Table of Contents
- What features to look for in a 3 wheel electric scooter
- Top 3 wheel electric scooters for kids 2021 (with advertising and linking to amazon.com)
- Best children’s helmets (with advertising and linking to amazon.com)
- Scooter safety: 2 wheel and 3 wheel
Few childhood memories hold a more special place in our minds than whizzing about with friends on a scooter. Electric models take that feeling to a whole new level.
A 3 wheel electric scooter is the perfect combination of fun and safety, with a robust build and tilt-and-go steering system ideal for kids. Picking a kids 3 wheel scooter can be a daunting task, so follow this guide for some insight into what you need and what’s out there now.
What Features to Look For in a Three Wheel Scooter for Kids
Height and Handlebars
The idea is for the scooter to last a while, but just in case you didn’t notice, kids grow far too fast! One of the best features to get around this is to buy an electric scooter with adjustable height handlebars. The level of the handlebar grip is essential as it provides steering, control, and stability, so it is imperative to match this to the height of your child.
An adjustable handlebar allows for a more comfortable ride but also prolongs the usefulness of the electric scooter. Some of the best designs have an adjustable height range spanning seven years of the average kid’s life, which by any standard is a more than acceptable lifespan for something your kid sees as “a toy.”
Weight Limit
Ensuring you buy an electric scooter with a suitable maximum weight recommendation helps avoid breakdowns and disappointments. While it is unlikely the scooter breaks completely, the strain on the motor can wear it out much faster, reducing battery life short term and scooter power long term.
Ease Of Use
- A simple, no-fuss push button to start it up is a great bonus.
- A kick scooter is excellent. Push the button to activate the throttle, then push off with the rear foot. The motor starts up after reaching 2 MPH, which is known as a kick start.
- You want a throttle with easy to control sensitivity.
- Easy steering is essential in an electric scooter for kids. Steering and speed control go hand in hand, so don’t skip out on this feature.
- Keep the frame as light as possible. Most models are around 10 pounds, but a bigger hub motor can push that higher.
The best electric scooters are the ones that let your child feel in control. Control leads to safety; safety leads to confidence; confidence leads to enjoyment.
Maximum Speed
Electric scooters for kids should not generally exceed 10 mph, but some of the most expensive models have hub motor power capable of reaching double that. The best scooters have a high-quality throttle with smooth sensitivity and control.
Small or inexperienced kids are best to stay with designs with five mph max speed for safety reasons. If the child can’t handle the speed, the more likely an accident is to happen, and the more power the motor has, the greater the chance of an accident is severe.
An electric scooter is not a toy. It is a motorized vehicle and should have a max speed suited to the kid riding it and its capabilities.
Brake Specifications
Like any motor vehicle, being able to break on a kids electric scooter is pretty vital. Electric scooters have either V or disc brakes, both of which are good. Ideally, you want a model with an efficient hand and foot brake.
The most important factor is what wheels the brakes control. A front wheel brake alone can be dangerous as it can cause an abrupt stop, throwing the kid forward. Rear-wheel brakes allow for a smooth stop and are the recommended choice.
Style
An electric scooter for kids can come in all sorts of packages. The basic setup is the same, but the frills and flares are what make your kids go WOW. Most of the best kids’ electric scooters come in a variety of colors and pattern designs. An LED light-up deck is almost a must-have for kids who want their ride to stand out for miles around.
Battery Life
You can expect between 40 minutes to an hour of riding time on any decent quality electric scooter, with some of the top models reaching up to around an hour and a half (roughly 10 miles). This is assuming the motor is running at full power, at the top end of the mph range, and carrying close to, if not the entire max weight.
A younger child riding their 3 wheel electric scooter at a slow pace who is easily within the weight range can expect to get even longer.
Stability
Going for 3 wheels rather than two provides increased stability, but there are still differences between models. Because 3 wheel electric scooters have a steer-and-go control system, you want to be sure the base is well balanced and not likely to tip over if handled too roughly.
Most kids don’t take much consideration for safety when they’re busy having fun, which is why machines must be robust and sturdy. A flimsy base with wobbly handlebars is more likely to cause an accident.
Age Specification
The usual age recommendation for electric scooters is eight years old upwards. This is mainly for safety reasons, as the machines are motorized, can often reach a speed of 10 mph- or more in some cases, and require some strength and focus to control them.
Older kids are likely to want a few more bells and whistles and can handle a slightly more powerful motor that weighs a few more pounds.
A lot of people question if they can get one for their child of seven years old, and the truth is; it depends on the kid and your discretion as a parent.
It is possible to find electric scooters for under seven-year-olds and under, with a maximum speed of under two mph and minimal experience required.
Best 3 Wheel Electric Scooter for Kids by Age Group
2 to 6 years old
This is the best electric model for children boys and girls. It weighs less than six pounds and has Key switch electric or foot-operated mode, with low max speed. The electric scooter is easy to ride for children age two and up and very good for exercise and balance. The ZHENAO comes in bright colors and even can be filled with bubble liquid.
Age 6 to 10
This electric scooter for kids is adaptable enough to suit your child for years. With a max speed of six MPH, the Globber model is great for children to build experience before moving to a two-wheel electric scooter. The deck is covered with anti-slip foam and has mechanical rear brakes on the wheels for ultimate control. Batter life lasts a little over four miles.
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Big Kids
This is one of the best electric scooters out there right now. The powerful motor allows for max speeds of around 15 MPH and has a fast charge battery that can last for almost 10 miles.
The rider needs to be confident before buying this model, otherwise, the power may be too much.
Best Children’s Helmets
Before letting your child ride their new scooter, it is imperative to buy a high-quality helmet. The most important features are:
- Adjustable chin strap
- Cushioned lining to reduce shock damage
- Full coverage
- Snug fit
- Adjustable inner band
The Exclusky Kids Adjustable Helmet is a fantastic option for children between five and 13. The professional-grade quality can last many years.
The XJD Adjustable Ventilation Helmet for Toddlers has all the desired qualities and is designed to fit children as young as three years old.
LERUJIFL Kids Helmet has one of the best adjustable ranges and can fit ages 5-14.
Scooter Safety on a 2 Wheel Electric Scooter for kids
An electric scooter for kids is great fun but must be used sensibly. 2 wheel scooters are tougher to ride until you get the hang of them, but simple steps can be taken to improve safety.
- Watch the road at all times
- Never ride without a helmet
- Check the wheels are clear
- Consider wearing sunglasses
- Control steering with both hands
- Don’t go faster than you can control
- Check the brake system before you go
Conclusion
The privilege of getting to ride should only be given when safety is a top priority in the rider’s mind. Remembering that a kids electric scooter is not a toy is imperative for parent and child alike. Following the tips pointed out in this guide is a good start towards picking the best option for your little adventurers, and giving you some peace of mind when they are out there.
