Which snow scooters are best?
Unlike a sled where you ride while lying down or a toboggan you sit on, you ride a snow scooter while standing up. A snow scooter essentially is a wide ski with a handlebar. You turn by twisting your body and shifting your weight just as you would if you were skiing.
Most snow scooters are sturdy, weigh only a few pounds and are easy to transport. This guide will show you what you need to know when you are looking to buy one.
What to know before you buy a snow scooter
Riders
If you have a young child who just wants to slide downhill on a snowy day, a simple, inexpensive snow scooter is fine. If you have an older child into extreme sports and trick riding, the best choice is a well-made snow scooter with a sophisticated design.
Portability
Since every time you ride your snow scooter downhill, you need to get back to the top so you can ride again, choose a lightweight snow scooter that has a foldable handle for easier carrying.
Materials
Simple snow scooters are made of some form of polymer, plastic or resin. More sophisticated snow scooters are built with more durable aluminum alloys and carbon-fiber ski blades.
What to look for in a quality snow scooter
Number of skis
- Single-ski snow scooter: This is the choice for beginners and casual riders. The most basic single-ski snow scooters look like a wheelless skateboard with a vertical handlebar attached. The ski is one continuous piece of plastic.
- Double-ski snow scooter: This scooter type has a long ski in the back that supports the rider’s weight and a short ski in front that the rider independently steers. This snow scooter is the choice of extreme sports fans, daredevils and trick riders because of its ability to make quick, sharp turns.
- Triple-ski snow scooter: This snow scooter looks like a tricycle with skis instead of wheels. This is a safer choice for younger kids and casual riders.
Handlebars
The most basic snow scooters have a handlebar with a fixed height that can be too tall for some and too short for others. Better snow scooters have adjustable handlebars so you can match their height to yours. Adjustable handlebars also come in handy so children don’t outgrow their snow scooters.
Nonskid traction pads
Snow scooters get wet quickly, and the deck of your snow scooter will get slippery. Better snow scooters have textured nonslip pads for your feet so you can better keep your footing while shifting your weight and turning.
Lighting
Some snow scooters have a front-facing LED light that has different colors and modes so riders can make a statement as they go downhill.
Terrain
If you choose a snow scooter whose ski or skis are made of sturdy materials, you can ride it on grassy hills and sand dunes, too, as long as you keep the skis waxed. You also can ride your snow scooter like a kick scooter on pavement if you buy a conversion kit that attaches wheels to your snow scooter’s deck.
How much you can expect to spend on a snow scooter
Small, simple, plastic snow scooters cost anywhere from $30-$60. More rugged snow scooters and double-ski models cost about $70-$200. Snow scooters for trick riding at snow and skate parks can cost $400 or more.
Snow scooter FAQ
What should I tell my kids before they ride their snow scooters for the first time?
A. Make sure you dress warmly, wear a helmet, be respectful of others and look out for the littlest kids.
How do you stop a snow scooter?
A. Like skis and sleds, snow scooters have no brakes. A rider who wants to stop leans their weight to the uphill side to turn the scooter to one side or the other.
What’s the best snow scooter to buy?
Top snow scooter
Geospace Winter Fun Foldable Snow Scooter
What you need to know: This affordable scooter stands out for its numerous features and fun design.
What you’ll love: The handle is sturdy, it has LED lights, it can be used on other surfaces besides snow and it can handle weight up to 220 pounds.
What you should consider: It’s not ideal for very tall people.
Top snow scooter for the money
Grizzly Snow 95cm Folding Snow Scooter
What you need to know: This 37-inch-long budget snow scooter has a handle that folds flat for easy transport.
What you’ll love: This snow scooter is made from a very durable injection molded design with a cool penguin graphic. It has nonskid foot treads and a slick bottom for directional tracking and side-slip prevention. The maximum suggested weight is 220 pounds.
What you should consider: This snow scooter comes in only one size, so the handle may be too short for some and too tall for others.
Worth checking out
Slippery Racer Kid’s Downhill Ski Scooter
What you need to know: This rugged scooter will hold up to lots of use from excited kids.
What you’ll love: The IceVex treatment protects the plastic from the elements, so the scooter stays sturdy.
What you should consider: It doesn’t say what the weight limit is, so it’s probably best for kids rather than older kids or adults.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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