Off-road scooters: varieties and selection criteria

An off-road scooter is a transport device designed for riding on sandy, bumpy or just plain bad roads. Movement is carried out by repeatedly pushing the leg off the ground in a standing position, holding the steering wheel with your hands. The inventor of such a convenient device was Karl von Dresen in 1820.

Initially, the movement took place through the front wheel. In Europe, the popularity of the scooter has grown rapidly. At the present time, their assortment is very large. They are in great demand among both adults and children. Let's take a closer look at what an off-road scooter is.

The main difference between this scooter model is thick, large wheels (their diameter is about 200 mm), After all, riding this scooter is not designed for speed, but for stability and cross-country ability.

Large wheels are heavy and soft. There is a camera in them. It provides a soft ride over bumps and good shock absorption.

The presence of two brakes ensures safe driving on slopes and large potholes, off-road... Such scooters are not intended for city trips, because they are difficult to accelerate and maintain speed.

The frame for off-road models can be folded, which is very convenient for transportation. Made of steel or aluminum.

For the lazy, there is an option to travel on a scooter with a motor. Very compact and portable, easy to store. It is not suitable for stunts, but it develops a decent speed of up to 25 km / h. Electric charging of the engine makes it possible to cover a distance of up to 15 km. It has a fairly large weight due to the mass of the electric motor and battery. The cost of such a convenient motorized device is quite high.

The kick scooter is practically an off-road vehicle. Large inflatable wheels, reminiscent of bicycle wheels, can be up to 20 inches in diameter. It copes well with driving both on city roads and off-road.

Unlike adults, they have a simplified design and are lightweight. Designed for users weighing up to 50 kg. There is no steering rack.

There are three types.

• Two-wheeled are intended for children between the ages of six and ten. At this age, children are already stronger and can keep their balance on their own. They are offered two-wheeled scooters with a folding frame made of metal. The steering wheel is adjustable. Wheels are used with a diameter of 130 to 190 mm. For children over 10 years old and teenagers, two-wheeled scooters with wheel diameters from 200 to 230 mm are suitable. The metal structure also has a metal platform. These scooters can withstand a load of 50 kg. The steering wheel is adjustable, you can adjust to the required height. The folding mechanism makes it compact and easy to carry.
• Three-wheeled and four-wheeled are intended for children from 2 to 4 years old who do not know how to keep their balance. These options have a tilting mechanism. Very light, the frame is made of plastic or aluminum, there is a folding mechanism. The height of the handlebars is not adjustable for the height of the child. The three-wheeled model has two wheels in front. By tilting the steering wheel in different directions, you can make a turn. Two platforms are adapted for the legs, separately for each foot. This is provided so that the baby can ride without even pushing off the ground, transferring weight from one leg to the other.
• The scooters for the age category 4 to 6 also have three wheels, but 2 are now at the back. This arrangement allows the scooter to be more stable and maneuverable. Such models are made of aluminum, there is a folding mechanism. The steering wheel turns and is height adjustable. The diameter of the wheels is usually from 120 mm to 130 mm.

The choice of an off-road scooter for an adult should be approached more carefully, relying on some points: design, frame material, quality and size, type of brakes.

• Frame material. Aluminum - very popular, durable and lightweight, does not rust. Steel - has a heavier weight, but stronger than aluminum. Used in inexpensive models as steel is cheaper. Magnesium alloy is an expensive material that has high strength and light weight, but also, of course, a high price.
• Design. Maybe with a stand. It is an adapted lever capable of fixing the scooter in a standing position during a stop.
• Wheels... They are large for off-road scooters. Thanks to their large diameter, transport becomes more stable. The stiffness of the wheels has different markings. For example, -50 A - soft wheels that provide good grip and shock absorption. But they are more susceptible to punctures and rapid wear. Designation 101 A has inflexible wheels with a long period of use. Maintain speed. When choosing the stiffness of the wheels, the weight of the vehicle must be taken into account. The larger it is, the higher the stiffness of the wheels should be.
• Wheel material... It can be polyurethane, its main qualities are durability, noiselessness. Inflatable - consist of a rim and a tire. Their distinctive feature is the best shock absorption. Puncture sensitive. The disadvantage is the constant inflation of the tires.
• Bearings... They are divided into classes according to American ABEC standards. There are five classes (1,3,5,7,9), the higher it is, the higher the accuracy of production, the better the strength, the longer the period of use and the higher the price.Brakes are not only foot brakes, but also combined (foot and hand). The most common is the first. It is simple and reliable. Combined combines two types of braking, thereby increasing reliability. The cost of scooters with this type of braking is much higher.

In the ranking of the best brands of quality scooters - Weels, Oxelo, Micro, Xootr, Razor and Novatrack Stamp. Particular attention should be paid to the latest brand, so we will review its models.

Novatrack Stamp offers a wide range of off-road scooters to choose from. A distinctive feature is the large size inflatable wheels. Riding them will be pleasant thanks to the air chamber inside the tire, which is an excellent shock absorber.

To select the right model, consider the criteria for the differences in Novatrack Stamp N scooters.

• Wheel size. In this company, off-road scooters are divided into two categories: for children and adults. For teenagers and children, there are models of scooters with wheels having a diameter of 12 inches. The load for these types is calculated up to 100 kg. For adults, you should look out for models with a front wheel with a diameter of 16 or 18 inches: they are more powerful. They have a higher handlebar, have a load of up to 120 kg, and look more massive. Wheels on wheels are black or white.
• The presence of fenders on the rear or front wheel. If wings are not provided for a particular model, then they can be purchased separately.
• Brakes. There is one rear wheel or two at once. Double braking gives a quick stop, especially at high speeds.
• Rudder type... There are three types of handlebars: straight, bicycle, BMX. A straight steering wheel is a common option without superiority. In cycling, it is possible to change the angle of inclination to the position you need. BMX is a type of bicycle handlebar, only reinforced. To make the scooter comfortable to use, its platform is made wider. But the frame is also made wider so that the edges of the platform do not break. In all models of this company, the frame consists of three crossbars, thanks to which the rider's weight is distributed evenly. Only one Stamp N2 model has a single frame. Therefore, it is suitable for children and adolescents.

In some models, the old bushings of bulk bearings were replaced with new industrial types. Thereby they do not require lubrication and cleaning, the amount of the substance is always preserved, and they have a longer service life.

If you plan to ride out of town on a dirt road, get yourself an all-terrain scooter. In addition to all its functional features, it looks beautiful and solid. Your journey will be easy and comfortable with it.

You will learn how to make an off-road scooter with your own hands in the following video.