The 10 Best Adult Scooters
This wiki has been updated 35 times since it was first published in April of 2015. If you are looking for a cost-effective and fun way to get around town, commute to work, or zip around your college campus, you could do a lot worse than one of these adult scooters. Coming in a variety of styles specifically designed to take the weight of a grown-up and to cope with all sorts of terrain, they are an economical way to travel while keeping you fit, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
November 27, 2020:
Since our last update, the Razor Pro RDS has become unavailable for purchase, and we're not certain it will come back on the market any time soon. As a result, we've added the Fast88 A3 to our list. Thanks to its 200 millimeter oversized wheels and dual-suspension, this scooter is able to reliably glide over most rough pavement. If you're riding on smooth streets, this will get you to your destination faster, with relatively less effort.
While the Hudora 230 is still a great option with quite an impressive weight capacity, we've opted to replace it with the more tried and tested Hudora 205. This model is suitable for tall riders, as its handle can be adjusted as high as 41 inches. Since it weighs less than nine pounds and comes with a carrying strap, you can easily bring it inside your office or classroom after completing your morning commute.
Finally, we've added the Osprey Offroad to our recommendations. Unlike any of the other scooters on this list, it features large air-filled tires, providing riders with the traction they need to glide through muddy trails and other rough terrain. However, be aware that pneumatic tires require more upkeep than solid ones, as you'll have to pump them with air every now and then.
November 15, 2019:
During this update we wanted to add some variety to the list to showcase the different styles of scooters available. Of course, we still made sure to include a number of traditional models so the purists have a lot of great options to choose from. Whatever kind of scooter you choose, it is important that you always wear a helmet, and perhaps even some other protective gear, to keep yourself safe in the unfortunate event of a fall.
When analyzing our previous recommendations, we decided to eliminate the Razor RX200 because we felt its low 154-pound weight capacity was too restrictive for the average adult. We also replaced the Razor A5 Lux with the newer Razor A6, the latter of which has larger wheels and a handlebar that offers more height adjustability for taller individuals. We also replaced the Hudora RX-205 with the Hudora 230. Once again the latter is simply better for adults, with its higher weight capacity and more handlebar height adjustability. Of course, when it comes to maximum weight, nothing matches the impressive 800-pound load-bearing capacity of the Xootr Mg.
The Razor EcoSmart Metro makes its debut on the list this year. We feel it is one of the best electric scooters thanks to the extremely comfortably seat, large bicycle-style wheels, and smart features that make it ideal for running errands around town. Another model makings its debut is the Schwinn Shuffle, which looks sort of like the love child between a scooter and a bicycle. Incorporating wide, sweeping handlebars and full-sized bicycle tires, it offers a more relaxed and smoother ride than most other models.
Special Honors
Kick Bike Race Max 28 If you are serious about speed and scooting, there are few better options than the Race Max 20, said to be the fastest production kick scooter in the world. Its surprisingly lightweight for its size, comes equipped with premium Kenda tires, and offers a very smooth ride. kickbikeus.com
Zycom C500 Coast The Zycom C500 Coast has a three-wheel design that makes it considerably more stable than traditional kick scooters. It offers a wide deck plate complete with a high-traction surface and comes in seven vibrant colors. However, its downside is that it doesn't fold up for storage or transport. zycomotion.com
Ditch The Bicycle For A Scooter
You also don't have to purchase an expensive bike rack for the top or back of your car when you want to go riding.
If you live in a large city, you know just what a pain commuting to work can be on a good day even if you live only a short distance from your job. Sure, you can walk, but what happens if you're running late and need to get there quickly? You could ride a bike, but that presents a host of other issues that can get annoying over time.
Purchasing the right adult scooter will not only make your commute more convenient, but it will add some excitement to your morning routine. The average kick scooter is comprised of a handlebar attached to a deck sitting on two wheels. It is self-propelled, meaning you have to kick off from the ground to move it forward.
Adult scooters tend to have a large wheel in the front for added speed and easy maneuvering whereas child scooters often have three or four wheels for increased stability. Some adult scooters have both front and rear shocks so you can go off road onto various terrains. There are people who choose to take leisurely weekend rides on their scooters rather than venturing into the country on their bicycles.
There are several advantages to choosing an adult scooter over a bicycle. One of the most obvious is storage. If you are tired of trying to find a place to store your bike when you're not riding it or risking it being stolen when you attach it to the bike rack outside of work, then switching to an adult scooter will solve that problem. You also don't have to purchase an expensive bike rack for the top or back of your car when you want to go riding. All you have to do is fold your scooter and store it in a closet, under your desk, or in the trunk of your car.
If you lose your balance on an adult scooter, you are in a much better position to stop your fall and prevent injury than you would be on the average bicycle. Many cities have fewer laws governing the use of scooters whereas cyclists are required to ride in specific lanes. (Regardless, please be careful while scooting through crowds!)
Adult scooters are built with a low center of gravity so you can maintain stability while traveling at high speeds. They have grips on the foot deck so your feet don't slip during riding. Some scooters are made similar to bicycles with adjustable gears, and many are made from aluminum or magnesium to make them both sturdy and lightweight. One of the best scooters on the market can hold a maximum weight of 250 pounds and weighs only ten pounds and includes a carrying strap making it simple to fold and carry.
You might be surprised just how much more comfortable you are using your scooter than you are on the average bicycle. You have easy maneuverability, better balance, and more control with a an adult scooter than with a bicycle.
Time To Get Scooting
If you are not quite convinced that you should purchase a scooter, let's take a look at some more of the advantages of scooter ownership.
First, scooting is great exercise. It might seem like it takes very little effort to ride a scooter, but you will actually burn more calories on a scooter than on a bicycle.
Just because you are an adult doesn't mean you have to give up play time.
Second, scooters are convenient. You don't have to worry about having a large storage area, finding parking spaces, getting parking tickets, breaking the law riding on the sidewalks, and it is easier than riding a bike.
Third, you save money. You don't have to spend money on gas getting you around the city. The prices of most adult scooters are comparable to most bicycles with very little maintenance needed.
Fourth, they are environmentally friendly. If you are aware of the effect of fuel emissions on the environment, you might consider an adult scooter to reduce your carbon footprint if you are frequently in the habit of traveling short distances.
Finally, scooting is fun! Just because you are an adult doesn't mean you have to give up play time. In fact, there are many reasons that playing as an adult is beneficial to your health and relationships. You can purchase scooters for the whole family and hold scooting races or go out for rides together.
So, there you have it. Have we convinced you yet? Scooters are excellent for both work and play. They will make your life easier and more fun at the same time.
A Brief History Of Adult Scooters
Scooters, or some form of them, have been used for over 100 years. Many people were making handmade scooters by attaching boards to roller skate wheels. These designs were clunky and difficult to steer. Honda produced the Kick 'n Go in 1974. It was nearly as difficult to use as the handmade scooters, but it gained popularity nonetheless.
In 1996, Wim Ouboter created a scooter made of foldable aluminum. He attached inline skate wheels to the deck and initially sold it as a "Micro Skate Scooter." He initially developed it for his sister who had one leg shorter than the other. It was much easier for her to use and enjoy than roller skates or a bicycle.
In 1999, the Razor scooter soared to popularity in Japan as a fun toy and convenient transportation. Today, scooters have evolved from the basic razor design to designs with multiple wheels for balance, scooters designed specifically for stunts and racing, and viable forms of transportation for adults and children living in large cities.