Which Scooter is Right for my Child? A Banwood Buying Guide

Are you looking for a big birthday gift or special Christmas present from Santa? Or perhaps you want to tackle the nursery or school run on foot more. Maybe a new baby needs the toddler's pushchair... Whatever the reason, a kids' scooter is a worthwhile investment. 

But what style and size of scooter is best for what age child? If you're new to scooter shopping, or simply getting confused by conflicting advice, read on for our parents' guide to choosing the best scooter for your child.

What are the main types of kids' scooters?

There are lots of different scooter specs, but to keep things simple, it can be reduced to two main types of kids scooters in the UK - three wheeled and two-wheeled.

 For a slightly more complicated answer, we carry a few different children's scooters all from Banwood, a family-owned brand which we love for the premium build quality, aesthetically-pleasing classic design and key safety features.

What age is a three-wheeled scooter for? 

Three wheeled scooters are the entry level vehicle for most toddlers and are recommended for ages 3 - 6 Years (approx 95 - 110 cm tall), and it's easy to see why.

Firstly there's the patented Easy-Ride System which offers an ergonomic and safe scooter ride. Its exclusive and highly developed angle control system eliminates the turning range of the front wheels which eases turning and navigation, making steering a breeze and journeys smoother and less frustrating for your little one.

Two front wheels help to create a better balanced riding experience for little ones who are still finding their feet, further enhanced by the wide and sturdy anti-slip deck (29.3 × 10 cm) for stability and comfort.

All Banwood 3-wheeled scooters are designed to grow with the child thanks to an adjustable T-handle bar which clicks into place at three set height options (70, 75, 80cm.)

It can also be removed easily with a quick release spring pin making it easier to fit into your car boot or for storage at home.

There are key safety features including a rear wheel brake, non-slip rubber grip handles for a secure hold and the anti-slip deck.

At Kinder Collective we carry two types of three wheeled scooters for kids: the Banwood Eco Scooter and the Banwood Vintage Scooter, and there are brilliant benefits to both.

The Banwood Eco Scooter uses 100% post-consumer recycled plastic for the deck and front collar, along with steel and aluminium for the frame. The eco scooter not only promotes balance and coordination but also embodies the brand's dedication to reducing environmental impact through thoughtful design - a value that resonates with us as a sustainable children's retailer.

A perfect blend of functionality and sustainability, it encourages adventure while contributing to a greener planet for future generations.

It's the most lightweight option from Banwood, weighing in at 2.54 kg, making it easy for kids to ride and parents to carry (an inevitability especially with younger riders.) 

It's also Banwood's most affordable scooter. Priced at £89, it comes with a detachable silicone front basket that can be personalised with the brand's basket pins (think jibbitz, but much more aesthetically pleasing!)

The Banwood Vintage Scooter offers all of the same design and safety features as the Eco version, but it's made of a lightweight aluminium alloy with oak inset onto the footplate base for a more premium spec. A detail kids and parents love is the detachable rattan front basket included that not only brings vintage charm to the modern design features and premium finish but comes in handy for treasures found along the journey or to carry a toy or snack.

Weighing in at a slightly heavier 2.8kg compared to the Eco Scooter, it's still lightweight enough for young users to gain confidence and speed, and its high shine paint job and wooden detailing make for a very sleek and premium product that is perfect for special gifting for children 3 - 6 Years.

What age is a two-wheeled scooter for, and how will I know when to size up?

Usually a child graduates to a two-wheeled scooter from the age of six. While they may have mastered the three-wheel well before that, we don't recommend trying to switch too early as the two-wheeled version needs their balance skills to be well developed and is proportioned for a minimum height of 110cm tall. 

The Banwood Maxi Scooter is the brand's only 2-wheel scooter - it's designed in the same vintage style and made from aluminium, as older children tend to need something robust to carry their weight (there's no upper age limit for the Maxi Scooter, it's safe up to 100kg) and to withstand their increased confidence on paths and roads as well. 

It has a classic steering system - just like a bike - which makes switching between bike and scooter easy for your child. Built to withstand the test of time, it features Banwood classics like the ergonomic, adjustable T-handlebar (74.5, 79.5, 84.5 cm) with rubber grips, a wooden oak anti-slip deck for a safe ride and the rear wheel brake.

The rounded shape and smooth edges of the deck on the Banwood Maxi Scooter is a design detail we particularly like as it hurts much less than other scooters when you get a whack to the ankle!  It weighs in at 3.35kg and, like the Banwood Vintage Scooter, comes with a detachable rattan front basket that not only brings vintage charm to the modern design features and premium finish but creates a handy place for a child to put their water bottle, snack or favourite toy - meaning you don't have to carry it for them. Win-win!

As parents, safety is so important to us and we know how much it matters to you. Children should wear a safety helmet while scooting, riding a bike or skateboarding, and Banwood Helmets combine safety features including a durable ABS shell, comfortable fit and dial-adjustable sizing with aesthetic styling including a pleasing shape and gentle colours that appeal to kids of all ages. After all, a helmet they refuse to wear won't protect them from anything!

Parents and children alike are drawn to the Banwood Scooter range in our Sunshine Store by the sea, thanks to the premium materials and build quality, safety features and aesthetically pleasing design. We just wish they made adult versions!