How to choose a scooter for a child 3-4 years old?

The first independent transport of a child can be considered a scooter. If at the age of 1-2 years these are, as a rule, the simplest and most convenient models for the mother, then three- and four-year-olds require devices that are more complex and interesting. Many parents consider the purchase of a scooter as meaningless, but in fact, this type of transport has a very good effect on the development of coordination and attention of the child.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of two- and three-wheeled scooters. Diverse design, interesting additional functions allow you to choose a vehicle that will please both the child and his parents. The main thing is to choose the most comfortable and safe model and teach the child to use the device correctly.

The children's scooter is quite simple. Its main parts:

• frame frame;
• wheels;
• steering wheel;
• brake system.

The frame consists of a platform placed horizontally, where the leg is placed, and an upright post. The platform is connected to the wheels, the rack is connected to the steering wheel. Modern manufacturers offer a huge selection of designs, shades, materials, sizes of scooters. New technologies make it possible to constantly improve them, using durable materials in production: aluminum, fiberglass, high-quality plastic.

Thanks to this, children's scooters are at the same time quite strong and very light. For example, models for children 3-4 years old are able to withstand a weight of up to 50 kg. The speed qualities of this category are not too high, which is explained by safety requirements.

The scooter makes it possible to:

• physical development - children learn to keep balance, move a lot;
• acquire skills in transport management;
• develop attention, spatial thinking, the ability to navigate in space, maneuver;
• get ready to master the bike;
• enthusiastically move from home to the garden, walk with health benefits.

The variety of types of scooters allows you to choose an option for almost any age. Three-wheeled models can be purchased from the age of 3, it is better to postpone the purchase of a two-wheeled vehicle until the onset of 4 years. Besides, there are 3-in-1 transformer models that allow you to choose one scooter for a long time.

Three-wheeled models:

• optimal for early childhood and familiarity with the device;
• very stable, safe;
• have 2 wheels in front, one in the back, or vice versa;
• lightweight, as they are made of plastic;
• the design is usually bright, attractive to small children;
• often equipped with additional functionality: music, warning signal, seat, steering wheel adjustment;
• can be foldable.

Two-wheeled models:

• recommended for children over 4 years old;
• have 2 wheels - one in front, one behind;
• sufficiently stable;
• more maneuverable than 3-wheel variants;
• material of manufacture - aluminum alloys;
• the steering wheel can be adjusted in height;
• wheels are either inflatable or rubberized;
• equipped with a number of additional functions: seat, music, alarm, lighting.

Four-wheeled models, transformers with a handle, are optimal for a younger age. Walking, sports, stunt ones are suitable for older children.

Besides, there are inertial varieties, with platforms of a movable type, which make it possible not to push off constantly, but accelerating to optimal speed. Electric scooters are equipped with a motor, battery. These models are recommended for children of primary school age and older.

There are a lot of manufacturers of children's scooters today. You should purchase models of proven brands, having previously studied the reviews on them. Let's take a look at a few noteworthy options.

Scoot & Ride Highway Kick:

• reliable durable device;
• 2 wheels in front, 1 behind;
• stable;
• suitable for acquaintance with a scooter;
• user height - from 90 to 98 cm;
• good maneuverability, striking design;
• height adjustment;
• there is a seat;
• safe, equipped with a stopper;
• load - up to 50 kg.

Navigator Т56881 Fortuna:

• model weight - 2.3 kg;
• easy to operate;
• the design is bright, there is a backlight;
• folding design;
• 2 wheels;
• suitable for children from 4 years old.

Pilsan 07-811:

• inexpensive model with bright design;
• polyurethane wheels;
• wide platform;
• there is a foot brake;
• suitable for children from 3 years old;
• maximum rider weight - 25 kg;
• there is a steering wheel adjustment and a warning signal.

Small Rider Dragon:

• two-wheeled option;
• ideal for riding in the city;
• the design is bright, suitable for a girl and a boy;
• blinking of lights, imitation of the sound of a motor, smoke;
• the wheels are small, respectively, the model is maneuverable;
• easy to manage;
• folds easily;
• steering wheel adjustment allows you to adjust it for height;
• recommended for children from 3 years old;
• the maximum rider weight is 60 kg.

Choosing a scooter for boys and girls 3-4 years old is not an easy task, despite the huge choice. You should not buy the device in the online store, the first transport of the baby must be tested personally, to assess the degree of comfort, ease of operation. There are a number of criteria to consider when choosing a scooter for a 3-year-old or 4-year-old.

• Weight, dimensions. When adjusting the height, check if the handlebar can reach the breast of the child who is standing on it. If so, this is the optimal height. It is better if it is regulated, since children grow up quickly, you will have to buy a new device. Pay attention to the size of the deck - the smaller it is, the easier the acceleration. Look for models with a deck size between 30 and 40 cm. Your foot should be comfortable on the platform. The larger it is, the more stable the model is.

• Wheel type. Wheels made of polyurethane do not wear out for a long time, they are more maneuverable. The diameter varies from 12.5 to 20 cm. The smaller the wheels, the lower the speed. Pay attention to the stiffness - the softer the wheels, the higher the shock absorption, but they quickly fail. Plastic wheels are often found in kids' scooters, but they are not very durable and have poor shock absorption. On models with rubberized wheels, driving comfortably even on uneven roads.

• Brake system. The manual system is good for toddlers. The brake in the rear wheel is more comfortable than in the front. It is good if the system is equipped with a stopper that does not allow the scooter to roll over.

• Frame should be as strong as possible, but not too heavy.

• Steering wheel. Ideally, there is an adjustment. The latching lock should be checked for tightness. It is good if the handles are rubberized or covered with another material that provides good grip and comfortable handling.

Assess the pros and cons of each model before purchasing. Budget scooters are lighter, simpler, more stable, suitable for inexperienced children. But they are not very durable. The foldable model takes up less space and is easier to transport. Expensive models are maneuverable, comfortable, they have better assembly, materials are stronger. At 3-4 years old, the child can already independently choose a model by design and color.

Before buying a scooter, you need to learn the precautions and be sure to explain them to your children. However, at this age, children need adult supervision anyway. What you need to know:

• the first acquaintance with the scooter is best done in an apartment;
• it is forbidden to use the scooter after rain, on wet, slippery roads;
• you cannot brake sharply - you can roll over;
• it is not recommended to leave the slopes for children without the necessary experience;
• the use of protective equipment and a helmet is mandatory;
• you cannot ride holding the handle with one hand;
• not allowed to ride in the dark;
• you can not move on a scooter on the road;
• weight, size of transport must be age-appropriate.

If the child still does not know how to ride, you should tell him:

• where it is possible and where it is categorically impossible to ride;
• remember traffic rules;
• about the need to carefully look around;
• talk over all possible obstacles and the consequences of hitting them.

You need to learn how to ride a scooter from mastering the very basics:

• spend the first trainings in the apartment and do not rush to go outside, especially if the child is active;
• insure the child, teach him to keep his hands on the steering wheel, push off;
• first, driving in a straight line is mastered, a leg is selected for a push;
• after the child has mastered repulsion and learned to maintain balance, you can put both feet on the platform for free movement;
• it is better to tilt the body forward when pushing off;
• at the same time, the child must look around to avoid obstacles;
• after mastering straight driving, teach your child to turn around obstacles;
• the next stage is driving in a circle alternately in different directions;
• when the child feels confident on the scooter, you can move on to mastering complex trajectories: zigzag, obstacle chips;
• be sure to teach your child to brake;
• choose uncrowded tracks with an even surface for training.

For information on how to choose a children's scooter, see the next video.