Bikes & scooters to beat the school bell

Since time immemorial, the school run's been a race against the bell. By preschool age, it's likely they're keen to scoot and whizz along, so why not get them a set of wheels to help speed them through the gates in plenty of time? From a lightweight 2-in-1 to a retro-style balance bike, here are our reccos to make sure you're never in the Late Book again. (Not forgetting safety accessories either...)

FOR GENERALISTS: Mini Micro Classic

The Mini Micro Classic Scooter is the vehicle that changed pre-school travel forever. Incredibly lightweight and perfectly proportioned for 3-5-year-olds, with grippy handlebars and a sturdy rear stamp-brake that means quick stops for them - and added reassurance for you.

FOR ADAPTABILITY: Globber Evo 4-in-1 Scooter Plus Light

Scooter, balance bike, ride on? The Globber Evo 4-in-1 Scooter Plus Light has it all. There's a seat, parent handle and footrest, which form the bike for smaller riders. As they become more confident, remove the footrest and let them provide the horsepower. Finally, remove the handles and add the adjustable t-bar to convert the ride-on into a scooter.

FOR DRIVERS: Scoot & Ride Highwaykick 1

The Highwaykick 1 is another grow-with-you model that easily transitions between beginner's scooter and balance bike. If you drive to school, its easy-folding design also means you can slip into the boot, then take it out for that final stretch to class. We've got to mention the contemporary colours too. Gorgeous right?

FOR STYLE: Bird Birdie Scooter

The Birdie Scooter is a cut above your average pavement cruiser. Not just super stylish to look at, the handle bar is height adjustable, so it grows with its driver and it's made with airplane grade metal, with a wide footboard and ultra-wide wheels for enhanced stability.

FOR LONGEVITY: TRYBIKE Steel 2-in-1 Trike

A sturdy balance bike that's been made to start as a low tricycle when you use the third wheel and axle, to help toddlers who are mastering their ride-on skills. Take them off and it easily turns into a low balance bike with a small turning radius so it's a doddle to manoeuvre, plus a control disk for the back wheel to help ensure perfect wheel positioning. Suitable from 15 months to six years.

FOR SAFETY: Scoot & Ride and CoConuts Helmets

Protective but stylish too, the Scoot & Ride Helmet is packed full of safety-focused features: a light on the back for increased visibility on those darker days, a comfy chin strap so they won't fuss it's digging in, plus an innovative magnetic fastening, so they can get it on and off themselves. The CoConuts Helmet features a dial-fit adjustment system for a comfy fit, plus front, top and back ventilation to stop little heads from sweating, meaning no hat hair when they get to lessons.