Children's bicycles, scooters, skates, rollerblades - what manufacturers just do not offer so that the path of the child, for example, to kindergarten or school becomes not only less tiring, but also informative. By spinning the pedals or pushing off the asphalt with his foot, the child not only has time to explore the surroundings, but also develop physically. But this is in good weather. But what to do if there is snow around and it is difficult for parents to drag the sled? A winter scooter will be the best solution in this situation.
What is it and what is it for?
First of all, scooters are popular not only among children, many adults are already passionate about them - those who love active sports or are periodically late for work. Many of us are accustomed to the fact that such a vehicle is intended for the summer, since the movement occurs thanks to the wheels.
However, savvy developers, taking into account the possibilities of such a light and economical transport, simply changed the wheels to skis and received universal models of a winter scooter or, as it is also called, a snow scooter. Their convenience lies in the fact that the models are foldable, and if necessary, they can be disassembled and folded into a large bag or car trunk.
Today in Russia, scooter riding is just beginning to develop, and quite respectably dressed men, maneuvering among the large crowd on such a device, are no longer seen off with surprised looks. What can we say about children who simply cannot be caught up on a winter scooter. After all, a new world is opening up for them.
Some models are equipped with a wide ski, on which you need to place your foot, and the second one to push off the road covered with snow - everything, as when moving on a regular scooter. On such a device, you can not only slide down the hills, but also move perfectly on a flat road, paying attention only to high curbs and obvious irregularities on the track.
The brakes installed on the winter scooters guarantee high-quality handling and the ability to stop on time. The skis, thanks to which the sliding on the surface occurs, can turn in any direction. Models from certain manufacturers are equipped with a more reinforced frame and a longer rear ski, which is an excellent opportunity to go down on a snow scooter, even in mountain resorts.
It is clear that you cannot learn to operate such a device right away, but in the process of learning and in the further successful use of this type of transport, the child will learn to keep balance, he will develop the vestibular apparatus. After the kid learns to maneuver on a snow scooter, he can easily master the basics of snowboarding.
Of course, the learning process will not be complete without falls and, perhaps, bruises, so it is better to purchase a scooter for children from 5 years old.
Kinds
Explaining to friends what a scooter is, it is best to compare them with a sledge equipped with a steering wheel and brakes. Today, all models can be divided into 2 types: for the smallest and older children.
The models of this winter transport can also be considered from the point of view of the material from which it is made.
- Plastic - almost all parts are made of this lightweight and durable material (withstand loads up to 90 kg). They are great for winter and visually resemble a snowboard.
- Snow scooters on skis - metal and plastic are used in their construction. They are equipped with two snow runners, which are located one behind the other and are fixed under the main platform.
- Scooters for downhill and even jumping: in such a design, a short ski is located in front, and a platform behind it.
- Very popular model - 2 in 1, universal scooters-snow scooters, in which, depending on the season, the wheels are changed to winter runners. This type of transport can be used all year round. The height of the handlebar in such products is adjustable at will. If your child is not afraid of speed and is absolutely confident on the ski trail and slopes, then on such a structure he can even perform tricks. In this case, it is necessary to choose models with reinforcement on the handles to avoid backlash. For a special effect, wheels with a flickering glow are installed on such a unique vehicle.
Many models of snow scooters are very light - from 1.5 kilograms. For comparison, an ordinary children's bicycle with 3 wheels begins to "grow" from 5 kilograms. Therefore, it will not be difficult for children to move their device to the desired location. With him you can ride the city bus, go down to the subway and the like.
According to the manufacturers, structures with a metal steering wheel controlling the front ski are especially maneuverable. The winter scooter does not require special care - it is quite easy to use, and it is enough to simply wipe it dry after a walk, unlike a bicycle, where the speed switches cause particular difficulty in cleaning.
How to choose?
When choosing a certain model of a winter scooter for your child, keep in mind its advantages and disadvantages. The obvious advantages of this design include the following facts:
- due to the ability to withstand heavy weight - up to 90 kg - children of any weight category, including an adult, can ride this type of transport;
- the weight of the children's snow scooter is small - from 1.5 kg;
- folding design of the product allows disassembling the scooter in a short time;
- the material from which the models are made can withstand the lowest temperatures;
- the absence of pedals eliminates injury when the child falls.
disadvantages:
- for the youngest citizens, this type of travel is unsafe;
- it is difficult to move on the melted snow and you can stain your clothes.
Therefore, considering the presented models in specialized sporting goods stores, choose a scooter according to the following criteria: safety, strength and comfort. Below are some more features.
- Experts believe that the structure with a metal frame is more durable and will last a long time.
- Some models have the ability to adjust the height of the steering wheel - this is very convenient when a child is growing up. If you have chosen just such a design, pay attention to the presence of a retaining bracket that holds the steering wheel in the selected position.
- In 2-in-1 models, it is better to choose rubberized wheels, then they will last longer and will not break on any bump. By the way, skis should come with a summer version, as well as a screwdriver for threading.
- Pay attention to the ski - it should not be too narrow. If in summer this does not cause inconvenience, then in winter a child's leg in warm shoes may not fit on it and slip off.
- The material of the base of the scooter, where the skater's leg will be located, should be made of non-slip material - this will give stability while riding.
- Don't buy the cheapest option: the most important thing when choosing is quality. For example, plastic wheels on a snow scooter can fail much earlier than their rubber or rubber counterparts.
- Rubber cameras on the scooter will allow your child to ride on unpaved and unpaved roads in summer.
- It is recommended to purchase stunt scooters for children over 7 years old, when they are already confidently skiing and are not afraid of extreme sports.
Popular manufacturers
Today, numerous manufacturers of a unique type of transport - a winter scooter - offer a huge selection of models for all age categories.
The ski snow scooter opens up a lot of opportunities for winter lovers. Therefore, the more possibilities such an ingenious design has, the more popular the model.
Let's start with domestic, Russian manufacturing companies.
- Snow scooter Shustrik (LLC "Cycle") notable for its affordable price and high quality. It is made of frost-resistant plastic, so the weight is quite optimal: up to 2 kilograms. A little athlete can easily cope with the transfer of this transport. The design of the model is quite simple: a plastic platform (85x23) made of anti-slip material. The steering wheel is blown and can take 2 positions. This scooter is perfect for children from 6 to 10 years old.
True, they must adapt to managing such transport, since there are no brakes in the design, so it is not recommended to accelerate especially for a child.
- Lightweight plastic winter scooter "Snowman" with metal parts and with a corrugated surface, the board also weighs about 2 kg. Metal fasteners guarantee the quality and durability of this model. Recommended for children from 7 years old. The cost is about 500 rubles.
- Chinese manufacturers offer a wide range of products that are gaining popularity today. Wiztem - a stable aluminum alloy model with a long plastic platform that looks like a snowboard. Its edges are bent, there is an anti-slip coating. Unlike previous domestic counterparts, this inexpensive (about 1 thousand rubles) model is equipped with a foot brake. Designed for loads up to 100kg. Weight - about 5 kg. The scooter is foldable and designed for teenagers from 10 years old.
- For kids, the Chinese released a model BraveBaton - scooter-snowmobile for the period winter - summer. The weight of such a structure is slightly more than 2 kg, but a child up to 50 kg can ride it. Height-adjustable steering wheel. The aluminum alloy guarantees quality and lightness, in summer you can easily ride on it even on small slides thanks to polyurethane wheels, and in winter you can “change your shoes” into plastic skis. The color scheme is red and black.
- A successful product from China - a snow scooter Combo Runner 120 Small Rider bright colors. Designed for athletes from 5 to 10 years old. There is a rear brake. Glowing wheels in summer and 2 stable skis in winter will make this purchase the most successful.
- Swedish manufacturer Stiga quite famous in the world of sports accessories. For lovers of winter entertainment at the age of 5 years, this scooter is a quality guarantee. The sturdy frame is made of steel, the rear ski is lengthened and the boat is slightly raised. It is simple and reliable to operate. You can ride it on any snow surface - the scooter will not turn over.
- Popular Canadian manufacturer Pelican has long been specialized in the production of professional and quality children's sports goods. Robust and brightly colored, they will appeal to users of all ages. For 3-year-olds, the Canadians presented a snow scooter weighing 1.8 kg. The foldable product is made of frost-resistant plastic, the cost of such fun for kids is about 2,000 rubles.
- Railz (USA) Is a well-known manufacturer of a huge line of sports equipment. The cost of children's winter scooters is from 3 thousand rubles. The frames of American models are made of metal, they have a brake, the steering wheel is adjustable to the desired height. The quality is excellent.
- Japanese Yamaha - a variety of winter scooters for children of different ages are confidently taking the lead. They have an "advanced" design and unrealistic possibilities, the cost of the structures is more than 3 thousand rubles.
Summing up the above, we can conclude that a winter scooter is the best gift for your active child. However, don't forget about safety. Even the most sophisticated snow scooter can be dangerous on icy slopes or in poor visibility. Therefore, your child should only ride and have fun under the supervision of adults.
In the next video you will see a presentation of the SnowKick winter scooter.
