How to Buy a Scooter

Know that a scooter is a ride-on toy on which a child stands. There is a large wheel in the front and a handlebar for steering. The back has one or two small wheels. In between, the front and rear wheels is a flat area for standing on.

Know, too, that the child holds on to the handles, places one foot on the flat surface and pushes off on the ground with the other foot.

Understand that, when shopping for a scooter, you need to know how old the child is you are shopping for, as there are several types for different ages.

Consider a scooter with two rear wheels for any age. These scooters are the easiest to balance on.

Notice that some scooters have brakes on the handlebars while others have a foot brake over the rear wheel. The handle brakes are the easiest to use.

Realize that, if you are shopping for a child in the 4- to 7-year age range, you will have a wide selection, as most scooters are made for this age range.

Check out the Scooter Fox ($90), one of the more popular models. The Quincy Scooter ($90) has a basket on the handlebars and three wheels. Small Wheels' Red Scooter and Chrome Scooter ($90 to $100) have safety features such as hand brakes and handlebar safety pad.

Recognize that, if you are shopping for an older child, you may wish to consider the Seneca Street Cruiser. This scooter is really a skateboard with handlebars. It is inexpensive at $25.

Understand, though, that a child who already rides a skateboard may not appreciate this scooter, as it may appear too juvenile with the handlebars.

Look at the Red California Chariot Scooter, which is also made for this age range. It costs $170 and features a very large front wheel and increased stability with its two rear wheels.

Shop for a scooter from the shopping list or at your favorite online or local shop.