How to choose a scooter

A scooter is one of the easiest ways to get around quickly outdoors – to school, to work, on cycle paths and on short trips. Just a few pushes and you’re off.

However, the differences between models are not just in design – the main factors are wheel size, tyre type and compactness, as these things have the greatest impact on speed, comfort and whether you will still enjoy riding after 20 minutes.

Quick selection based on what you need

1) I want a scooter for a child (approx. 6–9 years old)

✔ Look for a smaller scooter, lower handlebars and a reasonable weight.

Tip from ACRA: Acra Joy Superhero scooter for children up to 9 years old
– recommended rider height 110–150 cm, wheels 150 mm, foldable, lightweight.

2) I want a comfortable scooter for trips (roads + rough surfaces)

✔ Here, inflatable wheels win – they are more comfortable and better at smoothing out uneven surfaces (paving stones, gravel, poor asphalt).

Recommendations by size:

smaller / for younger riders: Acra Joy Grace 12” (12″ inflatable wheels)
versatile for children and adults: Acra Joy Jolly 16” (16″+12″)
for longer rides + taller riders: Acra Joy Aven (20″+16″)
if you want the same wheels at the front and rear: Brother Tornado 16/16 (inflatable 16″+16″)

3) I want a scooter mainly for the city (fast, light, compact)

✔ Look for solid PU wheels around 200–205 mm – they ride smoothly, and the scooter is usually light and easy to carry.

Tip from ACRA: Muuwmi aluminium scooter 205 mm
– 205 mm wheels, foldable, height-adjustable handlebars, load capacity 100 kg.

4) I want a “fast sports bike” with large wheels (road + lighter terrain)

✔ If you want higher speed and better ride over uneven terrain, look for 230–270 mm wheels + suspension (at least in the front).

Good tip:

Acra Joy IMP – wheels 230 mm, foldable, load capacity 100 kg
Acra Joy Stinger – large wheels 270 mm, foldable, recommended for heights up to approx. 180 cm

5) I want a scooter “for long distances” (almost like a bicycle)

✔ Here, a model with giant inflatable wheels and V-brakes makes sense – it is stable, comfortable and can handle longer trips.

Tip from ACRA: Acra Joy Racer
– inflatable wheels 26” + 20”, load capacity 120 kg, front and rear V-brakes, recommended height 130–190 cm.

5 most important parameters

1) Wheel size

150 mm = smaller children / shorter rides
200–205 mm = city, commuting, brisk riding
230–270 mm = speed + better comfort on uneven surfaces

2) Solid vs. inflatable wheels

solid (PU/rubber) = lighter, no worries, “just grab and go”
inflatable = more comfortable, better for rougher surfaces and longer journeys

3) Foldable design

Foldability is mainly an issue if you carry your scooter in your car, to your flat or to work. (Most city models are foldable.)

4) Load capacity + recommended rider height

It is better to choose a model with a reserve – riding is then more stable and comfortable.
(Example: 205mm Muuwmi has a maximum load capacity of 100 kg; Joy Racer has a maximum load capacity of 120 kg.)

5) Brakes and safety

City scooters often brake via the rear mudguard
Larger “touring” models usually have V-brakes (better control at higher speeds).

Mini tip at the end

✔ If you want to jump, look for a freestyle scooter – these models are primarily designed for riding.

✔ For inflatable wheels, check the pressure from time to time – the scooter will ride better and you’ll exert less effort.

✔ Check the height of the handlebars – ideally, they should be roughly at waist to navel level.
This makes the scooter easier to control, more comfortable to ride, and prevents wrist and back pain.
If you are choosing a scooter for a child, it is good to choose a model with adjustable handlebars – the scooter will last longer, even as they grow.

✔ It’s a good idea to have spare inner tubes if you choose an inflatable model: inner tubes for 12″ wheels, inner tubes for 14″ wheels, inner tubes for 16″ wheels