My twins just turned 3, and after seeing some kids at the park riding around on Spiderman and Radio Flyer 3-wheel scooters, the constant refrain from both of them was, "let's get a scooter!!" I researched a TON and was leaning toward the Razor Jr., but after reading the reviews that it was just too slow for some kids, and that all the child could do was push push push, I decided not to take a chance on it. Then I saw this scooter and it sounded great. I called the company, Kickboard USA to clarify the weight issue, and was told that it goes up to about 60 lbs. Okay, great. I also asked if they thought my son, who is a little behind in motor skills, would be able to manage this scooter, and after much discussion (great customer service!), I decided to buy two of these and give them a whirl. I bought blue for my son, and I knew my daughter would want pink. Also ordered two Bell helmets. Amazon shipped both right away.
Needless to say, the morning of their birthday when they opened the back door and saw two new scooters with helmets dangling from the handlebars, they were GIDDY! They both jumped on and it was slow-going and a bit awkward at first. These scooters can go fast - the kids seemed to intuitively know this, though, and took things cautiously. They didn't understand the steering concept - yet. But after an hour or so, they felt more confident and were pushing along. They'd raise their foot up for a second and then put it back on the ground and push some more. They were having a great time.
This scooter is lower to the ground than any I've seen, which makes it easy for the kids to ride. The two wheels in front make for great stability and maneuvering. Fast forward to about 2 weeks into using these scooters and both kids enjoy them a lot, but especially my son. He's a scooter fanatic! He has gotten so good at riding it and the steering just came naturally when he realized that as he leaned, it would gently turn in the direction of the lean. The brake is a great feature, but so far my kids don't really get the concept of it. They just put their foot down or sort of "hop off." I imagine as they get older and more proficient, they'll get the groove of the brake. My son now zips around with all the bigger kids at the park. The Razor Jr. and Spiderman scooter kids are envious and slower. I imagine it won't be long until they're bored with their scooters and want to graduate onto something better. I don't have that worry with these scooters. They look cool, which the kids love; they aren't "baby looking" at all. I was also so happy not to have to buy something with a television character on it!
These scooters are built to last from what I can tell. They come with some cool stickers, too. I cannot tell you HOW MANY parents have seen my kids on their scooters and sidled up to us to ask about them. Yes, they are more expensive, but for the longevity my kids will get out of them, and the peace of mind I have that they're probably the safest scooters out there for preschoolers, it was WELL worth the cost. Neither of my kids has had anything other than a minor tumble on them so far, but you know, I expect that. Kids are gonna fall. They always wear their helmets - it's a non-negotiable rule - and so far they actually think their helmets are cool (got two of the Bell Bellino Toddler helmets - love them!).
Caution: I would advise parents, however, not to let your kids ride these scooters on sidewalks or other areas where they might get away from you and risk danger. Also stay away from paved paths with inclines and dips. As I said above, these scooters can get going, even with the kids just pushing off with the foot and not fully "riding" it, and I have to hustle to keep up with my kids. We only let them ride these scooters in enclosed parks with paved paths or the cement area of our back yard.
Bottom line: If you are looking for a scooter your preschooler will LOVE, will last a good long time, and something sturdy and safe, this is the scooter. :-)