General Cycling Discussion - First attempt with a Xootr Mg scooter, some thoughts

In my eternal efforts to avoid cars, I've tinkered with a decent few alternatives, including everyone's favorite, the bicycle. But this time, I experimented with the obscure but loved Xootr Mg, a kick-scooter for adults.

First off, I'll say this: It's big. Real big. Stunningly big. Even after seeing pictures, seeing it in person is surprising. But cool.

Second off: It's definitely well built. There're some minor problems, but I suspect those are as much my fault(like the pin that keeps it folded/unfolded sticking) as anything else.


Now then, the ride thoughts:

-You feel the vibrations a LOT. I had to switch legs or take breaks because my knees were being rumbled into agony. This clearly wouldn't be as much of a problem in areas where the sidewalks and roads weren't ****, however.

-The balance is iffy. I suspect this is one of those things I could overcome, but it's very frustrating. The small wheels + relative low speed + innate need to be unbalanced to kick and scoot yourself along = some major squirrelyness, in my experience. This seems more the fault of the scooter form than the Xootr, though.

-It's a lot more work than I expected. Despite only going about a mile, I was a lot more winded than on my bike. To be fair, however, I'm also riding a very awkward course.

So, will it work for my needs or not? I'm...Not sure yet, honestly. It definitely wasn't as nice as I was led to believe by people in better circumstances for it, but I also suspect that a good chunk of it is simply my inexperience with the format. I'll be updating this thread with more thoughts and attempts and such.

So there's no suspension system whatsoever? One of my co-workers got a cheap scooter which I cringed at b/c of the small wheels. Looks like any average sized pothole would swallow it whole.

So there's no suspension system whatsoever? One of my co-workers got a cheap scooter which I cringed at b/c of the small wheels. Looks like any average sized pothole would swallow it whole.

None whatsoever. The wheels on this thing are a lot bigger than a cheap little Razor scooter, but it's definitely more for sidewalks than roads.

I've seen alot of the Amish riding these:

http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000GF5LDA.01-AOWO9LNS0PREL._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V65787993_.jpg

Bigger wheels for a smooth ride.

I have actually considered one of those, November. My main issue is that large kick-bikes like that lose two of the major advantages of a kick scooter; Weight, and the ability to fold it down to a small size.

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I've had this several years, I don't know who makes it. This style is really a lot of fun, your center of gravity is almost ground level. Once you get comfortable you will be amazed how far you can lean on turns. If vibration is a problem maybe you can get smooth tires. Gloves with a lot a padding might help also.

I have a Xootr MG and I love it. I have commute on it daily for about 6 years and would estimate that I have over 1,500 miles on mine and it is still in great shape. I have literally replaced nothing other than the pin for the hinge and I adjusted the brakes once. For my commute (about 0.9 miles on the scooter, then a packed subway ride, then another 0.4 or so to work, mixed in with a total of 8 flights of stairs, all within 30-35 minutes), it beats my folding bike by leaps and bounds. It is a little bit slower on the road portion, but way lighter and less cumbersome on the train, on the stairs, and in the office. I also end up working late and taking a cab home at least once a week, which would be a hassle (at best) if I had the bike with me.

It is great on the street and a little more challenging on the sidewalk. Be careful in the wet- traction varies greatly by surface. Blacktop and sidewalks are usually fine, but brick/marble/tile can be like ice.

Ride it for a few weeks and let us know what you think! I love the Xootr and am very grateful for the literally hundreds of hours it has saved me versus walking.

I'm going to give it a few more shots before I write it off, since I do like the advantages it brings.

The major issue is the whole vibration thing. It might just be the quality of the roads here, but my knees are being left super sore from the rumble of the road or sidewalk underneath.