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In this review:
  1. Cheap Scooters
  2. Kick Scooters, Motorized Scooters
  3. Kids Scooters Weight Limits, Design
  4. Scooter Reviews, Best Scooters
  5. Discount Scooters Features Comparison Table
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Related Guides: Bicycle Helmets, Bike Locks, Kids Bikes and Mountain Bikes

Scooters Features

Kick Scooters.

A kick scooter, sometimes known as a push scooter, is a very basic form of transportation: a narrow deck with two small wheels, one in front and one in back, and steering handlebars affixed to the deck by a long mount.
Just kick off with a foot, roll, push off again, roll, and so on; speed is controlled by the strength and momentum of the rider's kick. The best cheap kick scooter we found is the Razor A (starting at $27, Amazon), an easy and dependable ride for youngsters ages 5 and up. The next model in the Razor lineup is the A2 (starting at $37, Amazon), which is one of the few cheap kick scooters capable of executing at least one trick; this model features a bar in the back that lets the rider pop a wheelie. Another Razor, the Pro (starting at $50, Amazon), is designed for stunts and freewheeling with grip tape on the deck and a reinforced head tube. One model beyond our price range for kick scooters that bears mention is the Pulse Kick 'N Go (starting at $74, Amazon), which features a T-shaped bar at the rear of the deck that the rider kicks to accelerate rather than using their foot.

Entry-level scooters for tots have three small wheels and a wider deck, as well as steering handlebars. The third wheel provides added stability and the wider platform usually can hold two little feet side by side, both features that make it easier and safer (fewer tip-overs) for young children learning to ride. Our pick for best entry-level kick scooter, the Radio Flyer My First Scooter (starting at $34, Amazon), sports two wheels in front and one in back. The Razor Kiddie Kick (starting at $28, Amazon) takes the opposite approach and puts two wheels in the back and one up front. One configuration isn't necessarily better than the other, although parents' assessment of the Radio Flyer is more positive; critiques of the Razor Kiddie Kick center on difficult push-offs and very slow speeds, which together seem to frustrate youngsters.

Motorized Scooters.

A scooter powered by an electric motor means a lot less work for the rider but higher cost for the buyer. Just turn on, push off, and roll away. The variable speed on most kids' motorized scooters tops out at 10 miles an hour and is typically controlled through the hand grips or a thumb trigger. The deck is wider than a regular kick scooter in order to accommodate the motor, which is secured underneath on our favorite cheap electric scooter, the chain-driven Razor E100 (starting at $91, Amazon), and at the rear on the belt-driven X-Treme X-140 (starting at $100, Amazon). Although 8 is the recommended minimum age for stepping up to a motorized scooter, some parents seem to ignore the advice; we read reviews that indicate 6- and 7-year-olds are tooling around on these little machines.

The motor on an electric scooter is powered by batteries. Specs on both the models we researched call for two rechargeable 12V batteries, which are included. Both motorized scooters also come with chargers. Manufacturers specify the batteries' range differently. With the Razor E100 you can expect about 40 minutes of uninterrupted scooting and then up to 12 hours of charge time. With the X-Treme X-140, you should be able to travel about six to eight miles and then have to wait six to eight hours for a full recharge.
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Best Cheap Scooters

Razor A Kick Scooter
Gold Medal

Razor A Kick Scooter

Known as the original kick scooter, this durable, sturdy model consistently pleases most young riders and their adult handlers. It's lightweight, easy to use, easy to store, and the best choice for a first two-wheeled scooter. Read more »
Scooters Deals
Razor E100 Electric Scooter
Gold Medal

Razor E100 Electric Scooter

For children starting at about age 8, the electric Razor E100 is reliable, user-friendly, and a convenient mode of transportation. Speeds reach up to 10 mph and the rechargeable battery is good for about 40 minutes of straight riding time. Read more »
Scooters Deals

Good Cheap Kids Scooter

Radio Flyer My First Scooter
Gold Medal

Radio Flyer My First Scooter

With three wheels and a wide deck, the Radio Flyer My First Scooter is a safe and well-liked entry-level model for toddlers. It collapses for easy storage but its wide turning radius makes it hard to steer. Read more »
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