Scooter Guides: Electric, Kick and Kids' Rides (2026)
How to pick an electric scooter that fits your commute, a kick scooter that fits your child and the gear that keeps both safe.
Electric or Kick: Which Scooter Do You Need?
Scooters split into two families. Electric scooters replace short car trips and bus rides. Kick scooters are for kids, quick hops and tricks at the skatepark. The right choice comes down to who's riding, how far and on what surface.
| Type | Typical Rider | What to Check | Start Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter electric scooter | Adults on city streets and bike lanes | Real-world range, weight, brakes, IP rating | Electric scooters |
| Seated electric scooter | Riders who want to sit | Seat height, weight limit, folding | Scooters with seats |
| Off-road electric scooter | Gravel, dirt and rough paths | Suspension, tire type, motor power | Off-road scooters |
| Kids' electric scooter | Children who meet the maker's age guidance | Speed limiter, deck height, weight limit | Kids' e-scooters |
| Kick scooter | Toddlers to adults | Handlebar height, wheel size, brake | Kids' scooters |
| Stunt scooter | Skatepark riders | One-piece bar, fixed deck, strong clamp | Stunt scooters |
Browse Every Scooter Guide
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Kick Scooters & Kids' Rides
6 guides- Buying guideBest 3-Wheel Scooters for Toddlers
- Buying guideBest Adult Kick Scooters
- Buying guideBest Hoverboards
- Buying guideBest Kids' Scooters
- Buying guideBest Stunt Scooters
- How-to & infoHow to Fold a Razor Scooter
How to Read Electric Scooter Specs
Spec sheets look alike, but a few numbers do most of the work:
- Range. Treat the advertised figure as a best case. Hills, cold weather, speed and rider weight all cut it. Our guide to how long e-scooter batteries last covers battery wear over time too.
- Top speed. Many places cap legal speed for e-scooters, so a faster scooter isn't always one you can use. See how fast electric scooters go.
- Weight limit. Check the maximum rider load, especially for heavier adults. Riding near the limit shortens range and wears brakes faster. Our scooters for heavy adults guide focuses on this.
- Scooter weight. If you'll carry it up stairs or onto a train, every pound counts. See folding electric scooters.
- Water resistance. An IP rating such as IPX4 or IP54 describes splash resistance, not waterproofing. Avoid deep puddles whatever the rating.
- Brakes and tires. Dual brakes and air-filled tires generally give more control and comfort than a single rear brake with solid tires.
Is an E-Scooter Legal Where You Live?
There is no single US rule. States and cities set their own limits on age, speed, helmets and whether you can ride on sidewalks, bike lanes or roads. Before you buy, read are electric scooters street legal? and check your local rules.
Picking a Scooter for a Child
Fit matters more than features. The handlebar should sit at about waist to hip height, and the deck should be low enough for an easy push. Toddlers do best on three-wheel lean-to-steer models, covered in 3-wheel scooters for toddlers. Older kids move to two wheels. The scooter size guide for kids walks through height and age.
Safety Gear and Security
Wear a certified helmet on any scooter, and add knee and elbow pads for kids and skatepark riding. A good lock matters for e-scooters, which are attractive to thieves. Our guide to electric scooter locks covers the types.
Weighing a scooter against other short-trip options? Electric scooter vs electric bike and skateboard vs scooter lay out the trade-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to ride an electric scooter?
It depends on where you live. Rules on licenses, age limits, helmets, top speed and where you may ride vary by state and city. Check your state DMV and local ordinances. Our guide to whether electric scooters are street legal explains what to look for.
What age is a kick scooter suitable for?
Three-wheel scooters with a lean-to-steer design are made for toddlers, often from about age 2 or 3. Two-wheel scooters usually suit children from around 5, once their balance improves. Always follow the maker's age and weight guidance.
How far can an electric scooter go on one charge?
Advertised range is usually measured in ideal conditions with a light rider at moderate speed on flat ground. Real-world range is often noticeably lower with hills, cold weather, higher speeds or a heavier rider, so leave yourself a margin.