Scooters for children from 5 years old: how to choose and use it correctly?

Scooters for children from 5 years old are more like adult models of two-wheeled vehicles. Their design and technical equipment are diverse, most of the models can be used for a long time. Children 5 years old feel more confident when riding, they can develop good speed, master their first tricks, and maneuver during the ride. A properly selected version of the technique will be a great way to diversify a joint family vacation. But the variety of offers on the two-wheeled vehicle market often baffles parents.

How to choose a kids scooter for older preschoolers? What accessories are needed, how to choose the size and number of wheels? A detailed analysis of the options and the rating of the best three-wheeled and two-wheeled scooters for girls and boys will help to determine.

Scooters for children from 5 years old combine the safety of equipment designed for toddlers and a variety of design options, just like in adult models. Among the types on sale, the following options can be distinguished.

• Tricycles (kickboards, trikes). The kids' 3-wheel scooter for children from 5 years old looks more interesting than the model for toddlers. It can be made in kickboard format, with 2 larger wheels in front and 1 smaller in the back. This is the most stable solution that allows a child to master riding skills and provides for placing both feet on the platform at once.

• With big wheels. These can be models with fat tires, reminiscent of fat bikes.They are designed for off-road riding. For children who feel confident on the scooter, you can choose models with wheels with a diameter of 12 ', equipped with a rim and spokes. The kickstand version often has a fairly wide platform, increased ground clearance and easily overcomes obstacles encountered on rough terrain.

• Foldable. Compact transformers that are convenient to take with you. If the scooter has a protective bag, it can be carried inside this peculiar case folded, taken with you on the subway or ground transport.

• Two-wheeled. The most common option, which differs from adult models in the absence of shock absorbers. On models for children from 5 years old, hand and foot brakes are used, height-adjustable steering racks, the design is maximally simplified and adapted to the child's height.

• Electric scooters. Children's models over the age of 5 years have a power limitation in the range of 80-150 W. Electric scooters of this type have a small range, accelerate to no more than 10 km / h, may have frame illumination and other unusual options included.

The popular rating includes the following models.

• Globber My Too Fixed Scooter. A scooter of a French brand with a very high build quality, a front wheel diameter of 120 mm and a rear wheel diameter of 100 mm, a steel body. The model is height adjustable, fast enough, with a comfortable deck. The design allows the young rider to feel on par with the adults.

• Yedoo mau... The most stylish "SUV" from the Czech brand is distinguished by its modern design, large wheels, and high safety. The durable and lightweight aluminum frame is complemented by a footrest, the deck has a non-slip coating, and the brake cables are routed inside the frame and do not interfere with the movement. Wheels diameter of 30.5 cm is enough to overcome any road obstacles. The scooter can withstand a load of up to 75 kg, but is quite heavy.

• Razor Spark. The scooter "sparkling" when braking will impress even the most advanced riders. Razor - the trendsetter in the two-wheeler industry - has found the perfect balance of lightness and functionality in this kids' model. The set includes a platform and a steering rack made of aluminum alloy, a folding mechanism, modern bearings with a closed type design. The scooter has a clearance of 5 cm, allowing you to overcome small road bumps without the risk of damaging the deck.

• Techteam TT Duke 202. Children's stunt scooter with a bright design and comfortable steering wheel. The design is not folding, with a sturdy aluminum frame, polyurethane wheels with a diameter of 100 mm. The carrying capacity of 70 kg is enough to withstand jumps and other loads while the child is growing. This is a budget sports scooter without unnecessary special effects, reliable and sturdy.

• Small Rider Dragon. A scooter with a full set of special effects, released by water vapor, light indication, engine sound. Will appeal to children who are ready to try riding a two-wheeled vehicle, suitable for users weighing no more than 60 kg. The model is equipped with wheels with a diameter of 120 mm, allows you to overcome curbs and other low obstacles.

• Globber Primo Plus Lights. The glowing wheels of this three-wheeled kickboard will leave no one indifferent. 2 large wheels at the front will ensure the stability of the platform for those children who are just starting to master a new type of transport. The handlebar height adjustment in 4 positions allows you to increase it as the rider grows, the model is equipped with a plastic platform, reinforced with a metal insert. Comes with a rear brake for instant stopping.

• Micro Max Micro Deluxe. A scooter that will serve a child for a long time: the model can withstand a weight of up to 70 kg (according to tests - up to 100 kg), belongs to kickboards, the steering wheel is adjustable in height. The set includes a polymer, fiberglass-reinforced deck with a non-slip coating, a foot brake, front wheels are created using a special technology and provide sufficient maneuverability of the equipment.

• Razor A125... The classic model of the American brand is affordable, reliable, designed for a rider's weight up to 50 kg. The kit provides a minimum set of necessary options - a folding base, aluminum deck and steering wheel fork, foot brake, fast polyurethane wheels. In the presence of a height adjustment, allowing to extend the operation of equipment for 1-2 years. The model runs smoothly, but the metal deck has sharp edges and can cause injury if dropped.

• Y-Scoo Maxi City. Stylish kickboard with a load capacity of up to 100 kg and adjustable steering wheel height is suitable for children from 5 to 15 years old. The model is distinguished by its striking design, maneuverability, and adequate price. In the presence of a folding mechanism.

• Razor Power Wing. A striking example of a modern children's trider designed for users weighing up to 65 kg. The construction of the scooter is made of aluminum, complete with hand and foot brakes, fast wheels on a polyurethane base.

• E-Scooter T56011... A budget electric scooter that allows a child to get the first experience of riding a device with a motor. It accelerates to 12 km / h, foldable, but weighs about 10 kg, the child himself is unlikely to lift it. The battery life of the model on an even surface is up to 1 hour.

For children's scooters, a wide range of accessories for various purposes is produced - from essential to those that serve as ordinary decoration. Some useful additions include Lantern, acting as a headlight on the steering wheel in the evening. No less useful and call to the scooter, providing a convenient and quick sound signal in case of any road obstacles. Among the decorative accessories for children's scooters are ribbons, flowers, other decorations on the steering wheel.

Useful during a long walk will be soft pouch for water bottle and lunch bag. The sleeve on the handlebars of the scooter will help to diversify the design, give individuality to the technique. When riding a scooter, a child 5 years old and older should not neglect safety measures. Children should wear a safety helmet, wear shields on their elbows and knees.

For boys aged 5 years, you can already choose the simplest trick models that allow you to show miracles of dexterity. Girls will be interested in scooters with an original design, additional accessories, and a seat. However, in the choice of external design it is better to focus on the interests of the child - this way it will be much easier to awaken interest in skating in him.

The number of wheels plays an important role... Five-year-old children are already quite good at coordinating movements, they do not need an additional support wheel. You can give preference to two-wheeled scooters and manual or classic rear brakes with foot pressure.

The material of the wheels must be selected based on the type of surface on which the child will ride. The worst option is hard plastic, noisy, not dampening vibration when in contact with the surface. Inexpensive scooter models can also be fitted with rubber tires, which are softer but not resistant to wear. Better to give preference to inflatable rather than cast options.

Fast and high quality, fairly durable - polyurethane wheels, but when they enter the hole, they behave unpredictably, so it will not work to ride along the country road. PVC tires are considered universal for soil and asphalt.

The steering wheel of a scooter for a child 5 years old and older must be adjustable, telescopic - the reserve of height will help to extend the skiing without buying new equipment for growth. Grips (protective elements on its sides) are best chosen from a soft material that fits well into the hand. The presence of limiters will be a clear advantage, prevent the steering wheel from slipping out of your hands.

If the child has to carry the scooter on his own, you need to choose the model with the lowest weight - no more than 2-4 kg. Heavy versions weighing 8-10 kg should not be lifted by the baby. The carrying capacity of the equipment itself should be up to 50-70 kg. Large-sized massive scooters are inconvenient for children, it is not worth purchasing them with a large margin of growth and functionality. The folding function is not very important for a child, but it is of great importance for parents, especially if a two-wheeled vehicle is to be transported in the trunk of a car.

When using the scooter by children over the age of 5 the following recommendations should be followed.

• The assembly of the product after purchase is carried out only by the parents. All bolts and fasteners must be stretched, the steering wheel must be adjusted in height.
• When riding for the first time, the child must hold onto the steering wheel with both hands. One foot is on the platform, the other is on the surface of the asphalt or ground. Taking off, the rider begins to move, picks up speed. When the desired acceleration is achieved, you can put your other foot on the deck.
• The steering wheel turns should be as smooth as possible. The higher the speed, the less effort will have to be applied.
• Braking is always performed with the rear brake first.... If there is a front one, it is activated second.
• Children should not ride on wet or slippery surfaces. In this case, the scooter becomes uncontrollable, it will not be possible to brake on it.
• Young riders are not recommended to go down the hill on their own. Driving downhill provokes acceleration, in which a child of 5 years old may panic, forget about the rules of braking.
• You need to ride a scooter only in equipment, especially at the training stage. It is better to choose shoes without laces or tie them carefully.
• You cannot use a scooter that is designed for a lower carrying capacity than the weight of the child.

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