How to choose a commuter scooter - kick scooter edition
First, let’s talk about how fun it is to say “commuter scooter.” It just rolls off the tongue in a way that “work bike” or “stuck in traffic” never will. The number of people who ride scooters to work continue to increase due to the affordability, convenience, and the element of fun. If you’re thinking about getting a scooter for yourself and avoiding the time spent in traffic, consider the following factors!
DO WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET
Fortunately, kick scooters will save you money, especially compared to the expense of a car or a bicycle. A car or bike comes with maintenance fees to maintain over time. A kick scooter, when properly cared for, is maintenance free and is durable enough to last many years. Buying a kick scooter can also be cheaper if you regularly take public transportation for your daily commute because it’s a one-time budgeted cost rather than a recurring expense. Consider these savings as you decide what amount to invest in a commuter scooter.
The average kick scooter cost is around $60-70. When you break it down by cost per day, you’ll see just how little you spend five days a week going to and from work. It’s less than your favorite coffee, latte or a tank of petrol. There are more expensive models, which may include more features, but these do not exceed too far past $150. Again, when compared to the ongoing cost of owning and servicing a bike or a car, maintenance costs are well under those budgets.
Alternative methods of transportation have never been as easy to own as they are now, so why not take advantage of it? You may have ridden an electric commuter scooter at some point and felt how nimble the experience of riding a scooter was. A kick scooter has the same appeal but gives you extra control due to its manual experience. Now’s the time to invest in the real deal—which may even help your budget, as you won’t have to continuously pay for each individual ride via a shared ride app or pay for high gas bills, maintenance costs, and unexpected breakdowns.
There are inexpensive scooters, and then there are those that are just cheap—the main difference being that a less expensive scooter doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. A cheap scooter, on the other hand, is not worth the money at all. It’s better to spend more and save less headache down the road from a scooter that breaks down constantly, doesn’t provide a sturdy, safe ride or doesn’t live up to rider expectations.
JUDGE ON VERSATILITY AND CONVENIENCE
For the most versatility and convenience, choose a scooter based on the type of road you’ll be traveling on and be sure to know your local laws regarding scooter riding. Most major cities now allow scooters, but not all roads are built for them. Either they’re not paved smoothly enough, or they’re too crowded where a rider would be in danger because there’s no room on the road. In the effort to welcome a variety of alternative modes of transportation, cities are making efforts for more bike-friendly lanes and scooter-sharing roads. Keep that in mind as you think of where you’ll ride your scooter. You’ll want a scooter that’s durable, reliable, and can handle different terrains for a smooth ride anywhere you go.
Distance and riding conditions are two big factors to consider to determine if a kick scooter option is the best choice. For longer distances, you might want a seated electric scooter for adults that allows you to sit comfortably and travel at quicker speeds. On the other hand, if you are only a few blocks from your work, but want to travel more efficiently, a kick scooter should do the trick. Choose the model that fits the need and kmh pace you’ll want on a regular basis. If you want to travel farther distances, greater than a few blocks, a larger, electric motor scooter featuring an electric battery (no gas motor) might be the better choice. However, if you’ll be mostly traveling to and from work or around your neighborhood several times a week, the kick scooter sounds like the more solid plan. Consider the following:
- Round-trip distance to and from work
- Traffic density
- Normal weather conditions
These are all important factors because investing in a scooter accounts for the fact you’ll be able to use it year-round. For example, since some parts of Australia are sunny most days of the year, it’d make sense to buy a scooter. The weather is favourable enough for kick scooter commuting all day, every day.
Fortunately, many kick scooters have a folding mechanism, which makes them easily storable and accessible for seasonal use. They’re also a good choice if you use a mix of transportation. If you live in a larger city and take the train or bus and are still blocks away from your actual office building, a scooter can help you get the rest of the way without having to walk too far. This is convenient if you want to save time in the morning or are battling big crowds.
READ THE REVIEWS
Like with any product or service you buy, it’s important to read reviews to help make a judgment call on the best scooter for you. If there are specific factors that are important for your decision-making, such as quality or durability, read what others have to say about these specific features. Choose a company that stands behind their product quality; check out Razor scooter: Last Mile™ solutions. While not all experiences are created equal, reviews give you an idea of real rider perspectives and whether a scooter is worth trying or riding.
With that, review the product warranty information of your scooter of choice. All Razor Scooters carry a 12 month warranty against defects. It makes sense to check all the boxes to get the exact one you want. Do your research on the company’s site and other retailers that may sell the scooters in-store. When possible, go in for a “test ride” and get comfortable with cruising around. You’ll likely get addicted to the feeling and want to buy one on the spot.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s easier than ever to connect with customer service in different ways. You don’t always have to call in; social media, on-site live chat boxes, and open forums are available to discuss any questions, concerns, or provide general information. This can help you with your research to ensure you pick one that’s best for the length and location of your commute.
Finally, check your local laws to know whether your city is policy friendly to bicycle and scooter commuters. If so, there’s usually a local coalition or city office that can help answer questions or give you advice on the kind of rides that have worked best for others—in addition to the pros and cons to consider from different styles or features, as well as optimal commuter routes.
GO WITH YOUR GUT
A scooter makes life easier for so many people in so many different ways. Not only will it make your commute to work much better—mostly because no one likes sitting in traffic—but it’s also a fun way to shake up your normal routine. It’s better for the environment to ride a scooter to work than drive a car. It’s a way to get daily exercise, which is essential if your job is mostly sedentary. Plus, you save money month-over-month which can go towards bigger purchases…like buying another scooter!
After you’ve done your due diligence by comparing options side by side and completed your online research, it all comes down to getting the scooter that you like. There is a model and style for everyone. Ask yourself—what stands out to you in a scooter and why? Is there one you keep coming back to? If so, what features does it have that others don’t? Whether you want to save on gas, are without a car, or want to do your part for the environment, getting a commuter scooter is a great plan. And more importantly, it’s a lot of fun. Don’t be surprised if your work crew wants to take your scooter for a spin in the parking lot and become commuter scooter converts too.
RAZOR COMMUTER SCOOTER FAQS
Aren’t kick scooters for kids?
Kick scooters have commonly been associated with kid’s play, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t convenient for adults too. If you want one for your work commute, then a basic black color or one with limited features can make it feel more like an adult scooter and “grown up.” Then again, there’s nothing wrong with being a kid at heart. Find one that fits your personality. People choose lots of ways to get to work now, from skateboards and cruiser bikes to scooters. It doesn’t matter what you pick, as long as it works for you. Always know your local laws before you ride.
Are kick scooters made to support the weight of an adult?
Yes, but you will want to confirm the weight support as you start your scooter research. For example, the RazorAkickscooter has a recommended rider weight of 64kg but is tested at 3 times the weight load according to quality standards – this is a true high-quality ride, great for any adult rider. The A Kick scooter also includes an adjustable handlebar to provide a comfortable ride for riders of different heights. There are other models like the Razor A5 Air Kick Scooter that carries riders recommended at 100kg. There’s a model that’s made for you; just do your research and read through the product specifications to choose what fits your needs.
Is a kick scooter heavy to carry?
Nope! In fact, many kick scooters weigh 2.1kg or less, which makes them easy to fold up and carry with you on a bus, subway, or up the stairs to work. One of the main highlights of a kick scooter is how lightweight they are and easy to handle. That way, once you get to work, it’s easy to store under a desk or a closet temporarily; this is much easier when compared to the bulkiness of a bike. Also, if you live in a smaller space, scooters take hardly any room at all, and you don’t have to pay a possible parking fee or storage space for a bike. (Check out additional benefits of a scooter vs. bike.)
Do I have to put the scooter together?
In general, Razor scooters ship partially assembled and require as low as 10 minutes of assembly time.
All you have to do is choose the color and style you want and have it delivered to your door. Easy peasy!
CHOOSE THE BEST KICK SCOOTER FOR COMMUTING
The good news for scooter commuters is that you have plenty of options to choose from. Whatever budget you want to stay within or questions you have, we’re here with answers. The kick scooter is a popular way to get to and from work allowing you to get places easier, add exercise into your day, and feel like a kid again. They’re comfortable, convenient, and have made quite a comeback in recent years.
The kick scooter folds down nicely so you can take it virtually anywhere. Even if you decide to use a different mode of transportation on any given workday, you don’t have to wonder what to do with your scooter. Simply take it with you! Whenever you need it, set it up and go. The ease of it all is what makes a scooter all the more alluring. Isn’t that the whole point? Finding a commuting option that’s less stressful and more enjoyable?
In addition to your budget, the choice comes down to where you’ll ride, the convenience of a scooter compared to other alternatives, and how the reviews measure up to the scooter(s) you’re considering. Once you get your first commuter scooter, we know you’ll want to add more wheels to the collection. Be sure to review your local laws before you ride.