Motorized scooter

This article is about motorized scooters. For motorscooters, see motorscooter.

File:Evo 2x.jpg

The Evo Powerboards 2x

A motorized scooter is a small scooter designed to have the rider primarily in the standing position. These scooters are generally designed with a large “deck” in the center on which the operator may stand. Gas powered stand-up scooters use a small utility engine (often designed for use in industrial power equipment) attached to the rear of the scooter. The first production scooter, the “Sport,” was released by Go-Ped in 1985. Since then, the industry has exploded with the creation of many new brands and technologies.

Most scooters are name branded scooters such as "Razor", "French ID", or "RAD" (ride and destroy). These are often ridden by famous riders such as James Dillon, Coedie Donovan , And Joe Riley.

Technologies

Wheels and tires. There are two general categories of tires on which stand-up scooters travel--hard tires and air tires. Hard tires are generally six inches in diameter and constructed of a hard-plastic insert surrounded by a solid rubber tire. Air tires are most often 10 inches in diameter. They are constructed of a steel or aluminum split rim, an inner tube and rubber tire. Other, less common wheel and tire types include 8 inch and 13 inch air tires.

Transmissions. The most simplistic drive mechanism of stand-up scooters is the "spindle" drive. This drive mechanism puts an extension of the engine's output shaft, the spindle, in direct contact with the rear tire of the scooter. In order to function correctly, the tire must have a clean, dry surface which the spindle will be able to effectively interact with. Scooters with this type of direct transmission can be pull started with the rear wheel off of the ground or "bump" started by forcefully pushing the scooter with the rear tire in contact with the ground.

Simple chain reduction drives are also used to transfer energy to the rear wheel from the engine. These generally incorporate a type of centrifugal clutch to allow the engine to idle independently. The chain drive is generally more efficient and predictable in all conditions than the spindle drive.

Belt reduction drives use the combination of wide flat "cog" belts and pulleys to transfer power to the rear wheel. Like chain drives, belt drives include a centrifugal clutch. As opposed to chain drives, belt drives require less maintenance and no lubrication. Belt drives are also more susceptible to breakage in off-road conditions.

Suspension. The suspension systems of stand-up scooters range from simplistic spring based fork systems to the complicated, dampened cam-link and C.I.D.L.I suspension mechanisms.

Technological advancements

• 1985: Go-Ped introduces the first production stand-up scooter, the "Sport."
• May 2001: Go-Ped introduces the first full suspension stand-up electric scooter, the "Hoverboard."
• 2004: Evo Powerboards introduces the first scooter with a two-speed transmission, the "2x."

Legal Issues

In many areas in the United States motorized scooters are not street legal, as they cannot be tagged, titled, insured, and do not meet simple federal requirements for lights. Before you ride, you will need to check with your regional and local vehicle code. A particular locality may also have further ordinances that limit the use of motorized scooters. The top speed of the average motorized scooters is around 20 miles per hour. Due to their small wheels motorized scooters are not typically safe for street use as even the smallest bumps can cause an accident.

See also

• Scooter (motorcycle)

External links

• The Scooter Wiki