You probably noticed how many scooters are around today. They are becoming popular not only for commuting but also for leisure and fun. Maybe you are also planning to buy a scooter or rent one? Or perhaps you are simply interested in learning more about them? There are different types of scooters, all with their advantages and disadvantages. Let‘s get down and analyze them.
There can be several classifications of scooters, although they are not as complicated as yacht types. You can divide scooters by their engine or lack of one. Then there are many shapes and designs. Scooters can also be either standing or sitting scooters.
Traditional scooters, where the only engine is you
What do you think about when we say a scooter? Many think of the simple-looking kick scooter, often used by kids, although today they are probably even more popular with adults. You stand on them, you kick the ground with your foot, and you move. Let‘s look at some subtypes of no-engine scooters.
Traditional kick scooters. They likely come to most minds when someone says ‘scooter’. They are cheap and easy to use, but you can’t use them on streets: ride them on sidewalks. Such scooters are very good for low-impact exercise: it’s something between running and cycling.
Foldable scooters. Both kick scooters with no engine and electric scooters can be foldable. Foldable scooters are more mobile and easier to carry. Of course, they can also be a bit more expensive.
Pro scooters. Such scooters are designed for stunts and tricks in extreme sports. They are heavier and more durable. In most cases, they are not foldable, and the height is not adjustable.
Three wheels and four wheels. Third-wheeled scooters are often known as being for children since they are easier to control. But there are also adult third-wheel scooters. They are more stable than traditional two-wheeled kick scooters.
Kickbikes or footbikes. A kickbike is an interesting-looking half a scooter, half a bike. The wheels are like a bike’s, but it has no seat, no pedals, and no gears: you kick it like a kick scooter. However, they are much speedier and more durable than kick scooters, and you can ride them on uneven terrain much better. They are also considered very good for exercising, allowing you to work out your whole body with little risk of injury.
And even more types of motorized scooters with an engine
Motorized scooters often look very similar to kick scooters, only that they are self-propelled. Before they used gas, now they use electricity. Electric motors, of course, are better, if you remember to charge them. Also, better not to ride them during heavy rain or through big puddles, although a drizzle is fine. There are three types of electric scooters:
Electric kick scooters. They are super popular right now, and you are bound to see them in most cities. E-scooters look just like simple kick scooters but have an electric motor. You still have to kick the ground for it to start, but then it will run by itself. In the US, you cannot drive them on sidewalks. You can do so on public roads and bike lanes, where the speed limit is 25mph and cannot exceed 15mph while riding, although laws differ in different states and can be unclear. Learn about scooter laws in California and Hawaii.
Full-size or motor scooters. They might look somewhat similar to mopeds and people sometimes confuse them but they are not mopeds. Learn more about differences between motor scooters and mopeds. You can drive motor scooters on streets and roads but not sidewalks. They are best if you like stability as they have thicker wheels and are more stable than standing scooters.
Self-balancing scooters. They are another type encompassing several subtypes. There are one-wheeled electric unicycles and two-wheeled segways. Segways have a shorter deck compared to kick scooters, and you put feet differently. They can have a typical-looking handle or a knee handle. There are also hoverboards, which do not have any handles. Can you ride them on sidewalks? Segways seem to be legal in public in certain states. Hoverboards, not really: best use them on your private property.
To sum up, scooters differ in shape, design, size, and engines. If you want to exercise, choose a traditional kick scooter or a footbike. But if your goal is to get around the city, choose an e-scooter or even a full-size scooter. Check out scooters for rent on XRental!