Know Ped Go-Ped® Push Scooter - Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)I owned a know ped for over a year (before losing it, dang it.) I had previously owned a zap folding scooter, similar in design to a razor scooter.
I much preferred the know ped; the longer wheelbase and larger rubber tires made for a much smoother and more stable ride. I liked the larger wooden skateboard-style deck much better than the skinny metal deck of the smaller scooters; it was much easier to make the transition when switching from one leg to the other.
The braking system on the know ped is also superior to the smaller scooters. The back fender acts as a step brake, in the same manner as the razor-style scooters, but the larger tire and fender mean more surface area, thus more friction and better braking response. There is also a caliper brake on the front wheel. I rode my scooter in the city of San Francisco, and felt comfortable even on some of the steeper hills (although I would usually adopt a "slalom" approach on the steepest ones; the braking system gave me the necessary control to do this).
My only complaints are regarding the folding handlebars. The folding mechanism is a spring-loaded metal tube which slides over the handlebar tube where it connects to the scooter body at a folding hinge; when the handlebars are swung into the upright position, the outer tube slides down to cover the hinge, holding the handlebar assembly rigid. I found that the outer tube would sometimes stick when the handlebars were set up, making it very difficult to fold the scooter for storage. In addition, there is a small hook which hangs from the handlebars, which is designed to hook under the back fender, holding the folded handlebars tight to the frame of the scooter for easy transport. However, I was never able to make mine work properly; it was very difficult to get the hook under the edge of the fender even when the scooter was first purchased. In short order, I somehow bent the hook, which is made from aluminum, and thereafter it just became a jangly nuisance hanging from my handlebars. I definitely think that there's room for improvement in those two areas.
Overall, I give the know ped high marks for comfort, stability, and construction. It held up well overall to the abuse I put it through, and I'm sure I'd still be using it today had I not lost it. The design of the folding mechanism could use some work, but those flaws are by no means a reason to pass on this excellent scooter.

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Micro White Scooter Review

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(More customer reviews)A very good push scooter.
I began with an entry level of the brand Micro. I wanted to know my boundaries.
And now, with this high end model, I can tell my dream becomes reality. It's very steady. It is lower than the other models and then I need less push kicks to go straight. I have the feeling to be quicker in comparison with my older previous kickscooter.
The only weakness is the break. It was broken only one month after my purchase.

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Micro "Black" Scooter Review

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(More customer reviews)This adult kick scooter gives a very comfortable ride thanks to its heavy wheels that have a thick layer of soft, high-rebound urethane. When riding on a concrete trail, I could barely feel the junctions of the concrete slabs. Even the ride of my Xootr Mg is not as smooth as this.
Unfortunately, I could immediately feel when I first started riding this scooter that it is also slow, which may be the trade-off for the comfortable ride. My gravity-powered tests confirmed that the rolling resistance of the Micro Black is much higher than that of my two other scooters, the Razor A5 and Xootr Mg. The Micro Black was slower than the Razor A5 regardless of rider weight (220 or 67 lbs) or surface type (smooth concrete and gravel were tested). To eliminate the effect of slower acceleration from a full stop due to the heavier wheels on the Micro Black, we also ran tests where two riders got up to the same speed and then coasted, but the Micro Black was still slower than the Razor A5.
The kick height of the Micro Black is the lowest you can get, which is great because it means you don't need to bend the knee of your support leg as much with each kick and therefore you don't get tired as quickly. The low kick height comes at the expense of the clearance, which is also the lowest among the three scooters. In general, the clearance should still be fine for smooth trails and even for most city sidewalks if you are careful and watch were you are going.
The overall build quality and design are outstanding. For example, the rear fender has a hinge, so when you press on the fender to brake, the fender does not bend, it only turns on its hinge. This design should greatly increase the durability of the fender. I had a small issue with the front side of the rear fender rattling against the foot plate, but this was easily fixed by gluing a piece of foam between the two parts.
The Micro Black has a cool paint job, which makes the Micro Black look much better than the Razor A5. But the Micro Black still can't compete with the ultra-cool looks of the Xootr Mg.
The Micro Black uses standard 8 mm bearings, so it should be possible to replace the original bearings with skate-quality bearings such as Bones Reds Precision bearings. The wheels are also the same size as the wheels on the Razor A5, so if you are a scootering enthusiast who values speed more than comfort, you might consider replacing the original wheels with Razor A5 wheels and Bones Reds bearings. In theory, this modification would results in a scooter that has the lowest kick height and lowest rolling resistance available. The stiffer frame of the Micro Black would probably make it slightly faster than the Razor A5 when both are equipped with the same wheels.
For those of you who are all OCD (I may be the only one) about scooter specs such as kick height, clearance, and rolling resistance, I'm listing below some observations that I have made about the Micro Black, Razor A5, and Xootr Mg.
Disclaimer about my measurements of rolling distance, a measure of rolling resistance, reported below: Rolling resistance of solid wheels increases steeply with increasing rider weight, and softer wheels are affected more than harder wheels (JRRD 46:931-8, 2009). I'm a heavy guy (220 lbs). The Xootr has softer wheels than the Razor A5. It is possible that the Xootr is faster than the Razor A5 for lighter riders. Xootr has conducted their own tests, which showed that the Xootr Mg has a lower rolling resistance than the Razor A5. Recently, Michael Knackerson posted independent test results (NYCkickscooters forum), which also showed that the Xootr has a lower rolling resistance than the Razor A5. Information on rider weight in these two other tests is not available.
Disclaimer about wheel free-spinning time: Free-spinning time is not necessarily related to performance under load, but it can be used to rule out incorrect wheel installation and worn-out ball bearings.
Micro Black
Weight: 11 lbs.
Kick height (lower is better): 2 8/32"
Board thickness: 1 7/32"
Clearance (higher is better): 1 1/32"
Type of ball bearings: ABEC 5 608ZZ
Wheel durometer: 75A
Free-spinning time (new scooter): 1 min 36 s - 1 min 56 s
Rolling distance under load (a new scooter was tested; higher is better): 20 feet
Razor A5
Weight: 8.0 lbs.
Kick height: 2 12/32"
Board thickness: 31/32"
Clearance: 1 13/32"
Type of ball bearings: ABEC 5
Wheel durometer: 85-86A (90-95A as measured by Xootr)
Free-spinning time (original ball bearings): 35 s (times ranging from 14 s to 2 minutes 5 s have been reported
by others)
Free-spinning time (Bones Reds Precision 8mm bearings): 5 min 37 s
Rolling distance under load (original ball bearings with 60 miles on them): 37 feet
Rolling distance under load (Bones Reds Precision 8mm bearings with 10 miles on them): 41 feet
Xootr Mg
Weight: 10.2 lbs. (with rear fender)
Kick height: 2 24/32"
Board thickness: 1 8/32"
Clearance: 1 16/32"
Type of ball-bearings: McMaster-Carr R8ZZ
Wheel durometer: 81-83A (80-85A as measured by Xootr)
Free-spinning time (wheels and bearings that have 0-10 miles on them): 17-20 s (times ranging from 10 to 25 s have been reported by others)
Rolling distance under load: 30 feet

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Go-Ped Know-Ped Kick Scooter (Multiple Colors) Review

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(More customer reviews)Very well built, tough, great ride. Easy to ride even for someone who's never ridden one as a kid. Got this to give my dog a better workout during afternoon walks, and now we both get a great workout.
I'm 45, 6'5" tall. After shopping for various electric and gas scooters, decided to get this because I read that for 1-2 mile distances, this was all you needed. It is! Half the weight of any gas or electric scooter.
I've had the KnowPed for about a year, and also got a Xootr Mg last month, after reading that the Xootr "goes 3-4 times as far on a flat surface, with the same number of kicks".That may be, but as I discovered, most people don't ride on a perfectly smooth, flat surface, but on streets and sidewalks, and there, the Xootr's better glide makes little difference. The Xootr's lower deck helps kicking a little, but over a 1-2 mile loop, the overall effort is the same. Except for sections where a lot of braking is needed, and there, the KnowPed is less effort thanks to its better brakes. If you're going to be riding 5+ miles over smooth sidewalk, the Xootr will save you some effort.
The Xootr deck flexes side-to-side when you change feet, but this is more a matter of hinge design, than of build quality. The flex doesn't really affect ride quality, it just takes a little getting used to. Xootr is also noisier, and has a slightly harsher ride, but neither is worth worrying about. The Xootr may technically be lighter, but the KnowPed is more rigid and feels lighter. The Xootr's T bar extends higher above the deck than the KnowPed's, however this isn't necessary, even for very tall people (I'm 6'5"), unless they're going to be riding 5+ miles. The ability to set a lower hieght is an advantage to anyone less than 5' tall. Xootr claims their backwards oriented front wheel fork is more stable than competing design, which is true, but their narrow wheel is more likely to jam in a crack, so its a wash. Both scooters require you keep two hands on the T bar at all times, so make sure you have a backpack to carry supplies. I clip my dog's leash to my belt when taking him for a trot.(Jan 2009 update: Safety is excellent in my opinion: The Xootr can spill when the wheel jams in a sidewalk crack. The KnowPed can spill if you take one hand off the T bar. Total spills in 3 years: 2 for Xootr, 2 for KnowPed. Embarrassing, but kind of exhilarating, too, for the few moments of weightlessness. Don't worry, have fun!)
Two Xootr's attractions are its sophisticated looks, and narrower deck. If I were wearing a suit, I'd rather be riding the Xootr. The Xootr's shorter adjusting T bar is also good for use by children. (A GrowPed also serves here). The KnowPed's deck is a little too wide for my taste, but not enough for me to do anything about it. If that really bothers someone with carpentry skills, they could take a router to the wooden deck.
Both are fine scooters, but overall I like the KnowPed better than the Xootr, even if it were the same price as the Xootr, and not half the cost. Simpler, to use, quicker to fold, and super reliable. Fantastic brakes compared to the Xootr, and easier to control. The rear brake is much more effective and easier to use than the Xootr's, because its easier to step on. The KnowPed is quieter, and looks great. Unless you like the Xootr's appearance and styling better, I'd recommend the KnowPed to anyone looking for a kick scooter.
UPDATE: April 2008. Re: Xootr noise- there is a simple way to quiet the fender rattle: piece of sponge between the brake and fender. Also I am really getting used to the much taller T bar on the Xootr. It lets me stand completely upright. Have to recommend the Xootr for riders over, say, 6'1" who are going on 5+ mile rides. Also, the KnowPed is no longer that much cheaper than the Xootr. Still, the KnowPed is an excellent scooter: simple, tough and reliable.
UPDATE: Jan 2009. Folding: both scooters fold, but the Xootr is more compact when folded and has a great shoulder strap available. Pop it on your shoulder and both hands are free. My favorite rides are anywhere along Manhattan's riverside Greenways, anywhere that's super crowded like China Town. Scooters are a great way to see a crowded flat city like NYC. Even checked mine in on the airplane so I could scoot around Austin during a business trip.

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Inspired by the original Sport gas-powered scooter, the Know-Ped kick scooter offers all the design features of the Sport but without the motor. The Know-Ped is handcrafted from high-grade, aircraft-quality materials, including a 4130 Chromyl frame and a patented, cantilevered Chromyl fork. The 6-inch Go-Active rubber tires, meanwhile, deliver a smooth ride regardless of the street conditions. Other details include high ground clearance, front and rear brakes, and a folding design for easy storage.
Specifications:
Engine: None
Transmission: Kick
Frame: Aircraft-quality 4130 Chromyl
Fork: Patented, cantilevered, aircraft-quality 4130 Chromyl
Wheel type: 6-inch solid Go-Active rubber replaceable tires
Rims: Mach 12 reinforced, high-impact polymer
Front brake: Wheel caliper
Rear brake: Stomp fender
Folding: Yes, for easy storage and transport
Suggested usage: City/cruising
Max capacity: 400 pounds
Weight: 13 pounds
Folded dimensions: 34 by 13 by 13 inches (W x H x D)
Unfolded dimensions: 34 by 39 by 13 inches (W x H x D)

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Xootr Mg with Fender - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a long time Xootr owner. I bought my first over 9 years ago. I have probably owned in excess of 20 of them. I don't keep buying them because they break; I typically donate them to some worthy child I meet on vacation.
Originally I bought a bunch of Razor scooters to take and donate with me while I'd travel to some relatively poor areas of the world. I'd take a few with me and give them to deserving kids I'd meet. At the time I had a Razor scooter myself. It was pretty crappy to ride unless on very smooth pavement and it wasn't really big enough for my large feet to ride comfortably.
One time I returned to where I had previously "donated" a few Razor scooters and met up with the kids I had given them to. Every one of them was broken. I tried to fix them best I could but I had noticed they really didn't last that long in some of these areas.
At this time I searched for a replacement for my "big wheeled" Razor and encountered a little article on the Xootrs. At first I was struck by the thought that would anybody pay THAT much money for a scooter. What were they thinking? I read another good review and another and finally I opened up my wallet and bought a shiny new Street. After 4 days of waiting the UPS truck pulled up with my Xootr.
My first push and then glide seemed to go on forever. I was hooked after that first push. I immediately got rid of all my Razors and I never looked back. The Xootr has been an amazing traveling companion for me. I have Xoot'rd all over the world. I have taken my Xootrs to Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Holland, France, many other countries. Never once I have had to worry about a flat or any other problems while on traveling.
I have now donated quite a few Xootrs over the years. They are more expensive so I don't only donate 1 a trip. I have gone back and seen kids riding the same Xootr 2 or 3 years later. They were a little worse for wear but everything was still working fine with likely no maintenance done to them at all.
Only one recurring issue I see with current Xootrs is that the handlebar alignment pin seems to be off a few degrees so they are not lined up exactly right on any of my scooters. It is a minor thing and doesn't really affect the handling.
I have owned every model of Xootr including the carbon fiber ones they previously made and the eX3 (electric scooter no longer in production and that is a shame!). The magnesium one is a great scooter and a lot of bang for the buck. I love the street as it is incredibly tough. It also has the highest weight capacity if you are on the hefty side like I used to be. The Roma is my favorite. It is narrow (more efficient kick) and the fastest.
Keep in mind that your speed is limited to how fast you can kick. There is no mechanical advantage you get like on a bicycle that has gears. As a result you are going to be limited to going about as fast as you can run but with less effort. I find on level ground I can easily keep up a 10-12mph pace. In the city I am about as fast as on my bicycle but a lot easier to carry with me.
For commutes over 3-4 miles I'd suggest a bike. A Xootr folding bike is a great option too. In heavy traffic the Xootr can allow you to scoot through pedestrians much easier than I can on a bike. It is much more portable.
It is very quick to fold and put away. I also found that while some metro (subway) systems charged me to bring my bike on; they never once charged me for my Xootr. The quick release pin allows you to fold it down in about 5 seconds or less.
If you've read this far I'd like to give a few quick words of advice. Don't ride your Xootr on ice, snow or wet roads. This is a recipe for disaster in short order. The reflective road dividers are slick when dry and absolutely treacherous if even slightly moist. Take time to get use to the braking characteristics. While the brakes work they are not incredibly efficient. You will NOT stop on a dime and get change. They are not efficient at all when damp. Absolutely AVOID puddles. Also watch the bigger holes that could swallow a wheel as well as grates that have long longitudinal gaps. Always try to cross things perpendicularly (right angle). Pretty much the only wear item is the wheels and they are amazing. Bad roads accelerate tire wear.
While riding your Xootr is fun, it can also be fun to customize it too. There are some very neat accessories now. They have carrying bags, handlebar straps and even pretty cool quick-detachable luggage. With the magnesium version you can even get a few different colors. I've added a quick detachable 3 watt LED headlight to mine and a rear light as well. I use a Garmin Nuvi as a nav system on a RAM handlebar mount. I use a luggage carrier up front to carry groceries. All in all it has been one of the best purchases I've made. It is also a great conversation starter when I travel. I feel like I have become a Xootr ambassador when I travel to places around the world. Almost all my friends now have bought them. At first they cringed a bit about the price but after buying them they are incredibly happy and have no regrets. It is the exact opposite of buyer's remorse!

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