Comparison iTrike SR 2-015-4 vs Micro Suspension

The maximum weight of the rider that the design of the scooter can withstand without breakdowns and accidents. This point is partly determined by the age group, and mainly by the materials used in the frame (both points below). Note that manufacturers can indicate the maximum load for perfect conditions — when the scooter rides on a perfectly flat surface or even stands still. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model for this parameter with a certain margin; this is especially important for varieties designed for increased loads, in particular scooters and stunt models (see "product type"). Even more so, you should not exceed the weight indicated in the characteristics — even if the scooter does not break down immediately, this can happen at any time after, which is fraught with accidents and injuries.

The minimum age at which a child can be entrusted with a scooter. These recommendations are quite approximate, but it is highly not recommended to deviate from them. In the case of electric scooters (see "Type"), it is worth considering that in some countries, to control such devices, you need rights obtained from a certain age; so when buying a similar model, it's ok to clarify the requirements of traffic rules.

The allowable load directly depends on the age group; according to this criterion, modern scooters can be divided into children's(permissible load up to 50 kg), teenage(from 50 to 80 kg), and adults(80 kg or more).

Bearings that the scooter is equipped with. This paragraph usually indicates not the model/brand, but the class of bearings according to the ABEC standard. Standard options for modern scooters are ABEC 5, ABEC 7, and ABEC 9 ; the higher the number, the higher the quality and accuracy of the part.

There is an opinion that better bearings allow you to accelerate better and go faster. This is partly true, but acceleration and speed are highly dependent on a number of other points — the size and material of the wheels, the weight of the scooter, etc. So models with bearings of the same class can differ markedly in speed characteristics. But what this indicator unambiguously affects is durability and price: high accuracy affects the cost, but such bearings last longer and carry loads better.

Also note that for relatively simple use, ABEC 5 class bearings are quite enough. It makes sense to specifically look for a model with ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 only if you need a scooter for advanced stunts or professional high-speed riding. However, if the selected model has high-quality bearings, it will not be worse from them anyway.

— No brake. The rear wheel is not equipped with a brake. In this case, the braking system may be provided at the front. However, some scooters do not have brakes both at the rear and at the front. The advantage of scooters without a rear brake is that the vehicle will not skid to the side when braking actively when cornering. Scooters without brakes, both front and rear, are mostly the simplest children's models that do not accelerate to a dangerous speed. In this case, braking occurs either by reducing the overrun or by kicking the ground.

— Rim. Rim brakes slow and stop the scooter by pressing the pads against the wheel rim. The rim brake system has an average efficiency. Usually, the scooter stops gently and smoothly. The rim brake is most often installed on the rear wheel of the scooter. The soft brake prevents the vehicle from skidding when braking on turns. Rim brakes are good because they have a simple design. This kind of braking system is easy to maintain. The weak point of rim brakes is a sharp decrease in efficiency when moisture enters the rim.

— Disk. The disc brake on the rear wheel ensures a quick stop of the scooter. This type of braking system is designed more for sports and stunt scooters that often need to quickly decelerate at high speed. But the disc brake can also be found in pleasure, as well as city boards. Disc brakes have a short-stroke friction clutch. Due to the small distance between the pads and the disc, the friction...clutch very quickly comes into contact with the working surface of the brake disc. In this case, the friction clutch is pressed against the disk with a sufficiently large force. The disc brake allows the scooter to stop extremely efficiently. But when using a disc brake on the rear wheel, you should be careful, because when braking hard, especially when cornering, the scooter can skid to the side.

— Drum. The drum brake has above-average efficiency. The drum brake makes the rear wheel massive and heavy. For this reason, scooters with a drum brake system are rarely used as a stunt and sport scooters, but there are exceptions. Urban models are often equipped with a drum-type brake. This type of brake has a closed design. The pads are inside the wheel. Friction linings rub against the inner surface of the rim. Access to the drum brake is closed by a protective cover. Thanks to the closed design, neither moisture nor other blockages get inside the brake drum, which makes the brake operation more reliable and trouble-free. Among the shortcomings can be noted an increase in the dimensions and weight of the wheel and the complexity of maintenance.

— Electric Electric brake is used on electric scooters. The brake system of this type makes the stop extremely soft, slowing down occurs when the speed of the electric motor decreases. The rear location of the electric brake assumes that the electric motor is mounted on the rear wheel. The presence of an electric motor makes the wheel massive, it is difficult to use such scooters for stunts or sports riding, although the engine allows you to quickly pick up and hold speed for a long time. The electric brake system is highly reliable and durable, it does not require maintenance. But if the battery pack on the scooter runs out, the electric brake will not work. For such cases, an additional mechanical (hand or foot) brake is usually provided.

- Foldable. The ability to fold the scooter — usually by "laying" the handlebar in a horizontal position, on the deck; in some models, the grips of the handlebar are also foldable. This feature greatly simplifies storage and transportation outside business hours. True, folding models are somewhat more expensive and slightly less reliable than clumsy ones, but in many cases, these moments are not critical.

- Handlebar height adjustment. The ability to change the height of the handlebar, adjusting it to the height of the user. This feature will be especially useful if the scooter is bought for a child for several years: children grow quickly, and every season a higher handlebar height is required. See "Maximum height" for details on height adjustment.

- Suspension. The scooter has a suspension system — most often on the front wheel. However, there are models with full suspension. In any case, such a system makes the ride more comfortable and smoothes out vibrations, but reduces rolling and control accuracy. Therefore, for example, sports scooters and snow scooters (see "Type") do not have this feature, and it is extremely rare in kickboards.

- Stand. A device that allows you to put the scooter in a vertical position on any suitable surface without using additional supports — such as walls, benches..., fences, etc. It is usually carried out in the form of a folding plate or a curly frame under the deck: in the folded state it is raised and does not interfere with movement, and if it is lowered, the scooter acquires an additional point of support.

- Seat. Own seat, allowing you to ride a scooter while sitting. Most often, this function is found in kickboards (see "Type") for the smallest children who are still unable to confidently keep their balance — the seat in such models also serves as fall protection. In addition, by definition, drift models are equipped with a seat.

— Basket on the handlebar. The basket mounted on the handlebars acts as a luggage compartment and can be used to carry various items, such as your favourite toys or a change of clothes. The capacity of the baskets is usually small, but they can provide some convenience. This function occurs mainly in models of the younger age group.

- Bottle holder. A device that provides for the installation of exclusively drinking bottles. This is facilitated by a cylindrical shape, in which such a container will ideally fit, while it will not fall out during the ride. This decision is applicable not so much to children's scooters as to adults, when the scooter is used not for entertainment, but for movement and thirst can overtake at any moment.

- Glowing wheels/deck. The scooter has wheel and/or deck illumination. Glowing wheels are usually made of a transparent polymer with LEDs embedded in them; the deck can be illuminated both on the sides and below. In any case, this function not only provides an original appearance but also makes the scooter more visible, which has a positive effect on safety — especially at dusk and in the dark. The backlight can be powered both by batteries and by a built-in generator that generates energy when the wheels rotate.

- Flashlight / headlight. The presence of a flashlight or headlight in the scooter. This function will be useful, especially in twilight and darkness: it provides illumination of the road and also makes the scooter more visible to other road users.

— Signal/bell. The presence of a bell or other sound signal (for example, a horn) in the kit. Such a device is useful for warning others about the movement of the scooter, it allows you to avoid unpleasant incidents.

- Pegs. Devices on the wheels of sports scooters that allow you to perform various trick exercises, namely, to slide along curbs, railings, etc. It is an additional stop that is installed in the wheel axle of the scooter and can be used not only as a fulcrum for the foot but also as a support when driving over various obstacles (railings, ramps, etc.). As a rule, scooters for stunt/sports riding are equipped with pegs. At the same time, they can be equipped with both the front and rear wheels and in some cases, the peg is installed on both the right and left sides of the wheel.

- Parent handle. A long handle is mounted on some kickboards so that an adult can comfortably hold on to it while standing next to it. Thus, the parent can, to a certain extent, control the movement of the child, stop him at the right time or vice versa, push, or even carry the baby, like in a stroller. Such a solution is relevant for models with a seat and for children who are not yet capable of independent movement on a scooter.

The maximum height to which the height-adjustable handlebar can be set (or just the height of the handlebar in the working position, if height adjustment is not provided).

The height of the handlebars should be such that the rider can stand on the deck straight, without bending his back, and hold on to the handles with slightly bent arms. At the same time, there is no unambiguous relationship between this parameter and the height of the rider. So the perfect option to determine the optimal height is to try it yourself, and then choose a scooter based on the result.

This term refers to the useful area of the deck on which you can put your foot. It is size without taking into account the folding mechanism, wheel fastening and other elements that are not intended for the leg.

The total weight of the scooter; for electric models it is the total operating weight is indicated, with batteries installed.

This option has two meanings. Thus, lighter scooters accelerate and manoeuvre better and require less effort from the user. In turn, more massive models maintain speed longer and are more stable on the course. In addition, note that less weight, other things being equal, means either less strength or more cost.

The lightest modern scooters weigh less than 2 kg — these are mostly relatively inexpensive classic models and kickboards (see "Type"). Sports models already have a weight of 2.5 kg, and often more. The most massive among non-self-propelled models are scooters — from 5 kg. And electric scooters inevitably turn out to be heavy due to motors and batteries, their mass can reach 10 kg or even more.