If you’ve ever waited in gridlock, you’ve probably fantasized about cutting through traffic, veering past brake lights with speed and grace. That’s why urban scooters are so popular. Not only are they a way to exercise and enjoy yourself, but urban scooters are an efficient way to commute. Small enough to fold down and tuck into your trunk, scooters let you embrace your inner child without letting go of your adult side. Of course, that relies on you finding a quality scooter that’s up to the task. Just like your car wheels need to support the chassis, the scooter wheels need to support your weight. The handles must be responsive, the base has to offer suitable traction, and the entire scooter needs to come together into something fun and easy to use. To help you track down the best urban scooters available, we’ve broken down a list of the top options along with some tips on finding a good match.
The Best Urban Scooters
Are you looking for a scooter that makes it easy to ride in any conditions? Consider the Hudora Adult Folding Scooter for its smooth-riding design. Capable of supporting up to 220 pounds, this model is suitable for children and adults alike. It features prominent polyurethane wheels, elastic enough to buffer out bumps in the road (much like the shocks in your vehicle). With a strong aluminum frame, the scooter balances a lightweight design with structural integrity. It weighs less than nine pounds, making it easy to bring the scooter wherever you go. Folding down for optimal portability, you can tuck this scooter in your trunk for a quick ride anytime. Everything from the handlebar cushioning to the easy steering makes this scooter a user-friendly option overall.
Of course, no item is perfect. While this scooter is easy to ride with smooth controls, it can be tricky to use the rear brakes. To make it easier, take some time to practice before your first big ride.
- Includes adjustable bar
- Deck reinforced for added strength
- Supports up to 220 pounds
- Works for children and adults
- Brand LIYU
- Model LY-205-1475
- Weight N/A
Designed for easy steering
Wheels absorb shock on the road
Lightweight aluminum frame
Can be tricky to control brakes
Vulnerable to rust at folding parts
Handlebars wear down with time
Want to explore the wild world of urban scootering, but don’t want to overspend to get there? If so, check out the Hurtle Adjustable Kick Scooter for its affordable price point and stylish design. The bright blue scooter touts a frame constructed out of steel alloy, a lightweight yet highly durable material. Weighing less than 6 pounds, this scooter is still able to support the weight of an adult. The polyurethane wheels tout smooth bearings, meant to absorb any shock from the road. With an adjustable T-style handlebar system, you can control the height of the ride easily. The handles themselves are curved, both for comfort and to make steering by leaning easier. Featuring a kickstand for easy parking, this kick scooter is both easy to ride and store between excursions.
Keep in mind that, though the scooter is easy to use if you have the experience, the width of the deck leaves something to be desired. Though textured, it is moderately thin and requires some extra practice to balance comfortably.
- The deck features a prominent kickstand
- Large wheels absorb shocks
- Steers by the rider shifting their weight
- Adjustable, T-style handlebars
- Brand Hurtle
- Model B08PJT33KR
- Weight 5.19 pounds
Deck is textured for good grip
Handlebars designed for comfort
Folding design is very portable
Rear braking has a learning curve
Relatively thin deck
Handlebars don’t have much padding
Those who want to ride in style can get a lot of benefits out of the Razor A5 Air Kick Scooter. All aspects of its design are meant to foster a smooth ride, without foregoing either aesthetics or durability. Ideal for commuting, it features a prominent deck that enables even the tallest riders to scooter in comfort. The large wheels (at over eight inches) are built to absorb shock, keeping you stable as you move on the sidewalk — even if it’s bumpy. In terms of steering, this model has prominent handlebars that incorporate soft rubber grips. These work to keep your hands comfortable, as well as keeping traction while you tilt to steer the ride. With powerful shocks and a durable structure, this scooter is a fantastic option for serious riders.
Bear in mind that, given the advanced features of this model, it comes at a moderately higher price point. However, as a long-term investment, this scooter is a worthy candidate.
- Long deck at over 13 inches
- Large, pneumatic tires absorb shock
- Frame is made out of aluminum
- Rear-braking system
- Brand Razor
- Model B08FF TYJT
- Weight 5.19 pounds
Folds for easy and compact storage
Rides smoothly and without rattling
Handlebar height is easy to adjust
Rubber grips wear down over time
Aluminum vulnerable to impact
Hinges susceptible to rust
Are you looking to get the next generation excited about the wide world of scooters? The CityGlide C200 Kick Scooter is built to work with riders of all ages, making it a terrific option for families. Supporting up to 220 pounds, the tilt-to-steer design is highly responsive, making it easy to take turns. The wheels are made out of high-grade polymer, incorporating well-lubricated bearings to reduce the impact of bumps on the road. Featuring a textured deck, it is easy to keep your traction on the scooter, even if you’re traveling at fast speeds. Made to be compact, the scooter fits well inside of your trunk so you can drive to the perfect riding spot. Working well for both recreation and commuting, this scooter is both versatile and user-friendly.
It warrants a mention that this scooter requires a fair bit of assembly once it arrives. Be sure to set aside at least half an hour to get it set up. That said, once put together, the scooter requires limited upkeep.
- Strong aluminum frame
- Supports up to 220 pounds
- Suitable for riders 8 years and up
- Foldable and compact design
- Brand CITYGLIDE
- Model B07X8R9MHB
- Weight 9 pounds
Works for adults and children
Fits into small spaces
Wheels designed to absorb shock
Requires some assembly
Shocks wear down with time
Large and heavy handles
Whether you commute on a scooter or tuck it in your trunk for a lunchtime ride, the Lascoota Folding Scooter is handy to keep around. Featuring a streamlined design that folds down compactly to optimize portability, this scooter is ideal for adults. It can support substantial weight, largely due to the low-lying deck and prominent wheels. By incorporating quality bearings, the scooter absorbs shock and gives you a smooth ride. With a slip-resistant deck, you can effortlessly keep traction no matter how fast you’re riding. The handlebars help to make steering easy with their large structure aiding in both maneuvering and balancing. Working on pavement of all types, the powerful rear brakes let you come to an effortless stop. Well-suited to both casual and serious riders, this is a worthy scooter candidate for adults.
With four height adjustment settings, it is useful to note that the scooter won’t work for really tall riders. Maxing out at 39 inches, be sure that the scooter can accommodate your arm length before you make your pick.
- Dual suspension design
- Built for adult riders
- Rear braking system
- Made of steel and aluminum
- Brand Lascoota
- Model Varies
Prominent wheels with good shocks
Slip-resistant, sizeable deck
Easy scooter to maintain
Not suitable for younger riders
Limited height adjustment
Folding parts vulnerable to rust
Need a scooter that is built for adult riders maneuvering in urban settings? Check out the Swagtron Folding Scooter for its strong frame and responsive design. Capable of supporting up to 220 pounds, the scooter can handle all types of pavement. The durable wheels are crafted specifically for shock-absorption, meaning you don’t have to worry about cracks in the road. Perhaps its key benefit is the optimal portability. This scooter is built to fold easily and expand quickly, letting you hit the road in a jiffy. You can tuck it in your vehicle or park it using the kickstand for even quicker access. Since it’s made out of aluminum, it’s lightweight frame makes it easy to bring the scooter wherever you go.
Bear in mind that, though the scooter is easy to maneuver and lightweight, the aluminum frame can be somewhat vulnerable to impact. Be careful to not put excessive force on the deck since this can result in warping or denting.
- Comes in multiple color options
- Frame made of aluminum
- Polyurethane, shock-absorbing wheels
- Foldable scooter design
- Brand Swagtron
- Model 99188-9 K8
- Weight 9.75 pounds
Straightforward design and function
Fosters a smooth ride
Responsive turning
Wears down if used on bumpy roads
Wheels can get shaky
Requires ongoing maintenance
Once you’ve grown fluent in urban riding, you can tackle more than mere commuting — there is an almost endless world of tricks out there. The Albott Pro Scooters Stunt Scooter is a fantastic way to learn tricks. For starters, it has a relatively broad deck which lets you stay stable while riding. Wide enough and incorporating texturing, the scooter helps you retain balance. It features durable wheels made out of high-grade polyurethane material. Inside of the wheels are lubricated bearings to help absorb shocks (essential for a lot of tricks). As the cherry on the sundae, it features oversized handlebars that rotate over a full 360 degrees. Stylish and easy to maneuver, this stunt scooter is a terrific choice for those who want to evolve their scooter skill set.
It’s worth noting that, though the scooter’s handlebars are perfect for tricks, it only supports 200 pounds. As a result, depending on the rider, the deck and wheels can warp during really forceful jumps.
- Designed for performing trucks
- Made out of aluminum and steel
- Sturdy polyurethane wheels
- Comes in four color options
- Brand Albott
- Model B07X8WPF7G
- Weight 7.3 pounds
Lightweight and portable design
Handlebar rotates a full 360 degrees
Prominent handles for tricks
Wheels incorporate smooth bearings
Has no suspension system
Requires some setup
Only supports 200 pounds
Best Urban Scooters Buying Guide & FAQ
When choosing a scooter, the key is to find something that you are going to be happy using and an option that will last. There are two main purposes of scooters: commuting and tricks. Depending on your riding style, you’ll want a scooter that supports those demands. Consider your level of experience when making your choice. Newer riders usually benefit from a commuter scooter as a way to learn.
From exercise to coordination, urban scooters give riders of all ages a chance to develop skills — so long as you find the right fit. Be sure to check the weight threshold and assess the individual components of the scooter. Ensure that all the essentials (wheels, handles, deck, etc.) are in good, working order. So long as all those components meet your standards, pick the scooter that will offer you the full range of benefits.
Do You Need an Urban Scooter?
Especially in cities riddled with gridlock, it can be tricky to carve out time to even get to a park to exercise (particularly if you are looking for something low-impact). A scooter is, effectively, an on-the-go gym. With most folding options, you can tuck them in an apartment closet or the backseat of your car. Then, whenever the mood strikes, you can rapidly expand it and get your exercise on right away.
Working out using a scooter for exercise offers more than just cardio benefits. Because of the deck and handlebar design, it fosters skills like balance and coordination. Kick scooters require proper timing. The tilt-to-steer structure demands both balance and coordination. Regardless of age, these skills offer far-reaching benefits in all aspects of life.
Another reason urban scooters are so popular is their ability to add ease to commutes. Urban scooters are designed to absorb the shock of bumps in the pavement, letting you smoothly get to work. Instead of battling traffic jams, a scooter lets you cut through the noise, save time, and improve the efficiency of your daily life. These aren’t the only benefits — the advantages of scooters are truly far-reaching.
- Eco-friendly mode of transportation.
- Low-impact form of exercise.
- Facilitates advanced motor function.
- Compact and easy to transport.
- Durable and low-maintenance.
- Lets you continually learn tricks and develop skills.
- Can make commutes more efficient.
The Most Common Types of Urban Scooters
While all urban scooters share a few things in common, there is more than one type from which to choose. The most beneficial type of urban scooter depends on how you plan to use it. From exercise to tricks, the type of scooter will dictate the function it performs best. Identify what function you are going to use most to get the full range of advantages.
Kick Scooter
The classic type of scooter, this is probably the most prominent type of urban scooter on the market. These scooters are usually foldable, collapsing where the handle meets the deck so you can tuck it into your truck for easy transportation. Lightweight by design, these scooters are made either out of aluminum or steel.
Depending on the size of the wheels, you can focus on either speed or stability. Most who use a scooter for commuting tend to favor mid-sized wheels for their ability to balance the two benefits. Typically, these scooters will support over 200 pounds and allow you to adjust the height of the handlebars.
Most often, this type of scooter uses a tilt-to-steer system. You lean to maneuver the direction of the scooter. Paired with a rear-braking system and a kickstand, these scooters promote agility. Keep in mind that, while efficient for travel, these scooters are restricted to use on the sidewalk since they are not ‘street-legal’ as a moped would be.
Trick Scooter
Another popular type of urban scooter is one designed to perform tricks. While these share a lot of similarities with kick scooters, there are some noteworthy differences. For starters, trick scooters will tout more adjustable handlebars. Usually able to swivel, the handles often spin over a full 360 degrees.
Trick scooters usually feature smaller wheels, improving overall agility. Typically, the hardness level of the polyurethane wheels will be higher. It limits friction with the ground and lets you move around more fluidly. While you can technically use these scooters to travel, they are better suited for recreational purposes.
Key Features of Urban Scooters
Urban scooters have some iconic features, that enable them to function well on pavement and withstand the demands of city environments. Naturally, this means that the scooter must be able to fit in tight quarters since most urban environments are fairly crowded. So long as you can get the scooter to fit, and it has all the necessary features, you should be all set to ride.
Deck
The deck is the part of the scooter where you put your feet. To be viable, the deck needs to meet specific criteria. For starters, it needs to be strong enough to support your weight without warping. The deck should have some sort of texturing on the surface, preventing you from slipping while you ride.
Another important aspect of this feature is the actual deck size. It needs to be long enough to fit your feet (with some room to spare). Compare the length to your shoe size to ensure that it is big enough to support you while in motion. It must also be wide enough to keep you balanced while in motion.
Wheels
Essential to the movement of the scooter is the wheels. The exterior is almost always made out of polyurethane, though the density and hardness of the material vary. Those focused on commuting can benefit from softer wheels since it facilitates traction with the road and makes braking easier. Those performing tricks may prefer the reduced friction coefficient of harder wheels.
Inside of the wheel structure are the bearings. These are essential to the smooth movement of the wheels themselves. The bearings must be lubricated to roll smoothly. There to limit the contact surface area, the bearings inside the urban scooter wheels must be sealed against the elements to foster durability.
Handlebars
Without handlebars, a scooter would just be a skinny skateboard. The handle rises from the front of the deck and is usually adjustable. Most models fold open, letting you bend the handle upwards and lock it in place. Once expanded, you can shift the handle height over a variety of settings. The right fit will be predicated on the length of the riders’ arms.
The other aspect of the handle is the handlebars themselves. Ideally, they are curved for ergonomic support. This helps your hands stay comfortable while you ride. Either rubber or foam grips facilitate traction and are easier on the skin. Finally, the measurement of the handlebars will differ based on the type of scooters, with those meant for tricks being generally larger.
What to Look for When Buying Urban Scooters
Once you’ve determined that the urban scooter meets all the necessary criteria in terms of features, you can move on to more personally-curated considerations. Perhaps the most important is the weight threshold of the scooter. Technically a measurement of force, be sure to give yourself a bit of leeway since landing after a jump adds extra weight to the wheels and deck.
Next, look at the style of the scooter itself. Is it in a color that you like? Will you feel comfortable riding it considering the wheel size, handlebar design, and deck structure? You can personalize the scooter with everything from stickers to bicycle bells, truly making it your own. Urban scooters can last for quite some time, so be sure that you like the scooter since you are likely to have it for years.
Finally, lend a thought to the upkeep requirements of the particular urban scooter model in question. Are the wheels well-sealed or are you likely to have to replace them or their bearings? Does the handlebar have padding that is vulnerable to wear? With most models, as long as you keep the scooter clean and dry, the maintenance needs are pretty basic. So, as long as the scooter can support your weight, isn’t too demanding, and is something you like, it should be a good way to go.
Best Urban Scooters FAQs:
Especially if you haven’t been scootering for your whole life, there is a bit of a learning curve. As a result, there are tons of questions relating to tracking down the best urban scooters. Practice makes perfect, but research never hurts. So, to assist, we’ve addressed some of the most common inquiries here.
The best scooter for adults is durable, moves efficiently, and steers responsively. A good option is the Hudora Adult Folding Scooter for its sleek design and user-friendly function.
If you’re looking to save without sacrificing quality, then the Hurtle Adjustable Kick Scooter is a worthy candidate.
When used as a part of a regular exercise routine, scooters can help riders to achieve weight loss goals.
Our Top Pick
After careful consideration, we’ve named the Hudora Adult Folding Scooter as our top choice. It touts a durable and user-friendly design that is ideal for getting around quickly. Compact, portable, and lightweight, it fits just about anywhere. With strong wheels and a reliable deck, this urban scooter is useful to have around.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re familiar with the ins and outs of urban scooters, you can make your pick. It could be the Hudora Adult Folding Scooter or the affordability of the Hurtle Adjustable Kick Scooter. There’s a model out there for everyone. Happy riding!
Sources:
- Kick Scooter – Wikipedia