How to Choose the Best Electric Scooter for Kids in NZ

How to Choose the Best Electric Scooter for Kids in NZ

At Storm Rides, we know that choosing your child’s first electric scooter is about more than just fun — it’s about peace of mind. That’s why we only stock e-scooters that deliver the right mix of safety, quality, practicality, and excitement for Kiwi kids. Whether they’re having some quality outdoor fun with friends (finally off the screens!), getting themselves to school, or off to sports practice, we’ve got options for every age and skill level.

Why Kiwi Kids (and their Parents) Love Our E-Scooters

E-scooters offer a hands-on way for children to build independence while staying active outdoors. For parents, they’re a smart alternative to car rides being affordable, eco-friendly, and packed with features that let you stay in control as your child gains confidence.

All of the E Scooters recommended in this article include speed limit functionality, you can either set max speeds in an APP or can change it directly in the scooter settings and lock the settings with a pin code.  This is perfect for controlling max power and speed as a child learns or adjusting it if being shared between children of different ages.

What to Look for in a Kids' E-Scooter

Here’s what we recommend prioritising when buying a child’s first or next electric scooter:

• Speed Modes & Parental Controls – Look for multi-mode systems that let you cap speed until your rider is ready.  InMotion has an App and Kaabo has Pin lockable settings.
  
  

• Age-Appropriate Design – Lightweight frames, manageable power, and child-sized decks make a huge difference. The younger the rider the simpler you should want it to be.
  
  

• Battery Range – A longer range keeps the ride going without stress about charging.  Range requires battery, and battery is a big part of a scooters price - this is where many ‘kids e scooters’ really fail, they include a tiny battery that really disappoints and make it hardly useful for anything other than a trip down the road an back.
  
  

• Safety & Stability – SImple design, quality components, intuitive easy to use brakes, unaggressive acceleration, quality brakes, and wide handlebars all mean more control and a longer life for the scooter.
  
  

• Build Quality – Kids can be rough. You want something from a good brand that will stand the test of time. 
  
  

Our Top Picks for Young Riders

We’ve hand-picked our youth-friendly scooters based on ease of use, long-term value, and safety-first design.  Not to mention our experience selling Kids E Scooters in NZ for almost a decade.

🧒 Best for Kids Aged 9+

• InMotion Air – Light, nimble, and ideal for first-time riders. Comes with beginner-safe speed limits (App controllable) and a dual-brake system.
  
  

• Fiido Q1S – A seat-based option for kids who prefer sitting, also comes with some handy accessories for carrying gear.
  
  

👦 Best for Ages 12+

• InMotion Air Pro – Offers more power and range than the standard Air, with the same excellent safety credentials.
  
  

• InMotion Climber – A compact powerhouse with hill-climbing capability and dual motors, ideal for intermediate riders.  The beauty of the Climber is that it has dual motors and the power to go up steep hills without slowing to a crawl (even with an adult on it).  However InMotion have uniquely geared it to have the power for hill climbing without the aggressive acceleration or high top speed that come with other hill climbing scooters.  It’s an absolute winner.
  
  

🧑 Best for Teens 14+

• Kaabo Urban – For mid-older teens ready for a bit more performance and comfortable suspension.  The Kaabo urban is another one that is just as good for small to medium adults as it is teenagers.
  
  

• Kaabo Mantis X Eco – the Mantis range is Kaabo’s next step up from the Urban.  It is a full sized e scooter so great for teenagers and adults.  It has a lot of fantastic features especially for the price. It even has a dual motor big bro the Kaabo Mantis X Pro

Each model includes multiple speed modes and parental-limit features — perfect for gradually increasing speed and responsiveness as your child develops confidence.

View our dedicated collection of kid and teen appropriate e scooters here.

Don’t Skip the Safety Gear

Every rider should wear a helmet with no exceptions. We also recommend gloves, and throwing on a reflective vest is a great idea especially for low-light rides. You’ll find a range of protective gear in our E Scooter Safety Gear Collection.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Make This Mistake 

Don’t grab something just based on price.  There are basically no laws or enforcement on the quality of components used for E Scooters, people bring in and flog all sorts of things they pop up in malls and advertise heavily online… then the first time you get a flat tyre or other minor work.. That’s the end of your scooter.  

Buy a good brand, from a reputable dealer with years in the scooter market, a dedicated e scooter workshop, experienced technicians, and a comprehensive stock of parts.  Someone like… STORM RIDES, we’ll be here to help you get the right ride, and here to support you for years of riding.

Still Not Sure? Talk to Our Team.

Need help picking the right size, model, or power level? Our team has helped hundreds of NZ families choose their first (and second, and third 😊) e-scooter — and we’re happy to help you do the same. Get in touch via webchat, or visit our Auckland showroom for a hands-on look.  We also distribute many of our brands through other stores - just ask us where is closest to you.