Banwood Maxi Scooter review: Scandi chic on two wheels

Overall rating: 4/5 

Price on writing: £149 | Buy now from John Lewis

What we like

• Easy to assemble

• Stylish appearance

• Cute basket

What we don’t like

• Expensive

• Lighter colours will show up dirt 

• Doesn't fold

Key specs

Price on writing: £149 | Age range: 6+ years | Max weight: 100kg | Scooter weight: 3.35kg (including basket)

Our verdict 

If you are looking for a kids’ scooter that doesn’t come adorned with cartoon characters, this offering from Banwood is a stylish alternative, without a flashing wheel in sight. 

However, the two-wheeled Banwood Maxi Scooter does not prioritise style over substance. It is easy to assemble and adjust, and the wooden oak anti-slip deck and chunky rubber handles make for a safe ride for older children. That said, we love Banwood’s cute trademark vintage wicker basket, which can be strapped to the handlebars, but removed easily if this is your child’s preference.

On the downside, the scooter doesn’t fold down and weighing in at 3.35kg it is heavier than the likes of the Maxi Micro or JD Bug, so it’s a bit more punishing on the arms if you end up carrying it home from the shops or back from the school run.

Read next: The best kids' bikes for all ages and stages

What's the Banwood Maxi Scooter like to assemble?

As mentioned above, the Banwood Maxi Scooter is easy to assemble. It arrives in three parts - the T-handlebar attaches to the deck and the wicker basket attaches to the handles via two leather straps. It is easy to alter the height as the ergonomic T-handlebar can be adjusted from 74.5cm to 84.5cm via a metal clip.

Read next: The best trikes for babies and toddlers

What's the Banwood Maxi Scooter like to look at?

The Banwood Maxi Scooter has a lovely vintage look, with Banwood’s signature wicker basket making this scooter particularly Instagramable. The pretty basket allows your child’s best doll or teddy bear to come along for ride. Alternatively, it’s a great place to stash treasures like pinecones, conkers, or whatever else they may collect while out on their two-wheeled adventures.

If your kids are anything like mine, the cream and white scooters won’t stay clean and shiny for long, but the good news is the Banwood Maxi Scooter is also available in navy, red and dark green, all of which will be a lot more forgiving when it comes to mud and muck.

Read next: The best balance bikes for learning to cycle

What's the Banwood Maxi Scooter like in day-to-day use?

My six-year-old was excited to test the Banwood Maxi Scooter, but she found it took a bit of getting used to as she is used to scooting on three wheels. The steering was very responsive, and the scooter glided across smooth surfaces with ease. However, we found the Banwood Maxi struggled with bumpy terrain, so you will need to be extra aware of uneven pavements, tree roots and other potential trip hazards.

When my daughter decided she had had enough, I had to carry the scooter back home. The Banwood doesn’t fold and is noticeably heavier than some of the previous scooters we tested. 

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Is the Banwood Maxi Scooter easy to clean?

After riding, any water or mud can be easily removed with a clean cloth. To keep your Banwood Maxi Scooter in tip-top shape, the manufacturer recommends storing the scooter inside or undercover to avoid prolonged sun or rain exposure. Applying a periodic coat of beeswax will help to maintain and protect the life of the scooter, but this may be extra maintenance that you could do without.

Read next: Best first bikes for kids: from balance bikes to pedal bikes 

Is the Banwood Maxi Scooter good value for money?

Priced at £149 at the time of writing (April 30th, 2024) the Banwood Maxi Scooter is in a similar price bracket to Micro Scooters’ popular Micro Maxi Deluxe, which is currently retailing on Amazon for £155. The Banwood is a high-quality product, like the Micro Maxi Deluxe, but the colour palette is more muted and with two-wheels instead of the Micro Maxi’s three, the Banwood Maxi feels like a more ‘grown-up’ scooter.

If you are looking for a quality scooter with a vintage vibe, then the Banwood Maxi Scooter is a good choice. However, if a folding function is more important to you than a wicker basket, then you may want to check out some alternative options on our best scooters round-up.

How we tested

Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and lives in Sussex with her two children, aged five and six. Her six-yea-old took the scooter out to the shops, park and around the local neighbourhood. The Banwood Maxi Scooter was scored on how easy it was to assemble, keep clean, transport, store and use.

About Mumsnet Reviews

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