3-wheel scooters, with two wheels at the front and one at the back, are fast becoming the must-have scooter for younger children, but, with so many on the market, how do you decide which one is best for your child? Hopefully, this short 2-minute blog will help you make that decision.  

Which is better, a 2-wheel or 3-wheel scooter? 

For younger children and those that have yet to master a pushbike without stabilisers, a 3-wheel scooter is the better option. 3-wheeled scooters are intuitive to ride - the child leans their body in the direction they want to go, and the scooter follows. The two wheels at the front offer extra stability, allowing the child to scoot confidently. They also allow the scooter to remain standing upright when not in use – no need to engage a kickstand, no scooters crashing to the ground every time the child hops on and off.

The Mini Micro LED Deluxe Scooter is Micro Scooter's much loved 3-wheel scooter for children aged 2-5 years.

Are 3-wheel scooters safer? 

We would always recommend wearing a helmet whatever scooter you are riding, but 3-wheelers are more stable and require less balance and core engagement to scoot, and so, therefore, children are less likely to fall off a 3-wheeled scooter. 

Do you have to do anything different to ride on a 3-wheel scooter? 

The primary method of riding a scooter is the same, whether on 3 or 2 wheels. One foot remains static on top of the deck whilst the other pushes you along. The difference with a 3-wheel scooter is that you don't turn the handlebars like a bike to steer. Instead, you use your body to lean in the direction you want the scooter to go, and the scooter follows. 

Which 3-wheel scooter is best? 

When looking for a 3-wheel scooter, you should ask yourself a couple of key questions while perusing the options.       

How long will this scooter last? 

Ideally, you would like a scooter that will not only last the child you're buying it for for a few years but perhaps also be handed on to a sibling or friend after they have outgrown it. Many 3-wheeled scooters come with adjustable handlebars so that the scooter can grow with the child. Some retailers also offer replacement parts for their scooters to allow you to refurb at home and extend the life of the scooter. 

2in1 and 3in1 3-wheeled scooters are also widely available on the market. These scooters start with a seat so that a toddler can use the scooter as a ride-on initially and, as the child grows, the scooter transitions from Ride-On to a scooter by simply removing the seat. 

Some, like the Mini Micro 3in1 Deluxe Push Along Scooter, also have a removable push bar incorporated into the seat section so that the child can be pushed on the ride-on scooter even before they can drive it along with their feet. 

Generally, these multi-tasking scooters last from age 1-5.

What is my budget?   

Scooters are available to suit all budgets, but, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. 

Cheaper scooters tend to be made from cheaper materials, are usually less well manufactured, and break easier. A basic 3-wheeled scooter from one of the premium brands on the market will probably set you back about £60-70, but these scooters will last for many years and will come with a warranty and customer support – they may be worth the investment.

The more bells and whistles you add to your scooter wish list, the more you should expect to pay, but 3-wheel scooters are available with LED Wheels, personalisation, light-up handlebars, light-up decks and much more if you desire it.

Where will I take it and store it? 

The downside to 3-wheelers is that they can be bulky to store and transport. If possible, you should always keep your scooter inside away from the elements and direct sunlight, which will cause colour fading. If storage space is an issue, look for a foldable 3-wheeled scooter that easily fits into a cupboard or on a shelf.   

Foldable scooters are usually in a higher price bracket than non-foldable ones, but – cue a top money-saving tip - non-foldable 3-wheeled scooters sometimes come with easily removable handlebars allowing you to break the scooter down to store or transport. It isn’t as convenient or easy as a one-click folding scooter, but you get the same result for a smaller price tag for a little bit more effort.

There you have it - our short guide to 3-wheeled scooters – in our opinion, the best option for younger children.