Xootr kick scooter

[KnottedYet]

Anybody got one?

I've been yearning for one for a while. (basically I yearn for any wheeled conveyance that progresses via human power)

Seems ideal for my short couple-miles trek to my bus stop, fold it up on the bus, store it safely under my desk at work, bus and scoot home.

Midlife crisis time again, so I neeeeeeeed to feed a yearning. (hey, it's cheaper than a Surly Big Dummy with Stoke Monkey! And probably more practical, too...)

I'm thinking of a Xootr Ultra Cruz or Xootr Mg. http://www.xootr.com/kick-scooter_cruz.html And I would get the fender/rear brake.

Would love to hear anyone's experiences with either, or with any other Xootr product. I'm quite pleased that they are made in the USA, so I don't mind paying $$ to support US jobs.

ETA: oooh, VIDEO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a-nv...layer_embedded

[PamNY]

We've had Xootrs for about 9 years. They are excellent urban transport, and should be perfect for the situation you describe. I take mine on the subway all the time. They are well-made, don't need much maintenance, and are fun to ride.

Over the years, we've had every model they make, and there's not much difference. The choice is largely personal preference. I have the Roma, and feel I get greater kicking efficiency from the narrower deck. I also think the narrower deck is easier to deal with when it's folded.

The MG deck is a tad lower, and some people think they get greater kick efficiency that way. You also feel bumps a little less on the MG due to the magnesium deck.

You do need a fairly smooth surface to really enjoy a Xootr. Doesn't have to be perfectly smooth, but very bumpy or cracked sidewalk is annoying. I recommend getting the carrying strap.

[KnottedYet]

THANK YOU!!!

That's what I needed, a cyclist's review of the Xootr!

About 10 years ago I was in Europe and saw adults everywhere in the cities riding kick scooters as part of their transportation. Ever since then I've wanted one.

I will probably get one (through one of my LBSes) this weekend, because I'm greedy like that.

BTW, I loved my bike locker at the transit center, but I got very tired of chasing stoners and drunks away from the door so I could get in, and very tired of the mountains of cigarette butts and used condoms that ended up washing into it. I gave up on the bike locker as part of my commute.

[PamNY]

Cool video. I just scootered around the dining room to see if I put my foot that far forward -- not quite.

I thought bike lockers would be heaven, but I guess that depends on circumstances.

Hope you like your Xootr.

[jessmarimba]

We have the Razor (?) scooters at my office. To ride around in the building.

I don't know how they compare to the ones you're looking at, but my only negative experience was hitting a wall once pretty hard b/c my company president popped out of nowhere and I didn't want to hit him.

They are, in my experience, a lot of fun and not difficult to navigate unless you're in a room full of cubicles and support columns. I couldn't use it to get to the restaurants, etc. up the street because the office complex forbid them on the sidewalks (boo).

[KnottedYet]

I hope not to run into any walls... but I do intend to wear a helmet. Already had one head injury (from a bike wreck without a helmet) and really don't want another.

Also figure I'll wear my day-glo biking vest.

I don't mind people saying, "Oh, look, what a NERD!!" as long as they aren't saying, "Oh, sh#t, sorry, I didn't see you!"

And I might just have to put my Tyrannosaurus rex squeaky horn on the handlebar!

[Kathi]

We have the Razor (?) scooters at my office. To ride around in the building.

I don't know how they compare to the ones you're looking at, but my only negative experience was hitting a wall once pretty hard b/c my company president popped out of nowhere and I didn't want to hit him.

They are, in my experience, a lot of fun and not difficult to navigate unless you're in a room full of cubicles and support columns. I couldn't use it to get to the restaurants, etc. up the street because the office complex forbid them on the sidewalks (boo).

Are you're scooters motorized? If yes, it's possible they are not legal in your area.. Here's Jefferson county's statement on these things. http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/jeffco...s/scooters.pdf

[KnottedYet]

The scooter is very quiet, unlike a skateboard which gives pedestrians fifteen minutes' notice, so expect to startle people and behave accordingly.

I don't expect to startle people.

I expect to act like a civilized human being and call out "scooter passing on your left" a good 1/2 block before I get anywhere near pedestrians, and continue calling out until I know I've been heard.

Even then I slow my a$$ down when I get near a pedestrian, and take responsibility for my inertia around those who have less inertia.

BTW, if you take the time to ride a scooter you will find that it is just as noisy as a skateboard. I've been a devote' of both, and they are pretty much the same as far as noise is concerned.

(and spam is never appreciated)

[OakLeaf]

Like, didn't we just have a discussion yesterday about spam links being stripped out of people's first posts?

Oh well... s/he didn't startle us either.

[Trek420]

(and spam is never appreciated)

Unless it's in musubi.

[PamNY]

BTW, if you take the time to ride a scooter you will find that it is just as noisy as a skateboard. I've been a devote' of both, and they are pretty much the same as far as noise is concerned.

Yes, Xootrs are not exactly quiet.