Comparison Maraton Rapid vs Maraton Extreme

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).

The material of the handlebar carries almost the main information about the strength of the scooter since the rider leans on it while riding. Accordingly, this structural element in most cases is made of metal, namely:

— Aluminium. The key advantage of aluminium is its light weight. Handlebars made of aluminium are much lighter than their steel counterparts. A scooter with an aluminium handlebar can be a good choice for stunt riding. But to make an aluminium handlebar strong enough manufacturers have to increase the size and wall thickness. As a rule, aluminium handlebars have a non-standard increased tube size of 34.9 mm. Additionally, aluminium handlebars are more expensive than steel counterparts.

— Steel. The main advantage of steel is increased strength — such a handlebar can easily withstand high mechanical loads. But among the shortcomings can be noted high weight. Steel wheels have a high mass, which somewhat limits their scope, especially in terms of stunt driving.

— 2 bolts. 2-bolt clamp — such clamps are typical for entry-class scooters. A 2-bolt clamp usually connects steering elements in city scooters. M8 threaded fasteners are most often used as bolts. The 2-bolt connection is ill-suited to resist loose fasteners.

— 3 bolts. Clamp for 3 bolts — this clamp allows you to more or less securely fix the steering elements. Scooters with a 3-bolt clamp are usually considered stunt scooters but belong to the entry-level class. The 3-bolt fastening allows the clamp to prevent loosening in the connection.

— 4 bolts. 4 bolt clamp — this category of clamps is typical for good stunt scooters. Such a connection allows you to securely fix the steering elements. The presence of 4 fixation points allows the connection to resist loosening well, and the bolts in such clamps are slightly subject to self-loosening.

— 5 bolts. The 5-bolt clamp is a quality clamping solution found on advanced stunt scooters. The presence of 5 fixation points allows you to securely fix the steering wheel in the desired position. The 5-bolt clamp will not allow play to appear in the connection. Such clamps can maintain the degree of tightening of fasteners even under high-vibration loads.

Compression is a special device that connects the fork to the steering speaker. Thanks to the compression, the rigidity and reliability of the connection of the steering speaker to the fork are ensured.

— IHC. Suitable for scooters with standard diameter handlebars: 31.8mm or 1¼". This type of compression is simple in design and highly reliable. The IHC system consists of a tie bolt and an anchor. The steering wheel is connected to the compression with a clamp.

— HIC(Hidden Compression System) — this type of compression is found in scooters with a handlebar of increased diameter: 34.9 mm or 1⅜". HIC compression is widely used due to the reliability and simplicity of the design solution. The steering speaker is used with a kerf Steering clamp is applied to the steering speaker HIC compression is identical to the IHC design The only difference between the two is the rudder diameter HIC is designed for 34.9mm headsets while IHC applies to headsets 31.8 mm in diameter.

— SCS(Standart Compression System) — advanced class compression. To use the SCS, you need a scooter with a non-kerf steering speaker. A distinctive feature of the SCS compression is the use of a 4-bolt tie-down collar. The compression pinch bolt is screwed in from top to bottom. The steering speaker is put on from above. SCS compression is created under the handlebars of di...fferent diameters: 34.9 or 31.8 mm. Structurally, SCS compression is similar to HIC. The key difference between these types of compression is for the most part only in the cut on the steering speaker. The SCS does not have a kerf, but the HIC does.

— ICS(Inverted Compression System) — simple and reliable compression. The system is represented by a coupling bolt, which is screwed in from the bottom up, through the front wheels. The anchor is usually built into the fork at the factory. But in some cases, the anchor must be hammered into the fork yourself. When working with compression, there are usually several difficulties. The first is that you need a special long key to work with fasteners. The second trick is expressed in the need to remove the front wheels every time the compression is tightened.

— Tread. Threading is the simplest method of connecting a steering speaker to a fork. This type of compression is typical for entry-level scooters. Scooters with threaded compression are positioned as urban models. Such scooters are not physically adapted to the impact of high mechanical loads.

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.

Bearings that the scooter is equipped with. This paragraph usually indicates not the model/brand, but the class of bearings according to the ABEC standard. Standard options for modern scooters are ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9 ; the higher the number, the higher the quality and accuracy of the part.

There is an opinion that better bearings allow you to accelerate better and go faster. This is partly true, but acceleration and speed are highly dependent on a number of other points — the size and material of the wheels, the weight of the scooter, etc. So models with bearings of the same class can differ markedly in speed characteristics. But what this indicator unambiguously affects is durability and price: high accuracy affects the cost, but such bearings last longer and carry loads better.

Also note that for relatively simple use, ABEC 5 class bearings are quite enough. It makes sense to specifically look for a model with ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 only if you need a scooter for advanced stunts or professional high-speed riding. However, if the selected model has high-quality bearings, it will not be worse from them anyway.

The maximum height to which the height-adjustable handlebar can be set (or just the height of the handlebar in the working position, if height adjustment is not provided).

The height of the handlebars should be such that the rider can stand on the deck straight, without bending his back, and hold on to the handles with slightly bent arms. At the same time, there is no unambiguous relationship between this parameter and the height of the rider. So the perfect option to determine the optimal height is to try it yourself, and then choose a scooter based on the result.