Easier to master than riding a bike or a skateboard, scooters are old fashioned toys that have been brought right up to date.  
 
Propelled forward by the rider pushing or kicking off with their foot, scooters can help increase balance, coordination and confidence.

Push Scooter Features

Traditionally a two wheeled vehicle, three and even four wheeled versions are available to provide a greater level of stability for younger children.

Steering is through a direct handlebar that in most cases will be adjustable to grow with your child.

Brakes are a feature on those scooters designed to reach higher speeds.  Push scooters have brakes over the rear wheel activated by stepping on the brake, with braking force controlled by how hard you push down.  

Often frames are manufactured from lightweight materials such as aluminium, with urethane wheels providing durability whilst also lessening the harshness of the ride.  

Most will feature a folding mechanism to allow for easy storage.

Some even have dramatic features such as spark cartridges that send showers of sparks from the back of the scooter as the rider zooms past.

Which Push Scooter to Choose

Age is the key consideration.  Children under the age of five years will be safer and better able to operate the three of even four wheeled scooters, with smaller versions of the two wheeled variety also preferable.

The more sophisticated scooters are recommended for children who are five years plus, and are able to support riders up to a weight of 50kg (7.8 stone).  These scooters also have great durability and with adjustable height handle bars will last your child into their teenage years with proper care.

Also remember that scooters require a large hard surfaced area on which to ride, so consider where your child will be able to use the scooter.  Some do feature larger wheels which may be suitable for use on grass but this is not guaranteed.

Push Scooter Safety

As push scooters predominately require a hard surface in order to ride properly, this increases the risk of injury from falls.  It is highly recommended that riders where full safety equipment including a correctly fitted safety helmet, elbow and knee pads.

Pavements and public parks are often a popular place for using scooters; please be aware and courteous towards others in public areas.

Avoid steeply sloped areas as these can allow scooters to generate high levels of speed making them difficult to control and vastly increasing the risk of serious injury.

Scooters should not be used on public roads.

Use of scooters should be supervised by an adult at all times.