Max. load
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.
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).
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.
Deck size
Scooter deck size. This item can indicate both the length and width or only one size — most often this is the length.
In general, this parameter is secondary: manufacturers choose the size of the deck depending on the type, age category, general specialization and other features of the scooter. Legroom, usually, is guaranteed to be enough on the deck. We only note that shorter decks are more agile, and longer ones are stable on the course.
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.
