Best Electric Scooters for Kids

Has your child been pestering you about buying them an electric scooter? Don’t worry. It happens to all of us at some point. If the kids in your neighborhood are getting around on little shiny e scooters, your little one will definitely want to own one too. It’s the way it is with new-stuff-craving kids these days. But which are the best child-specific electric scooters for the money? Find out below who came out on top.

Related: How to Clean an Electric Kick Scooter

Who Came Out on Top?

*As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission when you purchase at no additional cost to you.

The Segway Ninebot ZING C10 is one of the best kids’ electric scooters out there if not the best. It allows you to choose the top speed (6.5mph-10mph), and it has a thumb-operated throttle. A scooter with a thumb throttle tends to be safer and easier to ride than other throttle systems.

And if the scooter runs out of battery power, your kiddo can ride it as a regular kick scooter. Even with a fully charged battery, they can still choose to ride the C10 as a normal scooter by activating the Cruise Mode. Beginners can choose the Safe Mode which sets top speed at a safe 6.2mph.

It offers a decent upper load limit of 130 pounds versus 120 pounds for most e scooters. And at roughly 18 pounds, the C10 is among the lighter kids’ e-scooters on the market. What’s more, it comes in an easy-to-fold design that stores in car trunks without difficulty.

But it gets even better. This ride offers 40mm-travel front suspension and decent-sized wheels. It rides like a dream on most surfaces.

What’s not to like about the Segway Ninebot C10? First off, it’s not the fastest scooter out there. Plus it’s not the cheapest deal.

Overall, a good electric scooter for older kids and teens.

Related: Best Toddler Scooters

How to Buy the Right Child-specific Electric Scooter

Below is a list of things you need to check off when buying a motor-powered scooter for a child or teen.

1.Choose an Option With a Child-safe Range and Speed

The first thing to think about is how your little one intends to use their electric scooter. Will they use for the school run and how far off is the destination? How often will they use the scooter each week?

The reason distance to be traveled matters is that it determines how much range the electric scooter needs to have. Most kids-specific electric hold a full charge for about 45-60 minutes. But the better (and pricier) ones can last up to 20 miles or a little longer than that.

If your child intend to use their electric scooter for commuting to school,  get something that lasts at least 20 miles. You don’t want your kiddo to have to push a dead e-scooter home every couple days. Because pushing a power-less scooter isn’t fun, plus pushing an e scooter without a battery doesn’t do a whole ton of good to the scooter.

2.Suitable E-scooter Size and Weight for Children

Choose a scooter that a child aged 8 and above can handle without straining. And if you’re wondering what age is considered a safe age to ride an electric scooter, your kiddo needs to be at least 8 to ride a motorized scooter.

I keep seeing kids younger than this whizzing around on some e-scooter. And I mutter under my worried breath, “Her dad is irresponsible. She could go down right now and get a few broken bones, you know.” I’ll say that again: it’s plain irresponsible of any parent to allow any kid younger than 5 to ride an electric scooter.

Size-wise, your kid’s waist should sit somewhere below handlebar height. However, the handles shouldn’t be too high that it they’re tall than the armpits. And of course, the scooter shouldn’t too heavy and bulky that a young child can’t handle it safely and comfortably.

How much do kids electric scooters weigh? Compared to adult e scooters which weigh between 27-35 pounds, kids’ electric scooters weight much less. Most electric scooters for kids weight in the 10-25 pound range. Generally, the lighter the scooter, the better. That said, heavier scooters tend to have a sturdier, stronger frame, fork, and other components and are more durable for this very reason. Get something that comes with decent parts while not being buick-heavy.

3.Pay Attention to How the Electric Scooter Starts and Stops

The best electric scooters for kids get the power to lurch forward for one or two electric motors. In most options, propulsion power transfers from the motors to the wheels through a chain drive. Kids scooters with a chain drive are more reliable compared to those with a belt. Scooters that rely on a belt for motion are OK for kids and teens as long as you don’t throw too much abuse at them too often. They’re not as reliable as chain-drive-reliant e scooters.

In some scooters, the rider needs to work a twist grip for propulsion. These scooters are OK for experienced adult riders but they could be unsafe for kids.

The trouble with an e-scooter that moves this way is that it’s pretty easy for your little one to increase scooter speed instead of slowing down the motorized contraption. That’s what danger looks like!

Some scooters pick count on a thumb-operated movement mechanism. Why? If the child loses firm grip on the e-scooter’s handlebar in some way, the most likely scenario is that the device slows down to a safe stop.

To start most children’s e-scooters, the kid needs to kick the device into active mode the same way we kick-start manual kids’ kick scooters or stunt scooters.  Once the e-scooter gets rolling, the kiddo needs to work the throttle to maintain forward motion.

Kids’ Electric Scooter Brakes

How a kid’s electric scooter stops is also critical factor to consider when shopping. I’ve learned that a decent number of kids’ e-scooter models have a breaking system that’s designed similar to an adult scooter.

The brake lever on these adult-like scooters are oversized and kids may have a little trouble activating them. With these kinds of scooters, the young rider soon finds that they need to apply tons of force to stop the two-wheeled motorized vehicle.

Dad/mom, I need you to give scooters with adult-size brake levers a wide berth as most kids aren’t able to control their speed with ease.

Hand brakes work better than rear fender brakes. When the little rider squeezes the brake lever, the scooter comes to a stop nice and quickly. It’s best if the disc brake/V brake is on the rear wheel. If the brake is on the front wheel, there’s a tendency toward sudden stops that almost always throw the little rider over the bar (OTB).

Other electric scooters for kids come rely on pressing down the rear fender to stop. Options with this brake type stop gradually rather than instantly. Give my kiddo a handbrake any day and not a fender brake.

4.Is the E-scooter’s Weight Limit Suitable for Your Child?

Most of the child-focused e-scooters on the market today have a maximum weight limit of 110 pounds. Many e-scooter manufacturers state each devices weight limits. And it’s important that your lovely kiddo ONLY rides options whose load limits are in sync with their weight.

What would happen if my kid rode a scooter with a smaller limit than his/her weight? Nothing much, to be clear. But while overextending an e-scooter’s stated load capacity may not always break it, performance always suffers a mighty blow. Here’s what might happen: your kid will find that their device moves noticeably slower. Plus they won’t be able to travel as far as they normally would.

Cheaper e scooters tend to have a lower weight limit compared to pricier ones. Additionally, the cheapest options tend to last between 1 and 2 years (and in some cases months!) before becoming a completely useless piece of junk. I encourage you to be willing to spend a little more to get a good electrified scooter. One that lasts years, one that your child’s siblings will ride down the road so that you can leave your money in the bank.

5.Get an Age Appropriate E-scooter for Your Kiddo

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, motorized scooters aren’t safe for anyone who’s not reached the legal driving age of 16. If a child isn’t old enough to get a driving license, they’re not mature enough to be out on the road riding a powered two-wheeler.

That said, most electric scooter makers state the right age for e-scooting as 8 years. At this age, kids are supposed to have good motor skills and are more aware of their surroundings. They can be safe out riding.

Insist that your 8-year-old or older kid to ALWAYS wears a helmet before heading out the door. Unexpected crashes happen, and they need to have their noggin covered if they fall.

They also need to wear protective knee pads with a hard enough outer shell and decent padding for cushioning impacts. These pads should fit well BTW. If they keep moving out of position during use, they won’t be much use to your child.

6. Wheel Size and Type & Scooter Suspension

E-scooter wheels have a diameter of between 6″ and 13″. Wheel size 6″-8″ is more common in kids electric scooters while 8″-13″ (8-9″ being the most common size) wheels are more common in adult scooters.

Smaller wheels accelerate quicker and are better for maneuverability while large wheels are better for speed, more aggressive riding, and riding off-road. If the surfaces your kid will mostly ride on are pretty crappy, try to get a larger wheel.

As for wheel type, there are pneumatic rubber tires and solid tubeless tires. Pneumatic tires  are air-filled and move over cracks and other obstacles much better than their solid counterparts. However, you have to keep checking tire pressure and airing the wheels up if necessary. Besides, pneumatic tires are prone to flats, and this is their biggest disadvantage.

Solid e-scooter wheels never get flats, but they’re heavier and don’t absorb impacts as pneumatic wheels. These are best used over smooth surfaces rather than off the beaten.

7. E Scooter Motor Capacity

Motor capacity determines scooter speed and weight limit. The greater the motor capacity, the faster the ride and the greater the weight limit. Generally, the higher the motor power, the heavier the scooter. Kids don’t do very well with tank-like outdoor gear. Heavier scooters are best suited for teenagers and adults. Kids’ e-scooters weigh between 10 and 25 pounds with 25lb ones being pretty heavy.

10. Get an e-Scooter With a Good Frame and Fork

E-scooters have a more solid build compared to kick scooters. They have motors and heavier wheels, and they need stronger frames to counter the thrust from the motors. While lighter scooters are a great choice for children, they have lighter frames and forks and aren’t known for durability.

Expect a heavier scooter to have a more solid and lasting build than a lighter one. It’s safe to assume that an option with a higher weight limit has better frame and fork than its lightweight counterparts.

As for the deck, it needs to be long and wide enough to accommodate two small feet. Remember that when a kid is riding an e-scooter, the feet are almost always on the deck. They only time the feet are off the deck is when kick-starting the device or when the rider dismounts.

11.Scooter Foldability

While most kick scooters for kids come in a foldable design, electric scooters aren’t always foldable. Some models are foldable and easy to store, but few e-scooter owners ever need to fold their vehicles. Once your kiddo arrives at school or wherever they go, they’ll simply dismount and park it like they would an e-bike or a regular bike.

In fact, having a foldable design can be a disadvantage because foldability necessitates having more moving parts. More moving parts require a more complex design. And more complex designs tend to be more difficult and more expensive to maintain.

12. Suspension for a Butter-smooth Ride

Suspension is important in both kick scooters and electric scooters, but it’s more important in e-scooters. Good suspension above the front wheel or rear wheel greatly improves ride quality. It smooths out bumps, and if you’re looking for an off-road kids’ e scooter, it needs to have really good suspension.

In general, kids’ electric scooters don’t have great suspension. Fortunately, some options such as the Segway Ninebot eKickScooter ZING feature front suspension that translates to butter-smooth rides.

13.Kid’s Electric Scooter Price

Entry-level electric scooters for kids cost in the $150 range while better ones cost $200-$350. The price you end up paying ultimately depends on the brand you’re looking at and whether you’re wanting a budget ride or a features-rich, longer-lasting high-end motor. If you’re buying the first e-scooter for your kid, get a $200-$300. Spend more for something better if buying for a more serious rider.

14.Best Kids’ E Scooter Brands

GOTRAX, Razor, Segway Ninebot, Swagtron, Pure Air, Xiaomi, and a few others. While choosing a good brand is important, you need to pay attention to the particular scooter you’re wanting to buy.

I’ve been buying outdoor gear for myself and my kids over the years. And I’ve learned that even great brands sometimes sell a product that’s not as great as the brand.

I’ve also seen terrific models being sold by little-known brands. Be sure to read customer reviews of the model you’re seeking out before purchasing.

Kids’ Electrical Scooter FAQs

Can a 5 Year Old Use an Electric Scooter?

It’s a bad idea to let a 5-year-old ride a motorized scooter. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that only kids old enough to have a driving license should be allowed to ride an e scooter. However, most manufacturers state age 8 and above as appropriate for e-scooting. Whether your kid is 8 or 15, don’t let them e-scoot without adequate protective gear (a helmet + protective knee pads).

What Age is Appropriate for Riding an Electric Scooter?

Age 16 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics or 8 and above according to most e-scooter manufacturers.

Can a Child Ride an Electric Scooter on the Sidewalk/Pavement?

Many cities frown on anyone riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk. It’s unsafe for pedestrians because the riders can ride right into them. Others places have put in place ordinances and rules that bar e-scooting on the pavement. Where sidewalk e-scooting is permitted, have your kiddo wear a helmet, but a helmet isn’t a requirement.

I found that e-scooter riders are safest if they stick to multi-user or bike lanes. And while they’re less safe riding on the pavement, they’re safer than cyclists who are 3 times more likely to be hit by motor vehicles.

Is a Helmet Required for Kids Riding an E-scooter on the Sidewalk?

No, it’s not required for e-scooting on the pavement. However, responsible parents everywhere want their kids to helmet up. Because the majority of e-scooting accidents most severely hurt riders who didn’t have a helmet at the time of the crash. One study found that fully 98 percent of e-scooter riders who had severe injuries were helmet-less at accident time.

Do Electric Scooters Come With Adjustable Handlebars?

Yes many e-scooters for children have an adjustable handlebar design. An adjustable handle is a good thing because the scooter evolves to accommodate your kid’s growing size. With such an option, you won’t have to invest in a larger sized scooter every time your kiddo grows taller and bigger.

The handlebar shouldn’t be too tall or too low. If it’s too high, your kid’s forearms will tire out sooner, plus this is an uncomfortable riding position. Also, the rider loses some scooter control, which ultimately means less safety scooting.

On the other hand, if the scooter handlebar is too low, steering can be really difficult. Also, the rider won’t have as much handlebar control as would be the case with a correctly sized handlebar height.

Electric Scooter Safety Tips for Kids

• Whenever possible, the young rider should stay away from busy roads whether riding there is allowed or not.
• No music or using the phone when e-scooting. With music blasting from earphones/buds, it’s hard to hear sounds of approaching cars and other vehicles.
• Many accidents (about 40%) happen because the rider lacks adequate riding experience. So make sure to teach your little one how to properly use the brakes and pull the throttle.
• Make wearing a helmet a requirement before hopping on the electrified device. If they don’t helmet up, they don’t ride. Nice and simple.
• Kids should understand that kick scooters, just like kids’ hoverboards, are powered vehicles and not mere toys. With this realization guiding the riding, safety gets a boost.
• Teach your child to respect other riders and pedestrians and to be a responsible road/sidewalk user. Be sure to check your city’s traffic rules about riding an e-scooter and educate your LO.
• Teach your kiddo DMV-mandated hand signals while out riding on the road. Teach the signal for stopping, turning left, and turning right as this can literally save their life.
• Have your child understand that letting their buddy ride with them is a bad idea even if the two of them remain within the stated limit. E-scooters are designed for a single rider and having two on the deck throws off the balance, compromising e-scooter safety.
• If the e-scooter lacks a horn, bell, or safety lights (many cheap e-scooters lack these features), consider buying them at your local bike store or online. They’re not expensive at all. It’s beyond me why e-scooter companies choose not to include at least a bell on the handlebar of their cheaper models.

4 Best Electric Scooters for Kids

Who’ll come out on top? Find out.

1. Segway Ninebot e-Kick Scooter ZING C10: Best Overall

The Segway Ninebot e-Kick Scooter ZING C10 fits kids aged 10 and above or 4’3″ 5′ 3″ height-wise. Compared to either the Razor E100 or Core E90, it has a noticeably slimmer design, and the deck isn’t as wide.

This option comes with anti-slip TPR handle grips. Each grip feels nice and comfortable, and it widens out near the end to prevent slipping.

It features a lightweight yet super sturdy alloy-steel frame and weighs just 17.9 pounds. Like most children’s e-scooters, the Segway Ninebot Zing C10 has a kick-to-start motor design for safety.

Its weight weight capacity stands at 130 pounds, which is 10 pounds higher than standard. It boasts a powerful motor with a wattage of 180W. That’s why it climbs hills better than most.

One great thing about the Segway C10 is it lets you control how fast your kiddo rides. It comes with three speed levels with 6.2 mph being the slowest and 10 mph being the highest. 6.2mph may be pretty slow for advanced little riders, but it’d be safe for younger beginner riders.

There are 3 speed modes namely: Safe Mode (tops out at 6.2mph), Cruise Mode (allows kids to ride it as a regular kick scooter, and the Turbo Mode that allows for a top speed of 10mph.

If your kiddo isn’t ready for riding an electric scooter, choose the Cruise Mode and just don’t press the thumb throttle, and voila! a normal kick scooter to ride.

Some parents complained that it’s too slow. But slow is OK unless you’re buying for a speed junkie. It offers hand braking, and the thumb throttle works great for kids. And the rear fender brake adds to the device’s stopping power.

*Be sure to activate this electric scooter before the initial ride. Here’s how to activate the Segway Ninebot ZING C10:

Step #1: Push the power button to turn the scooter on. You’ll hear a sound, and the indicator light starts flashing.

Step #2: Press the throttle and hand brake at once until the device beeps twice. At this point, ease the grip off the brake and throttle. Doing this turns the alarm and indicator light off, activates the scooter, and locks in top speed at 6.2 mph.

Step# 3: Hold the power button to turn the scooter off and then press it again to power it on.

The tires aren’t pneumatic, but they have a rubber exterior and are large enough for battling sidewalk cracks. What’s more, this scooter offers a 40mm-travel front suspension for even smoother rides.

The lithium ion battery lasts long enough (it lasted 5-6 miles when we tested it), and the scooter is pretty quiet. The best part? This scooter folds down fast for easy storage in a car’s trunk.

2. Razor E100 Electric Scooter: Best for Cracks and Bumps

The Razor E100 Electric Scooter is a solid kids’ e-scooter with a wide deck (8″). A wide deck on a scooter makes for great stability, plus kids don’t struggle to hop on the scooter and cruise.

The weight limit of this micro-mobility device is 120 pounds, which is standard for children’s e-scooters. I can’t see how you and your kiddo will share this ride. You’ll have to get an adult-scooter if you’re into this sort of thing, definitely one with a load capacity of 220 pounds or higher.

At nearly 25 pounds, there are many lighter options. But heavier e-scooters are heavier mostly because they have better, more durable components.

One thing I like about the Razor E100 is that the front wheel has a large 8″ air-filled tire versus a polyurethane tire on most similar models. The rear wheel isn’t air-filled and stands 6″ tall.

The beauty of pneumatic electric scooter tires is that they’re remarkably adept at conquering cracks and bumps on the sidewalk. Additionally, having an air-filled front tire means that your kiddo cruises noticeably smoother than would be the case with a urethane front tire.

But when cruising down asphalt surfaces, pneumatic tires aren’t known for speed. That’s the price your little one pays for having this kind of tire. But I don’t view slower speed as a disadvantage on a kid’s electric scooter.

To get the Razor E100 electric scooter going, your kid needs to kick it off for some time before the motor activates. I like this because it eliminates the jolts normally experienced on scooters that lack this feature. This safety feature helps kids ease smoothly and safely into the ride instead of falling off the deck and getting injured.

The handlebars aren’t adjustable, though, and they’re 35″ above the deck. If you’re wondering who this scooter works best for, it’s kids from age 8 and above. These handles come with slip-resistant rubber grips plus bumpers on each end so that your child’s hands won’t slip off when riding.

This e-scooter comes with a retractable kick stand and the throttle is on the right hand side. And it’s a twist grip accelerator.  I prefer a thumb or a trigger-style throttle on kids’ scooters over a twist throttle because the former tend to be safer.

Using a twist throttle can lead to unintended acceleration incidents. Also, your kiddo needs to have enough muscle strength to hold it firmly. And if the little rider hits bumps, there’s a chance they’ll lose a bit of control if they have twist grips. I suggest that you buy this for older kids (at least 8 years old) with better judgment and coordination skills.

A reliable bike-style hand brake on the left side slows down and finally stops the front wheel. This brake is reliable and works well. Another way to slow down the Razor E100 is to progressively ease the pressure on the throttle.

When riding around sharp turns, I noticed that this scooter’s motor cover can catch on the ground. Your kiddo needs to take greater care when riding through turns. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for this e-scooter’s chain to come off during rides. However, popping the chain back on isn’t too difficult.

A rechargeable 24-volt sealed lead acid battery powers this chain-driven motor. This motor type tends to be more reliable than other types and also requires less maintenance. Once this scooter arrives, make sure to charge the battery for at least 12 hours before using it.

After the initial charge, it takes about 8 hours to charge. Don’t charge it longer than this or you’ll fry the system. And be sure to turn off the power switch when the scooter isn’t in use to preserve the battery.

3. Razor Power Core E90 Glow Kids’ Electric Scooter :A Worthy Buy

 

The Razor Core E90 Glow E-scooter is another solid micro-mobility device for children aged 8 and older, and it glows as it goes. Its frame is made from steel-alloy, and the same goes for the fork. Its weight limit is 120 pounds, and it goes up hills fine.

A 12-volt rechargeable lead acid battery powers this scooter’s low-maintenance kick-to-start 90-Watt hub motor. Unlike the Razor E100, there’s no chain that keeps coming off. But many have found chain-driven motors to be more reliable.

Since your kiddo has to kick this thing off initially to get it going, they’re less likely to fall off as a result of take-off jolts. This boy is less powerful than the E100, but it’s still a decent ride. However, it’s noisier, but that makes sure everyone knows your little rider is approaching.

One difference between the Razor Core E90 and E100 is that the former comes with a push button while the latter relies on a twist grip throttle. Many people have found push button throttles to be easier to use and therefore safer compared to twist grip accelerators. With a push button, the risk of sudden, unintended acceleration is remarkably lower.

A hand-operated brake decelerates this scooter, and the design includes a retractable kick stand.

At 22 pounds, this isn’t the lightest choice ever, but it’s light enough for most 8-year-olds. The handle doesn’t adjust to different heights, but it’s tall enough (32.9″) for kids aged 8-13. BTW, it’s not foldable.

Its no-flat urethane tires roll smoothly over smooth surfaces. But for riding on crappy sidewalks, the E100 would be the better buy.

The battery stays strong for about 45-60 minutes, not 80 minutes as advertised. But isn’t that long enough for your child? Make sure to charge the battery overnight initially to preserve it.

4. Gotrax GKS Electric Scooter for Kids: Best LED Lights

Weighing 17.7 pounds, the Gotrax GKS Plus is another lightweight e scooter for 6-12 year old kids. It’s a solid e scooter with a 150W motor and a sturdy frame fashioned from aluminum. Aluminum frames are great because they’re light, but steel frames tend to outlast them.

This scooter operates differently than most. When you look at the handlebar, the only thing you see is the rubbery grips with anti-slip bumpers on both ends.  There’s no hand brake or throttle on the clean handlebar, but the rear fender is sturdy and works well.

It’s a sleek design with colorful LED light that not only increase safety but also makes it easy for motorists to spot your kiddo in darkness. The whole stems lights up beautifully as does the sides of the deck.

The deck lighting helps a lot when the rider climbs on the deck to start the scooter. This scooter features two step-on sensors, one at the front and the other at the back of the deck. To get this kids’ toy rolling, the child needs to place leg on the front sensor and start pushing with the other leg. Once the thing gets going, they should put the pushing foot on the rear of the deck where the other sensor sits to activate it.

Riding this e scooter isn’t difficult, but I can see how a 6-year-old can struggle with mastering all the coordination required to get the scooter going. I advise you to pick something else if shopping for a kid younger than 8 years.

One more thing: your kid can’t ride this scooter manually since both sensor buttons are foot-operated and both feet need to be on the platform.

Speed? Unfortunately, you can’t choose how faster or slower this thing travels. The speed is fixed at 7.5mph, which is slow and safe enough for beginner riders but too slow for advanced riders.

Where this scooter wins is the weight limit which hovers around 154 pounds. The second best choice in this regard is my top pick, the Segway Ninebot C10 whose load capacity tops out at 130 pounds. Don’t ask me why the GoTrax has a greater weight capacity when its motor is 150W versus 180W for the Ninebot C10 lol.

Its 6″ flat-free rubber wheels work great on sidewalks and smooth surfaces but may not be the best choice for rougher terrain. On asphalt, these wheels roll better than pneumatic tires.

As for the battery, it’s UL2272 certified (as are all batteries from decent brands today) and allows for a mileage of 6-7 miles. On the whole, this is a good ride, but the way it operates can make riding difficult for younger kids.

Who Won the Contest?

The Segway Ninebot C10 came out on top. It features a super sturdy yet lightweight steel alloy frame and offers a decent weight capacity of 130 pounds. Also, it offers a 40mm-travel front suspension system and lets the young rider choose the speed mode they want to ride on.

And if the battery dies before the trip ends, the youngster can kick this e scooter home without a problem. One more thing: this option comes in a foldable design that easily stores in car trunks. The only drawback is that it may be a boring choice for little daredevils.