
My little one is just 1.5 years old, but you can’t keep us away from the playgrounds. Boys are simply obsessed with all kinds of vehicles and wheeled toys. My son, in particular, can’t take his eyes off any child zooming by on a scooter; he drops everything and watches them go by, sighing heavily (he really wants one).
I know that in the very near future we’ll need to make this purchase, and I’d rather not be overwhelmed by the thousands of scooter options out there, so I’m diving into some research.
I’ve read a lot and thought it through, and here’s what I’ve concluded.
Riding a scooter can be a bit risky at first, especially until a child learns how to balance, but it’s an important part of their development. It helps kids gain control of their bodies, improve balance, and strengthen leg muscles and overall coordination. Three-wheeled scooters are typically bought for kids around two years old, but my child is developing faster than most, so before he turns two he’ll be zooming around like crazy — initially driving us nuts and waking sleeping babies on stroller walks. But we’ve been there, so we’ll pretend it’s all part of the process.
Three-wheeled scooters are stable, making it easier for kids to steer and learn how to brake. Before transitioning to a two-wheeled model, he’ll need to master body control and balance. Scooters come in bright colors and often feature images of beloved cartoon characters, which will surely delight my little one. Many also have baskets for carrying toys and other essentials, so I’ll be choosing one that has a basket.
I’m opting for a model with brakes so my “little pilot” can stop and avoid crashing into a neighbor or another child.
My advice: if you want to save time and buy a quality product, consider shopping at online stores like Velolux, which offer a wide selection of sports and outdoor gear.
When purchasing a scooter, don’t forget a helmet, knee pads, and elbow protection. Spend a little extra to ensure your child has safe rides and avoid unwanted bruises and scrapes.
Give your children quality toys that will make their childhood bright and happy.