Kickbike/scooter selection guide

On this page, you can compare the features of different kickbike / scooter models. If after reading the page you are still unsure about your choice, we are happy to help. 

Kickbike, kikkari, footbike, scooter, potkupyörä, scooter: what kind of contraption is it really?

Unlike stunt scooters, usually seen under children as small scooters, a large-wheeled scooter (engl. scooter, footbike) resembles a normal bicycle in appearance and size - but without a saddle and pedals. There are different models, and they differ among themselves in frame size and the size and width of the wheels.

In Finland, many know the so-called adult kickbikes / scooters by the name Kickbike, since Kickbike brand scooters are designed in Finland and naturally they are also the most visible in our country. In Europe, there are also other companies specializing specifically in these vehicles. Such brands include the Czech Kostka, Yedoo. In the Czech Republic, scootering seems to be almost a national sport, but scooters are also increasingly seen in other countries, both in everyday life and on outdoor trails.

A scooter is suitable for everyday exercise, as a replacement for a commuter bike, as a training tool for active athletes, for walking the dog, and even for sled dog or pulling sports. The most enthusiastic can also participate in competitions, even at the World Championship level. With or without a dog!

Why choose a scooter as your means of transportation?

• Excellent fitness exercise
  Scootering works your whole body and makes you sweat easily. The movement is quite similar to cross-country skiing, and scootering is great training especially for the lower back, glutes, thighs, and calves. Compared to running, scootering is much more joint-friendly exercise - and of course, the distance is covered clearly faster on a scooter. Even compared to biking, scootering is generally a more comprehensive form of exercise for the body.
  Although you can easily get your heart rate up while scootering, you can also go at a calmer pace if you want - and walk uphill. As new scootering muscles are found and strengthened, the ride becomes easier. Scootering is also a technical sport and with practice it becomes more efficient. Scootering is often also suitable for those who, for example, experience back pain with a normal bicycle.
  
  
• More maintenance-free than a bicycle
  Although bicycles and scooters mostly use the same components, scooters lack the parts that most often require maintenance, namely the drivetrain - pedals, chains, gears, etc. Scooters are, in all their simplicity, very low-maintenance and durable recreational equipment.
  
  
• Easy and safe
  Many consider the sport easier and safer than biking. It is easy to step onto the scooter and while riding the center of gravity stays lower than on a bike. It is also quick to dismount from the scooter if needed. Compared to small-wheeled scooters, so-called "scootte", Kickbikes are significantly more stable to ride. As with biking, it is always advisable to wear a helmet when riding a scooter!
  
  
• Enables brisk dog walking and/or practicing pulling sports
  With a scooter, it is possible to offer the dog brisk exercise, even when the dog cannot be walked off-leash. The dog can trot beside the scooter or, if the dog has pulling instincts, it can be taught to run ahead pulling the scooter. In this case, the dog must have the right size pulling harness and the bike must have a flexible Pull line and a bike antenna that prevents the line from tangling in the front wheel. You can read more about the equipment on our dog biking page.

What size user is the scooter suitable for?

Scooters are not made in different frame sizes for users of different heights like bicycles, so practically all people of average size can ride the same models. Of course, there are also some size differences between different models, so if the rider is very tall, it is not advisable to get the smallest model for fitness/hobby use - although even that one cruises nicely for shorter distances. Conversely, the largest off-road models may feel too massive for a very small person, especially if the scooter is not used for dog sports, where the stability provided by size is usually desired.

The riding position can often be adjusted to better suit your own taste. For example, the height of the handlebar can be changed either with an adjustable stem, by changing the stem's position, or by rotating the stem or handlebar. The parts are the same as on bicycles, so the selection of various spare parts is almost endless. 

In what kind of conditions do you ride?

The most important thing when choosing a suitable model is to consider the purpose and riding environment. Do you ride alone or with a dog? Think about the environment and type of surface you would most often ride on. When riding in the city and on hard surfaces, a model equipped with narrow and smooth tires rolls lightly. On sand or off-road and in winter slush conditions, wider knobby tires provide stability and grip. If your rides often go on very uneven routes, a front-suspended or wide-tired fatbike model might be the right solution. 

When walking with a dog, asphalt should be avoided and rides usually take place on softer surfaces. Besides tires, when choosing a suitable model, braking power should also be considered. If a strong pulling large dog runs ahead, effective brakes will definitely be needed. In that case, it is wise to look at models equipped with disc brakes.

How much braking power do you need?

Traditional rim brakes are often found in so-called city and trekking models, and in such use they are quite sufficient. Disc brakes are mainly used in so-called off-road models. Compared to rim brakes, disc brakes are more effective, reliable, and maintenance-free. Especially if your intention is to practice pulling sports with a dog, you will likely want the braking power of disc brakes (with small pulling dogs, rim brake models may also suffice well).

Disc brake so-called off-road or all round models:

• Kickbike Cross FIX
  - Mechanical disc brakes. Affordable off-road model that suffices well for the hobby. Wheels 27.5" / 20".
• Kickbike 29er
  - Hydraulic disc brakes and large diameter wheels 29"/26". Stable at high speeds and light to kick even without a dog. Favored by active enthusiasts and competitors.
• Kickbike Fat MAX
  - Hydraulic disc brakes and wide, so-called fat bike tires. Excellent also in winter and with multiple dogs. Wide footboard. Wheels 26" / 20".
• Kostka Mushing Racer Max
  - Hydraulic disc brakes and grippy off-road tires. Includes a frame-integrated dog bike antenna and elastic Pull line. Wheels 27.5" / 24".
• Kostka Monster Max
  - Hydraulic disc brakes and wide so-called fat bike tires. Includes a frame-integrated detachable bike antenna and elastic Pull line. Wheels 26" / 20".
• Kostka Trip Max Dog 
  - Hydraulic disc brakes and large wheels. Designed for dog sports. Wheels 29" / 27.5". Includes a frame-integrated detachable bike antenna and elastic Pull line.
• Yedoo S2016 Disc
  - Mechanical disc brakes. A handy size model easily transportable even inside a car. Wheels 20" / 16".
• Yedoo Trexx Disc
  - Mechanical disc brakes. All-rounder model for hobby use. Wheels 26" / 20".

Rim brake so-called city or sport models:

• Kickbike City G4
  - Upright riding position and front basket ready. For relaxed scooting and even shopping trips. 
• Kostka Tour Fun
  - A good beginner/amateur choice for city and gravel roads.
• Kickbike Sport G4
  - Sporty choice for fitness enthusiasts. Steel frame. Popular commuter model.
• Kickbike Sport MAX
  - Aluminum frame and lightweight sport model equivalent to Sport G4 for active fitness.
• Kickbike Race MAX 28
  - Asphalt racer, i.e. a road bike-like fast model with large wheels and narrow tires.
• Kickbike Freeride
  - Agile small model. Also suitable for children. Wheels 20" / 12".
• Kostka Hill Fun
  - A fun and handy small model that still rolls nicely. Easy to take along even on a train. Also suitable for children. Wheels 20" / 16".

Rolling and versatility

Rolling depends on the size of the wheels and the tread and width of the tire. A bigger wheel rolls more easily, also over uneven surfaces. The advantage of scooters with smaller wheels, such as Kickbike Freeride and Kostka Hill Fun, is agility and ease of transport. Even if you choose a so-called off-road model, you can later of course switch to smoother tires if your riding shifts mainly to asphalt. If you want to continue using the scooter over winter, studded tires are also available for most wheel sizes.

Help choosing a scooter

If you're still not sure about your choice, we're happy to help. Feel free to contact us!