Razor Scooters Top List of Great Toys for Grandkids

Five years ago I invested in three Razor scooters to keep at my house for visiting grandchildren. It was the best investment I've ever made. Except for one scooter that was left behind a car, they have required zero maintenance, and they have provided hours of fun and exercise. They are recommended for kids beginning at age 5, and my teen and tween grandchildren still enjoy riding them.

Six years ago I was on vacation in Maine when I observed another family staying in our small, family-style motel. The family had four children. When they came in from sightseeing, the parents broke out the Razor scooters and helmets, and soon the children were flying around the parking area, having great fun and burning up a lot of excess energy. I decided then and there that my next purchase for my grandchildren would be scooters. They were a purchase I've never regretted.

Billed as the original kick scooters, Razor scooters are built of sturdy aluminum with inline-style urethane wheels. There are several models with different features, but I bought the basic model. The extra features that they add from time to time really don't add value, in my opinion. The handles adjust easily for different sized kids. My scooters don't fold, but I think all the models available now do. They take very little storage space even not folded, but they are easier to pick and carry when folded. I have no experience with the Razor electric scooters. The kind that use kid power are the only ones that have my seal of approval.

Scooters do require smooth surfaces, and I have to say that I have a perfect spot for scootering. I have a very long concrete driveway, and we live on a cul-de-sac where the kids can ride with supervision. If you don't have a good place for your grandchildren to ride, you may not be as thrilled with the scooters; however, lots of parks have areas that are perfect for riding. When we go for walks in my neighborhood, the grandkids sometimes ride their scooters. We've had our share of falls, of course, with a few scrapes and bruises, but nothing that discouraged the grandkids from getting back on almost immediately.

The basic scooter is recommended for ages 5 and older and will support a small adult, although the handle of my grandkids' model doesn't really extend high enough for most adults to ride in comfort. I know this because I had to try, of course!