For toddlers, there’s just something about ride-ons and scooters.
By the time my daughter was a year and a half old, she was already eyeing other kids’ ride-on toys and scooters with awe and beelining toward any left lying around at the playground. So, for my daughter’s 2-year-old birthday, my husband and I had these products at the top of our birthday gift list.
However, given that these toys don’t come cheap, I didn’t want to spend money on two separate items, and I was worried about buying my daughter a present that she’d quickly outgrow.
This is why I was pleasantly surprised when I learned the tip that is today’s hint: There are ride-on and scooter combination models on the market designed to grow with little ones as they mature from toddlers into preschoolers and young kids, saving parents money in the process.
One great option: Micro Kickboard offers the Mini Micro 3in1, which can grow with kids from age 1 to 5. The $115 scooter transforms from a ride-on into a scooter with an easy-to-grip handlebar for young toddlers and then into the popular Mini Micro with a “T-Bar” handlebar design. Micro Kickobard is giving away a Mini Micro 3in1 to one lucky Hint Mama reader – details below.
To be sure, if your child is too old for a ride-on toy and can handle traditional scooter handlebars, then the convertible options may not be for you. In that case, it’s probably more economical to opt for a scooter designed for 3 to 5 year olds, like Micro Kickboard’s $75 to $80 Mini Micro Classic, a model Hint Mama contributor Eileen Gunn has found can come in handy when traveling.
But if a ride-on or scooter for a 1 or 2 year old is on your holiday gift list, you may want to consider investing in a convertible model, as I ultimately did.
What are your tips for buying scooters and ride-ons? Share your thoughts, and enter to win a Mini Micro 3in1, below.
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I am loving the trend of grow-with-me products. There’s nothing harder to swallow than an expensive toy that you know they’ll outgrow in three months. This scooter looks awesome!
What a nifty idea and money saver!
My son fell inlove with this scooter at the park few days ago. We are doing research on it as we want to buy it for Christmas and I’m so glad you covered it.
Love convertible products! City living makes it tough to own single-purpose toys so thanks for the recommendation! We will seriously consider this for our 17month old!
My tip is to pay a little more and buy a scooter that can grow with your child!
Like most other toys and gear, I would look for something that will have staying power… both in terms of keeping my son’s interest, and accommodating him as he grows in size and abilities.
My tip would be to make sure you get the right fit!
make sure the age range is appropriate for your child
I like to try to find a product that will last and grow with my child. When I find what I’m looking for I will then search for the best deal on it!
My tip for buying a scooter or any kind of ride-on toy is to look for something that grows with child and has adjustable seats or handlebars. Also, be sure to read reviews from other parents before making a purchase. They may mention something you didn’t even think about!
I love that scooters are now being made with a “grow with me” option. My little guy isn’t here yet but I think that it is great that he could have many years of use out of one great toy.
thanks for posting! it’s so hard navigating all of the toys/gadgets out there. if anyone has advice about this particular model, it would be helpful to post here. amazon isn’t always the most reliable!
I love to check out reviews for whatever purchases I am making. Amazon usually has a lot of reviews, but if the item that I want isn’t available I look for blogger reviews and go from there.
Love the “grow-with-me” toys because kids progress at their own rate and go through things so quickly
Because ride on toys can be so big and take up a lot of space it’s definitely wise to buy one that they can grow with rather than multiple toys for different ages! Thanks for the review!!
My tip for deciding which ride on toy to get for your toddler is this: Make sure the design of the toy naturally promotes balance!
My tip is to make sure the product is suitable for your child, make sure is the right age and size for that child. Don’t buy items thats too head because it might be harder for that child to learn.
This company is amazing!we had their scooters for my older sons now need one for a baby!
Don’t worry about the color of the scooter—find the best and get the best deal.
I love the toys that can be used by kids of multiple ages!
we are huge fans of the mini kick scooter, my son actually learned how to walk with it. I like ride on toys that grow with the child and can be used for more than one stage. Also, thought has to go into size and whether it’s going to be used indoors or out.
Entered, but your G+ link is broken in the giveaway. Getting a 404 error message.
Thanks for entering:) Try copying and pasting the link into your browser – that works for me.
Do your research buy reading a few website feedback reviews and a few blogs; don’t go crazy though, trust your instinct after reading a fair amount. We are moving in the direction of the 3 wheel convertible scooter options with a 1 1/2 and 3 year hopefully saving money and garage space.
Who’s the winner?
Hi Tina, The winner was notified via email. Be sure to follow Hint Mama on Facebook and Twitter – I post there when a giveaway’s winner has been contacted. Thanks for entering!