Buying guide for best kick scooters for adults
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If you can safely get somewhere faster, you have more free time to spend the way you want. Kick scooters for adults provide a fast, efficient way to get from here to there and back again. They're popular for commutes, where they're twice as fast as walking but more lightweight and compact than bikes.
Choosing your first adult kick scooter can seem daunting, but we're here to help answer your questions. You'll need to consider the size and type of wheels on your scooter, as this makes a huge difference in the speed and smoothness of the ride. If you'll be braving bumpy surfaces, a suspension is a must-have. In addition, you'll need to learn about scooter brakes so you're certain you can stop safely.
Our top choice is the sturdy and safe Razor A6, which features a long deck and 42-inch-high handlebars, making it ideal for taller riders.
Editors’ picks
Razor A6
Editors’ Favorite
Deck Length: 13.4” | Handlebar Height: 42” | Wheel Size: 10” | Weight: 10.96 lb | Weight Limit: 220 lb
Made by one of the most popular brands on the market, the Razor A6 is perfect for adults who want to relive childhood memories or commute around town. It features a roomy deck and long handle for a comfortable ride. While it’s speedy, the rear break is easy to access and use when it’s time to slow down or stop.
In addition to weighing just around 11 pounds, this scooter is also foldable. These features make it easy to transport when you aren’t riding it. It can hold up to 220 pounds, making it suitable for teens and adults.
Designed to be quiet and smooth, it has patented handlebars that don’t rattle, so it's not annoying to ride or fold. What’s more, they can be adjusted up to 42 inches to fit riders of different heights. The 10-inch wheels are made of solid urethane that glide easily over different surfaces for an enjoyable ride wherever you venture.
Razor A5 Lux
Great Value
Deck Length: 16.9” | Handlebar Height: 38.6” | Wheel Size: 8” | Weight: 8.75 lb | Weight Limit: 220 lb
The more affordable Razor A5 Lux is a slightly older model than the A6 but with all the rider-friendly features you expect from the brand. It features extra-large urethane wheels that can handle bumps smoothly and a spacious deck to make your commute more enjoyable.
In addition to having practical features, this model is a great choice for those who have a sense of fun. As the rugged 8-inch urethane wheels spin, they light up, which appeals to teens and the young at heart. It also has a sporty design that looks great when zipping around the neighborhood.
Lightweight and foldable, this scooter is simple to carry and easy to store. This makes it a good choice for commuters who have limited storage space, as it folds into a compact size that fits nicely in a closet. Able to hold up to 220 pounds, it has adjustable handlebars with a maximum height of 38.6 inches to accommodate most riders.
Madd Gear Large Kick Scooter for Adults
Best for Rough Roads
Deck Length: 16.7” | Handlebar Height: 39.5” | Wheel Size: 12” | Weight: 14 lb | Weight Limit: 300 lb
A good choice for both fun rides and swift commuting, the Madd Gear Large Scooter offers 12-inch pneumatic wheels that can handle most terrain while providing a smooth, comfortable ride. Its long deck measures 4.7 inches wide, providing ample room to ride, plus the tall handlebars, nearly 40 inches high, make it suitable for taller riders.
Built for serious riders, it features a carbon-steel frame that’s strong yet lightweight. At 14 pounds, it’s easy to lift and carry, and it offers a 300-pound weight capacity, making it one of the most versatile models on our short list.
When it’s time to slow down or stop, this scooter makes it easy, thanks to the handbrakes. In addition to being simple to operate, they provide excellent control. Although this model isn’t foldable, it has a kickstand that keeps it upright when it’s not being used.
Madd Gear Folding Kick Scooter for Adults
Best for Heavier Riders
Deck Length: 36.5” | Handlebar Height: 41.5” | Wheel Size: 7.87”” | Weight: 12.9 lb | Weight Limit: 250 lb
If Madd Gear is your brand of choice and you need a foldable scooter, the Madd Gear Folding Kick Scooter for Adults is a solid choice. It’s an affordable model that weighs less than 8 pounds, yet is built to last, thanks to its sturdy carbon-steel frame. And it folds in seconds to a compact size, making it perfect for dorm or apartment dwellers.
This scooter has a long deck that can hold as much as 250 pounds. The handlebars adjust up to 41.5 inches, so it can be used by riders of various heights. Solid polyurethane wheels and cushioned suspension deliver a smooth ride over streets, sidewalks and more.
Riding this scooter is fun, and stopping it is simple and safe. It has a rear-braking system that operates by foot and is easy to use. Owners praise it for how smoothly it slows down and comes to a stop, which adds peace of mind during rides.
Micro Kickboard Reloaded Three-Wheel Scooter
Best for Increased Stability
Deck Length: 24.8” | Handlebar Height: 39.7” | Wheel Size: 4.7” | Weight: 8.6 lb | Weight Limit: 220 lb
The Micro Kickboard Reloaded Three-Wheel Scooter distances itself from others in its class thanks to its three-wheel design. The additional front wheel provides stability, making this a good choice for leisure riding. The durable wheels measure 4.7 inches in size and are extra wide, so they glide smoothly over the ground.
The deck is roomy enough for adults to have ample space to ride, and the handlebars are height-adjustable up to 39.7 inches. However, instead of using them to steer, this scooter works with lean-to-steer technology. This adds to its smooth movements and stable ride once you get the hang of it.
The Micro scooter offers an easy-to-use rear brake. Although it doesn’t fold, it boasts a compact size and weighs 8.6 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver and store. Despite the unique features, the mid-range price of this popular model makes it a good deal for teens and adults who enjoy scooter-riding.
How we analyzed
We began our research of kick scooters for adults with 40 models. We narrowed down the best to create our curated list by assessing durability, design and features. In addition to reviewing customer feedback, we analyzed detailed information about scooter wheels, decks, suspension and brakes. We factored in dimensions and weight capacity to help consumers find the best one to match their needs. We also looked into the adjustability of the handlebars and each scooter’s weight and folding designs. Finally, our evaluation included information about available colors and the range of prices consumers can expect to pay.
Key considerations
Wheels
One of the differences between adult kick scooters and smaller scooters designed for children is the size of the wheels. Kick scooters for adults usually have wheel diameters of 200 to 230 millimeters and are sometimes larger. With each rotation, a large wheel sends you farther than a small wheel would, meaning it's easier to move fast with large wheels.
Another factor to consider is the difference between scooters with solid wheels and air-filled tires. Solid wheels are more common, as they require no maintenance and can't be punctured. Air-filled tires have some natural shock-absorbing properties, so they're ideal for riding on uneven surfaces. They also have treads for better traction in wet weather.
Deck size
The deck of a scooter is the part you stand on. Larger deck sizes generally feel more stable and give you more room to position your feet comfortably. However, scooters with large decks are heavier to push yourself along on and bulkier to carry around. Adult scooter decks are usually somewhere between 4 and 6 inches wide. We recommend something between 4 and 5 inches wide for riders under 6 feet tall. Riders over 6 feet tall will feel more stable on a scooter with a deck that is 5.5 to 6 inches wide.
Suspension
Some kick scooters for adults have built-in suspension at the front wheel or at the front and back. Most scooter suspension systems are spring-based. The spring compresses when you ride over bumpy or uneven surfaces, absorbing some of the shock, so you get a smoother ride. It's a great idea to have a suspension system on your scooter if you regularly ride over rough surfaces, but know that it does come with some disadvantages. The suspension system adds weight to your scooter and has more moving parts, which can potentially wear down and need replacing over time.
Brakes
The majority of scooters for adults have a single rear fender brake. When you want to slow down or stop, you lift your rear foot off the deck and press down on the rear fender. This presses the fender against the wheel, causing friction that eventually brings the scooter to a halt. Braking in this way takes a bit of practice and can make you feel unstable on your scooter when you're just starting out.
A handful of kick scooters for adults also feature traditional level handbrakes like those you'd expect to find on a bicycle, so you can brake quickly and easily. If you aren't confident about using a rear fender brake, we recommend choosing a model with a handbrake.
Features
Adjustable handlebars
Kick scooters for adults aren't always meant just for adults. Some are suitable for anyone from around 8 to 10 up to adult age. Of course, there is a large height disparity between an eight-year-old and a fully grown adult. And, even some adults vary in height by a foot-and-a-half or more. That's why adjustable handlebars are an important feature on adult scooters: they allow people of a wide range of heights to comfortably ride.
Ideally, the adjustment mechanism on your scooter handlebars should be fairly straightforward and require no tools to switch between heights.
Easy folding
Scooters have various folding mechanisms, some of which are simpler than others. Some manufacturers have engineered the folding mechanism so it takes a single action to fold and unfold the scooter. If you fold and unfold your scooter several times during your commute — for instance, when you leave the house, when you get on and off a bus, and when you arrive at work — you'll greatly appreciate having a straightforward folding mechanism.
Color
You can find kick scooters for adults in a range of colors. Some are only available in one or two colors; come in a veritable rainbow of shades. We wouldn't recommend choosing a scooter based on color alone, but when you've chosen a few models you like equally, it doesn't hurt to narrow your choices down based on color.
Kick scooters for adults: prices
Inexpensive: The cheapest kick scooters for adults cost roughly $70 to $90. These don't tend to have the most impressive features and are best for occasional use.
Mid-range: Adult scooters in the $90 to $120 price range are relatively durable and can stand up to daily commutes and heavier use.
Expensive: At the high end of the price spectrum, expect to pay $120 to $180 for an adult kick scooter. These are the best of the best, with high-end features, impressive suspension, and excellent overall durability.
Tips
- Consider the deck height of your chosen scooter. A lower deck height makes your scooter easier and more comfortable to push, but the bottom of the scooter could scrape on bumps in your path.
- Find out the weight of any adult kick scooter you're considering. You don't want an overly heavy scooter, as it will take more effort to push yourself along and to carry it when you aren't scooting. That said, extremely lightweight scooters can feel flimsy.
- Think about how you'll carry your scooter when you're not riding it. Some kick scooters come with a carry strap. This is useful if you have long stretches where you need to carry your scooter — for instance, if you spend part of your commute on a bus or train.
- Choose a durable model for regular riding. If you'll be riding your scooter to work daily, it must be highly durable to withstand such frequent use. Durability isn't such an issue if you're only riding for fun once a week or so.
FAQ
Q. What do I need to do to maintain my kick scooter?
A. Kick scooters don't need a lot of maintenance but don't expect them to perform at their best if you don't look after them at all. You should clean your scooter semi-regularly, paying particular attention to the deck and wheel, which can lose traction if dirty. It's also important to check that the wheel bearings are clean and well-lubricated, as this will help your scooter roll quickly and smoothly.
Q. Are kick scooters easy to ride?
A. If you've never ridden a kick scooter before, don't expect to be cruising along effortlessly right away. Kick scooters are easier to learn to ride than skateboards, since you have the handle to help you balance, but they still require some practice until you're comfortable and confident. Always wear a helmet to protect your head from injury. You might feel more confident at first if you wear other protective gear, such as knee pads and elbow pads.
Q. Can you get electric adult kick scooters?
A. A kick scooter, by definition, is a manual scooter powered by the kicks of the person riding it. You can, however, get some electric scooters that can be used as manual kick scooters when the battery runs out or you choose to switch the power off. This guide focuses on standard manual kick scooters, but you might want to consider electric options, too. It's worth noting that electric scooters aren't street legal in all areas, so check your local laws before taking to roads, sidewalks, or public parks.
