Scooters with a hand brake: pros, cons and features of choice

Today, we can say with confidence that scooters are at the peak of popularity, as they have received recognition not only of children and adolescents, but also of adults. First of all, this is due to the provision of a positive effect on the physical form and health of a person in general. Even if you do not like extreme driving or are not fond of performing stunts with a scooter, but prefer to walk around the city, such a vehicle can be the best option for you to keep yourself in shape.

With its help, it is not only convenient to take a walk, but also to strengthen the muscles of the back, arms and legs, as well as to develop excellent coordination in space.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of goods, among which a person who is not versed in scooters can get confused and end up buying not what he wanted. In order to avoid such incidents, experts recommend that you familiarize yourself with the existing types of scooters before buying.

• Urban. The name of the category speaks for itself; models from this category are suitable for walking around the city. They, as a rule, do not have some kind of super-powerful parameters, but ways to create comfort while walking. Optimum height for comfortable use is from 115 to 195 cm. Generally, rubber wheels of medium diameter (up to 200 mm) are installed. The classic models have a folding frame and a foot brake.

• Off-road. They can be used both for out-of-town walks and for trips around the city.The main feature of models from this category is the presence of inflatable chamber wheels. They make driving outside the city on bumpy roads easier. Most often, the wheel diameter reaches 10-12 inches for a height of 115 cm. Most models are equipped with a handbrake system and a one-piece frame.

• Sports. Models from this category are suitable for extreme driving enthusiasts performing various stunts. The frame of these scooters is usually one-piece, and the brakes are rear. The wheels are no more than 110 mm, and the deck is narrower than that of urban ones. In this case, the frame itself and the steering wheel are made, as a rule, of steel. Models in this category are designed for riding on flat surfaces.

• Electric scooters. This category is more designed for adult users, since models from the category of electric scooters are more similar to scooters in their technical characteristics. These scooters are characterized by the presence of a drive from the motor, massive dimensions, and the ability to develop high speed.

• Baby. The category is designed for children aged 3 years and older. Includes both 2-wheel and 3-wheel (for the smallest riders) models. The handlebar usually has several positions to adjust its height for the child's height, so that he can ride the scooter for more than one season. The braking system is represented by a foot brake. Lights can be installed on the wheels and under the deck, as well as a built-in sound column. They can also differ in configuration, for example, be with two, one shock absorbers or without them at all, have a folding frame or one-piece, with a disc rear brake or on the steering wheel, with large inflatable wheels or small ones made of PVC.

There are a large number of models, in each of which you can find both strengths and weaknesses. This can be debated endlessly, since any manufacturer can boast of advantages, and someone will consider it a big disadvantage. The best option would be to consider the advantages and disadvantages of scooters with different braking systems., because today there is a noticeable trend in the introduction of scooters with a hand brake.

As for the shortcomings, over time, the brakes may either become weaker and they will have to be tightened, or during the assembly of the structure, the wheel may be tightly clamped, because of which the movement on the scooter will become uncomfortable. Also, this type of brake system is not acceptable for sports models, since it is necessary to use the rear brakes when performing tricks.

The ideal option is considered to be the presence of both front and rear brakes.... These scooter models are the guarantor of safety and reliability. Even if one of the systems starts to "junk" along the way, you can always use the other without stopping.

Two-wheeled vehicles are becoming more and more popular not only among teenagers and children, but also among adults. The scooter helps not only to keep your body in good shape, but also to walk in comfort, and also to get to your destination much faster. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the rating of the best manufacturers and their products for adults and children.

The first place goes to the electric scooter. Its maximum load can reach 100 kg. The minimum age allowed to board a model in this category is 12 years old. The frame is made of lightweight and durable aluminum alloy, the structure itself is foldable. Dimensions - 100 x 41 x 92 cm. Manual and foot brake systems. The scooter can reach a maximum speed of 25 km per hour. Wheels with a diameter of 5.5 inches.This allows you to easily overcome small bumps on the road. The power reserve is 15 km. Among other features - the ability to adjust the height of the steering wheel, the presence of a display, built-in headlights.

A very light and comfortable scooter for walking around the city. Its weight is only 3.9 kg, while the maximum load can be up to 100 kg thanks to the reinforced deck. The steering wheel can be adjusted up to 90 cm. The handles are protected by rubber pads, thanks to which the hands will not slip. Also, the deck is completely covered with an anti-slip coating that prevents the feet from slipping. The design itself is foldable. Among the disadvantages are the noise of the wheels while driving and the unstable footboard.

An off-road scooter that will become an indispensable assistant for those who lives far from the city center or loves to get out into nature. The front wheel is 50 cm, and the rear wheel is 40 cm with inflatable tubes that can even drive over cobblestones or sand. A handbrake is installed, disc brakes can stop the structure even at high speed. Sturdy steel frame. The construction is awkward. The steering wheel is wide enough. Maximum load - 150 kg. Of the minuses, one can single out large dimensions (length 158 cm, subject to a solid construction, weight - 11.8 kg).

Before purchasing a scooter for yourself or your child, you should know what parameters are optimal for a particular category. Before going to the store, experts recommend that you familiarize yourself with the recommendations for choosing such a high-quality means of transportation as a scooter.

• Frame... Can be foldable and one-piece. Urban models usually have a foldable structure for more comfortable transport, while off-road and sporty models have a solid frame for added strength. The best material is an alloy of steel or aluminum (it is lighter). The optimal weight of the structure is up to 5 kg, subject to a load of up to 150 kg.
• Brake system... It can be front (disc and shoe) and back. If the first option can be found on off-road models or electric scooters, then the rear brake system is installed in most urban and sports models.
• Deck (platform for feet)... There should be an anti-slip coating that will ensure the stability of the feet while riding. As for the width, for urban models it is up to 15 cm, and for sports models it is already 10-11 cm.
• Steering wheel. Should be strong, wide enough and comfortable. Foldable handles help you carry the structure comfortably. If the scooter is for a child or teenager, then there should be sections for height adjustment.
• Wheels... In sports models, the diameter reaches 110 mm, and in urban models - from 180 mm. The mountain scooters are equipped with inflatable chambers. They make it easier to drive on bumpy roads, but there is a risk of puncture. Better to opt for rubber or polyurethane. The optimum stiffness is 72A-76A.

To ensure safe scooter riding, you need to responsibly approach this problem and adjust the braking system. If it works poorly or completely malfunctioning, this can threaten not only damage to the scooter itself, but also lead to serious injuries. Most often, problems arise with a hand-held shoe brake.

Typically, the problem is divided into two types.

• You need to loosen up. If the brake system is too tight and grips the rear wheel, then it is necessary to loosen it. To do this, unfold the scooter and slightly press the brake lever several times. It happens when, in the folded state of the scooter, the cable is strongly stretched and the block becomes pressed against the wheel. This does not allow it to rotate normally while driving. If this does not help, then adjustment is indispensable.

• Need to tighten. The braking system may be weakened if, after a long period of using the scooter, the wheels gradually wear out. If the wheel is worn out and the effectiveness of the brakes has become worse, then you need to turn the nut to the right using the same wrench.

An example of setting up the brakes on a scooter is shown in the video below.