Inertial scooters: description and popular models
Inertial scooters appeared relatively recently and immediately won the attention of adults and children. The popularity of such models is due to ease of use, stability and safety.
Design features
Inertial scooters are a rather unusual vehicle, they are actively used by residents of megalopolises, extreme sports fans and children. Unlike traditional two-wheeled scooters, they have 3 wheels and are equipped with two foot platforms. All models have a foot or hand brake, and some of them have both.
The front wheel on most models is slightly larger than the rear, which provides an easy and fast ride. Due to their special design, inertial scooters have a completely different control method than traditional models.
And if in order to set in motion an ordinary scooter, it is enough to set one leg on the platform, and the other - to push off the ground, then with inertial samples the situation is different.
Movement on such models is carried out in two ways, depending on the type of scooter.
- In the first case, the rider's legs synchronously move apart and move to their original position, due to which the scooter begins to move. Such models are called "scooter-frog", they are intended for children over 5 years old. It makes no sense for a younger child to buy a sliding model, since his muscles are not yet developed so well as to rhythmically open and close his legs. Wheels on "frogs" can rotate 360 degrees, which allows you to start moving at any position of the platforms. The models are equipped with hand brakes, have a folding design and weigh from 5 to 9 kg.Most of these specimens have a weight limit of 80 kg.
- The second type of inertial scooters - "scooter scooters" is intended for driving on flat asphalt and performing tricks. In order to force such a scooter to ride, the rider makes movements that resemble those that a skier makes on the descent from a mountain. At the same time, the body tilts from side to side, and the legs slightly bent at the knees alternately bend and unbend. This change in body position contributes to a shift in the center of gravity from one wheel to another, as a result of which the scooter picks up speed and moves quite quickly. Turns to the right and left are carried out by tilting the steering wheel and body in the right direction, which begins to turn out after two or three workouts.
The scooters are designed for riders weighing up to 120 kg, equipped with a hand brake and a strong steel frame. Experts compare riding an inertial scooter with exercising in a gym, which is due to the participation of a large muscle group.
Advantages and disadvantages
The high demand for three-wheeled inertial scooters is not accidental. Consumers note that riding such models is much more interesting than traditional ones, albeit a little more difficult. The novelty was especially highly appreciated by adolescents involved in extreme sports: a special steering style and the presence of a third wheel allow you to perform more complex tricks, which are quite risky to do on a 2-wheel scooter. This is explained by if necessary, landing can be performed on both feet, which increases the likelihood of a successful jump performance and ensures safety.
Another indisputable advantage is the ability to quickly pump various muscle groups and develop dexterity and coordination. In addition, riding an inertial scooter teaches you to concentrate and trains the vestibular apparatus. As for the technical component, then users highly appreciate the speed and durability of the scooters, as well as the ability to fold and transport them in public transport.
Among the minuses, they note the need to obtain certain control skills and the impossibility of using most inertial models on the off-road.
The lineup
The modern scooter market offers a large selection of inertial 3-wheel designs. Below are the most popular of them, occupying the first lines of popularity ratings according to the version of online stores.
- Inertial model Y-Volution Fliker Lift suitable for both walking in the park and performing tricks, and is designed for riders over 7 years old. The scooter is equipped with reliable bearings of ABEC-5 class, has 3 wheels with a diameter of 14.5 cm and is capable of withstanding a load of up to 100 kg. The foldable design allows the scooter to be assembled to a compact size, which greatly facilitates its transportation and storage. The height of the steering wheel can be adjusted depending on the height of the person, while the maximum height of the steering rack is 99 cm. The model is equipped with a hand brake, weighs 9.2 kg and costs 11,520 rubles.
- Children's Chinese Frog Scooter Sima-Land Flicker OT-25-1 propelled by extension and extension of the legs and weighs 3.4 kg. The model is made in bright pink and is intended for girls with a height of 104 to 116 cm and weighing up to 50 kg. The platforms are equipped with anti-slip spikes that provide good grip on shoe soles. The diameter of the front wheel is 12.5 cm, the two rear wheels are 8 cm each. The scooter is equipped with a foot brake, has an adjustable steering rack with a height of 70 to 84 cm, is produced in dimensions 80x27x84 cm and costs 1150 rubles.
- Inertial model ZIP Scooter 1400 made in black and designed for riders weighing up to 100 kg. The scooter is equipped with a high-speed bearing of ABEC-5 class, a hand brake and polyurethane wheels with a diameter of 12.5 cm.The handlebar height is not adjustable and is 80 cm.The model is recommended only for recreational riding - not suitable for performing tricks. The weight of the scooter is 10.1 kg, the cost is 5800 rubles.
- Inertial scooter Razor Powerwing DLX designed for children and adolescents weighing up to 70 kg and height from 110 to 190 cm. The model is equipped with a hand brake, has a stylish appearance and weighs 4.9 kg. The frame is made of aluminum and has a foldable design. The length of the scooter is 87 cm, the ground clearance (ground clearance) is 5 cm.The steering wheel is adjustable in height from 73 to 89 cm and has a width of 30 cm.The wheels are made of polyurethane, the diameter of the front is 12.5 cm, the rear is 6.5 cm, the width of each wheel is 3 cm. The decks are equipped with anti-slip pads made of abrasive tape, the brake is manual, the bearing accuracy class is ABEC-7. The model is produced in China (the birthplace of the US brand), has a 6-month warranty and costs 11,990 rubles.
- "Scooter scissors" Vertigo Trike Montblanc 145 Available in blue and equipped with a sturdy steel frame. The wheels have a reinforced structure that allows you to ride on bad roads. The model is equipped with a hand brake, has a folding structure and is designed for a weight load of up to 100 kg. All 3 wheels have a diameter of 14.5 cm and are made of polyurethane. The length of the scooter is 93 cm, weight is 8 kg, the average price is 5000 rubles.
Selection Tips
When choosing an inertial scooter, you need to pay attention to a number of important points.
- The purpose of the model is an important indicator for those looking to purchase a stunt and jump scooter. Not all models are endowed with the ability to withstand heavy loads, so you should carefully study the technical data sheet before buying. If a copy is not equipped with a reinforced suspension, has a small ground clearance and weak bearings, then it is prohibited to use it for extreme riding, which is usually reported by manufacturers in the accompanying documentation.
- The next selection criterion is the ability to adjust the steering wheel. When purchasing a model with a variable position of the steering rack, remember that such a structure is much weaker than a static one, and cannot be used on stunt scooters.
- It is advisable to pay attention to the diameter of the wheels. Ideally, the front wheel should be larger than the rear. This ratio guarantees the scooter an easy ride and better cross-country ability.
- If you intend to transport the scooter in public transport or enter the elevator with it, then it is better to opt for folding models, which are at least slightly heavier than their static counterparts, but do not cause problems during storage and transportation.
In the next video, you will find a brief overview of the Y-Volution Y Fliker J2 three-wheeled inertial scooter for children from 3 years old.