Handle bar and steering adjustment

The handle bar adjustment must be secure at all times and they are usually secured via a small clamp, which can be undone simply but will also hold the handle bars in place tightly. The handle bars on the kids scooters are easily adjusted by pulling the handle bars up. This method is made easier if you stand on the foot plate of the kids scooter, which will allow you to pull the handle bars towards you easier. They may become stiff over time so you may have to twist (left to right) as you pull left to right.

Folding mechanism

The folding mechanism will enable your kids scooter to be stored. One key thing to remember is that when you un fold the scooter to allow your child to use it, make sure you have correctly tightened the mechanism bolts or clip whatever your scooter is held together buy. This is probably the most important connection point of the scooter as if it is not connected correctly then the scooter will collapse, even if your child is on it or not. That is the last thing you want to happen when your child is gliding along on their scooter.

Foot plate and foot brake

The footplate as it sounds is where your child will place his/her feet when riding the scooter. If is important to check that the grip tape still has grip on it. Over time the grip tape will wear away and may have to be replaced. You can buy spare grip tape sets from your local toy shop. To install them the new one will just stick over the top of the old one. You must also check for cracks scooter for kids  or fractures in the plate itself. The plates are very tough and strong but the will become weak over time, due to use and weather etc. It will take five minutes to check the scooters plate but worth it.

Check that the footbrake at the rear of the scooter is able to clamp around the rear wheel with very little effort. The brake is operated via a spring so it can corrode and slowly become harder to brake. Some times after the scooter is dropped or a slight tumble the rear brake plate may become damaged or bent. So just check the brake plate from time to time, especially after a big crash.

Wheels

Childrens scooters wheels are usually made of a hard compound, similar to the wheels found on a skateboard. Once again the same rules apply for wheels as they do the scooters footplate. Because the wheels are in contact with the floor all the time and will be ridden on many different types of surfaces the will get damaged. So just check there are no cracks or big chunks of the wheel have come away. If you spot a chip in the scooters wheel don't panic. They are very tough and do not have to be replaced each time a small chip has formed. Just keep your eye on it, and only replace it if it turns into a crack.

Bearings

Bearings are located in the centre of the wheel and are what makes the kids scooter glide smoothly. The bearings in your childs scooter should be labelled on the side as ABEC. All bearing in the wheels in your kids scooter are sealed and are very hard wearing. If your kids scooter is left outside in changing temperatures over a period of time the bearings will seize up and will need to be replaced. You will be able to tell when the bearings are wearing out, as the ride of the scooter may become rough and not as smooth.

Easy maintenance

Scooters require very little physical maintenance more visual. You scooter will come with an instruction manual and some tools, which should tell you how to remove parts and make adjustments. Any moving part is susceptible to damage if the scooter is dropped. So just check the scooter before each ride to make sure is safe to use.

Part replacement

When you purchase a scooter for your child, have a look at the instructions and see how easy it is to replace parts such a bearings, wheels, grips etc. When you purchase a scooter is should come with a small set of tools, such as an hex key or a small multi tool which should enable you to tighten and adjust most parts on the scooter.