Electric scooters for kids (UK) | What you need to know (2024)

Who didn’t grow up scootering? We all keep up with technological developments. And so does the scooter. Electric scooters for kids, as the name suggests, feature electronic propulsion. For this reason, the recommended age for most models is 8 years and above.

Before you buy a scooter, it’s good to know what rules apply and which e-scooter is suitable for use by children. We give you answers to all user questions.

Last update: January 09 2023

Are children allowed to ride an electric scooter?

In the UK, most electric scooters are not yet permitted for use on public roads. The scooters that are allowed on public roads can only be driven if you have a (moped) driving licence. A minimum age of 16 applies.

The use of an electric scooter by children is only allowed on private property. Driving on public roads is not allowed.

A Government initiative will be coming into effect to support the “last-mile” campaign, which is aiming to make the future of travel greener. This means the law will change to mirror those of the city bikes that are rentable in busy cities such as London and Manchester, relaxing the restrictions.

Whether this means the use of electric scooters on public roads by children will also be allowed is not yet clear.

What should you look out for when buying a children’s electric scooter?

When shopping around, it is advisable to consider the following when making your choice:

• Carrying weight: the average children’s scooter can carry up to 50 kg. If you are looking for an e-scooter for teenagers, pay attention to a suitable load weight;
• Handlebar height: handlebars that are too low offer less resistance for the body when riding over (for example) bumps. The guideline here is that the handlebars should not be lower than 2-5 centimetres below the navel;
• Weight: a light e-scooter is easier to use than a heavier model. The average children’s scooter weighs 11.8 kg, with peaks of 4.6 kg (low) and 19.5 kg (high);
• Speed: knowing what kind of max speed you want for your child is a good starting point. If they are younger, you may want a lower speed with a more efficient motor and battery.

Which electric scooters are suitable for children?

The safety features that are built into modern electric scooters means that they are now far more safer for children to ride. The manufacture is sturdier, the mechanics are more reliable, and the braking distance is shorter and more efficient.

Because of the electric drive, it is advisable not to let children younger than 8 years ride an electric scooter. The following 5 electric scooters are suitable for children:

#1 Razor Electric Power Core E90

“Tough e-scooter for children aged 8 and over”

Recommended age: from 8 years | Maximum speed: 14 km/h | Weight: 11 kg | Maximum load capacity: 54 kg | Handlebar height: 91 cm

Are you looking for a cool electric scooter for your son or daughter? Then the Razor Electric Power Core E90 is right for you. As the most famous manufacturer of e-scooters for children, Razor has once again thought of all the details with this model.

For example, the scooter features a ‘kick-start’. This means that the scooter does not provide electrical assistance from standstill. Before you can accelerate, you push off with your foot.

Via the push button on the handlebar, the scooter reaches a maximum speed of 14 km/h. On the left side of the handlebar is the handbrake, which brings you safely to a stop.

The Razor E90 weighs only 10 kg. This makes the scooter easy for children to use. At the maximum speed of 16 km/h, the scooter will last up to 80 minutes. This equates to 18.5 kilometres per full battery.

#2 Ninebot Zing C8

“Fully charged in just 2.5 hours”

Recommended age: 6 to 12 years | Maximum speed: 16 km/h | Weight: 9 kg | Maximum load capacity: 50 kg | Handlebar height: 90 cm

The Ninebot Zing C8 is specially made for children aged 6 to 12. It is one of the best e-scooters for kids on the market, with a maximum speed of 16 km/h.

A full battery gives you around 40 minutes of riding fun, which equates to 10 kilometres. Is the battery empty? In just 2.5 hours, the battery is ready for use again.

In the unlikely event that you do come to a standstill with an empty battery? No problem. You can also use the Ninebot Zing C8 as a normal scooter.

The scooter weighs 9 kg. This makes the C8 easy for children to use. The lightweight design is complemented by a handy folding mechanism, which folds the scooter into a portable size.

The triple brake system consists of a hand brake, electric brake via the throttle lever and a foot-operated rear brake. Each brake can be used in combination with the others, providing plenty of opportunities to come to a safe stop.

#3 Denver SCK-5300

“The cheapest electric scooter for children”

Recommended age: 6 to 12 years | Maximum speed: 6 km/h | Weight: 5.6 kg | Maximum load up to: 50 kg | Handlebar height: 68 cm

Small, simple, foldable and convenient to use. That’s the best way to describe the Denver SCK-5300. With a maximum speed of 6 km/h, this scooter can be seen as a fun toy.

With a full battery, the scooter will last about 6 kilometres. After this, it can also be used as a normal scooter. An empty battery can be fully recharged in just 2.5 hours.

The scooter is easy to fold and supports a maximum weight of 50 kg. With a price tag of around £136-, the Denver SCK-5300 is a fun first scooter to introduce children from 6 years onwards.

Weighing less than 6 kg, the scooter is easy for children to use. Want to store the scooter after use? The handlebars fold down, allowing you to store the scooter as a small package.

#4 Ninebot Zing A6

“The lightest e-scooter for kids”

Recommended age: 4 to 8 years | Maximum speed: 12 km/h | Weight: 4.6 kg | Maximum load up to: 40 kg | Handlebar height: 85 cm

The Segway Ninebot Zing A6 is a sturdy and hip e-scooter, specially designed for children aged 4 to 8. The whole thing weighs only 4.6 kg, making it one of the lightest e-scooters for children.

The scooter reaches a maximum speed of 12 km/h and lasts 5 kilometres on a full battery. This is roughly equivalent to 25 minutes of riding fun. When the battery is empty, you can fully recharge it in three hours for the next lap.

The Zing A6 features elastic, solid rubber tyres of 5 inches (front) and 4 inches (rear). The anti-puncture tyres are completely maintenance-free, so you never have to change a tyre yourself.

In the dark, this scooter steals the limelight with an illuminated footboard. These lights switch on automatically when the scooter is switched on. And as soon as you start riding, the lights in the front wheel will also activate.

#5 Razor E100

“Large payload of up to 100 kg”

Recommended age: from 8 years of age | Maximum speed: 18 km/h | Weight: 11.5 kg | Maximum load up to: 54 kg | Handlebar height: 89 cm

The Razor Power Core E100 is a striking e-scooter suitable for children aged 6 to 12. The E100 is virtually a copy of the Razor E100S. Both scooters have a top speed of 18 km/h and a maximum range of 18 kilometres. The most noticeable difference is the saddle, which the E100S features.

The scooter features a steel frame, a pneumatic tyre at the front and a solid (puncture-proof) tyre at the front. Despite its sturdy build, the Razor E100 has a weight of just 14 kg.

The Razor Power Core E100 is 16% lighter than its predecessor and has a maximum carrying weight of 55 kg.

Powering off with the Power Core E100 works on the basis of a safe kickstart system. This makes it possible to accelerate only after pushing off with your foot.

As the E100 has no chain or belt, maintenance of this scooter is minimal. Razor recommends the scooter for riders aged 8 and above.

An electric scooter is a fun toy for children. At the same time, it is a means of transport that (especially when used on public roads) should be used with caution. In addition, consider any body protection such as knee pads and a helmet.