Wheels – Do you want a scooter with two wheels or three? How large are the wheels? Big wheels offer more stability but can be harder to push, while smaller wheels may struggle on more bumpy terrain. Assembly – Does the scooter require any initial assembly, and if so how easy is it to put together? For converting designs, does this require tools to switch between modes? Can the scooter be folded, and how easy is it to do this? As the Royal Society For the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says, the best way to familiarise yourself with scooters is to see and handle some in person: “Try some scooters out. Go to your local retailer, look for fit and see how robust the equipment is”. Whenever we begin our research, we know that the best place to get recommendations is from other parents who’ve already been there. Our forums have over 7 million users each month so we know that each product they suggest has already been tried and tested. This means it can withstand the needs of a family, whilst also catering for a range of different needs, budgets and lifestyles. Expert advice Three-wheeled scooters with plastic or fibreglass frames are lightweight, resilient and stable on all kinds of hard surfaces, whether broken asphalt or bumpy cobbles. Watch out for the front wheels getting caught as the scooter can tip suddenly forward, pitching an unwary rider to the ground.

Protective equipment is a must and RoSPA recommends a helmet (a cycle helmet is best), knee and elbow pads and wrist protectors. They also emphasise the importance of wearing helmets as adults when out together as a family: “It’s important for adults to set a good example for kids.” 3. Make sure protective gear fits properlySafety is the primary concern of most parents considering new scooters. Here are some important things to remember: 1. Make sure it complies with safety laws Calibrated to ease your preschooler into scooting with an easy tilt-to-steer system, its chunky silicone hand grips and anti-slip footplate can help build their confidence while keeping them safe. Built to withstand regular use, it’s all-but-indestructible, with a hard-wearing fibreglass and anodised aluminium frame and three tough polyurethane wheels. Cost - How much are you willing to spend and does it offer value for money through longevity, additional features or accessories?

Just like the Mini, it comes in a choice of colours, with illuminated wheels that can ensure good visibility on darker days. Thanks to the micro grip and adjustable handlebar, they’ll have a quiet and smooth journey that develops their balance and coordination as they grow.

How do I know if the scooter is the right size?

Whether you're looking for the ideal birthday present for your child or it’s time to upgrade their scooter, it's important to select the right one. You may want to consider: Three-wheel scooters tend to come in two broad age categories: a first scooter for three- to five-year-olds, and a follow-on scooter for five- to 12-year-olds. Type of scooter – Whether it is a scooter for commuting, leisure, off-roading or stunts, different types offer different experiences (see more below) The Mini Micro LED Deluxe Light Up Scooter is a scooter that gets recommended time and time again on our Mumsnet forums. Durable, lightweight and foldable, it’s a high-quality scooter designed to get young children confident on three wheels. We also love the range of colours on offer and children will love whizzing about on the LED light-up wheels. It’s expensive but as it is built to last, you’ll get a lot of scooting for your money. How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from real parents Designed for an older or more confident rider, two-wheelers are faster and more agile than three-wheelers but require some skill to stabilise. Children familiar with riding a bike are likely to be more adept at using these since the steering mechanism is similar.

Made with premium anti-corrosive materials that are built to last, the Maxi Micro Deluxe has a gratifyingly long lifespan that goes some way to justify its hefty price tag. Mumsnet users praised this scooter for its longevity, with the ability to pass down to a younger sibling (or two) without showing significant signs of wear and tear. If you want to start your child scooting early, transitional scooters are intended for very young toddlers. They begin in ride-on mode usually from around 15 months, or as soon as you feel they can sit unaided upright without toppling off. The ride-on is comprised of a sprung seat on wheels, with handles for your toddler to hold, and a footrest for their feet. The parent pushes from behind with a long handle. This stage helps your child learn to grip. Metal-framed two-wheeled scooters are often less expensive than their three-wheeled, younger counterparts, as they’re a simpler design. Stunt scooter A great progression from the Micro Scooters Mini Micro above, the Maxi Micro Deluxe is aimed at children from 5-12 years. With a maximum weight limit of 50kg, this tall and stable three-wheeler is light and speedy, with a striking, modern design that won’t offend your pre-teen’s changing aesthetic.

How do I choose a scooter for my child?

These are the ones you’ll see whizzing around your local skate park. Built with a high level of structural integrity and top-notch materials, stunt scooters are light and hard-wearing. They have wide, low handlebars for stability and grip in the air, and wheel bearings designed to take repeated impact without damage. Electric scooter With two young children who have been whizzing around on scooters since they were two, our writer Gemma used her experience and knowledge to help her research the best scooters to make sure we recommend the best on the market. Power up with electric scooters by G-Start and more, bringing you futuristic ways to glide. Please note, electric scooters are for private use only and not to be used on public roads or pavements. The type of scooter - from transitional ride-on scooters for toddlers, to two- and three-wheelers for younger and older children, and even specialised scooters for stunts. Kids love whizzing around on their scooters, but any parent will tell you - there’ll inevitably be a time when you will end up carrying it home. Whether you’re returning from the park or on the school run, the Trunki Folding Kids Scooter has been designed to make transporting easy, with a handy folding mechanism, carry strap and even a bag for taking with you on longer journeys.

Once they’re a little more confident, you can remove the parent handle and they can push the seat along with their feet, leaning to turn as they gather speed. This stage helps them to learn balance, powering with the feet, and the lean-to-turn mechanism. Finally, the seat is removed and a T-bar is inserted to make a three-wheeled scooter (around age three). This is where they learn balancing on one foot, and braking. Plastic/fibreglass three-wheeler They should also be able to fit one foot comfortably on the baseboard, and touch the brake with one foot, without straining to reach it – if they’re new to scooting, you might need to hold it still for them while they try this. Transitional scooters are designed to get toddlers scooting early, from around 12 to 15 months. Most three-year-olds should have developed enough steadiness on their own feet to try scooting on a three-wheeled model, especially one designed with extra stability for their age group.If you’re able to walk to school, nursery, the library or the shops, it’s likely that a kids' scooter would make them more efficient, whilst adding some enjoyment and fun to your journey. It can also encourage your children to be outdoors for longer, reaping the benefits of a more active lifestyle and a healthy dose of vitamin D. These are intended for older children (aged eight and above) using them to get from A to B. They’re powered by a slimline battery that sits underneath the baseboard and will need regular recharging, and can reach top speeds of around 10mph. Metal-framed, two-wheelers need more weight and agility to control and are usually appropriate from the age of seven or eight or for those who have confidently mastered a three-wheeled design. Stunt scooters are generally designed for older children ages eight and above. How do I know if the scooter is the right size?