Wanted: Kids electric scooter that doesn't give Mom a heart attack!

Is there a kids electric scooter that's more than a toy, but is still safe enough not to scare Mom to death? Here's another item from the email bag...Angie from Minneapolis wrote this the other day: My 11-year-old is a bit of a daredevil, and while he's gonna need a scooter that can stand up to heavy use, it shouldn't be too much of a rocket. I don't want to make any unscheduled trips to the emergency room; ) Got any tips?

Answer: Well, yes..but.

• Tip #1: Avoid off-brand and no-name scooters, especially if you're planning to put your kids on them. I really understand the urge to save money, believe me, however...the high-watt, low-safety, fall-apart cough*Chinese*cough copies are not worth the money you'll spend on them.
  
  

Now, that doesn't mean all Chinese scooters are evil. In fact, my top-pick recommendation is a Chinese scooter, but is a well-known brand name (X-treme scooters), is excellent quality for the money (you could pay more and get more, but why, if it's basically a toy?), and has all my important safety features as standard equipment. Which leads me to...



• Tip #2: Safety features are not optional.

In my opinion, safety features on a kids electric scooter that I would never compromise on are a twist throttle and hand-squeeze rear brakes.

Personally, I try to keep the visions of my Little Pumpkin going head-over-headlights into tire-squealing traffic to a strict minimum, and this is how I do it: I'm paranoid about safety features.


The twist throttle has variable speeds, meaning, you go faster when you twist forward harder, just like a motorcycle. Some cheap scooters have on-off switch throttles rather than variable speed, so if the rider encounters a downhill stretch or some obstacle, she can't slow down.

If the rider falls off, the twist throttle automatically slows to a stop.

I've seen some scooters with variable speed switch throttles, which is easy to confuse with the twist throttle (also variable speed), but not easy to use in an emergency.

The hand-squeeze rear brakes work just like the brakes on most bicycles, and help the rider come to a safe stop without flipping. They're easy to use and intuitive for a bike-riding kid.



• Tip #3: For the money, I like the X-treme scooters.

The American-made scooters like the Go-ped have excellent, aircraft-quality construction, but are considerably more expensive and are designed with the commuter or the scooter-competitor in mind. If your kid is a beginner, why spend the money?

I was looking for a scooter that would be suitable for a beginner, price-wise, but safe, strong, and adequate. I was impressed with these, although I was initially quite skeptical about a Chinese-made product.



• Tip #4: Where you buy it matters.

I've talked about this elsewhere, but the big box stores and ebay merchants have a strong tendency to be lacking in two key areas: customer service, and battery care.
Why?
Because they don't know anything about scooters, and they don't know anything about batteries. Batteries have a shelf life, and generally speaking, they need to stay charged to avoid premature aging.


Furthermore, they won't let your kid test-drive the scooter anyway, for liability reasons...

...so you're better off getting comparable prices from a reputable online store.

I've found a source for these, urbanscooters.com, that I really like. They offer:

• free ground shipping in the US;
• a free 90-day warranty upgrade;
• a 60-day warranty on the batteries;
• priority service; and
• lifetime technical support.

If you find a better deal than this (from a reputable online dealer, of course; ), please do me a favor and let me know.

X-treme X-10 Mini-Scooter

Suitable for the middle-school set, not too fast, not too powerful. Still...don't forget helmets and knee pads! (There I go again, sorry; )

X-Treme X-10 Mini Electric Scooter - $ 129.95 Description: The X-Treme X-10 mini electric scooter is a great electric scooter for kids. This little electric scooter is perfect for a child making the switch from push to electric. It's a toned down version of those grown up electric scooters they'll be screaming for in years to come. The X-10 comes with features not offered on similar models like a variable speed twist throttle and real hand lever operated brakes. The X-Treme X-10 Mini folds for easy storage and because it's electric the X-10 is environmentally friendly, noise-free, and operates on pennies a day. The X-10 is a terrific introduction to the world of electric scooters. X-10 Specifications: • Speed: 8 mph • Range: 8 miles • Motor: 100 watts • Frame: High tensile strength steel frame with an impact resistant fiber resin deck. Non-slip grip tape on deck with cool X-Treme scooter flame logo. • Drive Train: Belt driven motor with a variable speed twist throttle. • Battery: 24 volt, maintenance free sealed lead acid batteries (dual 12v). • Charge Time: 3 - 6 hours. • Brakes: Rear band braking system. Hand lever activated. • Dimensions: Length 30.5", Width at handlebars 15", at deck 5", Height 35" - 39", Height folded 11" • Weight: 16 lbs. • Carrying Capacity: 175 lbs. • Tires: 6" solid, polyurethane tires. • X-Treme Warranty: The X-10 comes with a 30 day manufacturer's warranty (optional 90 day coverage with additional purchase). 6 month warranty on the battery. Lifetime technical support! Standard Features: • Adjustable height handlebars that fold for easy transport and storage. • On/Off toggle switch ignition. • Smart battery charger. • Kickstand. • Tool kit.

X-treme X-140 Electric Scooter

X-Treme X-140 Electric Scooter - $ 179.95 Description: The X-Treme X-140 is perfect for kids who need an electric scooter that's more heavy duty than the X-Treme X-10. The X-Treme X-140 offers many enhanced features not found in the X-10 for only a few dollars more. The X-140 comes with a 140 watt electric motor, increased speed and range, a larger frame, brake inhibit, increased carrying capacity, and 8" air filled tires for a more comfortable ride. The X-Treme X-140 folds for easy storage and because it's electric the X-140 is environmentally friendly, noise-free, and operates on pennies a day. X-140 Specifications: • Speed: 10 mph • Range: 10 miles • Motor: 140 watts • Frame: High tensile strength steel frame with an aluminum deck, polished steel forks, non-slip grip tape on deck with cool X-Treme scooter flame logo. • Drive System: Belt drive. Variable speed twist throttle. • Battery: 24v, 4.5amp, maintenance free sealed lead acid batteries (dual 12v, 4.5amp). • Charge Time: 6 - 8 hours. • Brakes: Rear drum braking system. Brake inhibit safety feature - The hand brake automatically disengages the throttle for increased safety. • Dimensions: Length 32", Width at handlebars 14", at deck 7.5", Height 27.5" - 37.5", when folded 11.5" • Weight: 19 lbs. • Carrying Capacity: 200 lbs. • Tires: 8" pneumatic tires with durable chrome styled plastic rims. • X-Treme Warranty: The X-140 comes with a 30 day manufacturer's warranty (optional 90 day coverage with additional purchase). 6 month warranty on the battery. Lifetime technical support! Standard Features: • Adjustable height handlebars. • Quick handlebar fold and lock system for easy transport and storage. • On/Off toggle switch ignition. • Smart battery charger. • Kickstand. • Tool kit.

It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities.
- Professor Dumbledore

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