SIMATE S3 vs Razor Power Core E90 Lightshow - Which Kids' E-Scooter Actually Deserves Your Driveway?

Fast Answer for Busy Riders ⚡ (TL;DR)

The overall winner is the RAZOR Power Core E90 Lightshow - it feels tougher, rides a bit faster for longer, and has a much stronger ecosystem behind it, even if some of its tech is stuck in the last decade. If you want the safest, most confidence-inspiring "first electric" for a younger or lighter child and you care about low weight and compact storage, the SIMATE S3 makes more sense. Parents who prioritise durability, battery runtime, and brand-backed spare parts will be happier with the Razor; parents focused on portability, modern lithium tech and a friendlier learning curve should lean SIMATE.

Both have compromises you'll notice within the first week, so the trick is choosing the one whose flaws you can live with. Stick around and we'll walk through how each scooter behaves in the real world - and which one is more likely to end up gathering dust in the garage.

Kids' electric scooters look simple on paper: two wheels, a small motor, some lights, everyone smiles. In practice, the differences between a clever design and an "expensive toy" show up quickly - usually on the first cracked pavement or the first time someone forgets to charge it overnight.

The SIMATE S3 plays the role of the featherweight, lithium-powered, highly portable first scooter: light, easy to carry, very manageable speeds and controls. It's best for younger kids and parents who like the idea of a small, modern "real scooter" rather than a steel tank.

The RAZOR Power Core E90 Lightshow is the opposite philosophy: heavy, steel, lead-acid battery, tonnes of LEDs and that classic Razor "it will probably survive your child" feel. It's best for the kid who wants a rolling light show and the parent who doesn't want to tinker with chains or hunt for obscure parts.

On paper they compete for the same spot in your wallet - but out on the pavement they feel very different. Let's dig into what actually matters when a real child stands on them.

Who Are These For, and Why Compare Them?

Both scooters live in the "first real e-scooter" category: not kick toys, not teen commuters, but something in between for roughly primary to early secondary school age. Prices sit in the same ballpark - a bit over one hundred fifty euro for the SIMATE, a touch more for the Razor.

The overlap is obvious: both promise manageable speed, simple controls, solid tires, and a package that won't terrify parents. In real life, though, they target slightly different kids:

• SIMATE S3 - lighter riders, slightly younger age, families who travel a lot or have no storage space and like modern lithium tech.
• Razor Power Core E90 Lightshow - kids who are closer to pre-teen, want more speed and "wow" factor, and parents who value brand reputation and long runtime over portability.

If you're torn between the two on a shopping site, this is exactly the comparison you need.

Design & Build Quality

Pick them up and the design philosophies are obvious before you even power them on.

The SIMATE S3 uses an aluminium frame, with a clean, geometric silhouette and bright colour options. In the hand, it feels pleasantly light - more like a scaled-down adult scooter than a toy. The folding joint is surprisingly tight for this price bracket, with less of that "wobble" you often get in kids' folders. Paint quality is decent, though not bulletproof; repeated drops against concrete will leave their story written along the edges soon enough.

The Razor Power Core E90 Lightshow goes the other way: steel frame, non-folding stem, plastic deck cover. It gives off an "I will outlive the family dog" vibe. It's solid and dense. The trade-off is instantly clear: durable, but a bit clunky. The deck cover feels cheaper than the frame deserves - it scuffs easily - but Razor uses plastics like this everywhere and they tend to age cosmetically rather than structurally.

In terms of perceived quality, the Razor feels tougher; the SIMATE feels more refined. One is a small tool, the other a little tank with LEDs. If I had to throw one down a flight of stairs as a test (don't worry, I didn't), I know which I'd pick - and it's not the pretty aluminium one.

Ride Comfort & Handling

Neither of these has suspension, and both use solid tyres. Translation: your child's knees and ankles are the suspension. How that plays out is different.

The SIMATE S3 runs a slightly larger solid front tyre and a smaller rear, with a narrow deck but decent grip. On good pavement, it feels nimble and light-footed - the scooter reacts quickly to small steering inputs, and kids can easily hop off or correct a wobble. On rougher slabs and tactile paving, you get a noticeable buzz through your feet and hands, but because the whole package is so light, kids usually just ride through it with a grin. The short wheelbase and low speed ceiling mean it stays controllable even when the path gets patchy.

The Razor's combo of urethane front wheel and airless rear is classic kid-scooter spec: zero maintenance, plenty of vibration. On a smooth driveway or new tarmac, it glides nicely and feels planted thanks to its weight and rear-wheel drive. Take it onto cracked suburban pavement and the ride turns noticeably harsher. Because the scooter is heavier, every bump has a bit more "thud" to it. The fixed stem, though, gives very solid steering - no play, no folding latch rattle, just a simple, stiff bar. For beginners that solidity actually helps confidence.

Handling-wise, SIMATE is the agile featherweight; Razor is the steady cruise ship. For short spins on decent surfaces, both do the job. On rougher ground, neither is "comfortable", but the lighter SIMATE is easier for kids to manhandle when things get choppy, while the Razor feels more stable at its slightly higher speed.

Performance

Let's be honest: these are not performance scooters. They are "don't scare grandma" scooters. Still, there are differences you feel immediately.

The SIMATE S3's small hub motor is tuned for gentle, predictable acceleration. From kick-off, power comes in smoothly; it never yanks a child backwards. The capped top speed sits firmly in "brisk jog" territory. For a seven-year-old, that still feels like flying, but as a parent you can actually keep up on foot for a bit. On flat ground with a light rider, it gets up to speed respectably; heavier kids and mild inclines will have it wheezing a little, and older siblings will quickly find its limits.

The Razor's Power Core motor has a lower rated wattage on paper, but the feeling is different. Once you've done the required manual kick and stabbed the on/off-style throttle, it pulls more eagerly and keeps going a bit faster than the SIMATE. Top speed is closer to "you might want a bicycle to keep up" for adults. There's still no drama, but kids immediately feel that it has more shove. The flip side is the binary throttle: it's either pushing or it isn't. Timid riders can find this a bit abrupt until they learn to pulse the button.

On hills, both are honest flatland scooters. The SIMATE will climb gentle driveways with a light rider and sulk at anything more. The Razor manages similar terrain but holds its speed a little better before crying for extra kicks. If you live on a steep street, you'll be watching your child do a lot of "kick, motor, kick, motor" no matter which you buy.

Braking performance is the weak spot on both. SIMATE at least gives you an electronic brake plus a classic foot brake. The e-brake is mild but reassuring, and the foot brake works just like a normal kick scooter - very intuitive. The Razor relies solely on a rear fender brake that doubles as a motor cut-off. It's simple and robust but lacks bite; longer stopping distances are very much a thing, especially at full speed and with heavier kids. Coming from adult scooters with discs and drums, both feel rudimentary, but SIMATE wins the confidence game here.

Battery & Range

This is where the spec sheets almost lie by omission - not about the numbers, but about how they feel day to day.

The SIMATE S3 runs a very small lithium battery. The upside: it charges quickly, in the time it takes for homework and a snack. Run it flat in the morning, and you can reasonably be out again later the same day. The downside is straightforward: the real-world distance is modest. For driveway laps, cul-de-sac loops and a short park run, it's enough. For a kid who wants to roam further around a suburb, you'll be hearing "Is it charged yet?" more often than you'd like.

The Razor goes old-school with a sealed lead-acid pack. Heavy, slower to recharge, but durable and cheap. The runtime per charge is where it shines: roughly an hour of continuous use is common in the real world, often more than the child's attention span. But when it's empty, it's empty - you plug it in and forget it until the next day. No "quick top-up before dinner" here. As a parent, this forces more planning: remember to charge in the evening, or tomorrow's ride is cancelled.

Efficiency is better on the SIMATE simply because lithium batteries don't sag and waste energy the way lead-acid does, and the scooter itself is lighter. The Razor trades that away to give you chunky runtime in one go. In short: SIMATE is the sprinter that's easy to refuel; Razor is the slow-charging marathoner.

Portability & Practicality

If you ever plan to carry the scooter or put it in a car, this section matters more than motor wattage.

The SIMATE S3 is properly portable. It folds down into a compact shape, and the low weight means most adults can carry it one-handed without muttering curses. It slips into small car boots alongside shopping, hides behind a hallway door, and can be dragged into a café without making a scene. For families in flats or those who travel a lot, this is a real advantage. Even kids on the older end of the range can drag or lift it short distances without drama.

The Razor, by contrast, behaves like a traditional Razor: fixed stem, no folding, stubbornly three-dimensional. The weight is manageable for adults but awkward for kids, and it always takes its full length of space in a car or corridor. It's fine if you have a garage or shed and use it mostly around home turf. It's less fine if you were dreaming of throwing it under a school desk or into a tiny city car without thinking.

In day-to-day faff factor, SIMATE is the clear winner. The Razor's practicality comes more from its low-maintenance design (no chain, flat-free rear tyre) than from its shape or packability. If the scooter will mostly live where it's ridden, Razor is workable; if it needs to be carried or stored creatively, SIMATE is the sensible choice.

Safety

Both brands talk a big "safety" game. On the pavement, safety is a mix of speed, control, visibility and braking.

The SIMATE S3 keeps top speed conservative, which is half the battle with younger kids. The acceleration is gentle, the motor won't engage until the scooter is already rolling, and the dual braking setup gives a bit of redundancy. Solid tyres mean no punctures or blowouts, but they can be slick on wet, smooth surfaces - particularly the small rear wheel, which can skip if kids stamp the brake hard in the rain. Lighting is more about being seen up close: rainbow LEDs on deck and stem are eye-catching, though on some versions you don't get a proper headlight for seeing where you're going in the dark.

The Razor is faster but still within "kids' safety" bounds. It also has a kick-to-start system, but the throttle being essentially on/off means nervous riders may get surprised by the sudden push until they adjust. The single foot brake is simple but not exactly reassuring if you're used to hand brakes. Where Razor scores is visibility: the Lightshow absolutely does its job. In dim light, your child might as well have a giant neon arrow above their head. Grip from the tyres is fine in the dry, mediocre in the wet - very similar story to the SIMATE.

If I had to put a smaller, more cautious child on one of these down a slightly sloping pavement, I'd lean toward the SIMATE for its lower speed, softer throttle and backup electronic brake. For a confident older kid, the Razor's visibility and solid chassis feel good - provided they learn to respect the limited braking.

Community Feedback

Price & Value

On price, the SIMATE undercuts the Razor by a modest margin. The question is what you get for that difference.

With the S3, your money buys modern lithium tech, proper folding, an aluminium frame, dual braking and sensible beginner performance. The catch is that the small battery and modest motor mean kids can outgrow the scooter's capabilities quite quickly - in speed, range, or both. As a "starter course" it's excellent; as something to last many years for an energetic child, it's more debatable.

The Razor asks a bit more but brings the backing of a big brand, long continuous ride time, a bombproof steel chassis and a parts ecosystem that will probably outlive the scooter. You are paying for durability and support, not for cutting-edge components. The lead-acid battery and lack of folding feel dated for the price, yet the total package still feels fair when you consider how long these things typically survive in the wild.

If you want the best balance of modern features per euro, SIMATE looks attractive. If you care more about buying once and knowing you can still get parts three years later, the Razor makes a strong argument.

Service & Parts Availability

This is where brand size and history matter more than glossy marketing.

SIMATE is a newer, smaller player, and while feedback on their support is surprisingly positive, parts availability is still more "email and hope" than "walk into a chain store". Basic items like chargers should be easy enough to replace; more specific components may require dealing with online sellers or the brand directly. For a simple kids' scooter, that may be acceptable, but it's not bulletproof.

Razor, by contrast, is everywhere. Chargers, wheels, even throttles and batteries are widely available through big retailers and online marketplaces. There are third-party guides, videos, and a whole cottage industry of spare parts. If something breaks out of warranty, the odds of reviving a Razor are much higher than with almost any smaller brand.

For European buyers in particular, that kind of ecosystem is not trivial. If you like the idea of passing the scooter down to a younger sibling or fixing it after a couple of rough seasons, the Razor has a clear advantage.

Pros & Cons Summary

Parameters Comparison

Final Verdict - Which Should You Choose?

Both scooters have clear personalities. The SIMATE S3 is the lightweight, well-mannered "first electric" that treats power and speed conservatively and rewards families who need portability and quick charging. The Razor Power Core E90 Lightshow is the rugged, slightly old-fashioned bruiser that trades elegance and modern battery tech for runtime, durability and an almost guaranteed grin when the lights come on.

If your child is on the younger or smaller side, if you live in a flat or drive a small car, or if you want something that feels closer to a shrunken-down adult scooter with a proper display and folding, the SIMATE S3 is the better fit - as long as you accept the modest range and performance ceiling.

If your kid is closer to pre-teen, rides mainly around home on fairly smooth ground, and you value long play sessions, brand reputation, and knowing you'll still find spare parts years from now, the Razor Power Core E90 Lightshow edges ahead. It's not the most modern design on the block, but in daily use it's the one more likely to survive heavy-handed childhood and keep doing its thing.

Personally, if I had to buy once for a typical eight- to ten-year-old with decent pavements outside and space in the garage, I'd hand over the Razor's heavier frame and longer charge time in exchange for its robustness and runtime. For younger or lighter kids in tighter living spaces, I'd steer them toward the SIMATE and just manage expectations about how far it'll really go on a charge.

Numbers Freaks Corner

These metrics break down how efficiently each scooter turns euros, kilograms, watts and watt-hours into speed and range. Lower "price per" and "weight per" numbers mean you're getting more performance or battery for your money and mass. Wh per km shows energy efficiency in motion, while power-to-speed and weight-to-power highlight how strong and lively a scooter feels relative to its motor and heft. Average charging speed simply reflects how quickly the battery can realistically be refilled.

Author's Category Battle

Overall Winner Declaration

In the Numbers Freaks Corner, the SIMATE S3 scores 4 points against the RAZOR Power Core E90 Lightshow's 6. In the Author's Category Battle, the SIMATE S3 gets 21 ✅ versus 18 ✅ for RAZOR Power Core E90 Lightshow (with a few ties sprinkled in).

Totals: SIMATE S3 scores 25, RAZOR Power Core E90 Lightshow scores 24.

Based on the scoring, the SIMATE S3 is our overall winner. For me as a rider, the Razor Power Core E90 Lightshow ends up feeling like the more complete kids' package: it may be old-school under the skin, but it shrugs off abuse, runs for ages, and makes every dusk ride look like a mini sci-fi premiere. The SIMATE S3 is easier to live with in tight spaces and looks more like a "real" scooter, yet its tiny battery and gentle performance mean many kids will grow past it faster than parents expect. If you value a tougher companion that can soak up years of hard use and still keep your child smiling, the Razor gets the nod. If your priority is a light, friendly first step into e-scooters with minimal hassle and a modern feel, you'll be happier watching your kid roll off on the SIMATE.

That's our verdict when we try to stay objective – but hey, riding is mostly about emotions anyway, so pick the one that will make you look forward to your commute every single day.