A scooter is a vehicle that many associate with childhood. Almost any child can learn to ride it, not to mention an adult. It is enough to be attentive and be able to navigate in space. And how much benefit from it! This is the training of the musculoskeletal system, muscles of the legs and arms, the development of coordination, thinking and a general strengthening effect on the body as a whole.
Nowadays the choice in favor of the scooter is made by both children and adults. Accordingly, demand gives rise to supply: there are so many models in stores that they just dazzle. Therefore, the question of how to choose a scooter for a child and an adult is more relevant than ever.
Two or three wheels?
Since we are talking about a simple vehicle, the classification of scooters will not be complicated either. Based on the number of wheels, this vehicle can be divided into two large groups:
Tricycles
Models that are ideal for beginner riders. When choosing a scooter for a child who has not yet reached the age of four, parents stop at a three-wheeled vehicle.
On such a scooter, it is easy to keep balance due to its greater stability. True, you can't develop high speed on it, so interest in such a model is quickly fading away.
Also, when choosing a three-wheeled scooter, it is worth considering that it is often heavier than a two-wheeled scooter and takes up more space. The last criterion is important for owners of small apartments.
Children's three-wheeled scooters are sometimes additionally equipped with a small trunk, in which the toddler can roll his toys and other little things.
Models for adults differ from transport for the smallest in the arrangement of wheels: a pair of them is located in the front. In children's scooters, two wheels are at the back. Scooters with two pairs of wheels (four-wheeled) are less common.
Two-wheeled
Such devices cannot boast of stability, but they are more maneuverable, develop a decent speed (depending on the model), lightweight, often foldable (therefore it is convenient to ride with them in public transport).
Two-wheeled scooters have a narrower platform than three-wheeled models.
| Types of scooters |  Pluses |  Cons | Applications |
| Three-wheel | Stable, equipped with a hand brake - child-friendly | Bulky, does not have a folding mechanism | For children from three years old, for beginners |
| Two-wheeled | Maneuverable, develops high speed, model with folding mechanism is compact | Harder to keep balance while riding | For more experienced users, suitable for children from the age of four (provided that they already have experience of riding a scooter) |
Important components of a “right” scooter
Wheels
When choosing a scooter, first of all pay attention to the material from which its wheels are made.
Ppolyurethane
The best option for transport, which is bought for more than one year. Such wheels are elastic, very strong and resistant to deformation.
The speed of a scooter with polyurethane wheels directly depends on their diameter: the larger it is, the faster you can ride. The maximum wheel size is 20 cm, the minimum is 12.5 cm.
Also consider the stiffness indicator: it is indicated in the range from 72A to 93A. The softer the wheel (and the lower the value), the more comfortable you will feel while riding. But in this case, the wheels are very sensitive to any unevenness of the road, therefore they are erased faster. It is best to stay at the average value (76A-78A): the wheels will not wear out quickly, and your scooter will run smoothly.
P eraser
The cheapest and most short-lived option. Most often, inexpensive children's models are equipped with plastic wheels. They do not differ in particular maneuverability and smooth running, they break down quickly (especially with active use of the scooter), the transport makes a lot of noise during the ride.
Pezin
Average cost and durability option. Possesses good shock-absorbing properties.
Large diameter rubber wheels are now popular. Such a scooter can be safely called an SUV: it will go everywhere.
Another important indicator is the thickness of the wheel. It varies between 2-6.4 cm and depends on the diameter and material. The thicker the wheel, the more stable the whole structure.
Frame
When choosing a scooter, pay attention to the material from which the frame is made. It can be plastic or metal. The latter option is more profitable in all respects: it is much stronger and more durable. The plastic frame has only two advantages: light weight and low cost. True, there will not be much benefit from such a purchase, because not every plastic scooter "lives" longer than one season.
The frame may be foldable. Thanks to this characteristic, the transport becomes more compact. But not all scooters are allowed to have a folding mechanism: for example, such a frame is prohibited in sports models.
Devices with large inflatable wheels and T-shirts (models with a bicycle-sized front wheel) are often made with a double reinforced frame.
Handlebar
Can be fixed or adjustable in height. If, when choosing a scooter for a child, you stop at expensive high-quality transport, then the steering wheel must be regulated. In this case, you will be sure that your kid will be able to ride the purchased scooter for more than one year.
Platform (deck)
When choosing the right scooter, it is important to pay attention to the length and width of the platform. The first indicator directly affects the speed: the longer the deck, the more difficult it is to accelerate to high speeds. The optimal length of the scooter platform for a child is from 30 to 40 cm, for an adult - from 45 to 55 cm.
The width of the deck is set within 8.5-20 cm. platform, as it is easier to keep your balance. The experienced rider or sports vehicle should be fitted with a narrow deck for trick comfort, agility and good acceleration.
Important: to prevent the foot from sliding off the scooter, the deck must have a special coating (rough to the touch).
Brake
Children's three-wheeled scooters are equipped primarily with a hand brake. If you purchase just such a model, pay attention to which wheel has the braking force. If on the back, then feel free to buy a scooter: it slows down smoothly, so the risk of falling will be minimized.
There are children's models with two types of brakes: hand and foot.
Scooters for adolescents and adults generally have a foot brake. It is made in the form of a metal (for cheap models - plastic) wing, located above the rear wheel.
Scooters for adults and for children: what is the difference?
There are no fundamental differences in the design of children's and adult scooters. For the smallest, a three-wheeled vehicle is most often purchased, while a teenager or adult can start riding a device with two wheels.
A scooter for kids is often made of plastic (cheap models), it can have a bright design and be equipped with various accessories: a bell, a basket for toys, music buttons, ornate fringes (decorates the handles) and other children's attributes.
When choosing a scooter for an adult, keep in mind that its base must be metal, because a plastic one cannot boast of special strength.
As mentioned above, the adult and children's models differ in the location of the brake.
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