The 5 Best Electric Scooters for Kids in 2024
Electric scooters for kids can be fun, but safety comes first. In this guide, I cut through the hype and help you pick a scooter that's safe, reliable, and right for your kid's age and size.
When I recommend scooters for adults, it's typically about performance value, speed, and range, but for kids, things are different. To select the best e-scooters for kids (ages 6-14 years), I've focused on the following:
- Safety features (good brakes, speed limiters)
- Manageable speed (no overpowered motors, preferably with adjustability)
- Reliability (sturdy builds, good after-sales support)
- Low maintenance (no fixer-uppers that break when you blink)
Although rare, I've also included a few models with adjustable handlebar height so the kids can grow with their scooter.
Quick Overview
I've kept things simple with five reliable models from three popular brands.
Top 5 Electric Scooters for Kids
Gyroor H40
$199.99 at Gyroor What I like
- Reputable brand with good support
- Adjustable height for growing kids
- Excellent visibility with multiple lights
- Lightweight and low maintenance
- Kid-friendly speed and controls
What I don't like
- Limited battery life
- Lacks a mechanical brake
- Not geared for rough terrain
The Gyroor H40 makes the list for several reasons. Gyroor's one of the most popular brands in the industry, with a good after-sales reputation. The scooter itself is solid, fitting kids 8-14 years old with an adjustable handlebar height. Visibility's a strong point here, with a full setup of deck lights, headlight, and taillight - great for safety.
It's lightweight at just 9.3 lbs, which makes it easy for kids to handle. The low maintenance design is a big plus, featuring an electronic regen brake and footbrake. No fussy cables or adjustments needed. Power-wise, we're looking at a manageable 180W motor that tops out at 10 mph - fast enough to be fun, slow enough to keep parents from freaking out.
The battery capacity is on the small side, so you're only likely to get 40-60 minutes of runtime per charge. That's enough for neighborhood cruising, but don't expect all-day adventures. I'd have liked to see a mechanical brake in addition to the electronic systems, but it's still more than safe enough for the modest speed.
Control-wise, it's got an intuitive thumb throttle which is easy for kids to learn and manage. The 7" wheels should handle typical sidewalks and paths without issue.
Gyroor H30 Max
$159.99 at Gyroor What I like
- 3-speed modes great for learning
- Built-in Bluetooth speaker
- Adjustable height for growing kids
- Very affordable
What I don't like
- Limited visibility (only deck lights)
- Heavier than the H40
The Gyroor H30 Max is another solid scooter for a slightly younger crowd of 6-12 years. It's packing a lot of similarities to the H40, but with some key differences that make it more suitable for younger riders.
We're looking at a 150W rear motor, which is slightly less powerful than the H30, but that's perfect given that this is for kids aged 6 and up. It still manages to hit the same 10 MPH top speed.
One of the best features of the H30 Max is the 3-speed mode setup - 6, 8 and 10 MPH. This is great for letting your kid gradually work up to higher speeds as they get comfortable, and to keep things safe and manageable as a parent.
Battery-wise, it's the same deal as the H40 - expect about 40-60 minutes of ride time. The weight capacity is a bit lower at 132 lbs, but that makes sense for the younger age range.
Visibility isn't as decked out as the H40 - you're only getting deck lights here. But Gyroor's thrown in a Bluetooth speaker, which is a fun touch that your kid might appreciate.
The adjustable handlebar is still here, ranging from 34" to 38". It's a bit heavier than the H40 at 13.2 lbs, but still manageable for most kids in the 3'6" to 5'3" range.
Like its bigger sibling, it's using a combo of footbrake and electronic brake. Again, I'd prefer a mechanical brake, but it should be plenty safe at these speeds.
Segway Ninebot C2 Pro
$299.99$249.99 at Amazon What I like
- Fastest in my lineup
- Best range
- Solid braking system
- Top-tier brand reliability
What I don't like
- Heavy for kids
- Limited visibility
- No true slow mode for beginners
If you're looking for something a bit more capable, the Segway Ninebot C2 Pro has a zippy but manageable top speed of 12.4 MPH. It's got three speed modes - 9.3 mph and two at 12.4 mph (I would've preferred a lower mode instead).
Braking performance is top-notch with both an electronic regen brake and a rear drum brake. It packs a 108 Wh battery, which is about double what the Gyroor models offer, so the C2 Pro will give you the best range per charge, hands down. More range, more fun.
Visibility could've been better. I'm missing a headlight and taillight. The ambient deck-light is great, though. It's notably heavier than the competitors at 23.6 lbs, so younger kids won't be lugging this around easily. However, that's a testament to its build quality. It feels grounded and like it's gonna last.
The handlebar height is adjustable and will theoretically fit kids 6-14 years (3'8"-5'6"), but I recommend it for kids 9 and up. The weight and speed make it more suitable for older kids.
Brand-wise, you can't beat Segway for reliability. They're arguably the biggest name in the game. The Bluetooth speaker's a nice touch too, something to keep the fun going.
Segway Ninebot C2
Check Price What I like
- Reliable Segway build quality
- Appropriate speed for younger kids
- Solid braking system
- More affordable than C2 Pro
What I don't like
- Heavy for its target age group
- No adjustable handlebar
- No Bluetooth speaker
The Segway Ninebot C2 is like a toned-down version of the C2 Pro, aimed squarely at the 6-12 age bracket. It's got a more modest 54Wh battery, putting it in line with the Gyroor models - expect about 40-60 minutes of ride time.
Power-wise, we're looking at a 130W motor. It's the least beefy in our lineup, but still manages a respectable 9.9 MPH top speed. You've got three speed modes here - one at 7.5 MPH and two at 9.9 MPH. I'd have preferred a slower mode instead of two top speeds, but the 7.5 MPH option is a good starting point for beginners.
At 22.9 lbs, it's a tad lighter than the C2 Pro, but still noticeably heavier than its peers. The 110 lbs weight limit is on the lower side, but should cover most kids in the target age range. One drawback is the lack of adjustable handlebars, but it should comfortably fit kids from 3'9" to 5'2".
Unlike its Pro sibling, there's no Bluetooth speaker here. But let's be real - you're buying this for the ride, not the music.
What you do get is Segway's top-notch reliability and build quality. It's a solid, dependable option for younger riders, even if it's not perfect. If you're after something well-built that'll last, this is worth a look.
NIU KQi Youth+
$299.00 at NIU What I like
- Two good speed modes
- Half-twist throttle, easier on kids' hands
- Comfortable ride with larger wheels
- Best warranty in the lineup
- Solid braking system
What I don't like
- Non-adjustable handlebar height
- Heavier than some competitors
- Limited lighting (no front/rear lights)
The NIU KQi Youth+ rounds out our lineup with some unique features. It's got two speed modes that make sense - a safe 6.2 MPH and a sportier 10 MPH. That's a good spread for kids to grow into.
One thing that stands out is the half-twist throttle. It's generally easier on the hands than a thumb throttle, which is great for younger riders who may not have built up that much finger dexterity/strength yet. I also like the swappable grip tape on the deck. When it wears down, you're not stuck with a slippery ride. There are some fun design options, too.
Comfort-wise, this might be the winner. The 7.5" front and 7" rear wheels are the largest in our group, which should translate to a smoother ride on typical surfaces.
The ambient deck light adds some style, but I'm still missing front and rear lights for better visibility. It's a common theme in this lineup, and I wish more manufacturers would prioritize it.
Weight-wise, it sits between the Gyroors and the Ninebots at 18.3 lbs. It's not light, but it feels solid and grounded. The non-adjustable handlebar is a bit of a letdown, but NIU says it'll fit kids 8-14 years (4'4"-5'3").
Range is decent at 50-70 minutes, beating out the Gyroors and the C2, but still behind the C2 Pro. The braking system is solid, combining electronic regen and a mechanical rear brake.
Lastly, the Niu KQi Youth+ has a 2-year warranty, which is the best coverage in our lineup. If you're worried about longevity, that's a big plus.
How to Keep Your Kids Safe on an Electric Scooter
Here are six simple steps you can take as a parent to ensure safe riding.
- Always supervise your kids when they ride: This doesn't mean hovering, but being present and aware of their location and riding behavior.
- Choose low-traffic areas with smooth roads for riding: Quiet neighborhoods, parks, or dedicated bike paths are ideal. Avoid busy streets or areas with lots of obstacles.
- Teach them how to use the scooter properly: Before their first ride, show them how to start, stop, turn, and use the throttle and brakes safely. Practice together in a safe area until you're confident in their skills.
- Consider starting with a regular kick scooter: This will help them develop balance and coordination skills before going electric.
- Make wearing safety gear a non-negotiable habit: This includes a properly fitting helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads at minimum. Explain why each piece is important and lead by example if you ride with them.
- Set clear rules and enforce them consistently: This might include restrictions on riding at night or in certain areas.
Essential Safety Gear for Young E-Scooter Riders
- Helmet: This is the most essential piece of safety equipment. Choose a well-fitting bicycle or skateboard helmet that meets safety standards. Always replace a helmet if it's been in a crash.
- Knee and Elbow Pads: These protect against scrapes and bruises in case of falls. Look for pads with hard shells and soft interiors for comfort.
- Wrist Guards: These can prevent wrist injuries during falls, which are common when kids instinctively try to catch themselves.
- Closed-toe Shoes: Avoid sandals or flip-flops. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes provide better grip and protect feet.
If your child rides in low-light settings, consider bright or reflective clothing. This helps a lot with visibility. Many of these children's scooters have poor visibility already, so it may be worth adding extra bike lights as well.
At the end of the day, the best safety gear is the gear that's actually worn. Make it a habit from day one, and your kid will be much safer on their scooter.
Parents Questions Answered
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer here. It depends on your kid's development, coordination level, and maturity. Some kids are ready earlier than others. That said, most reputable brands design their kids' scooters for ages 6 and up, which I think is a good starting point.
The key is to choose a scooter that's appropriate for your child's age, size, and skill level. This means considering factors like speed limits and ride height to ensure they have a stable, safe ride. This means that you shouldn't get an adult-sized scooter for a kid—they're simply not tall enough to handle those dimensions yet.
Kids aged 6 are best off on scooters no faster than 8 MPH while they can gradually ease towards 12 MPH as they approach their tweens. This is directly based on how manufacturers design their kids scooters.
The ideal top speed depends on your kid's ability and coordination level. Here's a rough guide to help you match age with appropriate scooter specs:
| Age | Max Speed |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | 6-8 MPH |
| 9-11 | 8-10 MPH |
| 12-14 | 10-12 MPH |
Adjustable handlebars aren't strictly necessary, but they're a big plus. They allow the scooter to grow with your kid, potentially lasting several years instead of just one summer.
This saves you money in the long run and ensure a comfortable, safe riding position as your child grows. However, if you find a scooter that fits your kid perfectly and has all the other features you want, don't rule it out just because the handlebars aren't adjustable.
For kids, thumb throttles are generally better. They're easier to control and less likely to cause accidental acceleration.
However, the NIU KQi Youth+ in our lineup uses a half-twist throttle, which can be easier on the hands than a thumb throttle if your kid hasn't developed much finger dexterity yet.
Ultimately, either type can work well if the child is properly trained on how to use it safely. The most important factor is that the throttle is responsive and easy for your kid to manage.
