Most of the electric scooters on the market feature a similar basic design. Deciding on the best model when it come to your child is dependent on your child’s skill level and age. There are also other features such as the speed, battery life, size and weight are important differences that you need to consider. Checkout the review table of kids motor scooters for the different models.
The electric scooter is something that features batteries which will require charging after use and they are typically easy-to-maintain. They are also generally cheap to operate, and the batteries will usually last two to three years depending on how the scooter is used. Replacement batteries can be purchased and usually cost around $30 to $50.
Before buying for your child, there are essential features that will vary from one scooter to the next which will include:
1. The Speed
The top-speed that a scooter can travel is based on the power and size of the battery and motor. Younger children should be using a scooter with a low maximum speed to make sure they are able to maintain control. Even though the electric brand of scooters is slower than gas scooters, they typically travel between eight and fifteen miles per hour. This speed is usually more than enough for children to play safely.
Keep in mind that the top speeds are usually derived from the ideal conditions as well as on flat surfaces. What this means is that when traveling on a hill or on uneven terrain these scooters are not able to reach their top speeds. Choose a scooter with a lower speed if your child is using a scooter for the first time or for smaller children. The higher speed models are more enjoyable as the skill level of your child improves.
2. The Brakes
The brakes on a kid’s scooter are either available at the rear with foot-operated brakes or on the handlebars similar to a bicycle. Entry level models usually feature rear foot brakes which makes the transition from push scooters a lot easier for smaller children. The handlebar brakes work the same way as the bicycle brakes, which will brake the front or rear wheel that results in a decrease in speed. The electric scooter cuts out the power when the brake is used. This is a safety feature which makes sure that the scooter stops quickly, while assisting the rider to maintain control.
3. The Weight
The weight of is usually associated with the way it is constructed along with the actual size of either the motor or battery or both. More powerful and faster scooters usually require heavy and large batteries that often weigh a significant amount. For example, the Razor E300, weighs 52 lbs. The faster and larger scooter are more suitable for an older child that has the strength and skills to handle the scooter.
4. Power
The top speeds that a scooter can reach is dependent on the motor power. This power will also be a deciding factor on how much weight the scooter can handle and its abilities to handle traveling up a hill. If your child is older, they typically weigh more and will enjoy better experiences with larger motors that are constructed to carry their weight.
5. The Weight Of The Rider
The maximum weight of the rider is usually categorized into three levels. This includes up to 120 lbs. for younger children, 150 lbs. for older children and a maximum weight of 220 lbs. for adults and teenagers. Keep these maximum weight limits in mind when it comes to choosing the right scooter for your child.
6. Drive
Electric scooters either feature a belt or chain drive. Most modern scooters feature a chain-drive that operates similar to bicycle chains. Belt drives are typically costlier than the chain drives yet offer a much quieter ride.
7. Tires
Scooters feature 2 main tire types which include the pneumatic or solid urethane. The urethane tires offer low maintenance but can become slippery in wet or damp conditions. Pneumatic tires on electric scooters are pumped-up and offer more comfort on bumpy surfaces such as sidewalks. These tires are usually featured on the high-end scooters.
8. Foldable
Most of the models cannot be folded, yet they are usually easy to disassemble. One of the exceptions is the Razor E300 which features a handlebar that folds down.
9. Maximum Ride Time
The most common question for most parents when buying a kid’s scooter is “how long will the battery last?”. More powerful scooters usually require larger batteries, but the ride time for the majority of models last from 40 to 50 minutes which depends on the condition and the speed.