Despite being relatively young, scootering has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most popular action sports today.
That said, despite the fact that scootering as an action sport has only been around for a fraction of the time of some of its predecessors, non-motorized scooters (or kick scooters) as a vehicle have a long, interesting history!
With that in mind, in this article we are going to share some facts about scooters that even the most seasoned riders may not know!
Ancient Beginnings
Did you know that kick scooters have roots dating back thousands of years? Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Chinese, developed early versions of scooters made from wood, often used as toys for children.
These early scooters featured wheels made from materials like stone or clay, and the riders would use their feet to propel themselves forward, much like modern kick scooters. It’s incredible to think that the concept of scooting has been around for so long!
The Swiss Connection
The modern kick scooter as we know it today owes its design inspiration to the Swiss. In the early 20th century, a Swiss craftsman named Micro Mobility Systems revolutionized the industry with the invention of the first folding kick scooter.
This innovative design allowed scooters to be easily folded and carried, making them incredibly convenient for urban commuting. Micro Mobility Systems’ folding scooters gained immense popularity and set the stage for the kick scooter’s global success.
An Olympic Appearance
Believe it or not, scooters have established a connection with the Olympic Games. Although kick scootering itself is not an Olympic sport, it made a brief appearance during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as a demonstration sport.
This demonstration showcased the incredible skills and tricks that riders can perform on scooters. While we may have to wait for scootering to become an official Olympic event, its inclusion as a demonstration sport highlighted its potential and raised its profile on a global stage.
Scooter Speed Records
Scooters are not just for tricks; despite their appearance, they can also be surprisingly fast! In fact, kick scooter speed records have been set by determined riders looking to push the limits of what these little vehicles can achieve.
The current Guinness World Record for the fastest kick scooter speed stands at a staggering 71.9 mph (115.7 km/h)! This impressive feat demonstrates the incredible speed and versatility that kick scooters possess.
A Greener Way to Travel
One of the most compelling aspects of scooters is their positive impact on the environment. As eco-friendly alternatives to cars or even bicycles, kick scooters promote sustainable transportation. They produce zero emissions, require no fuel, and take up minimal space on the road.
With the growing emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change, kick scooters offer a practical and eco-conscious mode of transportation.
Learn What Else There is to Love about Scooters with Evolve
The number one fact that any scooter rider can tell you is that getting on one yourself is loads of fun, and what better environment to experience that than with Evolve camps?
Evolve offers programs that give kids the opportunity to hone their skills at skateparks across the GTA, Calgary, and Vancouver in a safe, supportive, and fun atmosphere.
Spring sessions are already underway, and spaces are limited, so sign up now to reserve your spot, and see what’s so great about scooters for yourself across the best skateparks in the country.
