Max. load
The maximum weight of the rider that the design of the scooter can withstand without breakdowns and accidents. This point is partly determined by the age group, and mainly by the materials used in the frame (both points below). Note that manufacturers can indicate the maximum load for perfect conditions — when the scooter rides on a perfectly flat surface or even stands still. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model for this parameter with a certain margin; this is especially important for varieties designed for increased loads, in particular scooters and stunt models (see "product type"). Even more so, you should not exceed the weight indicated in the characteristics — even if the scooter does not break down immediately, this can happen at any time after, which is fraught with accidents and injuries.
Front wheel size
The diameter of the front wheel(s) of the scooter.
This parameter is selected by the manufacturer depending on the type, age category and general purpose of the scooter. If we compare similar models with different wheel diameters, then it is worth considering that the larger the wheels, the better they work on the bumps in the road, and the higher the cross-country ability. And small wheels, in turn, are great for smooth asphalt and dynamic driving, they easily accelerate and allow you to make sharp turns.
Rear wheel(s) size
The diameter of the rear wheel(s) of the scooter. See "Front wheel diameter" for details on the value of this parameter.
Wheels
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Polyurethane. Wheels with solid polyurethane tyres. This material provides good cushioning, high-quality grip and, at the same time, good rolling; it is resistant to temperature extremes and damage, durable, while it is inexpensive. Due to this, polyurethane wheels are the most popular nowadays, they can be installed even in fairly advanced models of scooters — in particular, sports ones.
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Rubber. In this case, we mean wheels with a solid rubber tyre (inflatable wheels are moved to a separate category). According to the main characteristics, rubber is similar to the polyurethane described above, and in some moments even surpasses it. So, such tyres do not make noise, smooth out the roughness of the asphalt well, have excellent grip and provide high braking efficiency. On the other hand, this material is less durable and does not tolerate temperature extremes, and therefore is used much less frequently.
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Silicone. Wheels with a solid tyre made of silicone. These tyres are quite soft; this, on the one hand, worsens the rolling compared to the same polyurethane, on the other hand, it provides excellent cushioning. At the same time, silicone is short-lived and wears out quickly, especially under high loads; therefore, wheels made of this material are quite rare and are considered suitable mainly for children's scooters.
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Plastic. Plastic has a low cost, besides, it can be given almost any colour. On the other hand, hard plastic wheels do not provide cushioning, are very noisy and generally not suitable for fast driving. Therefore, this material is found exclusively in models for kids; while the overall quality and reliability of plastic is highly dependent on the price category.
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Inflatable. The most advanced type of wheels are found in modern scooters. Wheels of this type have an inflatable tyre (as in bicycles), which provides excellent shock absorption and good grip. The disadvantages of inflatable tyres, in addition to the price, include sensitivity to punctures and increased maintenance complexity: you need to monitor the pressure and, if necessary, inflate the tyre.
Features
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Foldable. The ability to fold the scooter — usually by "laying" the handlebar in a horizontal position, on the deck; in some models, the grips of the handlebar are also foldable. This feature greatly simplifies storage and transportation outside business hours. True, folding models are somewhat more expensive and slightly less reliable than clumsy ones, but in many cases, these moments are not critical.
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Handlebar height adjustment. The ability to change the height of the handlebar, adjusting it to the height of the user. This feature will be especially useful if the scooter is bought for a child for several years: children grow quickly, and every season a higher handlebar height is required. See "Maximum height" for details on height adjustment.
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Suspension. The scooter has a suspension system — most often on the front wheel. However, there are models with full suspension. In any case, such a system makes the ride more comfortable and smoothes out vibrations, but reduces rolling and control accuracy. Therefore, for example, sports scooters and snow scooters (see "Type") do not have this feature, and it is extremely rare in kickboards.
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Stand. A device that allows you to put the scooter in a vertical position on any suitable surface without using additional supports — such as walls, benches, fences, et
...c. It is usually carried out in the form of a folding plate or a curly frame under the deck: in the folded state it is raised and does not interfere with movement, and if it is lowered, the scooter acquires an additional point of support.
- Seat. Own seat, allowing you to ride a scooter while sitting. Most often, this function is found in kickboards (see "Type") for the smallest children who are still unable to confidently keep their balance — the seat in such models also serves as fall protection. In addition, by definition, drift models are equipped with a seat.
— Basket on the handlebar. The basket mounted on the handlebars acts as a luggage compartment and can be used to carry various items, such as your favourite toys or a change of clothes. The capacity of the baskets is usually small, but they can provide some convenience. This function occurs mainly in models of the younger age group.
- Bottle holder. A device that provides for the installation of exclusively drinking bottles. This is facilitated by a cylindrical shape, in which such a container will ideally fit, while it will not fall out during the ride. This decision is applicable not so much to children's scooters as to adults, when the scooter is used not for entertainment, but for movement and thirst can overtake at any moment.
- Glowing wheels/deck. The scooter has wheel and/or deck illumination. Glowing wheels are usually made of a transparent polymer with LEDs embedded in them; the deck can be illuminated both on the sides and below. In any case, this function not only provides an original appearance but also makes the scooter more visible, which has a positive effect on safety — especially at dusk and in the dark. The backlight can be powered both by batteries and by a built-in generator that generates energy when the wheels rotate.
- Flashlight / headlight. The presence of a flashlight or headlight in the scooter. This function will be useful, especially in twilight and darkness: it provides illumination of the road and also makes the scooter more visible to other road users.
— Signal/bell. The presence of a bell or other sound signal (for example, a horn) in the kit. Such a device is useful for warning others about the movement of the scooter, it allows you to avoid unpleasant incidents.
- Pegs. Devices on the wheels of sports scooters that allow you to perform various trick exercises, namely, to slide along curbs, railings, etc. It is an additional stop that is installed in the wheel axle of the scooter and can be used not only as a fulcrum for the foot but also as a support when driving over various obstacles (railings, ramps, etc.). As a rule, scooters for stunt/sports riding are equipped with pegs. At the same time, they can be equipped with both the front and rear wheels and in some cases, the peg is installed on both the right and left sides of the wheel.
- Parent handle. A long handle is mounted on some kickboards so that an adult can comfortably hold on to it while standing next to it. Thus, the parent can, to a certain extent, control the movement of the child, stop him at the right time or vice versa, push, or even carry the baby, like in a stroller. Such a solution is relevant for models with a seat and for children who are not yet capable of independent movement on a scooter.Weight
The total weight of the scooter; for electric models it is the total operating weight is indicated, with batteries installed.
This option has two meanings. Thus, lighter scooters accelerate and manoeuvre better and require less effort from the user. In turn, more massive models maintain speed longer and are more stable on the course. In addition, note that less weight, other things being equal, means either less strength or more cost.
The lightest modern scooters weigh
less than 2 kg — these are mostly relatively inexpensive classic models and kickboards (see "Type"). Sports models already have a weight
of 2.5 kg, and often more. The most massive among non-self-propelled models are scooters —
from 5 kg. And electric scooters inevitably turn out to be heavy due to motors and batteries, their mass can reach
10 kg or even more.