If we consider scooters for adults, then they can be divided into classic (urban), stunt and bicycle scooters. A separate category includes models with an electric drive. Initially, it is worth deciding on the type of vehicle, because the main selection criteria directly depend on this.

What kind of scooter do you need?

The most suitable type of scooter depends on its intended use. For leisurely park rides or smooth commutes, a classic scooter is ideal. It features medium height, moderately wide wheels, a narrow handlebar (typically up to 35 cm), and often includes suspension and foldable design.

For a classic scooter, almost the main selection criterion is thoughtful ergonomics, which we will talk about in more detail.

The urban scooter is a classic for leisure rides, trips to work or school.

If you are a fan of extreme and sport riding, then the best choice is a stunt model. Moreover, those who appreciate high reliability, durability and unpretentiousness in maintenance should take a closer look at such scooters, because if the product will withstand jumping and riding on the railings, then intensive everyday use should not be a problem either.

Stunt models are made in a laconic design, have a wide handlebar, solid frame and rather small wheels (usually up to 12.5 cm), because skate parks and race tracks have perfectly flat road surfaces. Another characteristic feature of these scooters is their lightness compared to classic counterparts. And the main criterion for choosing such scooters is, of course, reliability.

The stunt scooter is able to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.

Bicycle scooters are individual representatives of this category. This is a vehicle for rough terrain, riding off asphalted roads. The characteristic features of these models include really large, mostly air-filled wheels, providing high ridability. Such scooters are noticeably heavier and more bulky, which makes them not very suitable for cramped urban environments and for stunt riding.

Some models are difficult to attribute to any one category, and the manufacturers themselves position them as universal. But these are mostly marketing assurances. So, a good classic scooter today almost certainly has a foldable design, and a stunt scooter has only solid one, because this is a guarantee of increased reliability.

Regular or electric scooter?

It is not always correct to compare these two types of vehicles with each other. True, if you want to give up the car in the city, then a similar dilemma is possible. It seems that you just need to understand what is more environmentally friendly — an electric scooter, the battery of which needs to be charged and then properly disposed of, or a traditional model without a motor. It is really difficult to answer this question unambiguously.

An electric scooter is conceptually different from a regular one, although their designs are similar.

While it may appear that regular scooters have no negative impact on the environment, skeptics raise concerns. They argue that riding a scooter requires additional energy from the rider, leading to increased food consumption. Moreover, grocery suppliers often use trucks with internal combustion engines, further complicating the environmental impact discussion.

In general, a scooter and an electric scooter, although structurally similar, are very different in their intended use. The first ones are about active pastime, calorie expenditure, and the desire to somehow fight a sedentary lifestyle. Electric scooter is comfort, mobility, as well as quick movement from point A to point B, and without sweaty clothes. And, for example, for office work (where there is no shower) the last argument is very important.

In practice, more often you have to choose between means for outdoor activities (bicycles, regular scooters and skateboards) and different types of electric vehicles (gyroboards, e-unicycles and electric scooters).

Need physical activity and energy consumption? Then a regular scooter will suit you, and the main criteria for choosing it will be:

  • the correct ratio of dimensions and characteristics with your anthropometry;
  • selection of wheels;
  • general ergonomics (the presence of a foldable design, total weight, the presence of a footrest, headlights, etc.);
  • reliability factors;
  • additional points (useful features, manufacturer, etc.)

If you have settled on an electric scooter, then the first thing to do is to decide on the criteria that depend on the motor and battery used, namely:

  • motor power;
  • maximum riding speed;
  • power reserve from one charge of the battery;
  • the presence of additional functions, such as recuperation or cruise control;
  • the ability to remove the battery for charging (if the battery is not removable, then you need to move the scooter closer to the outlet in the office/apartment or use extension cords).

Once these criteria are defined, then most of the recommendations for choosing a regular scooter will be very relevant. Above we have listed them briefly, and further on we will go through them in detail.

Popular Electric Scooters

Anthropometry of the user and optimal parameters of the scooter

Maximum weight

It is worth starting the choice with the most obvious points, namely the ratio of your weight and the maximum load that the scooter is designed for. Adult models can usually withstand from 60 to 120+ kg. It is recommended to choose with a reserve, so if you now weigh about 70 kg, it is better to look at scooters designed for 81 – 100 kg or even more than 100 kg. In the latter case, you can not be afraid to ride together with your child.

Deck length and width

Riding comfort directly depends on the size of the deck — the foot platform. Both its length and width are important. It is logical that girls, as a rule, will be comfortable on a rather small deck, which cannot be said about men with large feet. In addition large shoes will also take up free space.

Not everyone pays attention to the size of the deck, although this is an important point when riding.

Most manufacturers list the deck size for their models. The optimal platform length for adults is the range from 40 to 50 cm, and the width is 13+ cm. Occasionally, even such a parameter as a footspace is offered — a free space designed specifically for the feet along the length. Here it can be directly compared with the size of your feet in cm.

The long deck of a scooter accommodates the rider's foot and absorbs most of the impact. This design allows for the heel to be positioned comfortably above the foot brake, enhancing safety and convenience. Electric scooters often feature such platforms, where initial push off is needed only at the start. Additionally, the longer deck permits an adult to ride with a child, but it increases the scooter's weight, diminishing overall ergonomics.

A medium-length but wide platform allows you to place your pushing foot next to the supporting one rather than behind it. This convenience is not available on short or rather narrow decks. The pushing foot will remain on the weight, which increases the load and makes it somewhat difficult for beginners to keep their balance.

Scooter height

The height of the handlebar directly affects the comfort and overall enjoyment of the ride. The optimal option is the position of handles above the waist and below the navel of an adult user. However, even this recommendation is not true in the last instance, because everything is very individual: fans of street riding like the handlebar higher, and park riders — lower. The main thing here is to avoid discomfort in the arms and lower back while riding. The nuance is that such unpleasant sensations may appear not immediately, but after a few days of riding.

It is very convenient when the model provides for handlebar adjustment, then it will not be difficult to find the optimal position for yourself. This is also a useful option if several people use the scooter.

The height adjustment of the handlebar will allow comfortable use by both the child and the adult.

Suppose stunt models do not provide for such adjustments. Accordingly, initially it is important to choose the right height of the handlebar for your height. Not all manufacturers specify exactly the size of the steering column, so you will have to be guided by the overall height of the scooter. It can be selected based on the height of the rider according to the following table:

User height, cm Scooter height, cm
from 140 to 150 72 – 78
up to 155 80
up to 160 82
up to 165 84
up to 170 87
up to 175 89
up to 180 92
from 185 94+

This is a fairly standardized approach, and does not apply to bicycle scooters, for example. Serious deviations are also possible for owners of very long or short legs (similarly with the length of the arms). For more accurate results, of course, you need a direct check before buying. But here's what you can do at home:

  • measure the distance from the floor to your thigh to your navel;
  • the height of the steering column should be within this distance;
  • if the manufacturer does not give this value, then subtract 20 – 25 cm from the height of the scooter (for small wheels, a smaller value, and for large ones, a larger value). We compare the resulting length with our anthropometry.
Height adjustable scooters

How to choose the right scooter wheels?

Basic riding characteristics depend on the wheels. First of all, you need to choose their size correctly, but the material of their manufacture also matters.

Wheel size

Most often, the size of the front and rear wheels for scooters is the same, except for bicycle models and some off-road options. In adult models, the size ranges from 10 to 25+ cm. There is a direct correlation between the type of vehicle and the size of the wheels. The smallest ones are usually for stunt scooters, the medium ones for classic scooters, and the largest ones for off-road ones.

The correlation between size and riding characteristics of a scooter:

  • small size improves maneuverability and facilitates easy start of movement;
  • large wheels provide better speed control, but they make the scooter heavier (it is more difficult to speed up);
  • the larger size is better for uneven surfaces and off-road.
Correlation of wheel size with riding speed and acceleration rate.

Smaller wheels usually don't wear out as much, meaning they tend to need less maintenance or replacement.

What wheels should be on stunt scooters?

These models typically use the smallest wheels, ranging from 10 to 12.5 cm in size. This is partly due to the need to lighten the design and increase overall reliability.

Electric scooter wheel: what type and size to choose?

Electric scooters offer a variety of tyre sizes to choose from, depending on where you intend to ride. For city riding, opt for wheels ranging from 15 to 20 cm for a comfortable experience. However, if the vehicle will be used in off-road conditions, then consider models with tyre size of 25 cm or larger. In such conditions, wider tyres are preferable as they enhance stability on challenging terrains like sand, dirt, and snow.

Recommendations for wheel material and stiffness are given below.

What are wheels made of?

Adult scooters provide the following wheels:

  • polyurethane. They are quiet, reliable and durable, provide good traction and tolerable shock absorption, and are relatively inexpensive. Polyurethane wheels are used in 95% of regular scooters today;
  • air-filled. Reminiscent of those used in bicycles. These wheels provide excellent shock absorption and rideability, but require maintenance (inflation, puncture repair). They are most often used in electric scooters;
  • rubber. They are similar to polyurethane, outperforming them in ride comfort, but inferior in reliability, weight and readiness for temperature fluctuations. Rubber wheels are not as common, occasionally found in regular scooters, and a little more often in electric models.
Polyurethane wheels are most often found in scooters.

Scooters for children, unlike for adults, can also include plastic or silicone wheels.

Wheel stiffness

An additional criterion when choosing a scooter may be the stiffness of the wheels. This is not indicated by all manufacturers. It determines the softness or hardness of the tyre and, accordingly, the degree of its resistance to mechanical stress on the road. Here are some guidelines for choosing wheel stiffness:

  • soft wheels (value less than 80A) are comfortable and maneuverable, but more prone to wear;
  • the best option for urban conditions is 82A stiffness;
  • 84A wheels are universal, they can be used both for leisure riding and stunt riding;
  • stiffness options from 85A are a hallmark of a stunt scooter;
  • a value above 88A indicates high tyre hardness and the possibility of strong kickback to the column. Such wheels should ideally be equipped with a shock absorber system.
Popular scooters for kids

Ergonomics — key factors for urban scooters

When choosing any scooter, key factors to consider include maximum weight, handlebar height, wheel size, and material. For urban models, ergonomic features are crucial, with foldable design being particularly important. This feature allows the scooter to be easily compacted for convenient storage at home or transportation in various vehicles.

The foldable design is found in classic and electric scooters.

Other factors that increase the ergonomics of a scooter include:

  • low weight. The lightest adult models weigh less than 3 kg, although models from 5 kg are more optimal in terms of reliability. Electric scooters are noticeably heavier, because they provide for a motor and a battery: their weight usually starts from 10 – 12 kg;
  • stand, which allows you to put the scooter upright and prevents it from accidental falling;
  • hand brake;
  • the presence of a headlight.
Foldable Scooters

Reliability is the most important thing for stunt models and not only

When it comes to stunt scooters, reliability factors are more important. Although a sturdy and resistant to negative influences model is needed not only for stunt riders, but for everyone who plans to use the model for a long time, likes to ride often and intensively, prefers aggressive riding style. The reliability is directly and indirectly influenced by the bearings used, the compression system and the type of clamp.

What is the difference between ABEC 5, ABEC 7, ABEC 9 and ABEC 11?

Modern scooters use bearings classified by the ABEC association, which denotes their manufacturing precision. The ABEC rating influences tolerances and dimensional consistency during production. Higher ABEC classes signify more intricate manufacturing processes, increased labor intensity, and consequently, higher prices, reflecting superior overall quality. Bearings from ABEC 5 class and above are commonly found in the mass market, with ABEC 9 and 11 bearings boasting maximum precision and accuracy, serving as benchmarks for quality.

Contrary to common belief, the highest quality bearings, such as ABEC 9 and 11, don't necessarily guarantee maximum ride speed. Instead, they excel in maintaining speed over longer distances, providing smoother coasting. In essence, these superior bearings preserve the momentum generated by the rider, enhancing the scooter's rolling performance.

Important! The ABEC scale doesn't encompass crucial factors like bearing material, hardness, load capacity, and rotation speed. Therefore, the highest ABEC class doesn't guarantee optimal durability; it largely depends on the manufacturer and maintenance practices. While ABEC 9 and 11 bearings generally indicate higher manufacturing standards, their reliability, durability, and strength are influenced by various factors, including proper maintenance.

Good bearings are 5 and higher ABEC class,
but just by spinning the wheel you can't determine their quality.

What class of bearings is best for a scooter?

For urban riding, ABEC 5 or 7 class is sufficient. For high-speed riding, it is better to choose bearings with higher precision. For stunts their class is not very important, it is considered that even relatively low-class models ABEC 3 can be used. They cope well with impact loads and will not require frequent maintenance.

In addition, advanced and beginner riders are advised to consider scooters with ABEC 7 or 5. But demanding professionals who thoroughly know how to maintain their vehicle and bearings can choose models with ABEC 9 and higher.

Compression systems (important for stunt models)

The main compression systems today are SCS, HIC and IHC, ICS.

The reliability of stunt scooters directly depends on the applied compression system, meaning a set of parts that secure the handlebar in the so-called steering rack. The visible part of it is a clamp with 2 to 5 bolts (as a rule, the more bolts there are, the stronger the fixation), but in general this whole construction is a bit more complicated.

There are several common compression systems, namely the most reliable SCS, balanced HIC and IHC, as well as lightweight ICS. More information about the types of compression and their design features is described in our material "How to choose a reliable stunt scooter or everything you need to know about compression systems".

Scooters with ABEC 9 bearings

In conclusion about brands

There are many brands producing scooters for adults today. Micro, Razor and Globber brands, as well as Ethic and Triad can be attributed to the simultaneously popular, very reliable and high-quality ones. The first trio has been present on the scooter market for quite a long time, applies both interesting patented technologies that improve the ergonomics of vehicles, and simply quality materials and parts, including reliable bearings, compression systems, etc.