The Jetson Journal

Moving kids from a three-wheel scooter to a two-wheel scooter

This may be the most underrated parenting milestone: That day when it’s no longer necessary for you to push a heavy stroller to the playground—because your kiddo is rolling there alongside you on a scooter, instead.

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If scooter success is happening at an early age—four years old, perhaps—it’s likely that your kid’s kick scooter has three wheels: two up front and one in the rear. Before you consider moving your kid to a two-wheeler, it’s helpful to understand what the three-wheeler provides.

Easy as one, two, three.

Namely, it’s stability.

Three-wheelers are amazing starter scooters, and all it takes is a trip back to geometry class to understand why. As far as shapes go, triangles make for strong structures. The triangular wheel arrangement means the scooter can stand upright on its own, which minimizes wobbling, and also forces a wider deck, giving those colorful sneakers a bigger (and more comfortable) platform to stand on.

Three-wheelers are also easy first rides because of their unique “lean-to-steer” functionality. The rider just has to shift body weight—or lean—to effect a turn. The front wheels tilt gently in response, and the scooter turns.

Lean-to-steer is not only easy to learn, but also helps with safety. Here’s how:

1. The only thing a rider needs to do with both hands is hold on.
2. Because the wheels don’t swivel, the turns on “lean to steer” scooters are gentle.
3. There’s no opportunity for the rider to over-rotate the handlebar and cut the wheel too sharply.

So… why two wheels?

If three-wheel scooting lets kids feel swift and carefree, why even think about changing to a two-wheel scooter?

On the surface, scooting on a three-wheeler and a two-wheeler looks similar: Both require the rider to make the same kicking motion to move, and rear foot brake functionality is the basically same .

The biggest difference between two- and three-wheel scooters how they turn, and that’s what changes the feel of the ride. On two wheelers, the direction of the front wheel changes when the handlebar is rotated, which can give riders more control over turns.

It also opens up the world of tricks. If you’ve ever stood at a skate park, you’ve likely seen a few scooter riders show(off) the “tailwhip”—which requires a rotating handlebar in order to work.

Second, the lack of a third wheel makes for a slimmer deck—and requires the rider take on more balancing. Scooting on a two-wheeler can feel sportier and allow for an agility that can’t be had on the three-wheel counterparts.

Signs of readiness

Two-wheel scooters require a different kind of skill and finesse. Before you transition a child from two wheels to three:

1. Consider ability—not age.
   There’s no specific age at which kids are ready to transition to two-wheel scooters—it’s more about dexterity, confidence, and comfort. Riding a two-wheel scooter requires more balance and, because these scooters turn by rotating the handlebar, better motor skills. Wait until your child’s are developed enough to handle more complex scooter operation before making the switch.
2. Make sure they’re interested.
   Some riders prefer the smooth, stable ride of a three-wheel scooter. In addition, the shifting of weight on a lean-to-steer scooter feels similar to other activities that they may like, such as skateboarding or snowboarding.

Choosing a two-wheeler

DO get caught up in the fun stuff—colors, lighting features, the “cool factor,” etc.—when shopping for your rider’s first two-wheel scooter. Scooting is fun—and so should be shopping for it.

But also pay mind to suitability, because a scooter that’s properly sized and easy for a rider to handle is what’s going to keep them safer. On that front, direct your attention to these things:

1. Specs
   Two-wheel scooters come in a range of handlebar heights and weights, and offer varying deck and wheel sizes. Always be sure to check the recommended age and weight limits put forth by a scooter’s manufacturer to make sure that it’s safe for your child.
   Parents of early adopters of two-wheelers, for example, may want to consider the Jetson Jupiter, which has a handlebar that can be set as low as 29 inches, making it just right for kids as young as five. Older kids may find that the Jetson Jupiter Jumbo—with its bigger wheels, bigger deck, and taller handlebar—is a better fit; and since it’s more substantial in size, it can hold a rider who weighs up to 165 pounds (versus 132 on the smaller Jupiter).
   
2. The scooter’s weight
   The Jupiter and Jupiter Jumbo mentioned above weigh in at 6 and 10 pounds, respectively—not much more than our three-wheel scooters. But some scooter manufacturers make two-wheelers that are significantly heftier than starter three-wheel scooters. Encourage independence (and ease your own carrying load) by making sure your young rider can lift and carry the scooter with ease to transport it up a few steps or put it away after a ride.
   
   
3. Handlebar rotation
   If your rider is young, consider looking for a two-wheeler that does not have 360-degree handlebar rotation. A smaller rotation can limit how sharp turns can be, which can be safer for riders still mastering coordination.
   
   
4. Foldability
   Also think about looking into a scooter that folds. Scooters that “lock” into a folded position are easier for little kids to carry. (And also easier to store.)

Helping the transition

If your kiddos want to try out a two-wheel scooter, steer them towards a successful transition (pun intended) by:

1. Finding the right place for them to learn and practice.
   Don’t start out on the ramps in the skate park or in the center of town. Instead, find a smooth, flat road without any traffic, pedestrians, or obstacles.
   
   
2. Prioritize safety
   Until riders learn to finesse the handlebar to make gentle turns or adjust their body weight to maintain balance, expect that there might be a fall or two. Get them a cool helmet and encourage the use of other safety gear, such as knee pads or wrist guards.
   
   
3. Offer these riding tips
   Remind your riders to start off slow and use quick, short kicks in the beginning. This will give them the chance to practice balancing while keeping their kicking foot in good position to catch them if they start to wobble.
   The right foot positioning will help with balance, too, especially when they’re ready to cruise for longer periods or at faster speeds. The front foot on the deck should be pointing straight forward. When the back foot is not kicking off the ground or pressing down on the rear brake), it should rest on the deck behind the front foot and—here’s what’s important—be turned outwards at a slight angle.

3-Wheel Full-Size Strollers: Learn the Basics

3-wheel full-size strollers like the Viaro have two back wheels and a single front wheel position in a sleek, lightweight design. Most three-wheel strollers have similar convenient features to other 4-wheel strollers like a storage basket, parent tray, child tray, adjustable canopy, and more — the main difference comes down to its 3-wheel functionality.

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Despite our 4-wheel strollers' great performance, our 3-wheel full-size strollers' front-wheel design makes moving around easier! The Viaro model is perfect for taking strolls around the neighborhood or taking trips to the mall where weaving around tight corners or through crowds may be more common. Some customers also find that the 3-wheel full-size strollers’ one front wheel saves additional space in their car’s trunk.

A stroller like the Viaro may fit the needs of parents and guardians who want a little more maneuverability than 4-wheel strollers offer, but aren't traveling off-road, where a jogging stroller may be necessary.

While not every 3-wheel stroller is considered a jogging stroller, every jogging stroller does feature 3-wheels. Keep reading to learn more about our selection of jogging strollers below.

Jogging Strollers: What Are the Advantages?

If you plan on going off the beaten path while pushing your little passenger, jogging strollers, which are 3 wheels, might be a perfect fit. These 3-wheel strollers have two large wheels at the back and one large swivel wheel in front. A good jogging stroller should have treaded rubber air or foam-filled tires, which, together with the larger wheel size, make for smooth travel over uneven or bumpy terrain, trails, gravel roads, or grassy parks. Thanks to the single swivel front wheel, jogging strollers are incredibly easy to maneuver. If maneuverability is important to you, steer clear of models with a fixed front wheel that is designed specifically for jogging.

Jogging strollers offer parents some serious upsides, but when deciding between a jogging stroller vs. a 4-wheel stroller, there are a few things to consider:

• Many jogging strollers are heavier than their 4-wheeled counterparts unless they feature an aluminum frame.
• Due to their all-terrain-ready design, jogging strollers boast a more rugged construction than many 4-wheel models. As a result, they often carry a heftier price tag.
• Many jogging strollers are still quite bulky and awkward even after folding them down due to large wheels that, in many cases, aren't removable. As a result, they can be difficult to stow in your trunk.

Chicco offers two different jogging stroller models for active parents, Activ3 and TRE. Both feature lightweight, foldable aluminum frames, an extendable three-panel canopy, and our fully adjustable FlexCore suspension. Both are one-hand foldable with quick-release wheels for an extremely low-profile storage footprint.

Whether you choose the Viaro, Activ3, or TRE, you'll find that all of them serve unique purposes and can accommodate infant car seats.

Wondering which model is best for you? See the features side by side on our Chicco stroller comparison guide.

4-Wheel Strollers: A World Of Options

The good news? With 4-wheeled strollers, you have a huge variety of styles and options to choose from, especially if you're looking for a car-seat-compatible stroller. 4-wheel strollers are more stable and tend to be more compact when folded. So, if you live in an urban area or plan on sticking to well-maintained, paved surfaces like sidewalks, paved walking paths, and shopping mall floors, a 4-wheel stroller is an excellent choice.

There are four main categories of 4-wheeled strollers, and Chicco manufactures various options in each category to suit your diverse needs.

Full-Size Strollers

A full-size stroller is the best way to go if you're looking for maximum features and adjustability with ample storage options. Shop our complete line of full-size strollers. All Chicco full-size stroller models allow you to simply click in a Chicco infant car seat during your baby's first year, then use the adjustable stroller seat as your child grows.

Lightweight Strollers

Want lightweight convenience without sacrificing your baby's comfort? Chicco lightweight strollers are highly maneuverable with a compact, and easy-to-stow fold that makes them perfect for travel. Shop our complete line of lightweight strollers. Perfect as a second stroller option, certain models even accept an infant car seat to make travel a breeze from birth through toddlerhood.

Double Strollers

Need room for two? Chicco double strollers offer the versatility of multiple seating configurations with independent canopies to suit both of your little ones, whether they're twin infants or several years apart. Shop our complete line of double strollers.

Frame Strollers

Need time to decide on the perfect toddler stroller, or just want the lightest stroller option that will accept an infant seat option? Chicco frame strollers are an ultra-lightweight, compact, and affordable option for your baby's first year of life. Shop our complete line of frame strollers. Simply unfold, click in your infant car seat, and go!

Foam Filled vs Air Filled Tires

Both foam and air-filled tires look identical, but there are some key differences to be aware of if you're considering a jogging stroller. Foam-filled (or foam core) tires eliminate any worries about a flat tire during your outing. Foam core means your tire contains a foam filler that's literally flat-proof and never needs pumping up. Even though foam-filled wheels are relatively maintenance-free on most surfaces, they cannot be adjusted to accommodate more uneven terrain like air-filled tires. So if you want a truly all-terrain stroller, conventional air-filled wheels are your go-to. Remember, you can always stash a lightweight mini bike pump in your stroller's cargo area if you want to be extra prepared.

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