For most parents, purchasing just about anything for their kids is an act of hanging balance with so many factors to consider. It’s particularly more demanding for parents with kids who can’t help in the decision-making process because of their age. In this regard, being knowledgeable on a few elements about the product you are about to purchase helps to fast-track your decision.
There are several things to put into consideration when choosing a microscooters for your kid, the most obvious of them being age. Overall, however, it’s important for you to be more knowledgeable on several aspects of micro scooters before making your purchase.
We put together this guide to help you choose the most appropriate micro scooter for your kid.
The Age Factor: Can the child ride a kick scooter?
Most manufacturers have an elaborate age guide dictating the appropriate and suitable age for children to ride particular scooter models. The idea here is to ensure that your kid has gained the appropriate psychomotor development for them to ride certain scooters.
Over and above the age of your kid, the physical ability of your child is a better predictor to determine whether they are ready to take the ride. In most cases, any child who is able to maintain a steady walking gait is ready to kick a scooter. This is mostly from the age of 2 to 3 years old.
You can also use their bicycle-riding ability as a yardstick. If, for instance, you have a school-going kid about seven years old who still can’t ride a bicycle, they are possibly lagging a little behind in their motor skill development. There are several reasons that could lead to this, hence the need not to judge it as a stand-alone element.
Type of kick scooter: Choosing a 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled kick scooter.
There are a variety of scooter models to choose from, and a number of factors will determine the kind of scooter you choose for your child. Here are a few common models suitable for kids.
A.Two front wheels with one rear wheel
This three-wheel kick scooter is good for young riders such as toddlers having their first riding experience. The three wheels make it easier to balance as they learn self-balancing. The rider leans at an angle when turning to give the scooter better balance.
B.Two front wheels, one rear fitted with bicycle steering
This model requires little to no balancing skill and much easier to ride for a first-timer. The only downside is that the learner doesn’t learn much, especially on balancing.
C. One front wheel, two rear wheels, and bicycle steering
This one is also good for lots of fun and starting out on scooting experience. However, it will not add much to the rider’s development, although the leg muscles still get some exercise, as does the brain.
D. One front wheel, two rear wheels forward lean steering
This is yet another good option for rider learners as it engages the body and mind. The rider leans forward and pushes as they ride while learning to balance on their own.
E. One front wheel, one rear wheel bicycle steering
This kind of scooter still demands that the rider learns to balance, although the bicycle steering still gives some help.
Purpose
It’s important to choose the right scooter for the right job, which will again be determined by age and ability. For instance, if you intend to purchase a scooter to improve your child’s psychomotor movements simply, you may need one that is light and easy to handle. This is different from a scooter for performing stunts. The latter needs to be robust and well-built.
Small wheeled Scooter vs Large Wheeled scooter
It’s not true that small-wheeled scooters are meant specifically for kids. Even adults can ride small-wheeled scooters able to carry up to 100kgs. Small wheeled scooters are good for commuting because they are portable too.
Large wheel scooters are more challenging to learn with and require more energy to push. They may not be suitable for smaller kids, although well-built kids between 7-11 years can find a suitable large wheeled scooter. One of their greatest advantages is that they have a longer lifespan as the child might grow into it.
Scooter Quality
This might be the last on our list but the most important too. Good quality scooter for your kid assures them safety, value for money, and a longer lifespan. Before making your purchase, find out what the scooter truly offers in terms of handling, technology, and overall performance.
Conclusion
Scooters offer lots of advantages to growing kids, particularly in helping them to learn proper handling and assist in psychomotor. Choosing the right micro scooter for your kid requires you to list down the key qualities that are essential and ideal depending on your child’s ability. Most importantly, keep your child’s safety as a top priority regardless of their age.