Oh, what I would have given to have a scooter when I was in college. I would have avoided having to run across campus between classes (literally), trips to the grocery store wouldn’t have been as big of an ordeal and I wouldn’t have had the persistent worry about the dwindling number of available parking places on my college campus as my university increased its enrollment each year.
To avoid the hassle for other college students who feel my pain, here are my picks for the top five scooters from various categories.
- Collapsible Scooter: This probably would have been the best scooter to accommodate my needs in college. Basically, it’s the simplest model and the fact that it is collapsible makes it ideal for the student on-the-go. In other words, students who want to get to class on time and then to pack their transportation in their backpacks when they get there should consider this category. Best model: Xootr MG kick scooter is the most popular model of the Xootr kick scooters. It has the lightest deck structure and lowest deck height among other models in the Xootr brand, and the wide platform allows both feet to rest on the deck. This model will run you $219.
- Electric/Motor Scooter: An electric scooter might seem like the lazy man’s scooter at first, but it’s actually pretty handy for when students want to go to the corner grocery store …10 blocks away. That’s right: A motor scooter is great for when your destination of choice is just far enough away that you probably would not walk, but you might consider it a waste of gas to get into your car and drive to said destination. Best model: E300 Razor scooter is specifically designed for older teens and adults, and it can go up to 15 miles/hour. The retail price is $259.99.
- Scooter/Dolly: This scooter model is for the student who multitasks, or who often carries their work home with them. Want to make sure that class project doesn’t get smashed in your backpack on presentation day? Use this scooter model to deliver your diorama in one piece. Best model: SCOOT 500 Manual Scooter has a front platform that can hold up to 55 lbs and optional basket that can hold up to 15 lbs, perfect for the student with a heavy load. A SCOOT 500 costs $129, with an additional $35 for the basket attachment.
- Gas Scooters (Mopeds): Yeah, this scooter is for those students who want to ride alongside their car-driving classmates on the open road, but spend a fraction of the gasoline bill. (Note: This model itself is not for the open road.) Also, this model is for those who think “motorcycle” has negative connotations, and prefer to be mistaken for a European exchange student accidentally-on-purpose. Best model: Yamaha Aerox R 50cc 2011 has a relatively good fuel economy for a scooter. (Most range between 4 and 6 miles per gallon, but this model has a 7 MPG capacity.) The Aerox R also has storage space under the seat. Yamaha has a great reputation for all kinds of motor vehicles, so it’s definitely a trustworthy brand. These are imported, and will run you Ò£2399, or approximately $3900.
- Tricycle Scooter: Who didn’t love those childhood years when they would ride around on their giant 3-wheeler? Relive the good ole days with this scooter model, which combines elements of the tricycle with the lightweight design of a scooter. Best model: Trikke 8 3-Wheel Scooter Adult enables its rider to lean into turns uphill and downhill. It has two independent rear breaks for sudden stops and a quick-release handlebar adjustment. You can get a new Trikke 8 for $499.
I highly advise college students everywhere to consider investing in a scooter. Several categories and models are available, so it should be an obvious addition to every student’s packing list.
