Kids’ scooter size by age
Scooters are sized by handlebar height. The bar should come between your child’s belly button and mid-chest.
Checked against UK retailer charts on 18 October 2026.
Scooter size by age
| Type | Designed for | Handlebar height | Rider height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-wheel "Mini" | ages 2–5 | 17–25 in (about 43–64 cm) | up to about 43 in (109 cm) |
| Three-wheel "Maxi" | ages 5–12 | 24–34 in (about 61–86 cm) | up to about 58–60 in (147–152 cm) |
| Two-wheel with adjustable bar | older children | varies by model | check the maker’s range |
Measurements are Micro's own figures (from its US site; we've converted inches to cm). Other brands' scooters have different bar ranges, so check the product page.
The handlebar rule
Micro Scooters UK says the top of the handlebar should sit level with the rider's belly button. Micro's US site gives a range of belly button to mid-chest. To check, measure from the floor to just above your child's belly button and compare it with the scooter's bar range.
When to size up from a Mini
Micro suggests a Mini for 2 and 3 year olds, and for 4 or 5 year olds it often recommends the Maxi unless they're small for their age, because a 4 or 5 year old will outgrow the Mini within a year while the Maxi lasts until 11 or 12. Its tip: if the floor-to-belly-button measurement is close to 24 inches (61 cm), or they're already 5, go for the bigger scooter.
Moving to two wheels
Three-wheelers steer by leaning; two-wheelers steer by turning the bar, like a bike. Micro Scooters UK says its recommended scooters for 8 year olds are two-wheel, adjustable and foldable. Stunt scooters have fixed bars and don't fold, because they're built to take jumps, so pick a size that fits now.
A helmet is a good idea on a scooter too: helmet sizes by age.
Questions
What size scooter for a 5 year old?
Either a Mini (ages 2–5) or Maxi (5–12) in Micro’s range. Micro suggests the Maxi for most 5 year olds because it lasts longer.
How high should a scooter handlebar be?
Between belly button and mid-chest.
Where these numbers come from
- Micro Kickboard scooter height guide
- Micro Kickboard: Mini or Maxi?
- Micro Scooters UK: a good scooter for an 8-year-old
Checked 18 October 2026. Brands change their charts, so always check the size guide of the shop you're buying from.