3 wheels - Most 3 year olds don't have the balance for a 2 wheel scooter yet, so a 3 wheel scooter is a must. Having said this, some children approaching 4 may be ready to get a 2 wheel scooter especially if they've already mastered a 3 wheel.

Wheels - Look for wheels made out of high quality materials such as high-grade polyurethane (PU) or urethane. Most first class scooters have wheels with high quality polyurethane/ urethane (also seen as PU) because it offers a smooth ride. In comparison, PVC wheels don't absorb shocks and bumps from the pavement so the ride isnt't as comfortable.

Lightweight - a lightweight scooter is easier for young children to control especially when they first learn to scoot. A light scooter is easier for young children to pick up when mounting the kerb and when changing directions. It's also lighter for parents and carers to carry.

Deck - decks which are low to the ground are a plus for any age group riding a scooter. If the scooter deck is low to the ground, the pushing leg has to bend less which equals a more comfortable ride. Lower decks also make it easier for 3 year olds to get on and off the scooter.

Smooth and Quick Ride - some 3 wheel scooters are designed to be so safe that they are also slow and clunky.  Heavy scooters can also be slow. Scooters with very wide decks can be difficult to turn. Features such as these, can make your 3 year old frustrated when their confidence grows as they are unable to get up any speed or turn corners.

Look for a scooter that offers a balance of being safe but also the ability to move quickly and smoothly. Wheels play a bif part in this.  Read reviews to get a good idea of how the scooter moves.

Handlebar height -  many 3 wheel scooters aimed at 3 year olds have a handlebar height of around 67cm. This is a good height as it should be manageable for this age group but leave some growing room too. The optimal handlebar height is around waist height which is the perfect size for them to control.

At age 3, the main thing to be aware of is that the handlebar isn't too high for your child. You will be able to see on the picture at the top of the page that the handlebar is slightly too high for my 3 year old son. This is something you see with many young children riding scooters.

Imagine riding a scooter. If the handlebar comes up to your chest then it's going to be more difficult to control. If it's by your thighs, you will have to hunch over to ride it. This is why getting a height adjustable handlebar is advisable as it can be adjusted to the ideal height for each child.

Height Adjustable Handlebar -  an adjustable handlebar is also desirable so the handlebar height can be increased for children as they grow. This means the scooter will last the child longer. An adjustable handlebar can also be increased or decreased for siblings or friends who may want to have a blast.

Make sure the handlebar can adjust low enough (or high enough) to be the right height for your child.

Foldable - For young children, a scooter that is foldable is easier to carry when kids have had enough of scooting. Some scooters aren't foldable but have the ability to take the stem out of the base instead.

If you're looking for a premium 3 wheel scooter with top notch features and a smooth, effortless ride, then look no further than the mini micro deluxe. It's a top notch scooter for pre-schoolers manufactured by the micro brand. It is pricey but it offers superior design and stand out features. Here is what you are getting for your money:

Lightweight - ​It's exceptionally lightweight (at only 1.8kg). No other scooter with a height adjustable handlebar gets close to being so light.  For young children the lighter the scooter the easier it is to control. Children often learn to scoot by picking up a scooter, for example to change direction. Lifting the mini micro is no problem! Even small children can easily lift it up and down kerbs and through doorways. Plus it's light for adults to carry when kids have had enough.

​Wheels - the non-marking PU wheels offer an ultra smooth ride. Like all micro parts the quality of the wheels are awesome. Some cheaper scooters have wheels made of PVC, it's best to avoid these types altogether. ​​

Height adjustable - the mini micro has a height adjustable handlebar. The lowest height setting is 49cm (which means it is really good for small children). The highest height setting is 69cm. This means that the handlebar will be the perfect height for each child in the 2 to 5 age range. The recommended rider height is between 80cm and 110cm tall.

Well designed footplate - another unique feature is the footplate which is made of flexible reinforced fibreglass. It's super strong but light and has an anti slip silicone footplate for extra sturdiness. You will notice from the pictures that the footplate is very close the the ground. Not only does this mean it's easy for young children to get on and off the scooter, it also makes the micro much more comfortable to ride. Little ones will not need to bend their leg too low to push along.

Handlebar - it's worth noting that on this version of the micro scooter deluxe, the handlebar doesn't fold. The reason it doesn't have a foldable handlebar is that it adds weight to the scooter. The scooter is as light as possible as kids find it harder to control heavier scooters. However the handlebar is removable from the base and can be done so quickly. This means you can easily take it on holiday and it's easy to store. You can also buy a version of the mini micro deluxe scooter which is foldable (featured below)

Other features - It has an anodised stem which protects the scooter from corrosion. It also has a rear brake for safe stopping. The weight limit is 35kg or 5 stone, 7Ibs.

Built to last - the scooters are durable and designed to last. The key parts of the scooter can be repaired or replaced. You can easily pass it onto siblings and the resell value is high on sites like eBay.

It will depend on your child and your budget. The mini micro deluxe is designed for children between 2 and 5 years old and 80cm and 110cm high. It's unique because the mini micro deluxe scooter is extremely lightweight, has a telescopic adjustable handlebar that adjusts to any measurement within the height range specified, a low to the ground deck and it's built to last. It has excellent reviews spanning back the many years it's been on the market, so you know you can't go wrong.

The handlebar has a very low setting which you don't see on many scooters. Therefore if you have a small 3 year old, this could be an excellent choice as the scooter will last them for a long time.

Lightweight scooters are easy for children to handle so the deluxe scores highly here. As a child gets older, taller and stronger they will be able to manage a heavier scooter but this is a great option for starting out.