How to choose a scooter for an adult and a child for the city

A healthy lifestyle and all sorts of interesting gizmos associated with it, recently began to gain truly immense popularity. And it is thanks to him that various devices for outdoor activities have received a second wind, including scooters. Now we are not talking about miniature children's models – scooters designed for urban exploitation by quite adults have gained immense popularity. Compact dimensions, ease of operation, mobility and high speed of movement are the key features of these devices, and in order to get the maximum pleasure from riding a scooter, it is necessary to approach the choice of a specific model with full responsibility!

content

1. The best scooter manufacturers – which company to choose
2. The device and principle of operation of the scooter
3. Types of scooters
4. The main criteria for choosing a scooter
5. Which scooter to choose?
6. The cost of scooters
7. Video for choosing a scooter

The best scooter manufacturers – which company to choose

Since almost always the buyer prefers not a one-day toy, which will be given a couple of three hours of time, but a quite serious device for everyday use, it is best to pay attention to the products of those companies that have been working in this field for a very long time and have managed to establish themselves with the best sides:

1. Kettler

2. Micro

3. Razor

4. Explore

5. JD Bug

The products of the above manufacturers are deservedly popular among fans of extreme recreation, and the variety of catalogs allows you to choose the right model for any operating conditions and customer needs. For this reason, before giving preference to a particular model, you should read the reviews of real buyers who have tested the model in action.

The device and principle of operation of the scooter

According to the principle of its operation, a scooter is a kind of symbiosis of a traditional bicycle and a skateboard. Its device assumes the presence of two wheels and a steering wheel, and movement is carried out by pushing the leg off the surface. Any scooter consists of the following components and assemblies:

1. Frame is a supporting structure element to which all other nodes are attached. It is made of lightweight metal alloys or polymeric materials;

2. Steering wheel – an element through which the scooter is controlled;

3. Deck – a special footboard that the athlete stands on while moving on the scooter;

4. Wheels equipped with a braking system. Their purpose is clear, but the number may vary: the most popular are devices equipped with two wheels, but you can also find models with three or even four wheels.

Types of scooters

Despite the generality of the design, all the scooters on sale can be divided into several conditional groups. They differ in the principle of operation and design features.

Traditional two-wheeled scooters

The most common models, which include both children's toy scooters and models designed for movement around the city and allowing to develop significant speed. They feature a simple but functional design and allow you to move not only on asphalt, but also on rough terrain.

Advantages

• Compact models, easy to transport and store;

• Affordable prices;

• Simplicity of construction;

• Decent travel speed;

• Low dead weight;

disadvantages

• Whimsical in maintenance and repair;

• Designed exclusively for leisurely movement and not suitable for various tricks;

T-shirts

These models can be called a full-fledged hybrid of a scooter and a bicycle. The general design of such models is similar to the first ones, but in terms of wheel size they are still closer to the second ones. The wheels installed on the T-shirts are of different sizes and can reach 25-27 inches, and therefore these devices allow you to develop a decent speed of movement and maintain it for a long time.

Advantages

• Allow to develop significant speed;

• The presence of shock absorbers;

• Simple and reliable design;

• Sensitive brakes that allow you to stop almost instantly;

• Excellent roll – maintain speed for a long time without the need to maintain it;

disadvantages

• Significant cost;

• Not suitable for everyone;

• Requires special skills when moving;

Kickboards

Unlike t-shirts, these devices are closer to classic skateboards, and therefore are characterized by maximum stability, regardless of the rider's experience. The main feature of this device lies in the presence of three wheels, and two of them are located in front, which has an extremely positive effect on stability. The controls are also similar to a skateboard – turns are carried out not by turning the steering wheel, but by tilting the deck in one direction or another.

Advantages

• Maneuverability;

• Simple construction;

• Ability to develop decent travel speed;

• High stability;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Difficulty in mastering due to the specifics of taxiing;

Trike

By analogy with kickboards, trikes have a classic three-wheeled design, two of which are located at the back. However, the similarities end there, and the list of main differences includes not one, but two shortened decks, one for each leg. Braking with such devices is carried out using foot brakes, however, the most advanced models can be equipped with a hand brake.

Advantages

• Stylish appearance;

• Do tricks;

• Excellent inertia;

• Reliable construction;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Able to reveal their potential exclusively on quality asphalt;

Stunt

Models designed primarily for performing all kinds of acrobatic exercises and tricks. They are distinguished by a high-strength frame, as well as high-quality wheels that can withstand significant loads while jumping.

Advantages

• Simple, reliable design;

• Excellent handling and extremely maneuverable;

• Reinforced elements that can withstand significant loads;

disadvantages

• The steering wheel is not adjustable for departure;

• Expensive enough;

• Extremely specific and not suitable for everyone;

Dirt scooters (dirt models)

The complete opposite of trick devices in terms of operation. Designed for off-road use, as hinted at by the design, type and parameters of the wheels, as well as other elements. A great option for extreme 'rides'!

Advantages

• Stylish appearance;

• Unpretentiousness to the quality of the road surface;

• Perfect cross-country ability in the field;

• Mud wheels;

• Robust construction;

disadvantages

• Quite laborious to operate;

• Some of the most expensive on the market;

The main criteria for choosing a scooter

There are a lot of key structural elements to which you should pay attention.

The material from which the scooter frame is made

1. Aluminum is an excellent compromise between price and quality, durable and light enough material;

2. Steel – has excellent strength and reliability, but steel scooters are the heaviest;

3. Various magnesium-based alloys are light, strong and reliable, but their main disadvantage is their extremely high cost;

Weight of specific model

This parameter is associated not only with ease of transportation, but also with the overall reliability of the structure. As a rule, the heavier the scooter is, the more durable it is and the more rider's weight it can carry. Compact models weighing between 3 and 5 kilograms are the most suitable option for riders weighing up to 50 kilograms. Those whose weight is close to the one-hundred-kilogram mark and even exceeds it should take a closer look at models weighing from 10 to 15 kilograms, regardless of the material from which the frame is made.

Deck, its design features and size

The convenience of moving on a particular scooter and the possibility of operational maneuvering while driving will depend on what features the deck has. The width of the deck for adult scooters can reach 25-30 centimeters with a length of 80-100 cm.

The steering wheel, its design features and height

Given that many scooter models do not have a height adjustment of the steering wheel, when choosing, you should select the model that will most closely match your height. Telescopic handlebars, adjustable in height, should be preferred only for children's scooters, the load on which is not critical. In addition, as the child grows up, the height of the scooter's handlebars will also change. For adults, for obvious reasons, this design feature is not relevant.

Wheels, their construction and the material from which they are made

As noted above, you can find on sale not only traditional two-wheeled scooters, but also three – and even four-wheeled models. The more wheels, the higher the stability of a particular scooter and the easier this model is to learn. As materials from which the wheels of a scooter are made, the following can be used:

1. Plastic. Rigid plastic wheels are distinguished by their simple design and unpretentious operation, but they are quite noisy and rigid;

2. Polyurethane is a cross between plastic and rubber. With similar strength to plastic, polyurethane wheels are less noisy and, accordingly, better dampen vibrations and shocks;

3. Rubber is widely used in the production of wheels for scooters. You can meet both solid rubber wheels and all kinds of inflatable models equipped with a tire and a camera. Soft, almost silent and easy to use, they are perfect for everyday use. The downside here is the low strength and the need for constant pressure control.

Brakes

A quality scooter should not only accelerate quickly, but also stop, and therefore the braking system should be given special attention. The simplest and most common model is the foot brake system, where the scooter is slowed down by pressing the appropriate pad on the deck. There are also scooters with hand brakes, located by analogy with a bicycle. This design is more functional, but also more expensive.

Which scooter to choose?

1. For everyday use, it is best to prefer the compact city model, equipped with two wheels and a foot brake. For maximum convenience, the frame should be made of aluminum or magnesium alloy;

2. If the goal is active rest and performing all kinds of tricks, the best option is a sports stunt scooter;

3. To participate in off-road driving, it is best to prefer mud scooters;

4. For those who are just learning how to ride a scooter, both adults and children, three-wheeled models are best suited – both trikes and kickboards;

The cost of scooters

1. The simplest children's scooters can be purchased for 1000-1500 rubles;

2. Compact urban models for adults are somewhat more expensive – from 2 to 4 thousand rubles;

3. Three-wheeled scooters – both trikes and kickboards – are quite expensive. Their cost fluctuates at around 10-20 thousand rubles. The only exceptions are children's models, they can be purchased cheaper;

4. Professional stunt and mud models differ in the maximum cost – depending on the specific model, their cost can reach 40-50 thousand rubles;

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose rollers and the secrets of choosing a skateboard.

Video for choosing a scooter

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.