Scooters with a hand brake: pros, cons and features of choice

Today, we can say with confidence that scooters are at the peak of popularity, as they have received recognition not only from children and teenagers, but also from adults. First of all, this is due to the positive impact on the physical form and health of a person as a whole. Even if you don’t like extreme riding or are not fond of performing stunts with a scooter, but prefer to walk around the city, such a vehicle can be the best option for you to keep fit.

With it, it’s not only convenient to take a walk, but also to strengthen the muscles of the back, arms and legs, as well as develop excellent coordination in space.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of products, among which a person who does not understand scooters can get confused and eventually get what he did not want. In order to avoid such incidents, experts recommend that you familiarize yourself with existing types of scooters before buying.

• Urban. The name of the category speaks for itself, models from this category are suitable for walking around the city. They, as a rule, do not possess any super-powerful parameters, but they are ways to create comfort during walks. The optimal height for convenient use is from 115 to 195 cm. Mostly rubber wheels of medium diameter (up to 200 mm) are installed. Classic models have a folding frame and foot brake.

• Off-road. They can be used both for country walks and for trips around the city.The main feature of the models in this category is the presence of inflatable chamber wheels. With their help, riding out of town on bumpy roads becomes easier. Most often, the diameter of the wheels reaches 10-12 inches for growth from 115 cm. Most models are equipped with a manual brake system and a solid frame.

• Sports. Models in this category are suitable for fans of extreme driving with the implementation of various tricks. The frame of these scooters is usually solid, and the rear brakes. Wheels are no more than 110 mm, and the deck is narrower than that of urban ones. At the same time, the frame and steering wheel itself are made, as a rule, of steel. Models in this category are designed for riding on a flat surface.

• Electric scooters. This category is more suitable for adult users, since models from the category of electric scooters are more similar to scooters in their technical characteristics. Such scooters are characterized by the presence of a motor drive, massive dimensions, and the ability to develop high speed.

• Baby. The category is designed for children over the age of 3 years. They include both 2-wheel and 3-wheel (for the smallest riders) models. The steering wheel usually has several positions for adjusting its height to the height of the child so that he can ride a scooter for more than one season. The brake system is represented by a foot brake. On wheels and under the deck, lights can be installed, as well as a built-in speaker. They can also differ in configuration, for example, with two, one shock absorbers or without them at all, have a folding frame or one-piece, with a rear disc brake or on the steering wheel, with large inflatable wheels or small PVC ones.

There are a large number of models, in each of which you can find both strengths and weaknesses. This can be discussed endlessly, as any manufacturer can boast of advantages, and someone will consider this a big drawback. The best option would be to consider the advantages and disadvantages of scooters with different brake systems., because today there is a noticeable tendency to introduce scooters with a hand brake.

As for the shortcomings, over time, the brakes may either become weaker and they will have to be tightened, or the wheel may be tightened during assembly, because of which the scooter will become uncomfortable. Also, this type of brake system is not acceptable for sports models, since during the performance of tricks, it is necessary to use the rear brakes.

The presence of both front and rear brakes is considered to be an ideal option.. Such scooter models are the guarantor of safety and reliability. Even if one of the systems starts to “junk” along the way, you can always use the other without stopping.

Two-wheeled devices are becoming more and more popular not only among teenagers and children, but also among adults. A scooter helps not only to keep your body in good shape, but also to walk in comfort, as well as get to your destination much faster. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best manufacturers and their products for adults and children.

The first place goes to electric scooter. Its maximum load can reach 100 kg. The minimum age at which you are allowed to sit on a model from this category is 12 years. The frame is made of lightweight and durable aluminum alloy, the design itself is folding. Dimensions - 100 x 41 x 92 cm. The brake system is manual and foot. The scooter can reach a maximum speed of 25 km per hour. Wheels with a diameter of 5.5 inches.This allows you to calmly overcome small bumps on the road. Cruising range - 15 km. Among other features - the ability to adjust the height of the steering wheel, the presence of a display, built-in headlights.

Very light and comfortable scooter for walking around the city. Its weight is only 3.9 kg, despite the fact that the maximum load can be up to 100 kg due to the reinforced deck. The steering wheel can be adjusted up to 90 cm. The handles are protected by rubber pads, thanks to which the hands will not slip. Also, the deck is completely covered with an anti-slip coating that prevents slipping of the legs. The design itself is folding. Among the shortcomings, the noise of the wheels during movement and the unstable footboard can be distinguished.

Off-road scooter, which will become an indispensable tool for those who lives far from the city center or likes to get out into the countryside. The front wheel is 50 cm, and the rear wheel is 40 cm with inflatable chambers that can even travel along paving stones or sand. A hand brake is installed, disc brakes can stop the structure even at high speed. Robust steel frame. The design is awkward. The steering wheel is wide enough. The maximum load is 150 kg. Of the minuses, large dimensions can be distinguished (length 158 cm, provided the whole structure, weight - 11.8 kg).

Before you buy a scooter for yourself or your child, you should know what parameters are optimal for a particular category. Before going to the store, experts recommend that you familiarize yourself with the recommendations for choosing such a high-quality means of transportation as a scooter.

• Frame. It can be folding and solid. Urban models usually have a folding structure for a more comfortable transportation structure, and off-road and sports models with a solid frame for greater strength. The best material is an alloy of steel or aluminum (it is lighter). The optimal weight of the structure is up to 5 kg under load conditions of up to 150 kg.
• Brake system. It can be front (disk and shoe) and back. If the first option can be found on off-road models or electric scooters, then the rear brake system is installed in most urban and sports models.
• Deca (foot platform). There should be an anti-slip coating that will ensure the stability of the legs while riding. As for the width, in urban models it is up to 15 cm, and in sports models already - 10-11 cm.
• Steering wheel. It should be durable, wide enough and comfortable. Folding handles help you carry the structure comfortably. If the scooter is for a child or teenager, then there should be sections for adjusting the height.
• Wheels. In sports models, the diameter reaches 110 mm, and in urban models - from 180 mm. In mountain scooters inflatable chambers are installed. With their help, it is easier to ride on a bumpy road, but there is a risk of piercing. It is better to opt for rubber or polyurethane. Optimum rigidity - 72A-76A.

To ensure safe riding on a scooter, you must responsibly approach this problem and set up the brake system. If it works poorly or is completely malfunctioning, this can threaten not only breakdown of the scooter itself, but also lead to serious injuries. Most often, problems arise with a manual shoe brake.

As a rule, the problem is divided into two types.

• Must be loosened. If the brake system is too tight and tightens the rear wheel, then it must be loosened. To do this, unfold the scooter and press the brake lever slightly several times. It happens that when the scooter is folded, the cable is pulled tight and the block becomes pressed against the wheel. This does not allow him to spin normally while riding. If this does not help, then you can not do without adjustment.

• Must tighten. The brake system may weaken if the wheels gradually wear out after a long period of use of the scooter. If the wheel has worn off and the brakes have become worse, then it is necessary to turn the nut to the right using the same key.

An example of setting the brake of a scooter in the video below.