Scooters for adults: types, selection and operation

Scooter for adults is increasingly becoming the most attractive mode of transport. With this means of transportation you can find mobility, improve coordination of movements, strengthen muscles and solve the problem of physical inactivity characteristic of a sedentary lifestyle. How to choose a scooter so that it suits a person of high or medium height, which is worth paying attention to when choosing equipment for daily riding, driving around the city or conquering off-road - we will consider in this article.

To understand the full variety of offers on the market, you should study the rating of the best scooters, get acquainted with the reviews of fans of active pastime. A review of models with large wheels - t-shirts, as well as stunt options and versions for darts will be useful. Among the many modern scooters, there will definitely be exactly what can suit even the most demanding rider.

Scooter for adults is a full-size transport having 2 or 3 wheels, a steering wheel adapted to the height, in some models there is a saddle and even an electric motor. Unlike children's and teenage models, it is able to withstand significant loads, has a complete depreciation system, wheels with an increased diameter and many other necessary options. The speed developed by such devices is also far from turtle - models with large wheels with a diameter of 200 mm can quite accelerate to 40 km / h.

The carrying capacity of the platform on 2 wheels varies in the range of 100-150 kg, while the lightest models weigh 4-5 kg. For the convenience of users, manufacturers provide convenient folding mechanisms that allow you to comfortably carry and transport equipment used for skiing.

Is it useful to ride a scooter and how important is this type of physical activity for health - let's understand. In fact, a favorite type of transport for children and teenagers is quite capable of giving a lot of positive emotions even to an adult. Walking with a scooter helps:

• prevent the development of varicose veins, thrombosis;
• strengthen the muscles of the back, legs, buttocks;
• improve the functioning of the vestibular apparatus;
• make up for the lack of movement with an inactive lifestyle;
• spend calories during weight loss;
• receive positive emotions;
• provide a rush of blood to the pelvic organs;
• increase the speed of movement;
• abandon the loss of time in traffic congestion and public transport.

Scooter is undoubtedly a useful transport that has a beneficial effect on health. But only subject to traffic regulations and safety precautions. Before you leave for the city, you need to take care of the equipment, master the braking and make sure that the equipment is working. For some diseases of the musculoskeletal system, riding a scooter may be excluded from the recommended types of physical activity. If in doubt, it is best to consult with your doctor.

A scooter is a vehicle in which a certain set of components is present. Some of them must be present in the design of the product.

The main supporting structure, which accounts for all the main load. The scooter frame is made of steel or aluminum alloy. This part determines what kind of load the mobile transport will be able to withstand, therefore special requirements are imposed on it.

The platform on which the user's feet are placed. It is a horizontally located flat platform, on the surface of which a non-slip coating is applied, most often based on sandpaper. The deck can be solid, connected to the frame of the scooter, mounted on top of it or be a transition element between the front and rear of the frame.

It can be made in the form of a joystick or be a T-shaped crossbar with two handles covered with soft grips. The steering wheel, depending on the design of the scooter, can be adjustable or fixed. Lateral elements - holders, can be removable for ease of transportation and greater compactness during storage (in all models, except for the trick category).

All traditional adult scooters are two-wheeled, and models where the number of wheels is 3 or 4 are called kickboards. Standard diameters range from 4 ″ to 10 ″ or 100-254 mm. T-shirts have larger wheel sizes and can reach 737 mm. Rims are made of metal in stunt models and SUVs, urban content with polymer materials.

Most scooters are equipped with molded rubber or polyurethane tires. Some versions use inflated cameras - such wheels have a diameter of 205 mm, metal discs are used. Usually they are used for off-road trips in the country. Scooters for the city have a construction in which the diameter of the front and rear wheels do not match.

Scooters for adults are equipped with a brake system with a foot pressure mechanism. When exposed to the wing in contact with the rear wheel and stops its rotation through contact with the brake pad. Some scooters have a hand brake mounted on the handlebars. In this case, the connection extends to the brake pad on the front and rear wheels.

Using the folding mechanism, the scooter frame is transformed, giving it compactness, ease of transportation. A typical option provides offset to the steering rack deck, front wheel extends forward. This is the most common option. In addition, only the steering column can be folded, while the wheel remains stationary. The mechanism is absent in all stunt scooters, so as not to burden the structure, and is rarely found in t-shirts.

This element is not present in all scooters, can be installed on the front fork or both wheels at once. Spring shock absorbers are designed to cushion the load from uneven road surfaces and aggressive riding style. Besides, Flexible cushioning materials for decks and wheels with cameras inside can provide a cushioning effect.

All varieties of scooters for adults are divided into categories according to their purpose and fitness for movement on different types of pavement.

Comfortable models for riding on a smooth road surface. There are views for one rider and for two, with an increased platform. There are also scooters with pedals and a chain drive, which are pressed by analogy with the step platform of the simulators.

The classic urban version - two-wheeled, driven by the muscular strength of a person. Electric scooters can also be called one of the types of this transport - they are equipped with a motor and battery, and can be equipped with a saddle, which facilitates long trips.

Usually there is an adjustable steering wheel, with a shock absorber and non-slip comfortable grips. The length and width of the deck can vary - the most comfortable ones allow you to stand on two legs parallel to each other or ride together. City scooters are equipped with wheels with a diameter of 6-10 ″, are considered the fastest. Flexible decks of modern materials, folding aluminum frames allow manufacturers to create a truly lightweight and compact city transport for skiing without too much extreme.

This is a specialized category of scooters, focused on performing stunts on the floor or smooth hard surface. Such models have a rigidly fixed rudder size with respect to the deck length to maintain stability and safety of the rider's body position. The diameter of the wheels in them does not exceed 125 mm or 5 ″. The design of the steering wheel has a Y-shape or the appearance of bat wings.

Special models of darts scooters are intended for riding smoothly on coatings with uneven surfaces. They ride on gravel, slopes and ski jumps installed in a special park. With its help, perform special tricks, by analogy with a bicycle darts.

This category includes scooter models. with large wheels, with rubber inflatable chambers and structural elements characteristic of bicycles. On this technique you can ride on the road, to overcome significant distances, set speed records. But for riding t-shirts you need to make more efforts.There are walking and sports varieties, the second has subtypes for riding, high-speed racing on the highway and downhill.

Among the market leaders we can distinguish the most popular European companies today Austrian, Swiss, as well as the inaccessible American Razor, which so far no one can surpass. The top best models are as follows.

Among the inexpensive popular models, 3 leaders can be distinguished.

1. Razor Beast. Sports scooter, well suited for mastering simple tricks. Includes small maneuverable wheels, Y-shaped fork. The model is made in BMX style, equipped with a reliable steel frame.
2. Explore Voltage. Adult scooter with wheels of different diameters and bright design. Depreciation is minimal, but on a flat surface, the technique demonstrates good acceleration. Bright ergonomic grips make management more comfortable.
3. Roadweller Urban. Reliable city scooter with folding mechanism. The model is characterized by good softness due to high-quality shock absorbers, equipped with an elongated rear wing that protects against dirt. Suitable for long and high-speed riding, looks stylish.

Among the ranking leaders in this category are really impressive scooters with the full range of features necessary for a good ride.

1. Razor A5 Lux. Urban scooter model with 200 mm wheels, a long adjustable steering column, a wide range of colors. The light frame provides the model with a weight of only 3.86 kg, the absence of shock absorbers does not affect the acceleration speed on the asphalt surface. The model provides a reliable braking system, a wide and comfortable deck. The maximum load bearing capacity is 100 kg.
2. MaxCity MC Fusion. Model with 200 mm polyurethane wheels, folding frame construction and a bright, catchy design. In addition, the scooter features a wide (155 mm) deck, with a clearance of 75 mm. The handle is made so that even a tall person was comfortable to hold. The set includes high-quality bearings, the folding mechanism does not affect the front wheel, has a button to simplify the transformation.
3. Tech Team Super Jet 300. Scooter for those who dream of off-road riding. The model with large inflatable wheels with a diameter of 300 mm is ideal for driving on dirt roads, softens any bumps and bumps. The set includes a footrest, hand brake. The frame design is double, reinforced, the bicycle wheel, with a wide setting of hands. This is a complete T-shirt with a good set of characteristics for riding with pleasure.

To choose the right scooter for riding, it is worth considering a lot of aspects that can affect the final decision. Among the most important of these are the following.

• Man's height. The simplest rule is that the steering wheel should be located above the rider's belt. In terms of growth, it is most difficult to select scooters for tall people, it is best to give preference to a model with a telescopic type of steering column and a wide platform.
• Design. You can make a choice based on gender and age. Female models are often made brighter - pink, orange, yellow, purple. Mens are usually more restrained in colors. White, gray, black are suitable for all riders.
• The presence of a folding mechanism. Non-transforming models are suitable for overweight people and in general are able to better tolerate large loads. Folding are more compact, often they are accompanied by a carrying bag with which you can ride the subway. But they are not suitable for heavy riders. Stunt scooters and most fat bikes do not have a folding mechanism.
• Speed ​​of movement. If you need a very powerful scooter that can overcome the threshold of 30 km / h, you can immediately give preference to electric versions or models with large wheels. Tire material also affects speed.The fastest are made of polyurethane, the slowest have a chamber inside and are pumped with air.
• Type of frame material. Most adult scooters are made of aluminum alloys, the cheapest and heaviest options are steel. Stunt and maximum load models are equipped with frames with reinforcement of fiberglass and carbon steel.
• Type of wheels. For sports riding hard wheels are required, with a marking of at least 86A. For a comfortable ride and soft grip, wheels with the designation 74-82A are suitable.
• Type of coverage. For dirt roads, gravel roads you need soft wide wheels with a large grip area. Fatbikes have proven their worth here. City scooters and stunt models need a flat and hard surface for sure riding.
• The material of manufacture of the platform. Most often it is metal, tough and durable, such scooters are well suited for high-speed riding. Composite combinations of plywood and fiber provide good cushioning, soften riding on uneven surfaces, and increase comfort.
• Diameter and profile of wheels. The standard diameter for the city is 120-200 mm, a larger size is simply not necessary to overcome small obstacles. Stunt scooters are equipped with wheels no more than 125 mm, have a flat profile. The rounded outlines of the tire provide maneuverability and speed in straight sections. Narrow-profile models are the fastest.

To learn how to ride a scooter, it is important to follow simple and obvious recommendations. The first attempts to get on the platform should be done not on the street, but at home. Follows first adjust the height of the steering column for height, select a jerked leg - Usually it coincides with the leading hand in a person. The scooter is placed on the side of the supporting leg, then it is placed on the surface of the platform. Having pushed off the asphalt pushing leg, you can set the equipment in motion.

You cannot turn sharply. It is imperative to pre-brake, and then change the direction of the steering wheel. Inexperienced riders may find a more convenient option with a hand brake. But usually the simplest foot is enough.

With prolonged skiing, it is recommended to perform a leg change every 15-20 minutes to avoid back and knee pains. When choosing scooters with large wheels, you should avoid the development of high speed. They are gaining it faster than usual, especially downhill, but the climbs are more difficult to overcome, you will have to make a lot of effort.

When riding a scooter must be observed certain security measures. In this case, the use of protective equipment is mandatory, especially if a person does not have experience in driving two-wheeled vehicles.

In the case of scooters, the main type of injury is associated with a fall on the palm of the hand or elbow, patella. Riding in knee pads, elbow pieces, helmets allows you to fully protect the rider from serious injuries, fractures.

Useful recommendations also include the use of elastic bands for hair, hairpins for people with long hair. They should be soft, elastic, safety. For riding, you should choose free, comfortable clothing, for the dark, it should be equipped with removable or sewn reflectors.

Scooters with polyurethane wheels in the rain lose their ability to brake in the usual way using pads on the wing. They should not be used for driving on wet surfaces. When braking on a dry road, only standard systems provided by the design must be used.If you try to jump off the platform on the go, you may be injured.

Modern scooters receive the most impressive user reviews. Adults are increasingly choosing them to ride on city roads and country roads. Moreover, riders are no longer ready to be content with the most budgetary solutions, they are interested in the most technically advanced models. Original equipment variants in this case may have neon lights, modern disc brakes, steps, signals. Experienced users are advised to pay attention to the presence of mudguards and the length of the wings, otherwise when riding on mud and in the rain, flying spray will fall on clothes.

Off-road scooter models are praised for their good cross-country ability. Even in budget models, there are large, inflatable wheels that cushion vibration, shock absorbers and a reliable high frame with high ground clearance. Among the top versions there are options with a truly spectacular design and an impressive roll. It is noted that on a flat road they easily reach a speed threshold of 30 km, and in terms of physical activity they are not inferior to bicycles.

There are also difficulties. For example, it is difficult to choose an adult scooter for tall people - only the most serious brands took care of such riders. With other models, a person taller than average looks as if he has taken away a vehicle from a child. There are problems with the weight of the equipment, it often turns out to be quite serious, especially with steel frames.

See adult video scooter in the video below.