Hi
My son is just about 2.5. He has learned from the older kids at the park how to ride a scooter. To my surprise he is very steady and quite confident on a scooter.
My question is should I get him a scooter with 2 or 3 wheeled scooter?
Is there a brand that is better than another?
What helmet would you recommend for him?
Thanks for your advice.
J.
Being so young, I would get him a 3-wheeled scooter. I haven't been comfortable with my kids having a 2-wheeled Razor until they were 5. They seemed much more capable of controlling it safely. I don't know if they make 2-wheeled scooters that are intended for younger kids?
Get a toddler sized helmet. Take him with you and try them on so you know they will fit him properly.
I bought 2 scooters off of Craigslist that have 3 wheels for a lot less than I would have paid for one new scooter. My 2 yr old can ride that better than the 2 wheel but is pretty good on my older kids' Razor scooters. However, I prefer she ride her own scooter because when she trips, I do not have to worry about the scooter falling on her. The 3 wheel stays upright. She has run over her own toes though so make sure he wears shoes. Any toddler helmet that fits properly should be good for now, and remember knee pads. Make sure you teach about scooters and any type of stairs/steps.
I would get him a 3-wheeled scooter. I got several of the smallest ones from Target - they actually make them quite small. Also, they aren't terribly expensive, which is good since they tend to grow out of them fairly quickly.
Rather than a bike helmet, look for skater helmet and gear. I think that scooters have more similiar injuries to skateboarding than bike riding. Make sure you get the set with the wrist-guards included. At Target, they actually have packaged sets right next to the scooters :)
Good luck.
My first reaction would be to get the 3 wheeled as that's what I did with my boys and it worked out well.....except....I kinda wish I had just gotten the 2 wheeled one and let them work it out balance wise. I think we overdid it with the 3 wheeled scooters and kept the training wheels on too long as well. I know not every kid can master a scooter or bike early on, but now our guys are 7 and still can't ride a 2 wheel bike! We've been working on it but now they are nervous knowing what falling is like. When they're a bit younger, the falls don't seem to be as big of a deal - not old/mature enough to fret over it??
So bottom line, I say go with the 2 wheel version. He's got the basics down anyway, so keep the momentum going!
J.
We loved our Radio Flyer red 3-wheel scooter for when my son was little (about 2-4). He just turned 5 now and he and his 7 year old sister are both very good on their Razors but Andrew will still use the 3 wheel every once in awhile or happily lend it to a younger friend. I think we are about to post-it on Craigslist soon, though, as he simply has too many rider type toys in the garage. It is sad they outgrown items so quickly - I highly recommend yardsales and craigslist if it is not a special gift for a special occasion.
the three wheeled superman, or spiderman one would be good. My daughter has the princess one and loves it , she just turned 3 and rides like a pro
At the park does he ride a scooter, is it a 2 wheel or 3 wheel? My 2.5 granddaughter can ride both. If he is riding a 2 wheeler he will become really bored with a 3 wheeler. When you watch him which does he prefer?
helmets and pads are important. The most important part about them if they are comfortable where they actually will keep them on. I bought many sets that are unused because they hurt hear or there. I started going to Good Will and FISH to find these things, I have found that broke in helmets are more comfortable for my children. Of course I bring them home and clean them really well. I have a plastic box full of pads and helmets to use when thier friends come over. and of course as their heads get bigger, it is so emotional for them to go to ride their scooter and bike or skates and find out something does not fit anymore and you have no back up. I look for them at yard sales and try and remember the sizes I have at home.
Yes, I would go with a 3 wheeled scooter. Even though he seems pretty steady, he is still 2.5 and not quite ready for the 2 wheeler.
He should get a toddler helmet that is sized for his head circumference. Measure his head with a tape measure and bring that measurement in to the store so you can be sure you are getting the right size. Or, better yet, bring him in to a bike shop and get him fitted.
Have fun!
