable Handlebar - the scooter isn't foldable but the handle can be detached from the base. A folding mechanism adds weight to a scooter which is why to keep the scooter lightweight, micro haven't added one.

✔️Height adjustable handlebar - from 68cm - 91cm

✔️ Age Recommendation - 5 - 12 years

JD Bug Street Scooter

If you're looking for a lightweight and foldable 2 wheel scooter to take on holiday with you this is a fantastic option.

✔️ Weight - weighs just 2.8kg

✔️Height adjustable - the handlebar adjusts from 63cm-95cm.

✔️ Foldable - easily folds and unfolds with a quick release clamp. The handlebars also fold down which means the scooter is more compact to fit in a car on in a large suitcase.

✔️ Carry strap - it comes with an detachable shoulder strap to make it easy to carry.

✔️ Age Recommendation - 5 to 12 years

 

JD Bug Junior Street Scooter


Another option of 2 wheel scooter for a younger child is the JD Bug Junior scooter which is slightly smaller than the JD Bug street scooter featured above, weighs less and has a slightly younger age recommendation. It's also cheaper so worth considering for younger children.

✔️ Super light - This is the lightest two wheel scooter featured on the page at just 2.3kg.

✔️Height adjustable - the handelbar adjusts from 63cm - 85cm

✔️ Smaller footplate - the deck is shorter for a smaller foot. The size is 44cm by 9ccm.

✔️ Foldable - like the street scooter, the junior is easy to fold and unfold with a quick release clamp

✔️ Age Recommendation - 4 to 8 years

See an indepth comparison of the JD Bug Junior vs JD Bug Street.

Micro Sprite

If you're a fan of the micro scooters, the micro sprite is a lightweight two wheel option. It's not quite as light as the jd bug scooters and the sprite is more expensive. However, the micro family of scooters is well known for their high quality so you can be in doubt that this will last for years.

✔️ Weight - the micro weight 3.28kg

✔️ Foldable - it is easy to fold and unfold with a quick release clamp

✔️Height adjustable - the handlebar can height adjust from 64cm to 95cm

✔️Age Recommendation - 5 to 12 years

Lightest Stunt Scooter

Older kids and teens may request to take a stunt scooter away with them on holiday to use at the skate park. Stunt scooters don't have foldable or removable handlebars so they can be quite difficult to pack away in luggage. If you do want to take a stunt scooter away on  your travels, it is best to choose a lighter one so it's easy to carry. Some stunt scooters are lighter than 3.5kg, so these are always a good option.

Grit Elite Pro Scooter

 

✔️ Weighs 3.44kg which is light for a stunt scooter

✔️ The scooter dimensions are 530mm wide and 580mm high

✔️ Durable and well built with alloy core 110mm wheels to withstand the impact of jumps and tricks.

✔️ For beginners and intermediate scooter riders from 8 years plus.

Folding Scooters

There are tons of folding scooters out there. The weights vary from scooter to scooter but it's worth checking out the weights of some and see if they would be an option for you to take with you when you travel.

Buy a Cheap Scooter And Get It Delivered On Arrival

Another idea is to buy a very cheap scooter and have it delivered to the location where you are going so you don't have to travel with it.  So if you are going to visit family or friends in the UK, you could consider having it delivered to their house before you arrive.