Buying guide for best kick scooters for adults
If you can safely get somewhere faster, you have more free time to spend the way you want. Kick scooters for adults provide a fast, efficient way to get from here to there and back again. They're popular for commutes, where they're twice as fast as walking but more lightweight and compact than bikes.
Choosing your first adult kick scooter can seem daunting, but we're here to help answer your questions. You'll need to consider the size and type of wheels on your scooter, as this makes a huge difference in the speed and smoothness of the ride. If you'll be braving bumpy surfaces, a suspension is a must-have. In addition, you'll need to learn about scooter brakes so you're certain you can stop safely.
Key considerations
Wheels
One of the differences between adult kick scooters and smaller scooters designed for children is the size of the wheels. Kick scooters for adults usually have wheel diameters of 200 to 230 millimeters and are sometimes larger. With each rotation, a large wheel sends you farther than a small wheel would, meaning it's easier to move fast with large wheels.
Another factor to consider is the difference between scooters with solid wheels and air-filled tires. Solid wheels are more common, as they require no maintenance and can't be punctured. Air-filled tires have some natural shock-absorbing properties, so they're ideal for riding on uneven surfaces. They also have treads for better traction in wet weather.
Deck size
The deck of a scooter is the part you stand on. Larger deck sizes generally feel more stable and give you more room to position your feet comfortably. However, scooters with large decks are heavier to push yourself along on and bulkier to carry around. Adult scooter decks are usually somewhere between 4 and 6 inches wide. We recommend something between 4 and 5 inches wide for riders under 6 feet tall. Riders over 6 feet tall will feel more stable on a scooter with a deck that is 5.5 to 6 inches wide.
Suspension
Some kick scooters for adults have built-in suspension at the front wheel or at the front and back. Most scooter suspension systems are spring-based. The spring compresses when you ride over bumpy or uneven surfaces, absorbing some of the shock, so you get a smoother ride. It's a great idea to have a suspension system on your scooter if you regularly ride over rough surfaces, but know that it does come with some disadvantages. The suspension system adds weight to your scooter and has more moving parts, which can potentially wear down and need replacing over time.
Brakes
The majority of scooters for adults have a single rear fender brake. When you want to slow down or stop, you lift your rear foot off the deck and press down on the rear fender. This presses the fender against the wheel, causing friction that eventually brings the scooter to a halt. Braking in this way takes a bit of practice and can make you feel unstable on your scooter when you're just starting out.
A handful of kick scooters for adults also feature traditional level handbrakes like those you'd expect to find on a bicycle, so you can brake quickly and easily. If you aren't confident about using a rear fender brake, we recommend choosing a model with a handbrake.
Check the maximum weight limit of your chosen scooter. Those designed specifically for adults are likely to have higher weight limits than those meant for kids, teens, and adults.
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Features
Adjustable handlebars
Kick scooters for adults aren't always meant just for adults. Some are suitable for anyone from around 8 to 10 up to adult age. Of course, there is a large height disparity between an eight-year-old and a fully grown adult. And, even some adults vary in height by a foot-and-a-half or more. That's why adjustable handlebars are an important feature on adult scooters: they allow people of a wide range of heights to comfortably ride.
Ideally, the adjustment mechanism on your scooter handlebars should be fairly straightforward and require no tools to switch between heights.
Easy folding
Scooters have various folding mechanisms, some of which are simpler than others. Some manufacturers have engineered the folding mechanism so it takes a single action to fold and unfold the scooter. If you fold and unfold your scooter several times during your commute — for instance, when you leave the house, when you get on and off a bus, and when you arrive at work — you'll greatly appreciate having a straightforward folding mechanism.
Color
You can find kick scooters for adults in a range of colors. Some are only available in one or two colors; come in a veritable rainbow of shades. We wouldn't recommend choosing a scooter based on color alone, but when you've chosen a few models you like equally, it doesn't hurt to narrow your choices down based on color.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nonslip grip tape on the deck of a scooter provides traction so you won't slide off.
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Kick scooters for adults: prices
Inexpensive: The cheapest kick scooters for adults cost roughly $70 to $90. These don't tend to have the most impressive features and are best for occasional use.
Mid-range: Adult scooters in the $90 to $120 price range are relatively durable and can stand up to daily commutes and heavier use.
Expensive: At the high end of the price spectrum, expect to pay $120 to $180 for an adult kick scooter. These are the best of the best, with high-end features, impressive suspension, and excellent overall durability.
Bearings are found inside all scooter wheels and help control how quickly and smoothly the wheels roll. If you have problems with speed or smoothness, it's worth changing out the bearings.
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Tips
- Consider the deck height of your chosen scooter. A lower deck height makes your scooter easier and more comfortable to push, but the bottom of the scooter could scrape on bumps in your path.
- Find out the weight of any adult kick scooter you're considering. You don't want an overly heavy scooter, as it will take more effort to push yourself along and to carry it when you aren't scooting. That said, extremely lightweight scooters can feel flimsy.
- Think about how you'll carry your scooter when you're not riding it. Some kick scooters come with a carry strap. This is useful if you have long stretches where you need to carry your scooter — for instance, if you spend part of your commute on a bus or train.
- Choose a durable model for regular riding. If you'll be riding your scooter to work daily, it must be highly durable to withstand such frequent use. Durability isn't such an issue if you're only riding for fun once a week or so.
FAQ
Q. What do I need to do to maintain my kick scooter?
A. Kick scooters don't need a lot of maintenance but don't expect them to perform at their best if you don't look after them at all. You should clean your scooter semi-regularly, paying particular attention to the deck and wheel, which can lose traction if dirty. It's also important to check that the wheel bearings are clean and well-lubricated, as this will help your scooter roll quickly and smoothly.
Q. Are kick scooters easy to ride?
A. If you've never ridden a kick scooter before, don't expect to be cruising along effortlessly right away. Kick scooters are easier to learn to ride than skateboards, since you have the handle to help you balance, but they still require some practice until you're comfortable and confident. Always wear a helmet to protect your head from injury. You might feel more confident at first if you wear other protective gear, such as knee pads and elbow pads.
Q. Can you get electric adult kick scooters?
A. A kick scooter, by definition, is a manual scooter powered by the kicks of the person riding it. You can, however, get some electric scooters that can be used as manual kick scooters when the battery runs out or you choose to switch the power off. This guide focuses on standard manual kick scooters, but you might want to consider electric options, too. It's worth noting that electric scooters aren't street legal in all areas, so check your local laws before taking to roads, sidewalks, or public parks.
