Scooters used to be intended mainly for kids because they are a great way to ride through the neighborhood and get to a friend’s house. With the creation of the electric scooter, however, the vehicle also became a popular way for adults to get around town, go from home to the transit station or take a joy ride. Many adult scooters offer electric power. Even adult kick scooters often include additional electric propulsion.

Meanwhile, most kids’ kick scooters still rely only on physical propulsion. Just as when using a skateboard, one foot stays on the board and one pushes off the ground to create forward momentum. The integrated handlebar makes it easy to steer.

Kids’ scooters also come in more snazzy colors than most adult scooters, and some include two wheels at the front to increase stability and make it easy for small children to balance on the scooter. Scooters for kids can provide hours of outside fun and a good way to get around locally.

Choosing the best scooter comes down to figuring out how you or your child will be using it. There are basic scooters for easy transportation as well as specialized scooters, like micro kickboard scooters and scooters with an enlarged front wheel (a lot like a bicycle wheel). Some kick scooters include handbrakes for easier stopping at higher speeds, and of course, rechargeable electric scooters provide additional electric power.

If you need to bring your scooter onto a metro car or bus, or if you want to take it on a trip, you may benefit from having a foldable scooter. These can fit more compactly into limited spaces. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for when it comes to buying a scooter for yourself or your teen, consider reading about how to choose an adult kick scooter.

Whenever you are making a scooter purchase, of course, you should also include a helmet. You may feel totally safe on your scooter, but a fall on any vehicle risks serious injury. Also, if using an e-scooter, check the rules in your area. You may not be allowed to ride on sidewalks at fast speeds.