Riding a 2-wheel kick scooter is downright fun. Let us steer you (or your super-cute kiddo riders) towards smooth gliding with these tidbits of advice.
How to move
There are no fancy gadgets and gizmos here: To get, gain, and maintain momentum on a kick scooter, all you need is good pushing power. Here’s how to propel the scooter along and position yourself for good stability:
- With your hands on the handlebars, place one foot pointed straight ahead on the front of the scooter deck.
- Place the other foot on the ground, just to the side of the scooter.
- Bend the knee of that leg slightly and push the ground backwards with your foot. Lift that foot as soon as the scooter thrusts forward and repeat that movement to reach or maintain a desired speed.
- When you want to coast on momentum, place your kicking foot behind your front foot on the deck and pointed at an angle of 70 to 90 degrees. (This stance can help you maintain better balance.)
How to brake
You’ll use your back foot to also engage the rear foot brake. To slow the scooter down, lift that foot, move it onto the brake, then gently push the brake down. To come to a complete stop, just apply more pressure.
How to turn
With the kick scooter moving in a forward motion, you can rotate the handlebar left or right to veer in that same direction. The more you rotate the handlebar, the sharper a turn the scooter will make. Take care not to over-rotate; instead, plan for wide, gentle turns so you continue on a smooth path.
Always be mindful of obstacles or changes in terrain, and be sure to choose appropriate scooter riding spots.
Scooter adventures—be they just down the block, all the way into the center of town, or under towering tree canopies in the park—are some of the best to be had on wheels.