Electric Scooters For Kids - Your Basic Options

Children have been riding non-motorized kick scooters for over 100 years and they have been a popular alternative to bicycles for many parents wishing to encourage outdoor play in their children. A resurgence in the popularity of kick scooters occurred in the late 1990s when Wim Ouboter, a middle aged Swiss banker developed the "micro scooter", or "razor scooter" - a variation on the traditional wheeled board with a handle that offered greater portability and folds for easier storage. Since then, the many brands of scooter, now including battery powered scooters have hit the market and continue to be popular amongst children in the 5-11 years age category.

Electric scooters can go much faster than the non-motorized versions and - to a child - they feel more like a real vehicle as opposed to a toy which gives the child a sense of being more grown up. They are popular purchases for young children who would rather not use, or who are too big for a stroller, or even for those children who complain about having to walk long distances since they still provide the child with some exercise!

There are two types of children's scooter. The first type closely resembles the non-motorized kick scooter in that they consist of a footboard on wheels with a long handle that doubles as a steering and braking device. In the motorized version, the scooter has a rechargeable battery that can provide speeds of up to 10 or even 15 miles per hour for as long as 40 minutes to an hour before needing to be recharged. Many models require the child to stand up on the footboard, but others have a small bicycle-like perch seat that helps with scooter stability.

The second type of child's scooter more closely resembles an electric-powered motorcycle whereby a more substantial padded seat is provided to sit on, with the feet being placed together in front. These scooters have the look and feel of a real vehicle, generally have more power and can go faster, but may need recharging more often.

Children's scooters are available in a range of colors and styles, with a variety of accessories and added extras that may be included with the scooter purchase or bought separately. Models aimed at young girls are often painted pink or with feminine designs and may have a small shopper basket attached to the front of the handlebars, whereas mini-motorized scooters and those painted in black or blue are more popular among young boys. Since children's electric scooters can actually go very fast for a child's toy, they should be used under adult supervision. A most crucial accessory when buying a scooter for any child is a safety helmet that offers complete protection for the head should the child have an accident and fall off the scooter or crash into something. In addition, elbow and knee pads are a very worthwhile investment to safeguard against scrapes and bruises.