The best electric scooters for kids

A buying guide of e-scooters for parents and their thrill-seeking children.

Boy and girl standing on electric scooters wearing protective gear

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Kids love scooters, and since adult e-scooters have been introduced to the streets of big cities, of course, the youngsters want to get involved too. Child e-scooters are usually slower and more lightweight compared to adult scooters, though no less fun.

When buying an electric scooter for your child, you should consider a few factors. The age of your child and the speed they are comfortable with. Secondly, the weight of the scooter and how much weight it can support. Thirdly, what sort of range are you looking for. Are you looking for hours of charge or short-term bursts?

Related: Best adult scooters

With all that in mind, we have picked out the best electric scooters for kids to make your choice easier. Check out our recommendations fore-scooters and safety gear below.

Are children e-scooters legal in the UK?

Unfortunately, just like adult electric scooters, children e-scooters can only be legally used on private land, with the landowner's permission as they are treated as mopeds in UK law. Unlike people-powered scooters and e-bikes, privately owned e-scooters are not currently permittedfor use on public roads, pathways, or cycle routes.

Fortunately, a government initiative is coming into effect to support the “last-mile” campaign, which is aiming to make the future of travel greener and more sustainable. With the UK Government’s ongoing trial of rental e-scooters, it’s only a matter of time before they are fully legalised for private use.

The UK Government's current trial only permits rental e-scooters to be used in public. The gathered statistics and evidence will be used to "guide final decisions about whether and – if so – how to fully legalise e-scooters". Standard, non-motored scooters, are legal for use in the UK. Private and hired e-scooters are already legal to use in many European countries.

The best electric scooters for kids in 2022

The overall best electric scooter for kids

Description

The Razor E100 is our top pick due to its affordable price and outstanding performance. Reaching around 10mph, this e-scooter can reach top speed without the risk of becoming an extreme sport. In addition, it can be used for 60 minutes of drive time or approximately 10 miles before being charged again. This scooter features a twist-grip throttle, hand-operated front brake, retractable kickstand and no chain or belt for a maintenance-free ride. One thing to note is that this model is not foldable, so if you are looking for something portable to store in the house, car, or garden, then this may not be the best pick. However, if you are looking for something affordable for your thrill-seeking child, then this would be a great gift.

Specifications
Age range 8 and up
Weight 22 lbs / 10kg
Max speed 10 mph
Range 10 miles
Max rider weight : 120 lbs/ 54kg
Pros Cons
• Good battery life • Not foldable
• Top speed • No reflectors or bells

Review: “Very quick and sturdy. Highly recommended. Good value for money.”

Editor's pick

Description

If you are looking for a budget option, then the Razor Power Core E90 is much like the Razor Power E100, reaching 10 mph and 70 minutes of use without the larger price tag. The Razor E90 has less range and a less powerful motor than the E100, meaning it will be tougher to get up steep terrain and slower to accelerate. It also has the same hand-operated front brakes and push-button acceleration, and retractable kickstand. One perk of this model is that it features an electroluminescent wire deck and 6 LEDs below the deck to light up your childu2019s ride. If you think your child wonu2019t notice the difference in performance, then the E90 would be a great choice.

Specifications
Age range 8 and up
Weight 22 lbs /10 kg
Max speed 10 mph
Range 5 miles
Max rider weight 120lbs/54kg
Pros Cons
• Top speed • Long charge times
• Easy to assemble • Not foldable

Review “Amazing product my 2 kids age 7 and 5 love them can’t fault them!!! And the battery life is good also!”

The best electric scooter for kids aged 4 to 8

Description

This adorable electric scooter is ideal for little ones that are already comfortable on their push scooters. The Bug Q5 electric kids scooter is suitable for children between four and eight years old and comes in two colours - light blue and yellow. You wonu2019t have to worry about your kids flying away either, as this scooter reaches a gentle top speed of 3.7mph, which is controlled by a push-button on the deck. The rear foot brake, rubber grip panel and three wheels will also secure your child for a safe and enjoyable ride. The e-scooter is also foldable, so you can easily store it or carry it around if your child wants to hop off - and with three adjustable height levels, the scooter can grow with your child.

Specifications
Age range 4-8 years old
Weight 3.9kg
Max speed 3.7mph
Range 3.7 miles
Max rider weight 50kg
Pros Cons
• Foldable • Low range
• Adjustable handlebars

Review: “Great scooter, my daughter loves it. She is three years old but very competent with such a device. It's quicker than I thought, brisk walking pace. Unsure how long the battery lasts in the real world. Great purchase’

The best electric scooter for kids aged 6 to 12

Description

The Ninebot Segway Zing E8 is an electric scooter for kids that are not quite thrill-seekers but are looking for a chilled, enjoyable ride. If that sounds like who you are buying for, then Segwayu2019s Ninebot scooter is an excellent match as it can travel at 8.6 mph with adjustable modes, meaning you can jog beside your child to accompany them. Fitted with a built-in kickstand, anti-slip footplate grip and foldable design this e-scooter can be easily stored. It has a maximum range of 6.2 miles and can be recharged in 4 hours. This e-scooter is recommended for children from 6 to 12 years old and features a three-brake system for added safety and solid tyres to reduce the chances of punctures. Not to mention your child can feel completely in control with the different modes. For example, safe mode allows you to reach 6.2 mph, and when they feel more confident, they can use cruise mode or turbo mode, which can reach up to 10 mph.

Specifications
Age range 6-12 years old
Weight 7.9kg
Max speed 8.7mph
Range 6.2 miles
Max rider weight 50kg
Pros Cons
• Foldable • Too fast for younger kids
• Different modes
• Good range

Review: "Well made, good appearance and good battery range for size”

Best electric scooter for teens

Description

If you are looking for an e-scooter for your teenu2019s on-the-go lifestyle then the Razor Power A2 is a great pick. With a sleek, compact, and lightweight design this scooter is one of the best portable electric scooters available on the market u2013 not to mention a great budget option. Reaching up to 10mph, the scooter isnu2019t the faster model, however, it has a battery life that can last up to 40 minutes (7.5 miles) of continuous usage so ideal for those who are out of the house for longer. This scooter is portable, affordable and has a good range. If these are the boxes you need ticking, then this would be a great match.

Specifications
Age range 10 and over
Weight 6.5kg
Max speed 10mph
Range 6 miles
Max rider weight 65kg
Pros Cons
• Lightweight • Suitable for lighter teens and young adults
• Reliable brand • Low range
• Compact

Review: "Good electric option for the age group. Mixes well with public and private transport as it is foldable. Can in theory be used on paths as it is not much bigger than a manual scooter. Operates well as a manual scooter should the batteries run out mid-journey."

The best budget electric scooter with adjustable handlebar height

Description

The best feature of the Ripsar R100 Kids electric scooter is that it has three-position height-adjustable handlebars, so it matches the height of your child u2013 tall or small. It has front fitted pneumatic tyres, comfy rubber handlebar grips and a heavy-duty footplate which makes it a durable and enjoyable ride. The speed can be controlled using the twist throttle on the right handlebar to reach up to 10mph for approximately two hours of continuous use. Additionally, this e-scooter is also foldable which makes it perfect for storage or transport. If you are looking for an affordable, portable, and basic e-scooter that will grow with your child then the Ripsar R100 would be a great pick.

Specifications
Age range 8 and up
Weight 13kg
Max speed 10mph
Range 2 hours
Max rider weight 54kg
Pros Cons
• Adjustable handlebar height • Low range
• Foldable
• Pro 3

Review: “Arrived on time, sturdy packaging. Easy to assemble which is a bonus and was charged so my sister could give it a quick go to see if it was all good - which it was. Also received a phone call from the company to see if everything was okay with the delivery and item which is brilliant customer service in my eyes. Would definitely buy again if I needed another scooter.”

The verdict

The overall best electric scooter for kids: Razor Power Core E100

Editor's pick: Razor Power Core E90

The best electric scooter for kids aged 4 to 8: Bug Q5 Electric

The best electric scooter for kids aged 6 to 12: Ninebot Segway Zing E8

The best electric scooter for teens: Razor Power A2

The best adjustable budget electric scooter for kids: Ripsar 24v Kids Electric Scooter

E-scooter safety tips for children

Always wear a helmet

Children must always wear a helmet, especially for the faster e-scooters. For extra protection, it would be a good idea to invest in a pair of elbow and knee pads for your child when they go out to play. Look for a set that includes wrist guards. If your child is out playing in the dark, then consider getting reflective gear so they will be seen by cars and bikers.

Related: The best electric bikes under £1,000

Teach your children how to ride a scooter properly

Electric scooters are not as easy on bumps and potholes as cars or bikes due to the smaller wheels. Before you let your child play without supervision, teach them how to safely kickstart the e-scooter, accelerate and decelerate, brake, and manoeuvre around any obstacles or uneven terrain. If they are using the scooter without the electric function in public, ensure they know how to cross the road and watch out for traffic.

Wear appropriate clothing

It is best to avoid wearing any oversized clothing that could get caught in the scooter wheels. Children should also wear appropriate shoes, such as trainers or closed toed-shoes, bright coloured clothing if they are going out in public – and of course, kids should always be wearing a helmet.

Check the e-scooter before riding

Before taking the e-scooter for a spin, check if any bolts on the scooter are loose and that the wheels, kickstand and handlebars are securely attached and in a riding position.

Here are some safety gear you can purchase to keep your child safe while riding an e-scooter

Safety gear for children riding e-scooters:

Description

This unisex helmet from Uvex comes in many sizes, from XXXS to XXL, so it will fit your child no matter their age. The helmet is made with an effective safety combination of PC outer shell and EPS inner shell, which will protect the head in two ways - an impact-resistant exterior and a shock-absorbing interior. So, you can rest easy knowing your youngster is protected. Coming in various colours and designs, this high-quality padding helmet will protect your child from any bumps and has a nice shape, so they will not mind wearing it.

Description

Stop the tears before any accidents with this protective gear set. Coming in a range of colours, this set is aimed at children between 3-9 years old. It comes with two knee pads, two elbow pads and 2pcs wrist pads, so they scoot around with fear of falling.

Description

Reflective gear is always a good idea if you are out running or biking at night, and it is no different for scooters. These reflective armbands are a great way to keep your kid visible in the dark u2013 plus, they wonu2019t be embarrassed to wear them as they look cool. Win-win.

How do electric scooters charge?

Electric scooters are charged via a standard power outlet. The plug and cable will be provided with the e-scooter.

Ellen Kinsey is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat, Closer and Empire. She has a passion for cooking, media, and women’s health.

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