With the school summer holidays fast approaching, finding things to keep the kids entertained for six weeks can be a challenge. With the (mostly) glorious weather we have being having lately, and hopefully lots more of the same over the summer, kids should be outside enjoying the outdoors, absorbing the fresh air and sunshine as much as they can, all whilst having some fun, playing with friends, keeping active and even getting some healthy exercise.
A great way to get the kids outside to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air and keep active is with a push/kick scooter. Kids just love scooters and they have evolved a lot of the years. We have been trying out the JD Bug Original Street MS130B Scooter from Skates.co.uk and what makes this different is that it is a foldable kick scooter that folds up effortlessly in seconds for easy storage in the boot of a car for taking to the park or carrying over your shoulder after the school run etc.
The JD Bug Original Street MS130B Kick Scooter is available in a variety of colours: Matt Black, Matt Purple, Matt Silver, Matt Teal, Pastel Pink, Red Glow Pearl, Reflex Blue and Sky Blue. It is a lightweight scooter (it weighs less than 3kg) recommended for riders aged 8+ old with a maximum weight limit of 100kg. We received our scooter in Matt Purple and it looks great.
Specifications:
- Max Weight: 2780g (220lbs)
- Max/Min Height: 845mm/630mm
- Footplate: 510mm x 90mm
- Wheel: 100mm/86a Clear with Grey Speed Hub
- Bearings: Chrome Abec 5
- Brake: Spring Loaded, Quick Stop Brake System
- Rider Weight: Maximum 100kg
- Colours: Matt Silver, Matt Black, Sky Blue, Red Glow Pearl, Pastel Pink, Reflex Blue and Purple Matt.
- Accessories: Adjustable T-Bar, Multi Mount Clip & Shoulder Strap
As a folding scooter it is simple to fold/unfold and only takes a few seconds so the kids can be using it in no time at all.
In its folded position, it is quite compact. The handlebar stem folds down onto the footplate and locks into place and the handlebar grips disengage so that they are not sticking out (they are held together with a cord through the handlebar and clip onto the stem). When folded it has a carry strap that clips on near the front wheel and near the top of the handlebar stem, making it easy to carry.
Folding and unfolding is simple. From its folded position, hold the T-tube (the handlebar stem) and push the quick release folding lever mechanism down whilst pulling the T-tube into an upright position until it clicks into place. Push the handlebar grips into the handlebar stem until they click into place. Finally, adjust the handlebar to the correct height (it has a maximum height of 845mm / minimum 630mm) by pulling the quick release clamp, pulling the bar up to the required size and close the clamp into its locked position. All this takes about a minute or so.
To fold back down, you release the handlebar grips by pressing the buttons on each grip and pulling the grips out and then clipping them into place. Shorten the height of the handlebar and then push the folding clamp down whilst pushing the T-tube down until it clicks into place. You can then clip on the carry strap and off you go.
Note: before riding any scooter, children should be equipped with the relevant safety gear: safety helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and ideally wear lace-up shoes (never ride in sandals or barefoot).
Riding the scooter is nice and smooth and it turns very well. The bar can also spin 360 degrees, so riders can easily do simple tricks. The scooter is equipped with 100mm transparent wheels that not only glide over the ground easily (as long as it not a rough, bumpy surface) but look good. The scooter is also equipped with a brake on the back wheel that riders push down on with their foot to slow down or stop the scooter (the brake can get quite hot with constant use so it should not be touched with bare skin). The footplate has a stick-on grip tape that covers most of the footplate, helping do an excellent job of keeping the rider’s foot in place when riding the scooter.
Overall, the JD Bug Original Street Scooter is an excellent scooter. It is super fun to ride and can also take the weight of a lot of adults. It is very lightweight whilst being very sturdy, robust and very well constructed. But the best part of this scooter must be the very quick and safe way of folding it, it takes seconds and without the need for any tools or trapping of fingers in the mechanisms.
When its folded, it is very compact so that it is easy to store at home, in the garage or in the boot of the car without taking up lots of space. And the compact design, light weight and carry strap make it extremely easy to carry (especially after school runs, how many times do you see parents/carers having to push scooters home in the morning?).
This is a fabulous scooter to help children get the most out of their outside space and parks this summer. Really quick and easy to fold and unfold with its simple and very effective folding mechanism so that kids can be using it within seconds. It safe to use with plastic covering the folding mechanism so that no fingers get trapped, and it nice to ride with its strong grip tape, foam handles and good quality wheels.
Let the kids enjoy the outdoors this summer with a fun scooter that will keep them active. A scooter that takes up very little space and is so easy to carry around once they have had enough for the day or are off doing something else.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £54.95 (currently on sale at £48.95)
For more information or to buy, visit www.skates.co.uk.
