Comparison Maraton Turbo 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 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.

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 rigidity of the wheels supplied in the scooter

The higher the number given in this parameter, the harder materials are used in the design of the wheels and the stiffer they are. Stiff wheels easier roll on different surfaces, it is easier to accelerate on them, they allow you to more accurately feel the surface under your feet and do not wear out as quickly as soft ones; on the other hand, these wheels have less traction, are more prone to vibrations and bumps, and require extra care when cornering. Therefore, wheels with high rigidity are typical mainly for professional models, and soft options are recommended for beginner riders.

Note that most scooters allow wheel replacement; this procedure is mandatory from time to time since the wheels tend to wear out. However, if necessary, you can also change a kit that is quite suitable for riding — to a harder one, or vice versa, a softer one

— 82A. Wheels with a hardness of 82A are optimal for urban scooters. This level of stiffness provides the wheels with good strength, while the wheels tenaciously contact the rolling surface. Such scooters are poorly suited for stunt riding.

— 84A. Wheels with a hardness of 84A are considered universal. These can be found both in city scooters and models for stunt riding. Rigidity at the level of 84A gives the wheels a good level of strength. Such scooters are still able to "softly" contact with the surface of the roll, but the rider will al...ready feel "hard feedback" when hitting bumps.

— 85A Wheels with a hardness of 85A are more related to stunt scooters. This level of rigidity provides the wheels with a good level of strength, but due to the increased rigidity, the soft contact of the wheels with the rolling surface is lost. If the scooter does not have suspension, the stiffness of the wheels will recoil into the platform and steering rack when hitting bumps.

— 86A. Wheels with a hardness of 86A are used in scooters for sports and stunt riding. Rigidity at the level of 86A is considered increased. Scooters with such wheels are usually designed for fairly high loads. Such wheels transmit impact and vibration to the scooter. Scooters without their shock absorption make riding on such hard wheels less comfortable. But at the same time, as the strength characteristics of the wheels increase, the chassis becomes more reliable and durable.

— 88A. Wheels with a hardness of 88A are found in stunt scooters. They are distinguished by increased strength characteristics. Due to the high rigidity of the wheels, they can easily withstand driving on any type of rolling surface. On the other hand, riding on 88A wheels provides very strong feedback to the platform and steering column. Such wheels are recommended for scooters with a built-in shock absorption system.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

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.

Scooter deck size. This item can indicate both the length and width or only one size — most often this is the length.

In general, this parameter is secondary: manufacturers choose the size of the deck depending on the type, age category, general specialization and other features of the scooter. Legroom, usually, is guaranteed to be enough on the deck. We only note that shorter decks are more agile, and longer ones are stable on the course.

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.