Category Archives: Toddlers

10 Tips To Teach Your Toddler To Ride a Scooter

Ten Top Tips To Help Your Toddler Ride A Scooter

Many toddlers take a while to learn how to scoot. There are many skills they need to learn to begin to scoot from a to b so it can be a while from first standing on a scooter to confidently scooting from a to be.

This is normal. Yes, there are some kids who step onto a mini micro and intuitively know how to do it, but most children take their time.

The most important factor is to make it fun!

1.) Start Indoors

When the scooter is nice and shiny clean, let your little one get used to the scooter indoors. They can hop on and off. Move it around by pushing it with their hands and really get used to the scooter without having the danger of falling off  outside. This will gradually increase their confidence.

2.) Let Them Start Slowly

They will probably explore the scooter first and see what they can do with it, without even scooting. Let them sit on it, stand on it, push it and use it how they would like (within reason). It won't be long before they will be whizzing around, there's no rush!

3.) Show Them How To Do it

If you or an older sibling has a scooter you can show them how to scoot. Kids learn by copying, so let them watch you first. If nobody you know has a scooter, you could even show them a few videos on youtube. There's lots of little kids having a scoot around to show them what to do.

 

4.) Consider a Strap To Pull The Scooter Along While They're Learning



Before my youngest son had really got the hang of his scooter, I used to pull him around. He would stand on it and I would pull him around by the handlebars (slowly of course!). Little did I know at the time, you can buy straps which attach to the scooter and then you use to pull them along. It saves a bit of backache!

These straps are also useful when they are going a bit slow and you need to get somewhere quickly. You can use it to pull them along at the speed you want to go.

Additionally they can be used as a shoulder strap to carry the scooter leaving your hands free to hold a little one's hand.

5.) Work on Balance

Small children will need to learn to balance a little in order to ride the scooter. You can encourage them to do this by doing little exercises. Get them to stand on the deck with two feet at first while holding onto the handlebars. Can they put one foot on the deck, and one foot on the ground while holding onto the handlbars? Can they lift one foot off the ground? Stand next to them to reassure them and be there if they loose their balance.

6.) Choose The Right Place To Learn Outdoors

When you are learning outdoors, make sure you choose somewhere that is flat. If possible the surface should be smooth and not too hard in case they fall. Parks and playgrounds often have some great spongy, flat surfaces which will absorb any shocks if they fall. If you can, choose a time when there aren't lots of other people around.

7.) Little and Often

Kids get tired if they are made to learn something for a long time. I found the best way with my kids is to do 10 minutes every day rather than an hour on one day. Unless they are really enjoying it, then of course stay out longer.

8.) Make it Fun

Learning to scoot should be fun. Make sure that you don't forget that in your effort to get your little one scooting . It's easier to get carried away especially if they are making progress. But it can be easy to turn a fun session into one where there is lots of pressure and then their desire to learn can be affected,

9.) Notice The Progress

It can be frustrating when your toddler doesn't get on the scooter and start to go within an hour. After all, lots of toddlers on youtube are doing it. Why not your little one? The great thing is that if you look closely you will see lots of small improvements they are making. There will be the first time when they lift their foot of the floor and balance just for a second. Blink and you may miss it. But those seconds pass. It's likely they will scoot frustratingly slowly at first, but it won't be long and you will be shouting at them to slow down. Notice and praise the progress when you see it!

10.) Pick The Right Scooter

A toddler will be more likely to succeed in riding a scooter easily if they have the right scooter to use. The handlebars should be about waist height, the wheels should be a little bigger than standard and give a nice, smooth ride. Read the best scooters for toddlers and the buying guide on scooters for kids to get some tips and ideas of what to look for.

More Considerations

The Steering!

Scooters have one of two types of steering. There is the traditional type of steering, where kids use the handlebar to turn left or right (this is the type of steering you will get on a bicycle). Then there is the "lean to steer" type of steering which is most famously used by mini micro scooters, but is now commonly found on many 3 wheel scooters for toddlers. This type of steering is where the scooter rider leans right to steer right and left to steer left. Lean to steer steering is meant to be more intuitive for toddlers and young children. And for most toddlers this seems to be the case.

However my youngest son just did not pick up the lean to steer steering like other kids which put him off using his mini micro at first. I think there were a couple of reasons for this. Firstly he was already very confident at using a balance bike before using a scooter, which has the traditional handlebar steering. So I think transitioning to a lean to steer steering confused him.

Secondly, a few years down the line he was diagnosed with dyspraxia and as part of this condition his body awareness is not as strong as other children's. This may have affected his ability to lean to steer on a scooter

However, we persevered with the scooter and it might have taken him a bit longer than other kids, but he got it.

So, if your child has problem with the steering on the scooter there may be underlying reasons. But overall my advice would be to persevere with it. Eventually it will just click.

 

The Process Of Learning To Ride a Scooter

The other thing to be aware of is the process most kids learn to ride a scooter.

Toddlers learn at different rates and don't always take steps in the same order as their peers. But they will do many of the same things.

For example, toddlers will walk very slowing with their scooters at first. They will tend to go in a straight line and may stop and start a lot rather than pick up speed.

They will need to learn how to balance on their scooter in a straight line before progressing onto turning on their scooter.

They won't always turn while standing on their scooter at first. Instead when they want to change direction, some little ones will get off the scooter, turn it around and then get back on. This is why it's makes a good idea for toddlers to have a lightweight scooter to learn how to scoot on.

As their confidence grows they will then start to steer the scooter.

If you are aware of the steps they might take you can praise them and notice that they are progressing in the process of learning to scoot.

 


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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.
​
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

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.