Outdoors & Adventure

Riding scooters

6 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of riding scooters — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Scooters make sense as gifts for a wide range of people, from a six-year-old heading down the driveway to an adult who wants an easier way to get to the train. The ones that get used match the rider's age, size and where they'll actually ride. For a young child, a sturdy kick model or a small electric scooter for kids is usually right. Adults tend to want something that folds up for the bus or the office, and some want an off-road electric scooter for gravel paths and park trails. Before you choose, think about where it will be stored, who will charge it and how far the rider really travels.

Kind 1 of 6

Electric scooters sized for kids

An electric scooter for kids has a small motor, a low top speed and a deck built for lighter riders. It suits children who already ride a kick scooter with confidence and want something more exciting. Before buying, check the recommended age and the maximum rider weight. See whether the speed can be limited, how long a charge lasts and how long the battery takes to charge again. Adjustable handlebars help the scooter keep fitting as the child grows. Also make sure a parent is fine with charging it and storing it indoors over the winter.

  • Representative photo-style image of electric ride on scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Electric ride on scooter

    An electric scooter designed for children offers a thrilling and effortless riding experience, perfect for cruising around the neighborhood or park.

Kind 2 of 6

Electric scooters for trails and gravel

Off-road electric scooters have wide air-filled tires, suspension and a stronger motor, so they can handle gravel, packed dirt and grass. They suit riders who live near trails or rural roads, or who want something for fun more than for commuting. These scooters are heavy and usually don't fold small, so check that there's space in a garage or shed. Look at tire width, the suspension setup and brake type, and how far one charge goes on rough ground, since hills and loose surfaces drain the battery faster. Local rules on where electric scooters may be ridden are worth checking too.

  • Representative photo-style image of all terrain off road scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    All terrain off road scooter

    For adventurous riders, an off-road scooter features larger, pneumatic tires and a robust frame, allowing exploration beyond paved paths onto varied terrain.

Kind 3 of 6

Kick scooters built for grown-ups

Adult kick scooters have taller handlebars, bigger wheels and a longer deck than children's models, which makes pushing along a sidewalk or campus path far more comfortable. They suit people who want short, quiet trips with no battery, or who like staying active on the way to work. Check the handlebar height against the rider's height and look at the maximum rider weight. Larger wheels roll more smoothly over cracks and bumps. A fold that locks firmly and a kickstand make everyday use easier, especially if the scooter will lean against a desk or ride along on transit.

  • Representative photo-style image of adult kick scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Adult kick scooter

    This classic two-wheeled scooter offers a fun and efficient way for adults to navigate urban environments or enjoy leisurely rides.

Kind 4 of 6

Folding electric scooters for commuting

A portable electric scooter folds down quickly so it can be carried onto a bus, into an elevator or under a desk. It's a good fit for commuters and students who ride short stretches and then carry the scooter the rest of the way. The main trade-off is weight against battery size, so check the folded weight and whether the rider can comfortably lift it up stairs. Look at the folded dimensions, the range on a charge and the charging time. Check whether it can be ridden in light rain, and confirm local rules for sidewalks and bike lanes.

  • Representative photo-style image of personal electric scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually over $100

    Personal electric scooter

    An electric scooter provides a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option for adults seeking a quick way to travel short to medium distances.

  • Representative photo-style image of portable folding scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Portable folding scooter

    This convenient scooter offers easy portability and storage, making it an excellent choice for commuters who combine riding with public transit or limited space.

Kind 5 of 6

First scooters for young children

Ride-on scooters for young children come in two styles. Three-wheel models lean to steer and suit toddlers and preschoolers who are still finding their balance. Two-wheel models suit older kids who can already balance and steer with the handlebar. Check the age range and whether the handlebar adjusts, so the scooter lasts more than one season. A wide, low deck is easier for small feet. Wheels made for smooth pavement do better on driveways and sidewalks. Some parents also like a light scooter that a child can carry back up the steps.

  • Representative photo-style image of kids' three-wheel scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Kids' three-wheel scooter

    Ideal for young children, this stable scooter helps develop balance and coordination with its secure three-wheel design, making learning to ride fun.

  • Representative photo-style image of children's two-wheel scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Children's two-wheel scooter

    A classic two-wheeled kick scooter provides active fun and helps older children build confidence and improve their balance while enjoying outdoor play.

Kind 6 of 6

Stunt scooters for the skate park

Freestyle scooters are made for tricks, jumps and grinds at the skate park. They have a fixed, non-folding bar, a strong deck and small, hard wheels. They suit tweens, teens and adults who already ride and want to learn tricks, but they're not great for getting around town. Check the bar height against the rider's height, since stunt riders often prefer it lower than a commuter would. Look at the rider's age and size, the deck width and whether parts like wheels and grips can be replaced as they wear out.

  • Representative photo-style image of freestyle stunt scooter — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

    Freestyle stunt scooter

    Designed for durability and performance, a stunt scooter is perfect for riders who enjoy performing tricks and maneuvers at skate parks or urban spots.

How to choose riding scooters as a gift

  • Start with where the scooter will be ridden: sidewalks, trails, skate parks and transit commutes each call for a different type.
  • Match handlebar height and maximum rider weight to the actual person, not just the age range on the box.
  • For electric models, think about who will charge it and where it will be stored during winter.
  • Check local rules on where electric scooters may be ridden before giving one to a teen or adult.
  • Choose adjustable handlebars for growing kids so the scooter stays useful for several years.

Usually safe to skip

  • Heavy electric scooters for commuters who have to carry them up stairs or onto crowded transit often end up left at home.
  • Stunt scooters given to someone who just wants to get around town feel stiff and tiring on longer rides.
  • A two-wheel scooter for a toddler who can't balance yet usually gets set aside until they're older.

Questions people ask about riding scooters

What age is right for a kids electric scooter?
Most are made for children who already ride a kick scooter well, often from around eight years old. Check the age range and maximum rider weight for each model, and look for speed settings a parent can control.
Can an electric scooter be used in a Canadian winter?
Cold weather shortens battery range, and salt, slush and ice are hard on scooters. Many riders store theirs indoors from late fall to spring. If the scooter will be used year-round, check how it handles wet conditions and where it will be charged.
Is a kick scooter or an electric scooter better for an adult?
A kick scooter is lighter, quieter and needs no charging, which works well for short trips and people who like the exercise. An electric scooter covers longer distances with less effort but weighs more and needs regular charging.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All riding scooters picks

Show:AllSpecific productsGift ideasBudget:AnyUnder $15$15–$25$25–$50$50–$100Over $100

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