How to Choose a Kick Scooter for Adults

Complete kick scooter buying guide

Enjoy hassle-free rides, fast commutes, or some leisurely exercise with a kick scooter for adults. These scooters are convenient, practical and comfortable to ride. Famously used for trick riding in extreme competitions, these street vehicles can also get you from point A to point B without the use of fuel or battery power. By being completely human-powered, a kick scooter does wonders for lowering your carbon footprint and helping the environment. This type of scooter comes in various designs to match the unique needs of different commuters and enthusiasts. Here’s all you need to know about the kick scooter.

Wheel size

The wheel size is the most distinguishing element on scooters, bikes and hoverboards. Scooters vary in wheel material and size, which determines speed and how smooth the ride is. Adult scooters are available with either large or small wheels.

Large Wheels

These wheels are 7 to 7.8 inches in diameter, which provides high rolling efficiency over most types of terrain. With a larger surface area, they boost shock absorption for smooth, fast rides. They work well with large deck scooters to enhance comfort.

Small Wheels

With a diameter of 4 to 5.7 inches, smaller scooter wheels are more lightweight and make controlling speed easy. They are nimble, with a tighter turning radius. Many three-wheel kick scooters for adults are stable with a low center of gravity.

Wheel bearings

Bearings enhance wheel fluidity during rides. They come in different Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) ratings that most often range from 5 to 7. A higher rating translates to higher performance. The best kick scooter for commuting carries 9-rated bearings for exceptional precision. The high-rated bearings reduce the rolling distance to deliver a longer gliding distance for every push. Some bearings come pre-lubricated to lower friction for a smooth ride. Pick ceramic bearings over metallic ones to enjoy higher heat stability and durability.

Deck size

Scooter decks offer support to the user while enhancing balance and comfort. How you plan to use the scooter should determine its deck size. Large decks enable more space to shift foot position and weight, resulting in comfortable rides. These decks also facilitate a longer wheelbase that is more efficient in long-distance rides since it enhances the linear rolling of the scooter. Smaller decks are ideal for trick riding and are more compact when folded up for carrying.

Deck height

Deck height is determined by measuring the clearance space between the ground and the scooter’s deck surface. Standard kick scooters offer sufficient clearance to balance stability and rider comfort. Generally, the lower the deck, the easier it will be to navigate. A lower deck also tends to provide a more comfortable ride. Some kick scooter models have a "deep drop" deck design to reduce deck height. With a low center of gravity, low deck height scooters have increased stability but might not be ideal for terrain that is more varied than street pavement. Before selecting a scooter, consider whether the deck height matches the nature of riding activity and terrain.

Scooter handlebars

Scooter handlebars should reach hip or waist height when you stand on the deck. Picking the correct bar height is fundamental for the comfort, performance and stability of the scooter.

Handlebar width is also vital, and all riders have varied preferences. For general riding, choose handlebars that match your shoulder width. Technical trick riding demands narrow handlebars. Some models have wider handlebars for stability and comfort.

Handlebar diameter is another crucial consideration for adult kick scooters. The handlebars come in two main diameters: oversized and standard. Standard diameters have 1.3 inches and 1.1 inches outer and internal diameters, respectively. Large handlebars have an external diameter of 1.4 inches and an inner diameter of 1.3 inches.

Suspension

What kind of kick scooter is best for you also depends on the shock-absorption mechanism in place. Many adult kick scooters have spring-based suspensions. Standard models incorporate suspension in both the front and back wheels. The suspension facilitates comfortable rides on uneven terrain, so it's a good idea to pick a kick scooter with the best suspension for the type of roads and trails you travel most frequently.

Folding mechanism

Like many kick scooters for kids, those for adults are often foldable, featuring a hinge between the deck and the steering column that activates this feature. The three-action folding design features a shiftable spring-loaded locking pin that makes relocation and storage easy.

A single-action folding mechanism is advisable for daily commute scooters for convenient handling. Some models have patented folding mechanisms to conceal or collapse the scooter. If you need to carry or store your scooter, pick a quality design with a firm folding system.

Choosing the right kick scooter

A good adult kick scooter is a great way to commute, or simply enjoy some outdoor recreation. Three key factors to consider when purchasing are convenience, comfort and performance. After that, evaluate the deck dimensions, scooter bars and suspension to establish their compatibility with your specific needs. If you need more movement assistance, an electric scooter might be the right option for you. You can also enhance your ride with scooter accessories, such as a phone mount or lights for riding after the sun goes down.