Comparison scooters

— Scooter. Scooters of a traditional design are a deck with a handlebar mounted on wheels of a relatively small diameter. In other words, this category includes all models that do not belong to more specific varieties.

— Kickboard. A type of scooter that has two wheels in front, and the steering wheel for turning does not need to be turned, but tilted in the appropriate direction. Thanks to three points of support, kickboards are more stable than classic scooters and are well suited for initial learning to ride; in fact, most of these products are designed for a younger age.

— Stunt scooter. A variety of classic scooters designed for sports stunt riding. The main distinguishing feature of such models is increased strength: the frame is made of metal, a one-piece handlebar without adjustment and folding. Also, such scooters can be equipped with pegs and other elements for a stunt programme. However, such models cost accordingly.

— Bicycle scooter. Scooters with bicycle-type wheels: large, with spokes and inflatable tyres. This greatly increases the cross-country ability and allows you to ride even on dirt paths and other uneven terrain. Note that you should not confuse such products with pedal-less bicycles (balance bikes): in this case, we are talking about a variety of sco...oters.

— Trike. The main distinguishing feature of the trikes is the presence of two separate platforms, under each leg. There are three wheels, respectively — one in front and one on the back of each platform. Riding on such a scooter differs from the classic one in that the legs can constantly stand on the platforms. Moving forward in different models is carried out in different ways. One of the options is scooters, where you need to swing from side to side; accordingly, it will not work to drive strictly in a straight line on them — the trajectory of movement will be undulating, and wobbling. Another variety is the so-called "scissors": platforms can move and move apart, like scissor blades, which ensures forward movement.

— Snow scooter. Scooters were originally designed to move on snow. According to the device, they are similar to ordinary scooters. However, instead of each of the wheels, a small ski is installed; in addition, frost-resistant materials are used in the design. At the same time, many snow scooters allow the replacement of skis with wheels and can also be used in the warm season.

— For drifting. Scooters specially designed for driving with the active use of controlled skids. Outwardly, they are similar not so much to scooters as to electric tricycles, they have a seat and three wheels — a front (steering) and two rear ones. When driving, the rider's legs are on the steps and do not touch the ground, traction is provided by an electric motor on the front wheel, and the rear wheels are usually made swivel (as in supermarket carts) and can turn around in the course of skidding. This design allows you to easily and safely perform tricks using drift. And the most advanced and speedy models, designed for professionals, have more traditional rear wheels, without the ability to turn.

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.

The minimum age at which a child can be entrusted with a scooter. These recommendations are quite approximate, but it is highly not recommended to deviate from them. In the case of electric scooters (see "Type"), it is worth considering that in some countries, to control such devices, you need rights obtained from a certain age; so when buying a similar model, it's ok to clarify the requirements of traffic rules.

The allowable load directly depends on the age group; according to this criterion, modern scooters can be divided into children's(permissible load up to 50 kg), teenage(from 50 to 80 kg), and adults(80 kg or more).

— 2 wheels. Classic design with one wheel front and rear. Found in all types of scooters except kickboards, trikes and drift models (see "Product type"). Two-wheeled scooters cannot stand upright without accessories (see "Features — Stand"), and riding them requires some balance skills, but they are considered the fastest and most agile. Note that scooters are made only two-wheeled.

— 3 wheels. By definition, all trikes and most kickboards, as well as models for drifting, are made three-wheeled (see "Product type"). However, this option can also be found in classic scooters — in the “one wheel in front and two in the back” format. In this case, the distance between the rear wheels may be different. In some models, they are widely spaced, so that the scooter can stand stably even when stationary, but its manoeuvrability is low; the narrow arrangement of the rear wheels reduces stability, but improves agility.

— 4 wheels. The design provides a pair of wheels in front and behind. It is found in classic scooters, as well as some kickboards and trikes. Four wheels provide maximum stability, but significantly reduce manoeuvrability and are not suitable for dynamic driving with sharp turns. Therefore, most four-wheeled models are designed for the smallest children who are just learning to balance.

— T-bar. A traditional scooter handlebar in the form of a horizontal crossbar on a vertical bar. It is found in almost all types of scooters. Note that in kickboards such a steering wheel usually needs to be tilted rather than turned.

— Bike handlebar. The handlebar has a characteristic curved shape, in which the handles are bent back or moved upward relative to the middle. It is considered more convenient than the classic one, but it is more complex in design and costs more, and the difference in convenience is not so often noticeable. Therefore, this option is found much less frequently, mainly in fairly advanced models — in particular, most bicycle scooters are equipped with just such handlebars.

— Round handle. The handlebar is in the form of a ring or a pair of rings (a kind of “ears”) mounted on a vertical rod; There are also options without a top ring at all, in which the rod ends with a round knob. In any case, this design is used in models where the handlebar does not turn, but tilts from side to side — these can be either kickboards or some specific trikes (see “Type”).

— Y-bar. A handlebar with a bend in the top tube in the shape of the letter Y. Often in such handlebars, side supports are used to strengthen the structure, due to which Y-shaped handlebars are considered more durable in comparison with classic T-bars.

...— Bat-Wing. The shape of the Bat-Wing resembles Y-shaped rudders, but in the upper segment of this version, there is a special horizontal crossbar to strengthen the structure. Bat-Wing handlebars can withstand heavy loads and are installed primarily on stunt scooters.

The weight of the scooter, its strength and resistance to stress depend on the material of the deck. In modern models, the following options can be used:

— Plastic. In scooters, this material belongs to the entry-level. The strength of plastic is low, it is not designed for heavy weight and serious loads — and, therefore, it is found mainly in models of the younger age group and the classic type (see above). On the other hand, in this category, plastic shows itself at its best: it can have almost any colour and pattern, it weighs a little, and it is inexpensive.

— Aluminium. Aluminium-based alloys combine strength, resistance to stress and low weight, due to which they are quite popular as a material among all types of scooters (see above).

— Steel. The main advantage of steel is its high strength, exceeding even aluminium, not to mention plastic. On the other hand, this material has a large weight and therefore is used less often than others, mainly in bicycle scooters (see "Type") of the older age group.

— Magnesium alloy. A fairly advanced material that combines very low weight with high strength and elasticity. At the same time, its cost is also quite high. Therefore, magnesium frames can be found mainly in expensive premium models.

— Carbon. Thi...s term usually refers to carbon fibre — carbon fibre in combination with a polymer filler. Carbon is considered a premium material: its strength is comparable to steel, and its weight is much less. However, such material is sensitive to point impacts — cracks may appear from them. However, in general, such a “trouble” requires a rather unfortunate set of circumstances. But one of the unequivocal disadvantages of carbon can be called a high cost. In addition, we note that this material is used mainly in electric scooters (see "Type") — for other varieties, for several reasons, it is easier to use more affordable materials, even if we are talking about an expensive and high-quality model.

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.

The diameter of the rear wheel(s) of the scooter. See "Front wheel diameter" for details on the value of this parameter.

— 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.

— 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.

— 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.

— 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.

— 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.