What To Look for When Buying the Best Scooter for a 7 or 8 Year Old?
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We bought a scooter for my son for his 7th birthday. The top priorities for my 7 year old boy are a quiet, smooth and fast ride and one that could withstand a few tricks.
Whether you're looking for a kick, electric scooter or stunt scooter for your son, daughter or any child of 7 or 8 years old, there are many factors to consider. Check out our buying guide for more information.
JD Bug Original - Great for the School Run
One of the best picks for 7 year old boys or girls is the JD bug street scooter featured. It's a good choice for cruising along the streets.
Features include:
✔️ Easy to carry and store - it's folds with a single action folding/ unfolding mechanism and has a carrying strap which isn't a feature on many other scooters. It weighs 2.8kg so is one of the lightest scooters out there which will make a difference if you have to carry it a lot.
✔️ Wheels - it has 100mm 86a clear wheels. The 86a refers to the durometer (hardness) of the wheel. The durometer scale goes from 0-100a. The higher the number the harder the wheel. Most scooter wheels are 85a. Softer wheels tend to absorb more of vibrations but have a good grip, great for skate parks but wear out quickly. Harder wheels are more durable and faster. So 86a is a good number for a kick scooter.
✔️ Suitable for kids of all ages - the handlebar is adjustable from 63 cm. The maximum height is 95 cm so it can be adjusted to accommodate children of different sizes and will grow with your child. It's easy to adjust and with a maximum user weight of 100kg, even adults can also hop on and have a go.
✔️Construction - the scooter is well made and constructed from aircraft grade aluminium.
It's an excellent scooter and not much else really compares in this price range.
Top Tip
Choose the Best Scooter Wheels - Look for wheels made of high quality urethane with ABEC bearings rated 5 or more for a smooth and fast ride.
The standard size of wheels on many kid's kick scooters is around 100mm and this is fine for most children. However, larger wheels (110mm or more) go over cracks / bumps in the pavement more easily and equate to an even smoother ride. Large wheels also pick up speed better than small ones. The downside of large wheels is they add weight to the scooter making it heavier to carry. Scooters with large wheels are more expensive but because they have more urethane they last longer.
A Great 2 Wheel Kick Scooter - Micro Sprite
I am a big fan of the Micro Sprite scooter. The big wins with this scooter are the outstanding build quality, it's smooth and quiet ride and an adjustable handlebar with a huge height range from 63cm to 94cm.
On top of this, at just 2.7kg the Sprite is super light. Light scooters are much easier for kids to control and lift up steps and kerbs. Light scooters are also easier for parents to carry!
The Sprite is simple to fold and compact making it a breeze to transport in the car and store. A responsive rear wheel brake ensures the scooter comes to a quick, smooth halt.
Conveniently the scooter has a kickstand so it can be stored standing up. No need to lay on the drive or garage! It comes in lots of different colours.
Each part is repairable and replaceable so the Micro Sprite can stay on the road for a lifetime rather than ending up in landfill.
Not sure whether to go for the JD Bug original street scooter or the Micro sprite? Compare the JD Bug vs Micro Sprite to help you make up your mind.
Razor S Sports Scooter
If you're looking for an affordable, reliable scooter that won't break the bank, it's difficult to go wrong with the Razor S Sports scooter. For the price there's a lot to like. Firstly it's made by reputable US brand, Razor, who have been making scooters for many years.
The scooter is study and durable. Coming in at just 2.4kg, it's super light and foldable making it easy to carry when you need to. The 98mm urethane wheels offer a smooth ride.
The main feature you compromise on with the scooter is that the handlbar isn't adjustable. It has a fixed height of 83cm. The fixed height is a good sized for 7 and 8 year olds with a little bit of growing room for most kids. Ideally you want the scooter to come up to around waist height on your child.
Ozbozz Unicorn Scooter (with Flashing Lights)
Looking for something fun on a budget? This Ozbozz unicorn scooter is sure to please any unicorn fan with light up wheels that activate when the scooter rolls, (no batteries required!)
This is a great option if you want something that doesn't cost the Earth. It's height adjustable to 3 different heights and has a maximum weight capacity of 5okg so it should be fine for most 7 and 8 year olds. However, some reviews state it's on the small side for their kids so it may not have a lot of growing room.
The scooter is foldable and can lock in place. It's easy to carry and store.
If you have a child who's a unicorn fan, check out more unicorn scooters and accessories.
My eldest son had an ozbozz scooter from aged 4 (read my review here.) It was fine for a couple of years' heavy use (almost every day) but the ride got quite rattly and bumpy, especially towards the end of the scooter's life. Higher quality scooters with better wheels and build will give more years of use (if they are looked after correctly) and a smoother and more comfortable ride. Your choice will depend on budget and how important longevity and the quality of the ride is. But for a fun scooter, the unicorn scooter is worth considering.
Bopster 2 Wheeled Folding Children’s Kick Scooter
The Bopster is one of the best selling scooters on amazon at the moment with some good reviews.
It's a good choice for the younger rider, perfect for 7 year olds as it's lightweight weighing just 2.8kg so easy to control. An adjustable handlebar can be set at four different heights (62cm, 74cm,79cm and 84cm), ensuring it will grow with your child. It's foldable and easy to carry. 120mm PU wheels offer a smooth, fast ride.
One downside is the parts aren't replaceable so it will be difficult to mend the scooter when parts wear out, break or don't work together correctly.
It comes in different colours to suit different personalities.
Globber Flow 125
The Globber 125 scooter is a strong kick scooter built for intensive use with an ultra-reinforced frame. It's good for kids who put their scooter through a lot of punishment.
The height adjustable handlebar can be set at 4 different settings between 82cm to 97cm. It's aimed at kids from age 6 plus so will be a perfect size for most 7 and 8 year olds. The top height of 97cm allows lots of growing room.
The 120mm PU wheels offer a smooth, comfortable and quick ride from a to b. This is an excellent choice for the daily school run.
A high density non-slip EVA deck gives sure footing, so kids won't slip when they ride.
The scooter weighs 3.1kg. It's light enough to carry although the version featured above doesn't fold.
For a few extra pounds, three is a foldable version (featured below)
Globber Flow 125 Foldable
Micro Cruiser Big Wheel Scooter
3 Style Scooters - 3 Wheel Kick Scooter
If you're looking for a 3 wheel scooter for a 7 or 8 year old, the 3style offers a scooter for kids up to the age of 10 years with an adjustable handlebar to grow with your child.
There are 4 adjustable height settings to suit a range of ages, starting at 58cm and moving to 86cm.
It's lightweight (at 3kg)and foldable handlebars make the RGS-2 easy to carry and convenient to store when not in use.
The steering is learn to steer. The wheels flash when they spin which is an extra attraction for kids at this age.
If you're looking for a 3 wheels scooter, also check out more 3 wheel scooters for older children.
Micro Mx Ramp Beginner Stunt Scooter
The Micro Ramp beginner stunt scooter is the newest addition to the micro family of scooters. Micro is a giant in the word of scooter manufacturers for children. All their scooters are of exceptional quality.
The Micro Ramp is designed for children from aged 5 to 12 who want to learn a few tricks on their kick scooter. It's an entry level stunt scooter which has been designed to make learning basic tricks easy.
Like all stunt scooters, the Micro Ramp features a fixed height handlebar. The bar isn't adjustable and doesn't fold. Stunt scooters should all have a fixed height handlebar. This is so it can withstand the impact of jumps, tricks and ramps. Foldable scooters should not be used for tricks because the bar is more likely to snap or buckle under the pressure from stunts.
The Micro Ramp has a wide handlebar for better control. The scooter is light (3.7kg) so younger kids can easily handle it while practising their new hops and jumps.
The minimum height of the user is 128cm (4ft 2 inches). The height from the handlebar to the deck is 74cm
It's a fantastic everyday scooter which can be used to get from at to be as well as occasional stunts and trips to the skate park.
Why Are Stunt Scooters More Expensive that Kick Scooters?
Stunt scooters have to be strong to withstand the extra abuse they get from jumps and tricks but they also need to be light so riders can manoeuvre the scooter in the right way. For this reason, stunt scooters are made of more expensive materials. This means stunt scooters are more durable and can withstand a lot more punishment than kick scooters.
Micro Trixx Stunt Scooter
The Micro Trixx Stunt scooter is another scooter from the Micro family aimed at the 5 to 12 age group. Whereas the Micro Ramp stunt scooter (featured above) has been designed for occasional stunt use, the Micro Trixx stunt scooter has been purposely designed for a lot more skate park use.
Handlebars - The height of the handlebars from the floor to the top of the handlebars is 76cm and it measures 68.5cm from the deck to the top. These measurements should give you an idea of how high the handlebar will come up on your child. Ideally the handlebar should be around waist height. Although it's not an exact science. Some kids prefer them slightly lower and others slightly higher. However, too low and kids will be hunched over and too high makes the scooter difficult to control.
Micro recommend the scooter for riders who measure under 140cm.
Footplate - the footplate is smaller than normal, designed to give smaller feet more control when performing hops, jumps and tricks a the skatepark. It measures 47cm by 10cm (18.5" by 3.9")
Wheels - The 100mm PU wheels with a 5 spoke metal core are hard wearing to withstand the impact of tricks.
Overall this is a great scooter for 7 and 8 year olds under the height limit of 140cm who are beginner to intermediate riders at the skate park. It's smaller handlebar and footplate makes it a fantastic option for learning tricks.
The other great thing about Micro scooters is that their parts can be repaired and replaced. You can keep the Trixx out of landfill, a great option for protecting the planet.
This scooter is also an excellent choice for cruising along the pavements to school or the park. Bear in mind that because it's a stunt scooter it doesn't fold.
Check out more stunt scooters on a a budget.
Dominator Cadet
With an overall height of 79cm, the Dominator Cadet is designed for kids between 7 and 9 years old.
This entry level scooter's large box-sized, solid construction deck is nicely sized for smaller feet measuring 48.2cm x 10cm (19" by 4")
Durable 100mm wheels with an alloy core will withstand the impact from all of the jumps on the ramp. 120mm rubber grips will last and be comfortable for little hands.
Additionally, the Cadet features strong steel bars and a threadless HIC steel fork.
Overall it's a strong, affordable scooter for younger riders, a superb first choice for the skatepark.
MGP Kick Pro Scooter
This MGP Kick Pro scooter is a light, nicely sized stunt scooter which caters for the younger rider. The total height of the scooter is 78.7cm. It's recommended for riders from aged 6 plus.
It comes in some cool colours and will look amazing at the skate park.
The deck measures 50cm by 10cm (19" by 4") which is small enough for young kids to work with but also provides plenty of space for their feet.
The chromoly bars measure 56cm height by 46cm width (22" height x 18" width). The bar ends have soft swirl grind grips with bright colours which look cool.
Another brilliant feature of the scooter are the wheels. The 110mm holographic core wheels are strong to withstand the impact of the punishment it's given at the skate park. They are also smooth and quick with high-speed polyurethane and ABEC 7 high-speed chrome bearings.
Amazingly, the scooter only weighs 3.05kg. At such a light weight, junior riders will have no problems using the scooter to learn tail whips and other tricks.
Ideal for beginners and kids serious about scooting at the skate park. It's difficult to find a better stunt scooter for this age group at such a competitive price.
Razor Beast Scooter
The Razor Beast is a great first option of stunt scooter for young kids. It works well for a kid who primarily wants a kick scooter which they can also use for a few tricks.
The total overall height of the Razor beast is 79cm. It has wide 45 cm handlebars which are great for extra control.
It features metalised 14-spoke 98mm urethane wheels to withstand the punishment form tricks and stunts.
The brake is a stamped steel rear fender brake
The good thing about this scooter is that it's strong and solid but it's fairly lightweight at 3.5kg. It's a sturdy, budget choice scooter for 7 and 8 year olds who want to attempt their first tricks at the skate park.
Nitro Circus Ryan Williams RW Junior Replica Complete Pro Stunt Scooter
This is a competitively priced scooter which is excellent value for money. It's a reduced size for the younger rider but it's as high quality as any of the full sized scooters pro scooters.
The 100mm wheels are alloy core. A lot of scooters at this price point would be plastic core, so this is well worth considering.
The deck measures 43cm by 10cm (17" by 4") which is a smaller deck than average. The deck's small size is ideal for a junior rider, making it easier for small riders to control the scooter when learning stunts. The bars are also reduced in size and measure 49.4cm high by 44.5cm wide (19 3/8" by 17.5").
The deck is in a beautiful gold or satin black with R Willy (the Australian scooter rider) grip tape.
Is this scooter right for your child?
It's a good size for many kids aged 5 and is ideal for small 7 year olds who want a beginner scooter. The overall height of the scooter is 75cm. Some taller 8 year olds may prefer a bigger sized scooter with some growing room like the Replica featured below.
Nitro Circus Ryan Williams RW Replica Complete Pro Stunt Scooter
A step up from the Junior Replica is the Replica! It's a beginner scooter - perfect for 7 and 8 year olds.
As you would expect it has taller bars than the junior which are 55.8cm high by 45.7cm wide (22" by 18") with a total height of 80cm. Despite the taller bars, the scooter still only weighs 3.4kg so is very light for young kids to handle.
If you can't decide between the junior replica or the replica and can stretch an extra few pounds, this scooter is probably the better choice and one reason is due to the larger 110mm wheels. Bigger wheels are generally preferred by stunt scooter riders, they last longer and are faster.
The light deck measures 48cm by 10cm (19" by 4") so is on the larger sized compared to the junior replica.
The scooter is for beginners and for riders who like their scooters amazingly light.
Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter
7 and 8 year olds are at the perfect age to get their first electric scooter.
Electric scooters are super fun.
The Razor E90 reaches speeds of up to 10mph, and the battery lasts approximately 80 minutes on one charge. The speed and battery life on an electric scooter varies depending on how heavy the rider is, the gradient and terrain you're riding on. The battery lasts longer with a lighter rider on a smooth path than with a heavier rider going uphill.
Solid urethane wheels give a comfortable ride along smooth pavements. As the tyres are solid, you don't need to worry about punctures. Always a plus point!
Riders kick off to start the scooter's motor. When the motor kicks push the button on the handlebar to start the motor.
One downside of the Razor is that it takes 12 hours to charge the scooter between each ride but this is fine as long as you remember to charge it!
Overall, this is a sturdy, robust electric scooter that has some excellent reviews over on amazon.
There are slower electric scooters available if you prefer. Check out this article on the best electric scooter for 7 year olds for more options
Flikr / Swing / Wiggle / Scissor Scooter
Another type of scooter which has gained popularity with kids from this age group over the last few years are Flikr scooters, otherwise known as swing, scissor or wiggle scooters. Riders move these scooters by placing their feet on the footplates and moving their hips from side to side (much like a skiing movement). They are primarily designed to have fun. They can be used for getting from a to b but they are also great for doing tricks such as spins and wheelies (if you have the right type of scissor scooter). Read more and find lots more options in this article on Flikr scooters.
Kidzmotion 3 Wheel Wriggler Swing Scooter
The handlebar is height adjustable from 78cm to 87cm so you can find the best height for each rider. The maximum weight capacity is 85kg.
It can fold for ultimate convenience. Ideal for when you need to store or carry the scooter.
A cable front brake and twin rear brakes will aid kids to come to a safe stop.
These scooters are awesome, give kids a great workout and are brilliant for use on smooth flat ground such as pavements and paths.
Mongoose Expo Youth Scooter with Air Tyres
The Mongoose is one of the few scooters which has air tyres and is aimed at the 6 to 9 year old age group.
The advantage of the air tyres is that like bikes, kids can take their scooter on different types of urban terrain. The tyres also offer superior traction over wet surfaces so no worries about slipping around in the rain. Another plus is air filled tyres make the scooter ride more comfortable. The tyres provide more cushioning against bumps and cracks in the road.
Unlike most other scooters the Mongoose features a front caliper style handlebar like you would find on a bike. The deck is long and wide measuring 35.6cm by 10cm. (14" by 4"). There's plenty of foot space for kids and it's easy to balance on the scooter.
Bear in mind, this scooter is heavier than other scooters. Therefore it's not as speedy as a small, light scooters. Additionally, it's not the easiest to carry. Also, some assembly is required. Some reviewers found it easier to get the scooter assembled at a bike shop (or by somebody who knew what they were doing!).
Overall, if you're looking for a sturdy scooter which can handle rougher terrain, has a front hand break and gives extra cushioning when riding - the Mongoose is for you.
Star Scooter
Another one of the few scooters with air tyres is the Star Scooter.
This durable scooter is made with steel framework. 12" pneumatic tyres on quality rims give a cushioned ride over uneven urban and rough terrain. The tyres are also great for absorbing shocks and bumps on the pavement along the ride.
An adjustable handlebar from 76cm to 90cm gives 7 and 8 year olds plenty of growing room.
Front handbrakes and a huge rear footbrake make it super easy to stop. The foot board is wider than average and measures 34cm in length by 12cm in width. There's lots of space for children's feet and a wide footplate gives lots of stability.
Like all bike style scooters with air tyres, the scooter is heavier than average. The total weight of the scooter is 7.2kg.
This scooter arrives brand-new, sealed and 90% assembled. Minimal assembly required (approx. 10 minutes). A handy kickstand means you never have to leave it lying on the floor.
A great scooter for little ones who want a sturdy, stable cushioned ride along the roads.