Comparison Razor Power Rider 360 vs iTrike JR 3-012

— Scooter. Scooters of a traditional design are a deck with a handlebar mounted on wheels of a relatively small diameter. In other words, this category includes all models that do not belong to more specific varieties.

— Kickboard. A type of scooter that has two wheels in front, and the steering wheel for turning does not need to be turned, but tilted in the appropriate direction. Thanks to three points of support, kickboards are more stable than classic scooters and are well suited for initial learning to ride; in fact, most of these products are designed for a younger age.

— Stunt scooter. A variety of classic scooters designed for sports stunt riding. The main distinguishing feature of such models is increased strength: the frame is made of metal, a one-piece handlebar without adjustment and folding. Also, such scooters can be equipped with pegs and other elements for a stunt programme. However, such models cost accordingly.

— Bicycle scooter. Scooters with bicycle-type wheels: large, with spokes and inflatable tyres. This greatly increases the cross-country ability and allows you to ride even on dirt paths and other uneven terrain. Note that you should not confuse such products with pedal-less bicycles (balance bikes): in this case, we are talking about a variety of sco...oters.

— Trike. The main distinguishing feature of the trikes is the presence of two separate platforms, under each leg. There are three wheels, respectively — one in front and one on the back of each platform. Riding on such a scooter differs from the classic one in that the legs can constantly stand on the platforms. Moving forward in different models is carried out in different ways. One of the options is scooters, where you need to swing from side to side; accordingly, it will not work to drive strictly in a straight line on them — the trajectory of movement will be undulating, and wobbling. Another variety is the so-called "scissors": platforms can move and move apart, like scissor blades, which ensures forward movement.

— Snow scooter. Scooters were originally designed to move on snow. According to the device, they are similar to ordinary scooters. However, instead of each of the wheels, a small ski is installed; in addition, frost-resistant materials are used in the design. At the same time, many snow scooters allow the replacement of skis with wheels and can also be used in the warm season.

— For drifting. Scooters specially designed for driving with the active use of controlled skids. Outwardly, they are similar not so much to scooters as to electric tricycles, they have a seat and three wheels — a front (steering) and two rear ones. When driving, the rider's legs are on the steps and do not touch the ground, traction is provided by an electric motor on the front wheel, and the rear wheels are usually made swivel (as in supermarket carts) and can turn around in the course of skidding. This design allows you to easily and safely perform tricks using drift. And the most advanced and speedy models, designed for professionals, have more traditional rear wheels, without the ability to turn.

The maximum weight of the rider that the design of the scooter can withstand without breakdowns and accidents. This point is partly determined by the age group, and mainly by the materials used in the frame (both points below). Note that manufacturers can indicate the maximum load for perfect conditions — when the scooter rides on a perfectly flat surface or even stands still. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model for this parameter with a certain margin; this is especially important for varieties designed for increased loads, in particular scooters and stunt models (see "product type"). Even more so, you should not exceed the weight indicated in the characteristics — even if the scooter does not break down immediately, this can happen at any time after, which is fraught with accidents and injuries.

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).

— T-bar. A traditional scooter handlebar in the form of a horizontal crossbar on a vertical bar. It is found in almost all types of scooters. Note that in kickboards such a steering wheel usually needs to be tilted rather than turned.

— Bike handlebar. The handlebar has a characteristic curved shape, in which the handles are bent back or moved upward relative to the middle. It is considered more convenient than the classic one, but it is more complex in design and costs more, and the difference in convenience is not so often noticeable. Therefore, this option is found much less frequently, mainly in fairly advanced models — in particular, most bicycle scooters are equipped with just such handlebars.

— Round handle. The handlebar is in the form of a ring or a pair of rings (a kind of “ears”) mounted on a vertical rod; There are also options without a top ring at all, in which the rod ends with a round knob. In any case, this design is used in models where the handlebar does not turn, but tilts from side to side — these can be either kickboards or some specific trikes (see “Type”).

— Y-bar. A handlebar with a bend in the top tube in the shape of the letter Y. Often in such handlebars, side supports are used to strengthen the structure, due to which Y-shaped handlebars are considered more durable in comparison with classic T-bars.

...— Bat-Wing. The shape of the Bat-Wing resembles Y-shaped rudders, but in the upper segment of this version, there is a special horizontal crossbar to strengthen the structure. Bat-Wing handlebars can withstand heavy loads and are installed primarily on stunt scooters.

The weight of the scooter, its strength and resistance to stress depend on the material of the deck. In modern models, the following options can be used:

— Plastic. In scooters, this material belongs to the entry-level. The strength of plastic is low, it is not designed for heavy weight and serious loads — and, therefore, it is found mainly in models of the younger age group and the classic type (see above). On the other hand, in this category, plastic shows itself at its best: it can have almost any colour and pattern, it weighs a little, and it is inexpensive.

— Aluminium. Aluminium-based alloys combine strength, resistance to stress and low weight, due to which they are quite popular as a material among all types of scooters (see above).

— Steel. The main advantage of steel is its high strength, exceeding even aluminium, not to mention plastic. On the other hand, this material has a large weight and therefore is used less often than others, mainly in bicycle scooters (see "Type") of the older age group.

— Magnesium alloy. A fairly advanced material that combines very low weight with high strength and elasticity. At the same time, its cost is also quite high. Therefore, magnesium frames can be found mainly in expensive premium models.

— Carbon. Thi...s term usually refers to carbon fibre — carbon fibre in combination with a polymer filler. Carbon is considered a premium material: its strength is comparable to steel, and its weight is much less. However, such material is sensitive to point impacts — cracks may appear from them. However, in general, such a “trouble” requires a rather unfortunate set of circumstances. But one of the unequivocal disadvantages of carbon can be called a high cost. In addition, we note that this material is used mainly in electric scooters (see "Type") — for other varieties, for several reasons, it is easier to use more affordable materials, even if we are talking about an expensive and high-quality model.

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.

The diameter of the rear wheel(s) of the scooter. See "Front wheel diameter" for details on the value of this parameter.

— Polyurethane. Wheels with solid polyurethane tyres. This material provides good cushioning, high-quality grip and, at the same time, good rolling; it is resistant to temperature extremes and damage, durable, while it is inexpensive. Due to this, polyurethane wheels are the most popular nowadays, they can be installed even in fairly advanced models of scooters — in particular, sports ones.

— Rubber. In this case, we mean wheels with a solid rubber tyre (inflatable wheels are moved to a separate category). According to the main characteristics, rubber is similar to the polyurethane described above, and in some moments even surpasses it. So, such tyres do not make noise, smooth out the roughness of the asphalt well, have excellent grip and provide high braking efficiency. On the other hand, this material is less durable and does not tolerate temperature extremes, and therefore is used much less frequently.

— Silicone. Wheels with a solid tyre made of silicone. These tyres are quite soft; this, on the one hand, worsens the rolling compared to the same polyurethane, on the other hand, it provides excellent cushioning. At the same time, silicone is short-lived and wears out quickly, especially under high loads; therefore, wheels made of this material are quite rare and are considered suitable mainly for children's scooters.

— Plastic. Plastic has a low cost, besides, it can be given almost any colour. On the other hand, hard plastic wheels do not provide cushioning, are very noisy and generally not suitable for fast driving. Therefore, this material is found exclusively in models for kids; while the overall quality and reliability of plastic is highly dependent on the price category.

— Inflatable. The most advanced type of wheels are found in modern scooters. Wheels of this type have an inflatable tyre (as in bicycles), which provides excellent shock absorption and good grip. The disadvantages of inflatable tyres, in addition to the price, include sensitivity to punctures and increased maintenance complexity: you need to monitor the pressure and, if necessary, inflate the tyre.

— No brake. The rear wheel is not equipped with a brake. In this case, the braking system may be provided at the front. However, some scooters do not have brakes both at the rear and at the front. The advantage of scooters without a rear brake is that the vehicle will not skid to the side when braking actively when cornering. Scooters without brakes, both front and rear, are mostly the simplest children's models that do not accelerate to a dangerous speed. In this case, braking occurs either by reducing the overrun or by kicking the ground.

— Rim. Rim brakes slow and stop the scooter by pressing the pads against the wheel rim. The rim brake system has an average efficiency. Usually, the scooter stops gently and smoothly. The rim brake is most often installed on the rear wheel of the scooter. The soft brake prevents the vehicle from skidding when braking on turns. Rim brakes are good because they have a simple design. This kind of braking system is easy to maintain. The weak point of rim brakes is a sharp decrease in efficiency when moisture enters the rim.

— Disk. The disc brake on the rear wheel ensures a quick stop of the scooter. This type of braking system is designed more for sports and stunt scooters that often need to quickly decelerate at high speed. But the disc brake can also be found in pleasure, as well as city boards. Disc brakes have a short-stroke friction clutch. Due to the small distance between the pads and the disc, the friction...clutch very quickly comes into contact with the working surface of the brake disc. In this case, the friction clutch is pressed against the disk with a sufficiently large force. The disc brake allows the scooter to stop extremely efficiently. But when using a disc brake on the rear wheel, you should be careful, because when braking hard, especially when cornering, the scooter can skid to the side.

— Drum. The drum brake has above-average efficiency. The drum brake makes the rear wheel massive and heavy. For this reason, scooters with a drum brake system are rarely used as a stunt and sport scooters, but there are exceptions. Urban models are often equipped with a drum-type brake. This type of brake has a closed design. The pads are inside the wheel. Friction linings rub against the inner surface of the rim. Access to the drum brake is closed by a protective cover. Thanks to the closed design, neither moisture nor other blockages get inside the brake drum, which makes the brake operation more reliable and trouble-free. Among the shortcomings can be noted an increase in the dimensions and weight of the wheel and the complexity of maintenance.

— Electric Electric brake is used on electric scooters. The brake system of this type makes the stop extremely soft, slowing down occurs when the speed of the electric motor decreases. The rear location of the electric brake assumes that the electric motor is mounted on the rear wheel. The presence of an electric motor makes the wheel massive, it is difficult to use such scooters for stunts or sports riding, although the engine allows you to quickly pick up and hold speed for a long time. The electric brake system is highly reliable and durable, it does not require maintenance. But if the battery pack on the scooter runs out, the electric brake will not work. For such cases, an additional mechanical (hand or foot) brake is usually provided.