What age scooter should I buy: 3-wheel or 2-wheel?

Across the reviewers we read, three-wheel lean-to-steer scooters are the consensus pick for toddlers and preschoolers (roughly ages 2-6) because the two front wheels add stability while kids build balance. Two-wheel scooters with larger urethane wheels are recommended for school-age riders (roughly 8 and up) who want a faster, smoother ride. Several picks here, like the Jetson Jupiter, are positioned as the transition step between the two.