Scooter Guide – 2023: model overview and 10 options for different budgets

Scooter is probably the most popular means of transportation. This is due to a good combination of options. Most scooters are lightweight and compact. They are not so difficult to control. Unlike a skateboard or bicycle, no training is required. The only problem is that today there is a huge variety of models in stores and it is easy to get lost in it.

Sportmaster PRO expert

“What to consider when choosing a scooter and how not to miss with the purchase? I propose to consistently understand everything, and then study the list of optimal options.”

How to choose a scooter? General points

Between themselves, different models of scooters differ in the size of the wheels and the materials from which they are made, the height and width of the deck (platform under the feet), as well as the presence of shock absorption.

Wheel size mainly affects maneuverability and rollability (or rideability). What it means. A small wheel will give a well maneuvering scooter, and a large wheel will give a smooth ride and a softer ride on uneven roads, paving stones or tiles.

Generally, manufacturers use two materials for wheels: polyurethane and rubber. The first is more common because of its wear resistance and reliability. Rubber has a better grip (especially with asphalt) and well cushioned, but is less common.

Buy a children’s scooter

In children’s scooters, you can also find wheels made of plastic. They have average reliability, are noisy and poorly amortizing. Such wheels are better to use only when teaching the child to ride.

The presence of a shock absorber (or two – on both wheels) makes the ride softer. Less vibrations are transmitted to the arms and legs. But remember that the shock absorption significantly increases the weight of the scooter.

The height of the deck affects the stability of the ride. How does it work? The lower the deck, the more stable the scooter is and the more confident the rider feels. But you should take into account that a high deck is much more convenient when going over obstacles. It will be easier to overcome curbs.

Globally, children’s variants differ from scooters for adults only in size. In terms of the technologies used and the basic parameters of the choice, there is no difference.

Basically, the height of the models is determined by the size of the wheels. Each manufacturer has tables with recommendations, which indicate which models of the line are suitable for children of a certain age and height.

If we talk about average recommendations, they look like this:

• from 85 to 110 cm – three-wheeled models;
• from 95 to 120 cm – models with 125 mm wheels;
• from 120 to 140 cm – models with 145 mm wheels;
• from 140 cm and above – models with wheels measuring 175 mm or more.

In this case, as well as when choosing an adult scooter, it is important that the child has the opportunity to try to ride or at least stand on it beforehand. Despite the fact that the height is determined by the size of the wheel, there are many other parameters that can affect the choice. For example, the height of the handlebars, the thickness of the handles or the width and length of the deck.

Buy an adult scooter

Here everything depends on the purpose, intensity of use and the main locations on which you plan to move around. For routes with poor pavement, paving stones or tiles, models with wheels with a diameter of 230 to 250 mm, as well as one or two shock absorbers are suitable.

For amateur or park riding, scooter wheels with a diameter of 175 to 200 mm are suitable. The presence of shock absorption is optional. Models without it will be characterized by low weight and better acceleration.

For gravel and wet surfaces, there are models with inflatable wheels – as on a bicycle. Their diameter varies from 8 to 20 inches. These scooters are characterized by smooth running, durability, good traction and the ability to ride on any surface (asphalt, gravel, wet surfaces). All at the expense of the tread.

How to choose an electric scooter?

When choosing an electric vehicle (whether it is a scooter or, for example, a bicycle) there are two main criteria:

• battery capacity (it determines the time that the scooter will work),
• motor power (it determines the maximum speed of the scooter, its ability to go uphill and accelerate).

It is also worth paying special attention to the brakes. There are two main variants of their device: mechanical and electric. In the first case, braking occurs due to special elements that compress the rim of the wheel and prevent it from spinning. In the second, the motor itself is responsible for braking. The first option is cheaper, but requires more frequent maintenance.

The most reliable are brake systems that combine both options.

The presence of shock absorption, dimensions and folding system – all these parameters should be selected for your tasks. For occasional trips around town and pleasure riding is better suited lightweight folding scooters with a maximum speed up to 30 km / h and a range of up to 15 km. If necessary, such models can be carried in public transport, and the presence of shock absorption in them is not so important.

For frequent trips and to use the scooter as a full-fledged mode of transportation better fit options with a maximum speed of up to 80 km / h, range up to 40 km and good shock absorption. Yes, they will be heavier, and even when folded they can hardly be called compact, but you will enter the bus or go down to the subway with them much less often.

How to choose a stunt scooter?

Stunt scooters are selected for two main parameters: height and riding style. Everything is clear with the dimensions – each model has a manufacturer’s recommendations for the rider’s growth. On average, they are defined as follows: the length of the handlebar is the length of a person’s legs plus or minus 10 cm. For performing tricks in the skate park, models with a lower handlebar are suitable, for street – with a higher and wider one.

On average, stunt scooters weigh about 3-4 kg. For skate park skating it is better to go for lightweight models, but for street skating – slightly heavier models, as they have more stability in the air.

Beginners are better to choose scooters with wheels with a diameter of 100-110 mm They provide a small speed, but good maneuverability and a sense of control. More experienced riders and for street scooters are better suited models with wheels with a diameter of about 120-125 mm.

The deck parameters are selected based on the rider’s shoe size. The second foot should also fit on it with diagonal foot placement. A narrower deck is suitable for tricks in the park, and a wider one for sliding.

10 best options for adults and children

1. Reaction Stunt 2.0. Lightweight and maneuverable stunt scooter is designed for a wide range of riders. The aluminum handlebar and reinforced three-screw steering collar withstand the stresses of stunt riding.

Scooter Reaction Stunt 2.0, 5694 rubles / Ozon

2. Reaction, 200 mm no shock Man. Has a quick folding system that allows you to move at an accelerated pace. Reinforced platform construction withstands a load of up to 100 kg. Built-in technological hole allows you to fix the scooter with a lock.

Scooter Reaction 200 mm no shock Man, 6700 rubles / Citilink

3. Roces 175 Woman. Folding scooter with shock absorber for speedy movement around the city. It has two types of brakes: hand and foot brakes. They make stopping easier and reduce the braking distance.

Scooter Roces 175 Woman, 4619 rubles / Sportmaster

4. Roces 250 Lux. It has two shock absorbers and a disc brake. It is a good choice for traveling around the city and walking. It is also equipped with a quick folding system for added convenience.

Scooter Roces 250 Lux, 10 399 rubles / Sportmaster

5. Reaction Stunt 3. Scooter designed for a wide range of riders. Allows you to perform stunts of medium complexity. Chrome-molybdenum handlebars reinforced with stiffening ribs, milled fork and aluminum rims provide the model with durability.

Scooter Reaction Stunt 3.0, 8999 rubles / Sportmaster

6. electric scooter HIPER Model A2. Withstands a load of up to 140 kg. Will be a great buy for a user with a height of 130-200 cm (thanks to the possibility of adjusting the height of the handlebars). It is not afraid of dust and splashes, as it has a dust and water-resistant design that corresponds to IPX4. Equipped with 10-inch wheels with inflatable tires, which provides good traction on any road surface.

Electric scooter HIPER Model A2, 35 299 rubles / dns-shop

7. Nitro Circus Ryan Williams 500, 120 mm. This is a lightweight and maneuverable scooter with a rectangular-shaped deck. It is suitable for riding on rails, steps, jumps with effective gliding. By the way, it is a model from the star of scooter sport Ryan Williams.

NITRO CIRCUS RYAN WILLIAMS 500 TRUCK SAMOKAT, 32,549 rubles / elektro-mall

8. Reaction STUNT 5.0, 120 mm. Designed for a wide range of advanced riders. Rugged model with T-shaped handlebar will allow you to perform tricks of medium and high complexity.

Scooter Reaction STUNT 5.0, 13 552 rubles / Ozon

10. Roces 145 Girl. Folding children’s scooter with a lighted front wheel. It has two brakes: hand and foot brakes. This ensures safe stopping. The wheels light up when riding. This makes the scooter visible on the road at any time of day.

Folding children’s scooter Roces 145 Girl, 4701 rubles / Ozon