Today, for children's games and movement, there are many different devices where scooters are in a separate category. Such products are represented by models that are different in design, and primarily the number of wheels. Three-wheeled scooters are in demand among children of different ages, because they stand out for their numerous advantages.
Device
The positive influence of such a child’s means of transportation as a scooter is quite large, due to the peculiarities of its design. A scooter for children on three wheels is an option that is best suited for the smallest, since it is easiest to keep balance in motion on them. The devices are quite maneuverable, in addition, have a minimum weight. Such a scooter will become an intermediate link, allowing you to subsequently ride on two-wheeled models without problems.
By design features, models with two and three wheels differ little. The children's 3-wheeled scooter is presented with options where the 2 main wheels are either front or rear. Brakes and bearings, as a rule, are absent on such vehicles. According to experts, the first option will be most convenient for management, since its management will be simpler. It is carried out by the baby by turning the steering wheel in the right direction.
This happens due to another component of the design - an integrated mechanism located at the junction of the wheels and the steering wheel.
The second type of wheel arrangement is recommended for older children or for babies with developed skills regarding coordination of movements. This is due to the design features of the scooter, which relates to the moments of control of the device. In the second case, the scooter has inside special springs that respond to the inclination to one side or the other of the vehicle, not just the steering wheel. Most of these three-wheeled scooters will already have a hand brake.
The steering wheel of some models can be a telescopic structure, thanks to which you can adjust its height, and even remove it completely if necessary transportation.
The main platform can be made from different raw materials, in different designs.
Another interesting variety in design is considered scooter having a V-shaped frame. This option is much less common on the market compared to previous variations of children's scooters.
Advantages and disadvantages
Scooter is a popular children's device for riding, models on 3 wheels have inherent individual characteristics of a positive and negative character. The advantages of the devices include a number of factors.
- It is such designs that are best suited for the development of skills related to maintaining balance and balance in a growing baby. At first, such models will provide maximum security due to their stability.
- Most of the products are additionally equipped with a convenient trunk on the steering wheel. This allows children of a younger age group to take necessary things and toys with them for a walk. In the transition period after a stroller, such an additional element will be very useful.
- Scooters with three wheels have a lightweight design, so that control for the child will not be associated with additional serious physical exertion.
- Folding and monolithic models do not take up much space in the light of their size. Therefore, it will be convenient to store them in a residential building or transport them in transport, including public.
- According to experts, such scooter options will be a great alternative for young children, capable of replacing a bicycle or roller skates. This is due to the fact that to ride on such a device the child uses all muscle groups, the development of the musculoskeletal system occurs evenly. In addition, the vestibular apparatus is being trained, the baby learns the basics of concentration and coordination of his body movements.
- The indisputable advantage of the scooter on 3 wheels will be the lowest risk of injury compared to other models.
- The mechanism, which allows you to adjust the height of the handle, will enable the child to operate the purchased model for several seasons, which is a good option to save the family budget.
However, such children's vehicles of some drawbacks are not without:
- varieties that are not equipped with a folding mechanism by the manufacturer can be quite inconvenient in terms of storage in the home;
- plastic models are not able to withstand heavy weight, so the polymer platform will be the weakest and short-lived link in the structure;
- folding views due to the mechanism that makes it possible to make the scooter more compact and convenient for storage, disassemble it if necessary, may seem unreliable in the light of the presence of a non-monolithic steering wheel.
Types, materials and design
Today, manufacturers of scooters are classified into three groups:
- stunt models;
- devices for driving in the city;
- cross-country scooters for outdoor activities.
As for the raw materials used for production, each component of the structure is made of different materials.
Wheels
From what type of raw materials will be used in production, the ride quality of the device will directly depend. There are options on sale now with wheels made of plastic, rubber and polyurethane. The first type is not distinguished by high reliability indicators, in addition, the wheels will make a lot of noise when moving, they have absolutely no depreciation, there is no way to develop high speed. However, scooters with such wheels will be the most affordable.
Rubber options remarkable for smooth running, can accelerate well, are able to minimize bumps on the road. Polyurethane It stands out for its increased strength and reliability, but it turns out to be more rigid. Can meet models with inflatable wheels, however, they will require a lot of force to repel.
Steering wheel
This component can be made of plastic or aluminum alloy. The second option will be more reliable and durable, but its cost will also increase.
A component of the steering wheel are handles or pads. They are usually made from polyurethane foam, which is notable for its softness. Solid options are made entirely of rubber.
Frame
Reliable and durable models have a metal frame of different alloys, which will also differ in its weight, and the presence of such an element will affect the cost. On sale there are models with a plastic frame, it is less durable, but the cost of the scooter will be more affordable.
As for the deck (platform for the legs), it is usually covered with a special rubberized material that prevents slipping.
The design of modern products allows us to divide products into the following categories:
- universal scooters;
- models with a design for boys;
- scooters for girls.
Products can be of different colors - steel or black shades, a huge number of pink scooters are on sale, there are also green, blue, purple and orange options in the assortment. Designs can be decorated with images of cartoon characters, cars, animals, flowers and the like.
It is worth noting the presence of additional practical and attractive components in the structures.
It can be baskets, a removable parent handle, a music panel, a bell, flashing decorative elements and more.
Rating of the best models
Among the presented assortment, consumers distinguish models of 3-wheeled scooters, which are in high consumer demand.
Zondo mini
A model with a pair of wheels in front, their diameter is 120 mm, while the rear wheel will be smaller - 90 mm. The design is stable, recommended for children aged 2-5 years. The weight of the model will be 1.5 kilograms. The wheels are made of polyurethane, the platform length is 32 centimeters.
Lamborghini
In the review of modern scooters, this option stands out for its attractive design, a luminous frame and wheels. And also the device has a sound system. Two wheels will be in front, their diameter will be 12 cm, rear - 8 cm.
Scooter recommended for children from 3 years
Italtrike Dynamic 100-04
A model with an attractive design and a steering wheel, the wheels are made of rubber. Designed for a load of up to 20 kilograms. The deck is made of durable metal alloy, has a corrosion-resistant coating.
How to choose?
To purchase a reliable and convenient means of transport for your child, It is worth taking into account several nuances.
- Scooter is selected according to the height and age of the baby. Most of the models are designed for use by children from two years. But it is best to proceed from growth so that it is convenient for the child to hold the steering wheel in height.
- As for the wheels, the small diameter is designed to move on smooth asphalt, large wheels will help you move on country terrain and unpaved roads.
- It is important that the handles must have anti-slip pads.And this also applies to the foot deck.
- In the presence of a hand brake, preference should be given to models with a large-sized button, which will be convenient to press when driving.
- Since the scooter will need to be carried in your hands from time to time, it is most appropriate to purchase options whose mass will be in the range from 2 to 8 kilograms.
- The mechanism that allows you to fold a 3-wheel scooter will be an additional advantage when studying the proposed range. It will provide an opportunity to assemble and disassemble the structure if necessary.
- It is important to give preference to products from trusted manufacturers who have positively established themselves in the market.
- It is also worth considering models with a design that will be of interest to the baby at this age. Otherwise, there is a risk that the child will refuse to operate the scooter.
User's manual
In light of its rather simple design, driving a 3-wheel scooter should not cause any difficulties for children. The highlight is finding a balance to keep your balance, and having two wheels in front or behind will help your child easily cope with such a task.. To move on a structure with wheels in front, it is required to bend with the scooter in the right direction when turning, since in this variety the steering wheel does not act as a swivel mechanism.
There are 3-wheel scooter models with two wheels in front, but with the usual steering wheel. This design is recommended for the smallest. For control, you just need to turn the steering wheel in the desired direction.
To move on a scooter with one wheel in front, equipped with a standard swivel mechanism, it is worth knowing that it will be more difficult to control it at high speed, since it does not bend at bends. Typically, such models have a wider wheelbase. In general, movement and control are not different from normal operating rules.
To move on a scooter with a V-shaped frame, the child needs to actively push his foot off the road, and the turn is carried out when turning the hips.
About what features of children's 3-wheeled scooters exist, see the next video.