That's all folks!

Now that you've read this blog, you can continue on with your life knowing you have a more intense and thorough knowledge of scooters than you will ever need for anything ever. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed my blog and learned something about the history and science behind the kick scooter.

The future for scooters?

A different take on a classic


An electric scooter with a seat


Adult Scooter

Break it Down

Confused? Here is a simple break down of the key facts of the scooters creation that are absolutely essential knowledge for any scooter enthusiast.

5 W's (Who, What, Why, Where, When)

Who: Wim Oubouter was the creator of the first official kick scooter

 When: It was patented by Wim in 1990

Why: His younger sister had one leg that was shorter than the other, and while a bicycle would not work for her, a scooter was the perfect design. He also commented that he needed a form of transportation that could take him to his favorite sausage shop a few blocks away. It was too far to walk, but too close to bother starting up the car. A scooter was the best option for this kind of journey. He based his version of the scooter off designs from almost 100 years earlier, but his was the first non-primitive form of it. Razor then revolutionized their own idea of the kick scooter.

What: The kick scooter, commonly known as the Razor scooter after a company named Razor revolutionized scooters in the 2000's. It is a plank commonly made out of aluminum with one wheel on each end, and handlebars coming off a medal rod at the front.

Where: Wim Oubouter was living in Zurich when he came up with the idea for his brilliant creation.

A scooter from the 1950's

 

Wim Ouboter with his invention

Okay, But How Does it Work?

Now that I've got you hooked, here's a look at the science side of the scooter.  Kick scooters are very simple devices. They typically have 2 wheels, one at the front and one at the back. They are connected by a long plank-like piece of metal, and look similar to a skateboard. To move, the rider simply has one foot on the plank and pushes off the ground with the other. The faster you push, the faster you go. Once you have built up enough momentum you can put both feet on the plank for a bit and let it roll. To  bring the scooter to a stop when you are already going slow, you just put your foot down on the ground. When you're going fast and can't stop yourself just by stepping off, there is a piece of metal positioned over the back wheel that you push with your foot to slow yourself down. The science behind this device that allows it to work is all in the wheels. The hard rubber material that the wheels of some razor scooters are made of today creates the perfect amount of friction for a smooth, soundless ride. It's a very simple design, but effective. The handlebars are also essential for balance, especially on the two wheeled models.

A labelled diagram of some of the qualities featured on todays Razor scooter

A Look Back...

Believe it or not, the rich history of the classic kick scooter dates back to about 100 years ago. The very first models were designed by kids looking for a faster way to get around, presented in the form of roller skate wheels attached to a plank of wood. The handle was made of a 2x4 and the handlebars were most likely made out of a pipe. This innovative new look at transportation was fun, easy, and made walking seem obsolete. Unfortunately the idea was outshined by different transportation methods coming out at the time such as the bike, but in 1990 it was brought back into relevance by William Oubouter. His younger sister had one leg that was shorter than the other, making it nearly impossible for her to ride a bike, but a scooter would be perfect for her. He built on the 100 year old idea and made a more efficient version. Wood was swapped out for a sturdier option, aluminum, by a company named Razor. Razor revolutionalized the scooter by making it in multiple colors and even for adults. Modern scooters are virtually silent unlike some past models. They can fold in half to take up very limited space, and they are increasing in popularity as people are using them to perform tricks. 

An early adaptation of the kick scooter

What is this Blog about?

This is a blog dedicated to learning all about the kick scooter. But what is a kick scooter? To put it simply, it is a human-powered land vehicle made up of a deck with a wheel on the front and back and handlebars. The rider pushes off the ground to propel the scooter forward. In my research I will include how the scooter has evolved over time from a plank of wood to what we use in the modern day, how it has developed technologically, the role of science in the development of it, who created it, how it has effected our society in a cost/benefit analysis, and lastly the science behind what makes a scooter move. Stay tuned for more posts containing all the information you'll ever need to know about this invention, and more.