Are you planning to use a kick scooter for commuting? Is it a good idea? No worries, we have all the information that you need to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re tired of being caught in traffic, want to do your bit for the environment, or look for the best alternative to walking or taking public transportation, kick scooters always strike as a great option for commuting. Right?
However, as with anything, there are pros and cons to using a kick scooter for commuting. In this article, we’ll explore some key points to help you decide whether is kick scooter good for commuting or not.
So let’s get started.
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Is Kick Scooter Good For Commuting?
Yes, a kick scooter can be a great option for commuting, particularly for shorter distances of 2 to 3 miles. They are relatively quick, easy to use, and can be more fun and environmentally friendly than taking public transport, walking, or taking the car.
Also, note you own the best kick scooter for commuting. If you have a cheap and poorly made scooter, it will be more difficult and less enjoyable to commute with.
However, there are some things to bear in mind before using a kick scooter for commuting. Firstly, they are not suitable for longer distances or for rough terrain. They are also not ideal in wet weather conditions, as the wheels can be less effective on slippery surfaces.
With these things in mind, if you are planning on using a kick scooter for commuting, it is also important to consider the following:
- Do you think the route you plan to take for a kick scooter would make sense for a kick scooter? Is it flat and smooth, or are there a lot of hills or obstacles in the way?
- Is the weather forecast good? If it is likely to be wet, another form of transport might be worth considering.
- Do you have a place to store your kick scooter when you arrive at your destination? If not, you will need to be able to carry it with you, which might not be practical. However, you can learn how to lock up a kick scooter to a bike rack or any stationary object.
Assuming that the answer to all of these questions is yes (Which is in most cases), then using a kick scooter for commuting can be a great option.
Further, kick scooters are relatively cheap to buy and maintain and can be a fun and practical way to get around. Just make sure that you consider the factors above before setting off!
Well, this is just a basic guide. Let’s explore some pros and cons to identify are kick scooter good for commuting or not.
Advantages of using a kick scooter for commuting
There are many advantages to using a kick scooter for commuting, including:
Compact And Portable
One of the best things about kick scooters is that they are very compact and portable. This means that you can easily take them with you on public transport, or even store them in your office or home. This can be a great way to get around without worrying about finding a parking space if you live in a city.
Best For Traffic
Another great advantage of using a kick scooter for commuting is that it can be a great way to avoid traffic. If you live in a city, you will know how frustrating it can be to be stuck in traffic, particularly during rush hour. Kick scooters are much more nimble than cars and can easily weave in and out of traffic. This can save you a lot of time and make your commute much more enjoyable.
Best alternative to Walking
If you commute to work, school, or the office by walking, you might find that a kick scooter can be a great alternative. Scooters are much faster than walking, so you will be able to get to your destination much quicker. They are also more fun to use, so you might find that your commute is more enjoyable.
Fun and practical
In addition to being a great way to get around, kick scooters can also be a lot of fun. If you live close to your workplace, you might find that you can use your scooter to zip around at lunchtime or after work. This can be a great way to get some exercise, and you might even find that you meet some new people along the way.
No need to charge
Unlike electric scooters, kick scooters do not need to be charged. This means that you will not need to worry about finding a power point or running out of battery halfway through your journey.
Safe
Kick scooters are also very safe to use. Kick scooters are not powered by a motor, so you will not need to worry about them going out of control. They are also very stable, so you are unlikely to fall off. To ride a kick scooter, you will need to push off with your foot which makes it impossible to go too fast. You can also know how fast can you go on a kick scooter from our previous article.
Good for health
Further kick scooters are also good for your health. Kick scooters are powered by your legs, so you will get some exercise as you ride. This can be a great way to improve your fitness levels, and you might even find that you lose some weight.
Eco-Friendly
One of the best things about kick scooters is that they are very eco-friendly. They do not produce any emissions, so you can use them without harming the environment.
Low risk of injury
Compared to other forms of transportation like electric scooters, kick scooters are associated with a much lower risk of injury.
This is because the rider must use their feet to propel the scooter forward and maintain balance. This makes it much easier to control the speed and direction of the scooter, reducing the likelihood of a dangerous situation.
Cheap and Affordable
Kick scooters are also very cheap to buy and maintain. They do not require fuel, so you will not need to worry about commuting costs. You will also not need to pay for parking, or for public transport.
Kick scooters are much cheaper than other commuting options like electric scooters, cars, bikes, skateboards, and longboards.
Disadvantages of using a kick scooter for commuting
There are also some disadvantages to using a kick scooter for commuting, including:
Takes practice
If you’re new to using a kick scooter, it can take a bit of practice to get used to it. You can’t just jump on and start commuting with a kick scooter.
You need to learn how to ride it, how to balance, turn, and how to brake on a scooter. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll be able to start commuting with confidence.
Weather
If you live in an area with a lot of bad weather, you might find that using a kick scooter is not practical. Scooters are not designed to be used in the rain or snow, so you will need to store them away until the weather improves.
This can be a pain if you rely on your scooter for your daily commute.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in your area will also play a role in whether or not using a kick scooter is practical. If there are no pavements or bike lanes, you might find riding a scooter dangerous.
You will also need to be careful of potholes and other obstacles on the road.
Distance
Another important factor to consider is the distance of your commute. If you live far from your workplace, you might find that using a kick scooter is not practical.
Scooters are designed for short journeys, so you will need to disassemble or fold them and carry them on public transport if you want to travel any significant distance.
This can be a hassle and might not be possible on some types of public transport.
Not Suited For Tall People
Kick scooters are not really suited for tall people. This is because the handlebars can be uncomfortable for taller riders, and the scooter might not be long enough for your legs.
If you are tall, you might find that using a kick scooter is not comfortable, and you might be better off with a different type of commuting option.
Need Regular Pushing
A key disadvantage of riding a kick scooter is that you must continuously push it with your feet to move forward. This can become tiring and uncomfortable, especially if you have to travel large distances or you’re not used to the exercise.
Now that you know the pros and cons of using a kick scooter for commuting, you can decide whether or not it is the right option for you. If you think a kick scooter could work for your commute, why not try it? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Tip: If you know how to ride a kick scooter faster, you can make your commuting more enjoyable. To learn more about this, you can refer to our previous article.
FAQs
Is it weird for adults to ride scooters?
No, it’s not weird at all! More and more adults are using scooters as a way to get around. They are fun, eco-friendly, good for health, and an affordable way to commute around.
Is it hard to ride a kick scooter?
Getting used to riding a kick scooter can take a bit of practice, but it’s not hard. You just need to learn how to ride, brake, turn, and balance the scooter. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll be able to start commuting with confidence.
Can kick scooters go uphill?
Yes, most kick scooters can go up hills. However, it will be harder to ride uphill on a scooter than it would be on a flat surface. If you live in an area with many hills, you might find that using a kick scooter is not practical.
Is it safe to ride a scooter on the road?
It is safe to ride a scooter on the road as long as you follow the rules of the road and ride responsibly. You should always wear a helmet and other protective gear, and you should be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Are scooters good for commuting?
Yes, both electric and kick scooters are good for commuting. However, you can choose any one of them depending on your needs and budget.
Conclusion
Kick scooters are a great way to get around, but they are not right for everyone. If you are considering using a kick scooter for your commute, consider the pros and cons shared in this article before making your decision.
So, what do you think? Is kick scooter good for commuting? Is it the right choice for you?
Only you can decide that! But we hope this article has given you something to think about and make an informed decision.
I am Mary Earhart, the founder of scooterideas.com. Scooter (Kick scooter, electric scooter, and more) is my passion, and I have years of teaching experience in this field. Our vision and mission are to provide you with accurate information on everything related to the scooter.