Choosing the perfect scooter can be a daunting task, particularly with so many options on the market. Fear not! In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the right scooter for your little one.
As a parent, finding the perfect micro scooter for your child involves more than just picking a stylish design. Safety, durability, and age-appropriate features should be at the forefront of your decision-making process.
Age and Weight Limit: Scooters come in various sizes and weight capacities, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your child's age and weight.
Stability and Balance: Look for scooters with a stable and balanced design. Three-wheeled scooters, especially for younger children, offer better stability and control, helping them build confidence as they learn to scoot. They can then transition to a two-wheeled scooter for more agility obstacle manoeuvring.
Adjustable Handlebars: Kids grow quickly, so opt for a scooter with adjustable handlebars. This feature ensures that the scooter can adapt to your child's height, providing a comfortable and ergonomic riding experience.
Safety Features: Prioritise safety features such as a secure handlebar grip, non-slip deck, and a reliable braking system. These features contribute to a safer riding experience. We always advise riders to wear a helmet as well.
Portability and Storage: Consider the weight of the scooter and whether it's easy for your child to carry. Additionally, choose a scooter that can be conveniently stored or transported when not in use. Foldable scooters or scooters that offer the option to easily remove the handlebar are ideal.
Choosing the right scooter for your child involves balancing safety, comfort, and fun. By considering these factors, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that brings joy to your child's scooting adventures.
Check out our range of Micro scooters suitable for ages 1+ here!
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In order to help you and your family kickstart the new year with a fitness goal, we spoke with Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist, Elena Aletraris. In this Q&A, Ms Aletraris advises on the benefits of physical activity for the whole family, how long to exercise for and what we should eat before and after exercise.
Q: What are the main benefits of physical activity?
A: Exercise has numerous benefits regardless of your gender, age and physical ability. It helps with:
Q: How long should we exercise for?
A: The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the following:
Age |
Amount of Exercise |
Children 1-4 years old |
At least 180 minutes of exercise per day |
Children and adolescents 5-17 years old |
60 minutes per day |
Adults 18-64 years old |
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week OR 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week |
Adults >65 years old |
Same as for other adults |
Q: Does it matter what we eat before and after exercise?
A: To gain the most out of exercise what you consume before and after each exercise session is important. I recommend the following to my clients:
Before exercise - 30 minutes before – to have one of the following:
After exercise - 30 minutes to 1 hour maximum – to have one of these meals:
Elena Aletraris is a Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist in Nicosia, Cyprus and offers online nutritional advice. You can follow her on Instagram @elenaaletraris.dietitian
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Choosing the right trampoline shape depends on your needs and how you plan on using your trampoline. In this blog we compare round, oval, rectangular and square trampolines and explain the benefits of each shape.
]]>However, before you start thinking about the shape of your trampoline, check how much space you’ve got in your garden.
Your trampoline should be on perfectly flat ground, clear of rocks and plants, ideally on soft ground such as lawn or wood chippings. Make sure to measure the space out to ensure your trampoline fits, as it’s easy to underestimate quite how big trampolines are. Once you’ve got your garden measurements, when choosing the right size, make sure you allow 2ft clearance around the diameter of the trampoline to ensure your little ones can comfortably get on and off, and to minimise the risk of accidents. Also allow 24ft overhead clearance for safety reasons, so ensure that that there are no branches or roof overhangs nearby.
Once you know what size trampoline you are looking for, it’s time to consider the shape.
ROUND
Popularity: Most common and popular trampoline shape. Ideal for 1 to 2 jumpers.
Quality of Bounce: The bounce is light and easy in the middle so it’s ideal for younger users.
Safety: The central gravitational force tends to pull jumpers into the middle, protecting them from contact with the frame and poles. It’s one of the safest choices for all ages and abilities.
Maintenance: It evenly distributes the jumpers’ weight on all the springs, so one side does not wear out faster than another. However, overall maintenance and how long your trampoline will last will depend on the quality of material used to make it. The better the quality, the more expensive the trampoline is likely to be but the longer it will last. Check our Ultimate Trampoline Buying Guide for what to look out for when buying a trampoline.
Price: Prices vary depending on the brand and overall quality of the trampoline; however, round trampolines tend to be cheaper.
OVAL
Popularity: Oval trampolines are more popular for narrower gardens as they optimise footage better than round trampolines. They are also more suitable for multiple jumpers, as they provide more space to practise jumps.
Quality of Bounce: As jumpers do not gravitate to the middle, oval trampolines provide a more even, balanced bounce. They also have more space for practising trampolining tricks and the elongated shape provides jumpers with more control over their landings.
Safety: Safe design with no sharp edges.
Maintenance: The uneven shape means that one side may wear down faster than another but ultimately, the level of maintenance required will depend on the overall quality of the materials used. Check our Ultimate Trampoline Buying Guide for what to look out for when buying a trampoline.
Price: Similar prices to round trampolines, but prices will largely depend on the quality of materials used.
RECTANGULAR
Popularity: Rectangular trampolines are more suitable for experienced jumpers. If you want to practise higher jumps and tricks, or the trampoline will be used by multiple jumpers, a rectangular trampoline is ideal. They are by far the highest performance trampolines, which is why they are used for gymnastics and competitions, including the Olympics.
Quality of Bounce: Out of all the trampoline shapes, rectangular trampolines provide the best quality bounce to achieve higher jumps. The force of each jump is evenly distributed which allows bouncers to control their landings better. As they don’t have a central gravitational force like round trampolines, it allows bouncers to stay in place more easily. The rectangular shape also provides more space for practising flips and tricks, and for multiple users.
Safety: Rectangular trampolines do not have a central gravitational pool like round trampolines, which means that jumpers are not pulled back towards the centre. Contact with the frame or net is therefore more likely, particularly if the jumper is inexperienced.
Maintenance: Due to the uneven shape, one side may wear down faster than another, but the overall maintenance of the trampoline will depend on the quality of materials used. Rectangular trampolines require a larger, heavier frame to hold them down safely, so they are harder to move or disassemble. Check our Ultimate Trampoline Buying Guide for what to look out for when buying a trampoline.
Price: They tend to be more expensive, but price will largely depend on the quality of materials used.
SQUARE
Popularity: Although not as popular as the other trampoline shapes, they are a great choice for maximising the space in your garden while practising higher jumps and tricks. They are more suitable for intermediate jumpers due to a firmer bounce.
Quality of Bounce: Square trampolines provide a good firm bounce, perfect for high jumps. Due to the square shape, they maximise footage and provide more space for tricks and flips, as well as for multiple users. Generally, the quality of bounce is better than round trampolines, but not as good as rectangular trampolines.
Safety: Like rectangular trampolines, they do not have a central gravitational pool forcing the jumper to the middle (as with round trampolines), which means that there is more chance of contact with the frame or net.
Maintenance: The overall maintenance of the trampoline will depend on the quality of materials used. Square trampolines require a larger, heavier frame to hold them down safely, so they are harder to move or disassemble. Check our Ultimate Trampoline Buying Guide for what to look out for when buying a trampoline.
Price: They tend to be more expensive than round trampolines, but price will largely depend on the quality of materials used.
THE BATTLE OF THE SHAPES
ROUND vs OVAL
Go for a round trampoline if you have 1 or 2 young jumpers as the central gravitational force will pull them into the middle and protect them from any contact with the frame/poles/net. Opt for an oval trampoline if you are looking for a more even bounce and you have multiple jumpers. Oval trampolines also often fit better in narrower gardens but make sure to measure out your space.
OVAL vs RECTANGULAR
Oval and rectangular trampolines are both suitable for multiple jumpers and provide more jumping space than round trampolines. The main difference between the two is that rectangular trampolines provide a better bounce, and you can achieve higher jumps, so they are more suitable for experienced jumpers. If you are looking for the highest performance trampolines and you want to practise your tricks and flips, then a rectangular trampoline would be ideal. On the other hand, oval trampolines are the perfect hybrid between round and rectangular trampolines and suitable for younger users.
RECTANGULAR vs SQUARE
If you are trying to decide between a square and rectangular trampoline, rectangular trampolines provide a better, higher bounce so they are more suitable for confident and experienced jumpers. Square trampolines still provide a good bounce (compared to round trampolines) but not as high as rectangular trampolines, making them more suitable for younger or intermediate users.
If you are still unsure which trampoline shape is best for you, we are happy to help! Our team is available 7 days a week. Simply get in touch here.
]]>To help you, we have put together a Trampoline Buying Guide with top tips on what to look out for and how to choose the right shape and size for you.
What should I look out for?
We set out below the key factors to consider (in no specific order). Prioritising these key factors may vary depending on your personal circumstances. Decide which factors are an absolute must for you and which ones are just good to have. Once you have prioritised these you will be able to narrow down your options.
Enclosure Net:
Quality - the net should be made of strong, durable material such as polyethylene to withstand the elements and children bouncing against it.
Positioning - to eliminate any risk of contact with the springs and padding, it is preferable if the netting is running inside the perimeter of the padding, alongside the jumping bed.
Top rim - enclosures with a top rim provide further reinforcement by preventing sagging and looseness in the net.
Springs: the more springs, the bouncier the trampoline tends to be. The lighter the jumper, the less springs are required to give a good bounce but generally the higher the quantity of springs the better. The Vuly Thunder and Thunder Pro ranges are springless, with a leaf spring system which achieves a perfect, no twist, vertical bounce.
Padding:
Thickness: the surrounding padding that covers the springs will protect children from getting caught in the springs and hitting the hard metal frame. The thicker the padding the better. Note that springless trampolines do not require padding.
Foam Quality: the foam padding needs to be resilient in rain. Open-cell foam soaks up water and rot, so go for a trampoline with closed-cell foam padding, as it is more likely to retain its integrity for longer.
Quality of PVC Covering: make sure that the PVC cover is UV resistant as prolonged exposure to the sun could shorten its lifespan.
Quality of Metal Frame: trampoline frames are made of hollow steel poles. The thicker the walls of the poles, the stronger the frame will be (although it will also be heavier to handle). Ideally, the steel frame should also be galvanised in and out to ensure that it is rust-proof.
Entrance Closure: some trampolines have an entrance which closes with zips and clips, while others have a self-closing (zipper-less) door which closes behind your child as they jump onto the trampoline. Zipper-less trampolines tend to be more expensive due to the more innovative design, but this is a great additional safety feature. Our Vuly and BERG trampolines have a self-closing entrance.
Maximum Weight Limit: max weight limit can vary significantly between brands and models, so make sure you are happy with the weight limit. A 50kg limit may be adequate if the trampoline is only used by young kids, with one jumper at a time, but you may wish to consider going for a higher weight limit if the trampoline is going to be used by multiple jumpers or adults.
Assembly: can you assemble the trampoline without expert help? How long would it take? Our trampolines can be assembled without expert help, ideally by two people, within a few hours.
Warranty: the longer the warranty the better. Make sure you use your trampoline according to the manufacturer’s instructions so that you do not inadvertently void the warranty.
Accessories: does the trampoline have any additional accessories? Although accessories may not be strictly necessary, having a ladder to help your little ones climb on and off the trampoline is helpful. Also, using covers to protect the trampoline from weathering and debris will prolong its life. A tie down kit can also ensure that the trampoline is secured to the ground during high winds.
Which size is right for my garden?
Which size is right for you depends on two things: the age of the jumpers and the size of your garden.
Larger trampolines are not suitable for littles ones under 6 years old, as they have a bigger bounce, and they are higher from the ground. However, if you have kids of different ages, it is better to choose a bigger trampoline, as the little ones will grow into it in no time. A bigger trampoline provides more jumping space for bigger jumping tricks and more people jumping at once. It will also last longer as the kids grow. In a Which? 2020 survey of parents who owned a trampoline, the most popular sizes were 10ft and 12ft.
Ultimately, the key consideration is what size trampoline would comfortably fit in your garden. Please read the ‘How to safely put up & maintain a trampoline’ section below for details on how to set up a trampoline safely before deciding on the size. Make sure to measure out the area in which you plan to put the trampoline to ensure it fits; it is easy to underestimate quite how big trampolines are.
Also, one thing to keep in mind is that trampoline size tends to be measured by the diameter of the entire trampoline, so the jumping surface is usually 2ft smaller.
What shape should I go for?
The most popular trampoline shapes are round, oval, rectangular and square. Here is a table with the key advantages and disadvantages of each, or check our blog Which trampoline shape is right for you?:
Shape |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Ideal For |
Round |
Most common and popular shape. |
It tends to force jumpers in the middle which increases the risk of collision if used by multiple jumpers. |
1-2 jumpers |
|
Bounce is light and easy in the middle. |
Does not optimise footage as well as the oval, rectangular or square trampolines. |
|
|
The central gravitational force can be seen as an advantage as it tends to push jumpers back towards the centre, protecting them from any contact with the frame, poles, or net. |
The bounce is not as strong as with rectangular or square trampolines. |
|
|
Safe for all ages and abilities. Great starter trampoline. |
|
|
|
It evenly distributes the weight on all the springs, so one side does not wear out faster than another. |
|
|
|
Tends to be cheaper. |
|
|
Oval |
When used by multiple jumpers, they don’t all gravitate towards the middle. It provides a more even, balanced bounce. |
It does not optimise footage as well as the rectangular or square trampolines. |
Narrower gardens |
|
It has more space for practising trampolining tricks. |
|
Multiple jumpers |
|
The elongated shape provides jumpers with more control over their landings. |
|
Practising long jumps or flips |
|
Can normally fit in narrower gardens. |
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|
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It is a hybrid of round and rectangular trampolines. |
|
|
|
Safe design with no sharp edges. |
|
|
Rectangular |
Provides the best quality of bounce to achieve higher jumps. |
More suitable for more experienced jumpers. |
Practising higher jumps & tricks |
|
Rectangular trampolines are used for competitions and gymnastics, so they are by far the highest performance trampolines. |
The uneven shape means that one side may wear down faster than another. |
Multiple jumpers |
|
More space for multiple jumpers. |
It requires a larger, heavier frame to hold it down safely so it’s harder to move or disassemble. |
Gymnasts/acrobats/athletes |
|
More space for practising tricks. |
Tends to be more expensive. |
|
|
The force of each jump is evenly distributed, which allows bouncers to control their landing better. |
|
|
|
It doesn’t have the central gravitational force of round trampolines which allows bouncers to stay in place more easily. |
|
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The rectangular shape makes it fit perfectly anywhere in your garden. |
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|
Square |
Good firm bounce, perfect for higher jumps. |
More suitable for intermediate jumpers due to more firm bounce. |
Practising higher jumps & tricks |
|
Provides more jumping space for tricks and flips. |
Tends to be more expensive. |
Multiple jumpers |
|
It doesn’t have the central gravitational force of round trampolines which allows bouncers to stay in place more easily. |
It requires a larger, heavier frame to hold it down safely so it’s harder to move or disassemble. |
|
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Better choice for maximising the space in your garden. |
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How much should I spend?
How much you should spend for a trampoline depends on your budget, but it is important to choose a trampoline made of quality materials to ensure that it is safe and durable. We believe it is worth doing some investigation first to find reputable brands before going for the cheaper options.
The more expensive the trampoline, the more unique its design is likely to be, made using top-notch material that will last.
How to safely put up & maintain a trampoline
When deciding which trampoline to go for, you should consider the following safety recommendations:
If you are still unsure which trampoline is right for you, speak to our customer service team who will be able to help. Get in touch here.
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