When to Size Up: Mini to Maxi

Four young children stand and smile with their Micro Mini Scooters.

Feeling like your Mini Scooter might be a bit small? Wondering if it’s time to size up to a Maxi Scooter for that extra room and bigger zoom? Before you make the leap, let’s scoot through a few key things to consider, so you can be sure their next ride isn’t just a size up, but a perfect match!

General Overview 

Mini Scooters

Maxi Scooters

Recommended Rider Age

2 - 5 years

5 - 12 years

Recommended Rider Weight

Up to 110 lbs

35 - 110 lbs

Recommended Rider Height

Up to 43 inches

Up to 60 inches

Deck Size

12” x 4.5”

13” x 5.5”

Scooter Weight

4.2 lbs

5.5 lbs

Why Age Should Not Be the Only Factor

Three children smile while riding their Micro Mini and Maxi Scooters.

As a general guideline, we recommend Mini Scooters for toddlers aged 2-5 years and Maxi Scooters for older children aged 5-12 years. However, since no child grows at the same rate, age is not always the most accurate factor to determine scooter size.

While we do recommend taking the rider’s age into consideration, we suggest also looking at their weight, height, and yes, even foot size! This information will provide a better baseline for the size of scooter they’ll need and whether it’s time to size up or hang onto that Mini a bit longer. 

Rider’s Weight

Four children stand and pose with their Micro Mini and Maxi Scooters.

Each scooter model is designed to be a perfect fit for multiple years, even as its rider grows. All Mini and Maxi Scooters are safety tested to a maximum weight limit of 110 lbs. The difference is that Maxi Scooters weigh slightly more than the Minis—meaning it can be harder for smaller and younger riders to steer and move.

Additionally, weight plays an important role in deciding between a Mini and a Maxi because of the lean-to-steer design. If a child doesn’t weigh enough, they won’t be able to properly steer their scooter (as it relies on shifting their weight to move left or right).  The minimum weight for kids to properly ride and operate their Maxi Scooter is 35 lbs. Below that? We recommend sticking with your Mini a bit longer!

Rider’s Height

Two boys ride their Micro Mini and Maxi Scooters.

While we recommend weight as the primary deciding factor when looking to bump up to the next size scooter, height is also important to consider. 

As a general rule of thumb, scooter handlebars should rest between the rider’s belly button and mid-chest. This placement ensures the most effective way to steer, as well as provide the most comfortable grip for little hands and wrists.

To determine the proper scooter size for your child, measure from the bottom of their feet to just above their belly button. If this number falls between 17-25 inches, we recommend choosing a Mini. If their measurement is between 24-34 inches, we recommend choosing a Maxi.

Tip: If your child’s measurement is close to 24 inches, they’re growing quickly, or they’re already 5 years old, we recommend choosing the Maxi over the Mini. This ensures that your child can comfortably ride their scooter for many years.

Rider’s Foot Size

Four children stand atop and next to their Micro Mini and Maxi Scooters.

When riding a scooter, both feet should fit comfortably on the deck. The most common riding stance is to place the non-dominant foot at the front of the deck and the dominant, kick-pushing foot at the back.

If your child’s feet are starting to outgrow their Mini Scooter’s deck, it might be time to size up! The larger Maxi deck is designed to accommodate bigger feet and growing kids, ensuring a better fit as they grow.

However, because some riders find it more natural and stable to angle their feet slightly on the deck, they may be able to continue riding their smaller scooter for longer. So, while foot size isn’t always the most critical factor in choosing a scooter size, it’s still worth considering.

Mini or Maxi—We’ve Got You Covered!

Two girls smile and pose with their Micro Mini and Maxi Scooters.

Mini

Maxi

Standard Best-Selling Models

Mini Scooter

Maxi Scooter

Best-Selling Models & LED Wheels

Mini LED Scooter

Maxi LED Scooter

Folding & LED Wheels

Mini Foldable LED Scooter

Maxi Foldable LED Scooter

Glow-in-the-Dark & LED Wheels

Mini Glow Plus LED Scooter

Maxi Glow Plus LED Scooter

Eco-Friendly

Mini ECO Scooter

Maxi ECO Scooter

 

If you’re still unsure which scooter size is best for your rider, reach out to us! Our customer service team is ready to help and provide a personalized recommendation, just for you! Call us M-F 9am-5pm ET at (888) 236-5657 or message us anytime on our website.


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