Best Scooter For 3 Year Old
Kids around 3 year old are eager to learn new things. It’s around that age that kids start to ride scooters. It would be kind of hard to identify the best scooter for 3 year old without considering factors like the kid’s size, level of agility and balance. As you will see below, some scooter models are more polyvalent than other, giving you the possibility to convert the scooter or to make adjustments as your kids grow. In short there are a few models that we do recommend in the article below.
Shopping Tips for the best scooters for 3 year old kids
Not exactly one size fits all
Weight and height capacity are two important factors to consider when shopping around for scooters for 3 year olds. Kids come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure the scooter you select has a weight limit of at least 20 pounds heavier than your child. Kids grow up so fast!
Wheel diameter
The larger the wheels, the more polyvalent the scooter. This is particularly true for front wheels of the scooter. Some cheaper models of scooters are equipped with smaller and harder front wheels, these models are more prone to sudden stop when rolling over bumps and cracks. We recommend scooters with front wheels of 10cm diameter or more, like the Mini Micro Kickboard that uses 12cm diameter front wheels.
Choose between a 2 or 3 wheels model
Another factor to consider is the stability of the scooter. Depending of the kid’s ability and experience riding scooters, you will have to choose between a 2 wheels or 3 wheels scooter.
The width between the front wheels on the three wheels models will also impact the stability of the scooter. The wider the more stable, but remember that the wider the front wheel base, the harder it is to steer the scooter.
What is a lean to steer scooter
The major difference between the lean-to-steer scooters and the regular scooters generally sold to older kids, is that on the lean-to-steer models the handlebars do not turn. Steering is done by leaning in the direction you want to go.
For kids with no experience this is very helpful in learning to ride. Kids who already master the balance on a lean to steer scooter can switch to a regular 2 wheel scooter as they progress. But the three wheels models offer way more stability for younger riders.
Scooter adjustments
Some models offer adjustable handlebars and adjustable seat high. Some models can also be transformed as your kid grows.
As a general guide line, the scooter handle bar should be sitting around the middle to bottom of the rider’s hips. Of course, models offering adjustable handle bars have a great advantage and allow you to adjust height of the handlebars. As your young rider will gain experience, you will be able to adjust the height of the scooter’s handlebars based on their feedback or has they grow.
No brakes, really?
If you have been shopping around for the best scooter for your 3 year old, you might have realized that some scooter manufacturers did not equip their entry level scooters with brakes.
It is true that during their first ride on a scooter it is very unlikely that you kid will have the proper dexterity to use the rear brake, but has they progress, the braking system will become a very important part of their riding skills.
Most scooters are equipped with the push-down rear wheel fender brake, this braking system is quite simple and reliable, it will help slow down youngsters on downhills. We advise against getting a scooter that has no brake.
Product recommendations
Mini Micro Scooter
This three wheel scooter is one of the best three wheels scooter on the market today. It will suit kids from 3 to 5 with no previous riding experience.
- Stable
- Easy to steer
- Overall great built quality
- Smooth wheels
- Lean-to-steer
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. This scooter is one of the most expensive of our comparison, but we think that it’s worth every penny.
Read our review of the Mini Micro Scooter here.
Mini Micro 3 in 1 Scooter
The Mini Micro 3 in 1 Scooter is basically the same scooter as the Mini Micro with the addition of a few accessories that make it usable for younger kids.
It will suit kids aged from 1 to 6 has the scooter can be adjusted to the kids ability. We all love toys that can grow with our kids.
- STAGE 1 (1-2yrs): A sit-on scooter (with adjustable seat)
- STAGE 2 (2-3yrs): A stand-up toddler scooter (with chunky low handlebar)
- STAGE 3 (3-6yrs): A original Mini Micro® stand-up scooter (with T-bar handlebar)
Read our review of the Mini Micro 3 in 1 Scooter here.
Globber 3 Wheel Adjustable Height Scooter
This scooter features a design similar to the Mini Micro scooter, but an additional feature that we found was missing on the Mini Micro: the adjustable handle bars.
Another feature we liked about this particular model is the patent pending Secure Direction Button Lock on the front of the deck, which makes the scooter moves in a straight line. This will help the rider learn to balance on the scooter much faster at first.
When the Secure Direction Button is not locked, ball bearings offer front wheel pivot support for assisted steering.
The low deck height also helps with less experienced riders to build confidence and limit damage in the event of a fall.
It’s price and the steering lock feature makes this one of the best scooter for 3 year old riders.
Click here, for the best price of the Globber 3 wheel scooter.
My First Scooter
This is a more budget friendly alternative. This model is well made and sturdy. Kids can start on four wheels and as they gain confidence they can move to a tri-scooter and then to a two-wheeled scooter. It folds easily away so you can store it when it’s not in use.
Different design: for those of you who did not like the lean to steer principle, consider the Argos model as an alternative. You actually have to turn the handlebars on this scooter to turn.
- No brakes
- Folds for storage
Kids will gain confidence rapidly on this scooter.
Click here, for the best price on My First Scooter.
Razor Jr. Folding Kiddie Kick Scooter
The Razor Jr. Folding Kiddie Kick Scooter is a three wheel scooter for kids aged between 3 and 6. Like other scooters in this category, the three-wheel design of the scooter makes it easy for kids to learn basic riding skills like balance and steering. This model is built with high-quality aluminum and steel for sturdiness and it has a colorful design for visual appeal. It does, like the other models mentioned in this review, have a broad deck for better control and two-foot riding but is also non-slip for safety. Not only is it simple to assemble, it can also be folded for easy storage. Easy-grip foam handles make steering comfortable and controllable.
If you need to transport the scooter in your car and you’re tight for space, this is a very good model to choose. It’s lightweight design and easy to fold mechanism make it very compact when stored, something parents will usually appreciate if travelling.
Click here, for the best price on Razor Jr. Folding Kiddie Kick Scooter.
Keep it safe
As a final note, I’d like to remind parents that although kids might appear in perfect control while riding their scooter, you never know when an outside element or a wrong move from them can expose them to a potential danger.
Due to their young age, they don’t see potential danger as an adult would. Make sure your kids are always wearing the proper protective gear and that they are using their scooter in a safe environment.
Helmets can prevent 85% of head injuries, elbow pads can prevent 82% of elbow injuries, and knee pads can prevent 32% of knee injuries.
