Age, from
The minimum age at which a child can be entrusted with a scooter. These recommendations are quite approximate, but it is highly not recommended to deviate from them. In the case of electric scooters (see "Type"), it is worth considering that in some countries, to control such devices, you need rights obtained from a certain age; so when buying a similar model, it's ok to clarify the requirements of traffic rules.
The allowable load directly depends on the age group; according to this criterion, modern scooters can be divided into
children's(permissible load up to 50 kg),
teenage(from 50 to 80 kg), and
adults(80 kg or more).
Front wheel size
The diameter of the front wheel(s) of the scooter.
This parameter is selected by the manufacturer depending on the type, age category and general purpose of the scooter. If we compare similar models with different wheel diameters, then it is worth considering that the larger the wheels, the better they work on the bumps in the road, and the higher the cross-country ability. And small wheels, in turn, are great for smooth asphalt and dynamic driving, they easily accelerate and allow you to make sharp turns.
Rear wheel(s) size
The diameter of the rear wheel(s) of the scooter. See "Front wheel diameter" for details on the value of this parameter.
Bearing
Bearings that the scooter is equipped with. This paragraph usually indicates not the model/brand, but the class of bearings according to the ABEC standard. Standard options for modern scooters are
ABEC 5,
ABEC 7, and
ABEC 9 ; the higher the number, the higher the quality and accuracy of the part.
There is an opinion that better bearings allow you to accelerate better and go faster. This is partly true, but acceleration and speed are highly dependent on a number of other points — the size and material of the wheels, the weight of the scooter, etc. So models with bearings of the same class can differ markedly in speed characteristics. But what this indicator unambiguously affects is durability and price: high accuracy affects the cost, but such bearings last longer and carry loads better.
Also note that for relatively simple use, ABEC 5 class bearings are quite enough. It makes sense to specifically look for a model with ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 only if you need a scooter for advanced stunts or professional high-speed riding. However, if the selected model has high-quality bearings, it will not be worse from them anyway.
Max. height
The maximum height to which the height-adjustable handlebar can be set (or just the height of the handlebar in the working position, if height adjustment is not provided).
The height of the handlebars should be such that the rider can stand on the deck straight, without bending his back, and hold on to the handles with slightly bent arms. At the same time, there is no unambiguous relationship between this parameter and the height of the rider. So the perfect option to determine the optimal height is to try it yourself, and then choose a scooter based on the result.
Footspace
This term refers to the useful area of the deck on which you can put your foot. It is size without taking into account the folding mechanism, wheel fastening and other elements that are not intended for the leg.
Weight
The total weight of the scooter; for electric models it is the total operating weight is indicated, with batteries installed.
This option has two meanings. Thus, lighter scooters accelerate and manoeuvre better and require less effort from the user. In turn, more massive models maintain speed longer and are more stable on the course. In addition, note that less weight, other things being equal, means either less strength or more cost.
The lightest modern scooters weigh
less than 2 kg — these are mostly relatively inexpensive classic models and kickboards (see "Type"). Sports models already have a weight
of 2.5 kg, and often more. The most massive among non-self-propelled models are scooters —
from 5 kg. And electric scooters inevitably turn out to be heavy due to motors and batteries, their mass can reach
10 kg or even more.