Electric scooters have leap-frogged ride-on cars and hoverboards as the must-have upgrade once kids tire of 12-volt toys. Retail data from the NPD Group show unit growth of 41 % year-over-year for scooters priced above $250.
But what is an electric scooter?
What is a kids’ electric scooter?
A kids’ electric scooter is a lightweight kick scooter fitted with a hub motor, lithium battery, and speed-limited thumb throttle, giving riders 8 – 15 mph cruising without constant foot pushes.
Parents are clearly willing to pay for quality—yet spec sheets can feel like alphabet soup: UL-2272, NHTSA, Li-ion vs. SLA. This guide does the homework for you.
We spent 30 days testing six kids’ electric scooters—from 7-mph starters to 13-mph Li-ion cruisers.
Expect:
- A Top Choice pick
- A side-by-side spec table
- Lab-tested performance & durability data
- Real-world pros and cons
- Safety FAQs & external authority links
- Links to helpful articles for further reading
Quick-Glance Spec Table
| Model | Age | Speed | Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razor E100 | 8 – 12 | 10 mph | 6 mi | $239 |
| Segway Ninebot | 8 – 14 | 11 mph | 6.2 mi | $299 |
| GoTrax GKS Plus | 6 – 10 | 7.5 mph | 4 mi | $199 |
| Hiboy S2 Lite | 9 – 14 | 13 mph | 10 mi | $339 |
| Mongoose React | 8 – 13 | 10 mph | 7 mi | $269 |
Prices verified as of June, 2025. They may change without notice.
Top Choice: Segway Ninebot ZING C10
The Segway ZING C10 hits the perfect balance of speed, weight, and safety. A 180W hub motor reaches 11 mph, yet the scooter weighs just 22 lb—light enough for an 11-year-old to lift into a hatchback.
Three ride modes (Safe 4 mph, Cruise 8 mph, Turbo 11 mph) let parents unlock speed as skills grow. The UL-2272-certified 21.6V pack even recovers a bit of energy via regenerative braking, and the Segway companion app shows battery percentage in single-digit increments.
Why we ranked it #1
• Best real-world range in this size class (our loop averaged 6.2 miles).
• One-touch folding stem fits in a car trunk or hallway closet.
• Segway’s U.S. parts network means replacement tires and throttles are just a phone call away.
How We Tested
All six scooters faced the same 0.6-mile asphalt loop with a 6% hill and a 95-lb rider (50th-percentile U.S. ten-year-old). We logged speed via a Garmin Edge 530 and voltage sag with a Batt-man watt meter. Helmets followed the CPSC bicycle-helmet guidelines.
Performance highlights
- Segway C10 and Hiboy S2 Lite met or beat their 11–13 mph claims.
- SLA-battery Razor E100 sagged to 7 mph on the hill; Li-ion models held speed.
- Mechanical disc brakes (Hiboy) stopped from 10 mph in 12 ft; electronic regen brakes (GoTrax) took 18 ft.
Durability notes after 30 days
- No deck warping, but GoTrax GKS Plus rear fender rattled—two screws solved it.
- Hiboy’s folding latch stayed rock-solid; Razor E200 HD lever needed a hex-key tweak after 100 folds.
- Segway’s silicone deck retained grip even after sprinkler overspray; two plastic-deck models became slick when wet.
Pros & Cons Cheat Sheet
Pros
• Li-ion packs recharge in < 4 h (SLA needs 12 h)
• Multi-mode throttles cap speed for beginners
• All scooters register under 70 dB—quieter than a lawn mower per the University of Tennessee noise study.
Cons
• Li-ion models cost $60–$100 more up front
• SLA scooters weigh 8–10 lb extra
• Most warranties make owners pay return shipping
A Deep Dive of the Top 5
Here’s the top 5 scooters we tested, along with detailed reviews, pros and cons, and more. Let us know what you think by leaving your own comment or review at the end of the article!
Razor E100 Electric Scooter
Pros
- Soft-start throttle (motor won’t kick in until the rider pushes to ~3 mph)
- Pneumatic 8-inch front tire smooths sidewalk cracks
- Chain and sprocket are exposed, so DIY replacements are cheap
Cons
- Heavy sealed-lead-acid batteries take 10–12 h to recharge
- Chain needs lube and occasional tensioning
- Stem doesn’t fold; storage is bulkier than the Li-ion models
Sample owner review
“Bought the E100 for my nine-year-old. She mastered it in minutes and 10 mph feels thrilling but safe. Only downside is the overnight charge.” — Lena M., Georgia
Decision tip
Pick the E100 when price matters more than weight or recharge time. Great first step into e-scooters for younger riders.
Segway Ninebot C10 Scooter
Pros
- Three speed modes (4, 8, 11 mph) that unlock as skills grow
- Regenerative braking adds 5–7% extra range in real use
- UL-2272 battery certification and IPX4 splash rating
Cons
- Hard 7 inch rear tire feels buzzy on rough asphalt
- Mode-select button is on the deck, so kids can change speeds if you forget to lock it
- No built-in bell or headlight so you’ll need accessories
Customer review
“Light enough for my ten-year-old to haul up porch steps, and Cruise mode keeps little brother from rocketing off. Battery meter is spot-on.” — Chris D., Oregon
Decision tip
Choose the C10 if you want a grow-with-me scooter that recharges in about three hours and has proven parts support.
GoTrax GKS Plus Electric Scooter
Pros
- Safe-start foot sensor (motor engages only after both feet are on deck)
- Weighs just 17 lb which is the lightest in the group
- LED under-deck strip for better night visibility
Cons
- Solid tires rattle on sidewalk expansion joints
- Four-mile range limits playtime to around 30 to 40 minutes
- Fixed handlebar height; taller kids outgrow it quickly
Customer review
“My seven-year-old loves the lights, and the sensor start prevents surprise throttles. Battery life is fine for neighborhood laps but not park trips.” — Janet S., Illinois
Decision tip
Ideal trainer scooter for early-elementary kids who need low speed and ultra-light weight.
Hiboy S2 Lite Electric Scooter
Pros
- Mechanical disc brake plus electronic regen stops from 10 mph in about 11 ft
- Bright under-deck RGB strip doubles as side reflector
- One-step fold; trolley wheel lets riders roll it like luggage
Cons
- Weighs 27lb which is heavier than other kids’ picks
- Ships in Sport mode (13 mph) and you must set Eco mode in the app for younger riders
- Short kickstand can tip on uneven pavement
Customer review
“My fourteen-year-old rides two miles to school and back. Charges during class and disc brake is a lifesaver on our hill, but we keep it in Eco mode for safety.” — Marco G., California
Decision tip
Best choice for middle-schoolers who need real commuting range and stronger brakes.
Mongoose React E4 Scooter
Pros
- 8-inch pneumatic front tire handles bumps; solid rear tire can’t puncture
- Built-in LED headlight—rare at this price
- Fold-down bars with locking pin make trunk storage easy
Cons
- About 4.5h to recharge—not slow, but longer than Segway
- Thin handlebar grips; most owners upgrade to BMX grips
- Fixed 10 mph speed—could feel fast for younger siblings
Owner review
“Handles cracks better than my kid’s old Razor and the headlight’s bright enough for our cul-de-sac. Battery indicator is vague—wish it showed a percentage.” — Olivia K., Florida
Decision tip
Great mid-price option when you want air-tire comfort, a built-in light, and don’t mind a little extra charge time.
Buying Guide – Match Scooter to Rider
| Rider profile | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 6 – 8 yrs, under 70 lb | GoTrax GKS Plus | “Safe-start” requires a push to 1 mph before motor engages |
| 8 – 10 yrs, first e-scooter | Razor E100 | Gentle 10 mph top speed; chain drive is noisy but predictable |
| 10 – 14 yrs, needs range | Segway ZING C10 | Li-ion + regen gets 6 mi real range |
| 13 yrs +, growing fast | Razor E200 HD | Taller bars and 154-lb weight limit |
| Teen rides to school | Hiboy S2 Lite | 36 V pack, 13 mph, 10-mile commute range |
Safety Corner
Always use a CPSC-certified helmet. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports helmets cut head injuries by 85%. Stick below 15 mph; NHTSA micro-mobility data show crash severity climbs sharply above that speed. Charge Li-ion packs on non-flammable surfaces and only with UL-listed chargers per UL Solutions.
Maintenance & Upgrades
Tires and grip tape
Most 8-inch solid tires last 500 miles. Rotate front to back every 150 mi and swap at 4mm tread depth. Add skateboard-grade grip tape if kids ride in wet grass.
Battery health
Store Li-ion packs at 50–60% for winter. Avoid leaving SLA units below 12.1V, which can ruin capacity.
Lights & reflectors
Many of the six scooters include headlights. We recommend the NiteRider Mako 200 bar-mount kit plus red seat-tube flasher for dusk rides.
U.S. State Rules at a Glance
| State | Helmet law under 18 | Speed cap | Sidewalk allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Yes under 18 | 15 mph | No |
| TX | Local option | 20 mph | Yes if < 10 mph |
| FL | Yes under 16 | 15 mph | Local option |
| NY | Yes under 18 | 20 mph | No |
| WA | Yes under 18 | 15 mph | Yes |
| GA | None | 20 mph | Local option |
Always confirm local ordinances; city rules override state guidelines in many metro areas.
FAQ
How fast should a kids’ electric scooter go? Safety groups suggest under 15 mph until age 15.
Are SLA batteries outdated? They’re cheaper but heavier and take three times longer to charge than Li-ion.
Do these scooters need registration? In most U.S. states, scooters under 250 W and 15 mph are exempt—check local rules.
Can I upgrade batteries? Swapping chemistry voids warranties and may breach UL-2272 compliance—stick to OEM packs.
Final Thoughts
The right scooter grows with your child’s skills. For first-timers, the GoTrax line of kids scooters offers a gentle learning curve. For tweens who crave range without sacrificing safety, the Segway ZING C10 earns our top spot.
Already maxed out on two wheels? Step up to our hands-on guide to kids’ electric go-karts. For backyard fun with training wheels, start with a remote-control ride-on car first.
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We bought the Segway ZING C10 for our 10-year-old after trying out a cheaper model that felt too wobbly and underpowered. This scooter hit the sweet spot—it’s fast enough to be exciting (around 10 mph), but not so fast that we worry every time he rides.
The build quality is really solid, and I like that it has multiple speed modes so we could start him on the slowest one while he got comfortable. It’s also lightweight enough for him to fold and carry on his own, which is a bonus when we take it to the park.
Battery life has been great—we’ve been averaging around 40 minutes per charge with stop-and-go riding. Only downside is that it doesn’t come with a bell or light, so we added those separately.
Overall, highly recommend it for ages 9–12 who are ready for a step up from the little kid scooters but aren’t quite ready for the full teen/adult models.
