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The Best Electric Scooter for Kids (2020 Reviews + FAQ)

Combing elements of skateboarding, bicycles and even motorcycles, electric scooters are a fun and functional toy for kids of a wide range of ages. But electric scooters can seem complicated and technical – especially if you’re not very familiar with them.

Fortunately, finding a safe, affordable and fun electric scooter is actually pretty easy. Our complete guide will help you find the perfect scooter for your child regardless of age or ability. Plus, we’ve rounded up our favorite electric scooters for 2020.

Ready to plug in and get rolling? Here’s what you need to know:

Our #1 Choice – Razor E100 Electric Scooter

Razor is a trusted name in electric scooters, and this E100 is a solid, safe scooter for kids eight and older. Twist-grip acceleration control allows for easy maneuverability. Plus, an eight-inch pneumatic front tire and urethane rear wheel ensure a safe ride with plenty of road contact.

Top speed is a zippy 10 mph with a maximum weight of 120 pounds. The chain-driven motor is quiet with a high torque. At the same time, the child will maintain total control at all times with a hand-operated front brake.

The 24V rechargeable battery system uses two 12-volt batteries. Provides up to 40 minutes of continuous use. Charger included.

Our #2 Choice – Razor Power Core E90 Electric Scooter

The original Razor E90 was a popular electric scooter for its time, but this new edition is significantly improved. Ride time is now doubled to an industry-impressive 80 minutes on a full charge. Additionally, Power Core Hub Motor Technology has increased the torque by 50%. Top speed is 10 miles per hour.

Looking to avoid maintenance? You’ll love the E90’s new maintenance-free design. With no chain or chain tensioner, a major source of potential breakdowns is prevented. Plus, the steel frame and fork are extremely durable.

Operation is easy with push-button acceleration control. Plus, the scooter is a lightweight 12 pounds for easy transport. Includes battery charger.

Our #3 Choice – Razor Pocket Mod Mini-Euro Electric Scooter

This vintage-style scooter would look right at home in Swingin’ London or midtown Manhattan. With a purple paint job, floral decorations and a padded seat, you’ll be traveling in style.

But more than just fashion, this scooter is also committing to function. The chain-driven electric motor has a top speed of 15 miles per hour. Includes twelve-inch pneumatic tires in both the front and the rear. Maximum rider weight is 170 pounds. Battery runs for up to 10 miles on a 12-hour charge.

Our #4 Choice – GOTRAX GXL Electric Scooter

Oops! Looks like this toy is sold out.

The GXL is the most powerful scooter made by GOTRAX, with a top speed of 15.5 miles per hour and a whopping 250-watt motor. Eight-and-a-half inch pneumatic tires allow the scooter to roll over uneven streets or even off-road terrain with ease.

This scooter is foldable, making it simple to transport. When folded, it weighs approximately 65% less than the riding weight. Supports up to 220 pounds.

Scooter has a 36V battery which can be fully charged in a speedy four hours. With a range of 12 miles on a full charge, this scooter actually works great for short commutes. Aside from older teens, college students and city dwellers will also find this scooter useful and fun.

Our #5 Choice – CHO Electric Balancing Scooter

Looking for something a little different? This is a self-balancing scooter often called a hoverboard. Instead of handlebars, the rider simply leans forward and back to move.

This hoverboard from Cho features 6.5-inch wheels along with a variety of lights and sounds. Bluetooth devices can be easily connected so you can play music through the onboard speakers. Plus, the wheels flash random colors when rolling.

Our #6 Choice – Razor E100 Glow

The E100 Glow features many of the qualities familiar to Razor scooter aficionados. The steel frame is durable but lightweight with a 200 mm pneumatic front tire. Plus, the chain-driven motor provides high torque and is capable of reaching up to 10 miles per hour.

The major difference between the E100 Glow and the E100 (reviewed above) is the Glow’s onboard blue lights. Just one twist of the handle and cool blue lights project forward from the scooter.

However, these lights are more decorative than functional. Young children still need to be supervised by an adult when riding at night. Suitable for kids ages eight and older.

Batteries provide about 40 minutes of riding time. However, charge time can be significant. While you can charge the scooter somewhat in 12 hours, Razor actually recommends a 24-hour charge for optimum performance.

Our #7 Choice – T0OMOLOO Foldable Electric Scooter with Light

This scooter is best for older kids and adults. It has a top speed of 15 miles an hour and will take about two to three hours to charge fully. It has a maximum mile range of 18.6 miles. This scooter folds up for easy transport and storage. The charge will last for approximately 45 minutes of continuous riding. It has a 220-pound weight capacity making this scooter appropriate for teens and adults as well.

This scooter features a 22-inch deck and features solid rubber wheels. This scooter handles rough pavement well and will even climb up smaller hills. It folds down to 19 inches high and, when unfolded, reaches a height of 46 inches. This scooter also comes with a 12-month warranty.

The scooter also features an LED light display to track your speed, distance traveled, and battery power. There is also an LED headlight in the front of the scooter for nighttime travel.

Our #8 Choice – Razor RX200 Electric Off-Road Scooter

If you have an older child who is a bit of an explorer, this is the perfect scooter for them. The RX200 is an off-road version of Razor’s E200 Electric Scooter. This scooter is best for kids 13 years and older. It has a weight capacity of 154 pounds and has a top speed of 12 miles per hour.

It takes about 12 hours to charge the battery for this scooter fully. The battery will hold a charge up to an hour. The frame of this scooter is all steel, and the wheels are heavy-duty alloy. Tires are rubber with deep treads built for rough terrain. It features a retractable kickstand with rubber grips and a hand-operated rear disc brake system. The Razor RX200 has a twist-grip throttle.

This scooter runs on two 12 volt rechargeable batteries. It is very well-built and can take a lot of wear and tear. If your older child likes a little adventure, this scooter can live up to the challenge.

Our #9 Choice – Razor E300S Seated Electric Scooter

This scooter is great for tweens. It features a removable riding seat and a large deck. The scooter has extra-wide 10-inch pneumatic tires, hand-operated rear brake, and a spring-loaded kickstand. When fully charged, the scooter can be used up to 40 minutes continuously. It can reach a maximum speed of 15 mph.

This scooter can take a weight capacity of 220 pounds, but it will only be able to reach top speeds for riders over 140 pounds. The scooter will take 12 hours to recharge though the manual recommends charging the product for a full 24 hours for maximum battery life.

This scooter runs on two 12 volt batteries, which makes it slightly less powerful, but also makes replacing the batteries less expensive than if you were replacing lithium batteries used in other electric scooter models.

Our #10 Choice – Razor Power A2 Electric Scooter

While this scooter doesn’t have as many features as other models, this is an excellent basic electric scooter model.

One of the beautiful things about this scooter is that it is low maintenance. There are no alignment issues and no chains or belts to maintain, like with more advanced models. The initial charge time is 4 hours, and after that, the recharge time is about 3 hours. The scooter will maintain a charge for 40 minutes of continuous use and can reach a maximum speed of 10 mph.

This scooter is light and foldable for secure storage. The scooter is great for smooth pavement but doesn’t perform well on rough, bumpy terrain. This scooter has a nice zip to it, but it may be a little too fast for very young children to use safely. Make sure to accelerate slowly to maintain control.

Our #11 Choice – HOVERSTAR Electric Kick Start Scooter for Kids

The scooter’s top speed is six mph and has a 5-mile range. It can accommodate up to 120 pounds and uses a handbrake system to control the scooter’s speed. The motor runs on one 12-volt battery that charges fully in nine hours.

If you are looking for a scooter that will last for a long time, this is probably not your best option. The scooter is small and not very powerful. It is good for using on smooth pavement, but it doesn’t do well on rough terrain. If you are looking for an electric scooter for a beginner, then this is a good scooter for a child to practice on before getting them a faster scooter with more features.

Our #12 Choice – Pulse Performance Safe Start 3 Wheel Electric Scooter

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The deck is wide enough for children to fit their feet comfortably on the scooter, and the push-button start allows for safe and effortless speed control. It features three solid urethane wheels for easier balance and a smooth ride. It is not recommended for downhill use because it will go too fast.

This scooter is great for small children because it only goes 1.75 mph, and they have less risk of falling off of it. This scooter is also easy for young ones to steer. The scooter charges in about three hours and holds a charge for a long time, but can also work as a basic kick scooter without the battery.

The recommended weight for this scooter is a maximum of 50 pounds, and the recommended age is three years and older. This scooter is great for preschool-aged children, but they will probably grow out of it fairly quickly.

Our #13 Choice – XPRIT Folding Electric Kick Scooter

This scooter is another scooter best suited for older children and teens ten and up. The frame is a durable aluminum alloy, and it has solid tires. It has an 8 to 13-mile range for one charge and a top speed of 12.4 miles an hour. The scooter supports weight up to 200 lbs.

The scooter features a handy LCD battery indicator to gauge how much battery life you still have. This product uses a thumb throttle for speed control. The charge time for this scooter is around 3 to 5 hours, and it can fold up for storage and travel.

Our #14 Choice – Huffy 18037P 6V 2 in 1 Bubble Scooter

This adorable scooter adds even more fun to outdoor play with bubbles. Just add a little bubble solution to the dispenser at the back of the scooter and watch little ones go. Bubbles will come out the end of the scooter as children ride. The only thing is the bubble solution runs out pretty fast, so be prepared for frequent refills.

An easy to press button starts the battery to use the scooter’s motor, but it can also function as a traditional kick scooter as well. This scooter will get to a maximum speed of two miles an hour and can run continuously for 40 minutes. It has three solid wheels and a wide deck so children can ride comfortably and balance easily.

The scooter runs on a 6-volt rechargeable battery and comes with a 3-ounce container of bubble solution. You can get the scooter in two designs, mermaid or dragon to suit your child’s tastes. Your kids will love this scooter, and it is a great first electric scooter because it’s easy to control and does not go too fast. The only thing is that the scooter does not do well on inclines, so stay on flat ground.

Glossary of Electric Scooter Terms

Battery Life: Battery life refers to the battery’s performance; specifically, how long the battery can go between charges under normal circumstances.

Deck: The deck refers to the flat piece on the bottom of the scooter where your feet go.

Kick Scooter: A kick scooter is another name of a traditional human-powered scooter.

Kick Start Scooter: A kick start scooter is a scooter that starts the motor running by pushing a lever on the bottom of the scooter with your foot

Mile Range: This refers to how far a scooter can travel on a single charge before it needs recharging.

Pneumatic Tires: Pneumatic Tires are scooter tires that get filled with air similar to tires on a bicycle or car.

Pulse Performance: Pulse Performance is a brand of scooters. Pulse Performance makes traditional as well as electric powered scooters for both children and adults.

Ride Time: This refers to how long the motor on the scooter will go when fully charged before needing to be recharged.

Smooth Ride: Smooth ride refers to the way a scooter rides. A smooth ride is a ride where the rider does not feel rattled and shaken a lot. If a scooter has a smooth ride, it goes smoothly over bumps and rough ground without trouble or causing the rider physical discomfort.

Solid Tires: Solid tires are tires made of some sort of solid material that does not require you to add air to them.

Throttle: The throttle refers to the part of the scooter that controls the speed of the scooter. There are two main throttle types a thumb throttle and a twist throttle.

Thumb Throttle: Thumb throttles are mounted on the handlebars of the scooter, and you control the speed by pressing the throttle, usually a button or lever with your thumb.

Twist Throttle: This type of throttle is located on the scooter handle grip and is controlled by twisting the grip with your hand.

What Should You Look for When Buying an Electric Scooter?

The basics of an electric scooter are pretty simple: a wheeled board, powered by an electric motor, which is steered by handlebars attached to a fork in front.

But beyond the basics, electric scooters can vary significantly. Smaller, slower models are appropriate for kids around the age of six while you can find faster, more powerful scooters suitable for older teens.

Here are the major features to consider when selecting an electric scooter:

How Fast Do They Go?

Scooters can go as fast as 15 miles per hour. While that can be a lot of fun, these top-speed scooters are only suitable for experienced riders. While every child is different, typically the fastest scooters are best for teens 13 or older. Of course, riders of every age will need to wear proper safety gear at all times (we’ll go over safety details further down).

Generally, six is about the youngest age to safely ride a scooter. Of course, young ones should have slower, less powerful scooters. Usually the max speed should be no more than nine or 10 miles per hour.

How Safe is the Scooter?

Speed is an important factor in overall safety, but it’s not the only one to consider. Safe scooters have:

• Handles which are easy for child-sized hands to grasp
• A strong grip for feet on the standing platform
• Hand-operated rear brakes
• Twist-grip throttle

Brakes are obviously important to help maintain control and prevent accidents. But beginning riders should learn to not rely on the brakes too much. Understanding how to release the throttle and steer out of situations is an important part of safe riding.

Don’t forget about rider safety gear. It’ll need to be worn at all times, even on just a short ride around the block. Think more skateboard-type gear instead of bicycle. This means not just a helmet but also elbow pads, knee pads and shoes with a wide, flat grip. Never ride barefoot or when wearing open-toed shoes like sandals.

How Do I Know the Scooter is High Quality?

First, consider the overall construction of the scooter. Does it feel solid and durable? Or do you feel excessive shaking or hear rattling noises when riding?

Generally, a high-quality scooter will have a steel frame. This prevents damage and gives enough weight to help the scooter stay grounded on uneven terrain. At the same time, steel is still light enough that a child can easily pick the scooter up and carry it when necessary.

Is the Scooter Made for My Child?

No two kids are the same, so you’ll want to consider a few factors together when selecting an appropriate scooter:

• Age
• Height
• Weight
• Riding Ability

Each scooter will have specific dimensions and a weight limit. Make sure the handlebars are at a comfortable height. If the child has to reach up, the scooter is too tall, and visibility when riding will be obscured. If the child has to reach down, the scooter is too small, which makes it hard to control.

Kids certainly grow fast. Many parents consider buying a scooter which is a bit bigger than what their child needs currently, with the idea that the kid will grow into it later. Unfortunately, that’s not always the best move, especially with beginning riders. The child won’t feel very comfortable on a scooter which is too big, which makes learning to ride much more difficult.

How are Scooters Powered?

Electric scooters are powered by built-in rechargeable batteries. Unless an accident occurs, you’ll never need to replace the batteries. Typically, a charger will be included with the scooter.

Standard charging time to full is usually about 12 hours. Most people simply charge their scooter overnight. The charger should work in any standard wall outlet.

Total ride time between charges is usually a big factor in the overall fun. You probably want at least 30 minutes of ride time, with over an hour being ideal. Generally, ride time is less important for younger kids, as they’ll tire out relatively quickly. But long battery life can be vital to a 15, 16 or 17-year-old who wants to go on much longer rides.

Each specific scooter is different, but generally the motor is controlled with an on/off switch. Kids will push the scooter forward briefly and then the engine will power up automatically. This typically occurs when the scooter hits about three miles per hour.

However, electric scooters can’t be pushed manually beyond the small amount needed for start-up. If the battery is dead, they can’t be then used as a push scooter. The heavy weight of the battery makes push power too difficult and cumbersome.

Are Hoverboards Electric Scooters?

Sort of. You’ve probably seen hoverboards around; they’re a cylindrical unit with wheels which kids (and adults) can use to roll around.

Hoverboards are sometimes referred to as electric scooters. While that’s technically accurate, most electric scooters have handlebars and a fork. Charging the two types of electric scooters is usually pretty similar.

However, keep in mind hoverboards do pose some dangers. Cheaply made ones are prone to fires caused by charging issues. Don’t buy a hoverboard unless you trust the manufacturer. Fortunately, electric scooters don’t typically have these problems. Plus, all of the products on our list above are made from industry leaders and pose no known risk of fire or other electrical problems.

What Benefits Do Electric Scooters Have?

Electric scooters have a ton of benefits not normally associated with toys which plug into the wall. First, they’re for use outside. Regular outside play has a ton of great benefits including improved Vitamin D exposure, reduced stress and improved attention span.

Plus, scooters help improve balance, hand-eye coordination and both fine and gross motor control. They’re great for kids who have shown an interest in bikes and skateboards but want something a bit faster.

Scooters are also a great teaching tool for kids interesting in learning the basics of riding four-wheelers, motorbikes and other two-wheeled machines. Young ones can learn how to operate a throttle and hand-brakes. If the electric scooter has two pneumatic tires, the rider can also practice riding on off-road terrain.

From a big wheel to an electric scooter and everything in-between, all kid-friendly vehicles encourage confidence and independence. Kids learn to feel comfortable exploring their neighborhood and the surrounding area. Plus, vehicles often encourage social play as everyone from the neighborhood can get together to ride around.

Final Thoughts

Many parents are initially skeptical about electric scooters, mainly due to safety concerns. But electric scooters are safe and fun. Just be sure to pick a scooter which suits your child’s size, age and ability – and don’t forget about proper safety gear. Electric scooters promote physical activity outdoors, help improve balance and provide many other benefits. Plug in and play today!