Skip to content
Micro Scooters for Kids - How to Choose - Mini for ages 2 to 5 or Maxi for ages 5 to 12?
It's a question parents ask us all the time: Should I choose the Mini Scooter for my child, or the larger Maxi Scooter?
The Mini and Maxi have very similar designs but the Mini is recommended for ages 2 to 5, and the Maxi is recommended for ages 5 to 12, so there IS some crossover based on age, height, weight, and experience, resulting in parents wondering WHICH scooter is best for their child.
The choice can affect your child’s experience, positively or negatively. We hope the guidelines below will help you make the best decision.
Age and Size Guidelines for the Mini (for ages 2 to 5)
1) If your child is age 2 or 3, the Mini will usually be the best choice. You could expect them to continue to ride the Mini up to age 5 or so. However, if your 2- or 3-year-old child is particularly large for their age, the larger Maxi can be considered.
2) If your child is age 4 or 5, you should consider bumping up to the Maxi, unless the child is small for their age or you think they would be happier on the smaller Mini for a year or so before moving up to the Maxi. However, an average 4-year-old is around 40 inches high and weighs about 40 lbs, so the Mini is an option for this age. Although, it is likely your 4-year-old would grow out of the Mini in a year or so. The Maxi would last them up to about age 11 or 12.
3) The Mini has a maximum weight limit of 75 lbs and is most comfortable for children at a maximum height of about 38-40 inches.
4) There are some nuances that parents may want to consider. If your child is considered particularly large for their age, a jump up to the larger Maxi may be advisable, as they may find the larger Maxi more stable and comfortable. The Maxi is two pounds heavier, one inch wider, and one inch longer than the Mini. These differences sound small to an adult but can be surprisingly significant to a child, relative to their size. Moving a smaller child up to the Maxi before they are ready can result in a diminished experience. Part of the fun of the smaller Mini is that children feel confident and in control.
Note: From ages 2 to 5, children typically grow about 2 to 3 inches a year and gain about 4 to 5 lbs a year.
Age and Size Guidelines for the Maxi (for ages 5 to 12)
1) The Maxi is normally the best choice for children ages 4/5 up to about age 9 (or so). Many will be able to continue riding the Maxi up to age 11 or 12, getting many years of use from it.
2) For children ages 10 and 11, the Maxi may still be appropriate, as they could still get a couple years of use depending on their weight, height and foot size. The Maxi has a maximum weight limit of 110 lbs and the recommended maximum height is about 58 to 60 inches. The top shoe size would be about Size 7.
3) For children approaching the weight limit or height recommendation for the Maxi, the next step could be a 2-wheel scooter such as the Micro Sprite or Micro Classic, both for adults up to 220 lbs.
4) Note: Children between the ages of 6 and 12 typically grow about 2 1/2 inches per year and gain 5 to 7 lbs per year.
Other Considerations; Safety, Siblings, Confidence, and the Fun Factor
1) The Mini is the best-selling scooter for preschoolers because its smaller size and light weight allows young children to ride with confidence and experience the joy of mastering the Mini, adding to the fun. Bumping up to the Maxi too soon can lessen the child's ability to ride and lessen their enjoyment.
2) If you have a 4-year-old and a younger child coming up behind them, feel free to purchase the Mini for the 4-year-old, and then in a year it can be passed on to the younger sibling.
3) If you have a 4-year-old and there is already a Maxi rider in the family you may want to go with the Maxi if the younger child normally wants to ride whatever the older child is riding. We are mentioning it only because we have seen younger children be less enthused about riding the Mini if an elder sibling is riding the Maxi. The younger child may need a little more time or assistance learning to ride the larger Maxi.
4) Bear in mind that the length of each child's torso, legs, and arms may affect these estimates somewhat. For example, if your child has a long torso and short legs, bumping a child up to the Maxi too soon can make it more difficult for the child to easily reach the brake on the one-inch longer Maxi.
5) Another point to keep in mind is that the Mini and Maxi are Kickboard-style rides, originally designed for adults. The turns are more like curves with a ride that is similar to a Skateboard, but with more control. When kids become proficient in the curving and carving action, it's like they are 'surfing' the sidewalk. It is a different style of ride than a traditional 2-wheel scooter, and many elementary school age kids think it's more fun. Some children think of the Kickboard as being a 'training' scooter - it really is just a different style of ride.
Exchanges and Returns, Just in Case!
In the event you order a Mini or Maxi and upon receipt, the scooter seems too big or too small, we suggest first having the child test the scooter indoors to be sure, and then if you would like to return it to us, simply give us a call. We are happy to have you return the scooter to us for an exchange or a refund, as long as the scooter hasn’t been used outdoors.
We hope this information helps but if you have any questions, please contact us at info@microkickboard.com or 888-236-5657, Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm ET).
