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With their simple designs, low running costs, and sheer convenience, scooters have long been a popular form of transport for kids and adults alike. Not quite motorbikes, and more complex than skateboards, these hybrid vehicles can be sophisticated beasts or basic toys, and finding the right one isn't always easy.
Whether you need a first scooter for a toddler or a powerful model to help with your daily commute, this hotukdeals buyers guide will provide what you need to know when buying any form of scooter.
It isn't exactly clear when a running board, vertical handle and wheels were combined, but one thing's for sure – scooters have been around as toys and tools for over 100 years. We know that they were being sold as toys in Germany and the UK in the 1930s, and home-made versions were probably in use across the USA by then as well. But commercial, high-quality scooters are actually relatively new.
The first models built on the 1950s and 60s craze for roller-skating, and basically consisted of roller-skate wheels attached to running boards, with a handle bolted on top. In the 80s and 90s, aluminium versions appeared that lasted longer and offered much better road-worthiness, while 1996 saw the introduction of folding metal scooters, courtesy of Dutch inventor Wim Ouboter.
Since then, stunt scooters have become popular among extreme and urban sports fans, and three-wheelers have caught on with younger users. Rugged 4-wheel versions have even appeared, which resemble extended Segways. So there's plenty of choice in the world of scooters.
As for motorbikes with step-through style frames, they have been around for much longer. Since the 1890s, motorcycle manufacturers have been creating super-convenient, efficient models with slightly lower power ratings. If the style experienced a golden age, it was the 1950s, when Italian brands like Vespa turned scooters into a global style icon. Ever since, they have been available in functional and designer versions, and ever since they have been a fixture on global streets.
What is it about scooters that have captured the imagination? For kick scooters, the appeal lies in their pick up and use simplicity. There's no need for specialised skills when using a kick scooter. All users need is a sense of balance (which isn't always guaranteed) and the willingness to let themselves go. For youngsters in particular, scooters have often been their first experience of wheeled transport, giving them a novel feeling of being in control on the road. Having seen parents driving or cyclists whirring past, it's a magical feeling to glide on scooters wherever kids want to go.
As we hinted at in the brief history section, there are three major divisions in the world of scooters: petrol powered, electric powered and unpowered. We won't dwell on petrol powered scooters here (the ones which resemble motorcycles), as they are really a separate form of product. But it's worth thinking about how they build on electric and kick versions nonetheless. Many people like to graduate from electric to petrol as they become more confident.
Anyhow, with that in mind, here's a quick breakdown of the scooters available from hotukdeals:
Kick Scooters – Classic kick scooters consist of three main elements, and will probably be familiar to most people. Firstly, there are the wheels. These used to be basic castors, but modern scooters tend to use more durable and responsive pneumatic versions. Secondly, there's the running board. This may be as simple as a piece of wood or metal, but better scooters feature high-grip surfaces that can handle some rain. Finally, there's the handle. This generally reaches up vertically from the front of the running board, and pivots to allow directional control. It should be nice and stable, taking a bit of weight as riders lean forward. And it needs to have a solid connection to the rest of the vehicle. The name derives from how these scooters are propelled – via “kicks” from the user's feet. With a bit of practice, this can achieve impressive speeds, while braking with a brief heel or toe press is usually pretty easy.
3 Wheel Scooter – Traditionally, kick scooters had two wheels, one at each end. However, this isn't the only configuration, and may not be the most user-friendly for inexperienced riders. Often classed as “beginner's scooters”, 3-wheeled versions are more stable. With a wider wheelbase, they tend to feature wider running boards, and they aren't as easy to manoeuvrer, which can make them less prone to sudden changes of direction.
Folding Scooters – Folding scooters are the most convenient version of all. Popular since they were introduced by Dutch brand Razor in the 1990s, these scooters are designed to fold up into tiny packages. They should be small enough to fit into suitcases or be stashed by your feet in train carriages, as well as taking up minimal space in home cupboards or sheds. If you aren't blessed with huge amounts of storage space, these versions will be perfect. However, they can be slightly less rugged and may be fiddly to put together and fold up – particularly with cheaper models. So exercise caution when buying.
Stunt Scooters – The boom in extreme sports towards the end of the 1990s gave birth to a totally new breed of kick scooter. Christened “stunt scooters”, these models aren't for everyone, but if you have a taste for backflips and half-pipes, they could be ideal. Generally fitted with stronger metal frames than everyday versions, they are slimline but strong – being designed to absorb blows without buckling.
Electric Scooter – If you want something a bit faster for urban exploration or holiday riding by the coast, checking out the electric scooter deals at hotukdeals is the way to go. Often designed to look just like 2 wheeled kick scooters, electric scooters will feature an essential addition: a rechargeable battery and motor. Usually small and intelligently built into the scooter casing, the motor can be charged via mains electricity or friction from wheel revolutions, and supplies a jolt of extra force to supplement foot power. This can allow riders to scale hills that are typically too steep to tackle, while letting them cruise and rest on long flat stretches. Some electric models are designed with teens in mind, but generally, these models will be the ideal scooter for adults – owing to their enhanced power.
Before you rush to the hotukdeals listings to pick electric scooter deals, it's essential to understand that these vehicles differ in some cruicial ways. Making the wrong buying decision can leave you stranded miles from home, without the power to return. And it can also be unsafe to use poor-quality electric scooters. So here are some tips to keep in mind when making a buying decision.
Wheel Sizes – With electric scooters, wheel sizes vary – usually between 10-16-inches or so (but that's not set in stone). As a rule, larger wheels mean more stability, but may reduce the scooter's handling ability and maximum speed.
Weight – Always compare weights when purchasing an electric model. For adults, something around 20kg might be fine, but kids will struggle to handle anything heavier than 10kg. Scooters will also be rated for maximum rider weight, or they should be if the manufacturer is trustworthy. Don't ignore this. If you choose a model that's rated to low for your body weight, its casing and wheels won't last long.
Top Speeds – The quality of the motor bundled with electric scooters largely determines how fast they can be. Most users won't need speeds of 20mph or more, but this is attainable with deluxe models. Good everyday models will deliver 12-14mph without any strain on the motor (speeds tend to be calculated for flat surfaces – so keep that in mind).
Frame Materials – Scooters vary in their construction, and this matters. Cheaper versions will be made from bulkier steel, or weak plastics. Both are less than ideal. Steel will sap your vehicle's speed, while low-quality plastics are much more prone to damage. The best models use aircraft-grade alloys or carbon fibres, while aluminium remains effective. However, while steel is slow, it's also strong – so may be perfect when safety is the core consideration.
Running boards – This isn't always easy to analyse when you are reading hotukdeals listings, but it's important to think about. Ideally, running boards will be made of corrosion-resistant materials that offer optimal grip. They will offer enough stability to avoid listing at high speeds, and be generally resistant to cracking under pressure.
Warranties – The best scooter merchants and manufacturers will be clear about warranty conditions. Look for models with 2-3 year warranties, ways to organise repairs easily, and excellent customer support. If this isn't obvious, there may be problems, so get in touch with the maker on social media or via email to ask about their warranty conditions.
As we've discussed, there are significant advantages in choosing a reliable scooter brand, whether you opt for kick scooters or electric models. There are some standout brands around, and these companies won't let you down:
Micro Scooter – Offering compact scooters for 12 months+, 3 years+, 5 years+, 10 years+ and adults, microscooters.co.uk is a market leader when it comes to scooters for youngsters. Its Merlin models are some of the best adult electric models around, while the Mini Micro Scooter range is great for younger riders who need lightweight, good-looking ways to nip around the park. Everything is Swiss-designed, the designs are uniformly colourful, and the company offers a mix of 2 and 3-wheel models.
Razor – Pioneering Dutch brand Razor remains a cutting edge scooter manufacturer. Models like the A6 offer big wheels, smooth glides, and easy folding for convenience, the multi-coloured lights of the Party Pop will be ideal scooters for girls, while the Accelerator is one of the fastest electric models available in the UK.
Segway – Best known for their iconic two-wheeled vehicles, Segway also offers some nifty scooters in its Ninebot range. Their electrified kick scooters can reach 17mph in good conditions, feature excellent shock absorption on the front and rear and come with various “riding modes” that can be controlled via the Segway App. If you want a smart scooter with next-generation customisation, Segway fits the bill.
Grit – If stunt scooters are in your crosshairs, Grit is a great brand to go for. Based in Australia, Grit takes feedback from pro stunt riders and uses computer modelling to make their scooters as fast, strong, and comfortable as possible. Their scooters can be adapted via specialist handlebars, running boards, wheels, grips, forks, and clamps, and they generally deliver everything skate park attendees will need.
Using a scooter is great fun and often really practical, but it isn't necessarily the safest hobby, unless you source the right accessories. So here are some must-haves to pick up when you buy your scooter at hotukdeals.
Scooter Helmet – Most importantly, every rider should have a robust scooter helmet, whether they are just starting out with wheeled transport or a halfpipe veteran. Pick a model with good ventilation for the head, adjustable chin straps to ensure total comfort, and plenty of internal padding. Look for EN1078 certification (the industry gold standard). And, if needed, be sure to measure your child's forehead circumference to ensure the best possible fit. Helmets should feel tight and snug, without being oppressive. They should remain in place when the head leans forward and the chin strap isn't fastened, so bear that in mind.
Knee and Elbow Pads – When kids use scooters, you need to expect a few falls here and there (and that applies to adults as well, remember). Because of this, it's just common sense to kit riders out in knee or elbow pads, as these tend to be the body's most vulnerable points. Look for EVA foam models, possibly with hard shell exteriors, and don't cut corners with budget brands. Spending a bit more on pads makes a big difference to their reliability.
High-Vis Clothing – Being visible on the road is essential, even for children scootering on paths at the local park. Invest in comfortable high-vis jackets and straps, and think about adding a torch-light toy your scooter setup. In gloomy conditions, they can be life-savers. Some might also want to add bells or horns to provide a sonic warning signal, but it's not essential.
So far, we've offered a bit of advice for general scooter buyers, but it's essential to focus on how to purchase scooters for kids. Getting this wrong won't just be disappointing for children, it can also be unsafe.
Firstly, parents should be bold when getting their children started on scooters. Generally speaking, kids can begin to familiarise themselves with life on wheels from around 1 year old. When they do, sourcing a specialist toddler scooter is essential. Good versions will have wide, high-stability wheels and running boards with excellent balance. 3 or 4-wheelers could also make sense, with their extra stability.
These types of scooter come in all sorts of colours, and most have easily adjustable handle heights as well, but make sure this is included as it really makes a difference with growing children.
When it comes to picking a scooter for boys or a scooter for girls, tastes vary. Let your child be the guide to the colour and look of their scooter. Brands like Micro Scooters cater for young boys and girls, so there shouldn't be any difficulties in that department. And the actual construction of scooters doesn't differ by gender.
What does change is how scooters are built for older children. As kids grow older, they become more confident. Their original vehicles will become redundant, and it makes sense to look for a scooter for older kids and teens.
By around the age of 7-8, they may be ready to experiment with electric scooter models (though make sure the maximum speeds are relatively low). As kids get older and more ambitious, stunt scooters can come into the picture. However, most kids will extract more value from a good kick or electric model than a fully-blown stunt scooter.
Hopefully, you now have a pretty good idea of what style and brand of scooter you are looking for. As we've seen, there are more styles around than many people think, from pro stunt scooters to electric models that are almost ready for urban driving. But one thing remains the same no matter what type you go for: it's easy to purchase premium models for less, and cheaper versions should be avoided if possible.
Premium brands deliver better riding properties, look better, have more features, and are simply safer, so spending more on a good scooter makes perfect sense. But this can involve an outlay of £100-200 for kick scooters, or more for top of the line electrics. So how can you make savings?
It's actually pretty simple. Just shop for a cheap scooter with hotukdeals, where you'll find the best brands from every leading UK scooter retailer. Our listings bring together the latest scooter sale offers from merchants like Halfords, Amazon, Micro-Scooters, John Lewis, Smyths, Banggood, and Tesco. Every style is represented, as well as accessories like helmets, pads, and clothing.
Discounts become available all the time, but shopping at certain times can save even more cash. For instance, super-smart Segway models can crash in price around Black Friday, and many retailers offer spring deals as the riding season gets underway. So shop smart, research the options at hotukdeals, and you'll soon find the scooter you need at the lowest possible price.
Whether you are buying a first scooter for a toddler who can't wait to get on the move, you're looking for a stunt scooter for kids, or you want a premium electric model to get around town, finding scooter deals is easy. You'll find all of the vehicles you need for less at the hotukdeals scooter listings.
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