Blogger Reviews

Micro Sprite Review by Two Wheeling Tots

December 8, 2017

A top-notch kick scooter in both quality and durability and a clear winner in both appearance and performance.

RATINGExceptional

BEST FOR: Kids who want a smoother, more nimble ride than a traditional kick scooter

PROS:

  • Precise design and construction result in a super smooth ride and tight maneuvering
  • Lightweight frame makes for easy jumping
  • Fast!
  • Beautiful, anodized aluminum stem comes in lots of color options

CONS: 

  • None!

The Sprite is a top-quality Swiss kick scooter designed with sophisticated style and built for smooth, precise performance. 

PERFORMANCE 

From the moment I pulled that shiny red scooter out of the box, I had a swarm of young boys begging me to be the first to ride. They soon discovered that the Sprite was better than any other scooter on the block and I had brothers and neighbors fighting over temporary ownership.

While the Sprite is a “traditional” kick scooter, it’s definitely a high-end version. It’s solid, durable, and most importantly, a smooth ride. Our testers loved that they could ride “so fast” and didn’t “feel bumpy over all the sidewalk lines”. When they did small jumps off the curb, “the landing didn’t hurt” and it was “easier to jump high”. Eloquent, no, but as an adult tester, I can attest that it really is the simple truth. The scooter feels sturdy and fluid beneath you and doesn’t have that “clackity clack” joltiness.

From afternoons spent riding up and down the block and jumping off curbs, to hours at the skate park, and even a 3-mile ride with mom, our testers couldn’t get enough of the Sprite!

The larger (120mm) polyurethane wheel in front and smaller (100mm) wheel in back, precision in design and construction, and superior craftsmanship all contribute to a smooth and nimble ride for big and small riders.  I even had one 5th grader articulate that the Sprite was so much more “maneuverable” than his other scooter!

Because the Sprite was such a smooth ride compared to other kick scooters we’ve tried, I contacted the manufacturer to double check that there was no suspension system.  Indeed, there is not! They credited the smooth ride to several things, including quality materials, precision engineering and tight construction.

SIZING 

Handlebar Height: The Sprite’s adjustable handlebars allow riders to grow with the scooter, or for the whole family to ride!  With almost 12″ of adjustability from min to max (they adjust from 22.5″ to 34″ from the deck) the scooter was a comfortable ride for everyone from our 8-year-old tester to the grown-ups.

However, if you’re an adult looking for a scooter exclusively for yourself, the Micro Flex or Micro Black are better suited for adults because they have a taller maximum handlebar height.

Weight: At 5.5 lbs., the Sprite is lightweight and easy to maneuver for anyone 8+. The weight is pretty standard for scooters in this category.

Weight Capacity: With a 220 lb weight capacity, even Dad can ride this scooter! (We won’t tell you how close he came to the max weight.)

Age: 8+

COMPONENTS 

Foot platform

With its gorgeous anodized aluminum colored finish, the foot deck of the Micro Sprite is a step up from other kick scooters. Its sturdy build and 13.5″ of usable foot space make it a comfy ride even for Dad. (For comparison, our Razor A5 has 12.5″ of usable foot space.)

Handlebars

The handlebars are a standard t-bar with soft foam hand grips. The ends, however, have upgraded soft rubber bumpers that will protect hands from falls and also will hold up better than traditional foam after getting scraped on the ground during falls or if the scooter is laid on the ground.

Stem

The stem of the Sprite is a beautiful, smooth anodized aluminum that comes in 7 different colors.

Wheels

The wheels are a high-quality, bump-dampening polyurethane. The front wheel is 120 mm while the back wheel is 100 mm.

Brakes

The Sprite’s standard scooter brake is upgraded by texturizing the metal for better grip and less slippage.

EASE OF TRANSPORT AND STORAGE 

The Sprite is super easy to fold for compact storage. If you don’t care about compact, the kickstand is even easier to use for upright “parking” storage.

Kickstand: The two-way kickstand can be kicked up forward or backwards to keep it out of the way while riding. We recommend kicking it forward because it’s then easier to grab it with your toe to engage it for parking.

Folding the Frame: The frame is folded in 3 easy steps as shown below:

(1) Pull  up on the lever

(2) Push the button

(3) Fold down

Folding the Handlebars: The handlebars also fold down in three easy steps:

(1) Push the button to disengage the locked handlebar

(2) Pull the handlebar out of the stem

(3) Fold down and place in the handlebar holder

BOTTOM LINE 

We haven’t seen another kick scooter with the quality and durability of the Micro Sprite. With its beautiful anodized aluminum finish and smooth ride, it’s a clear winner in both appearance and performance. While not the cheapest scooter on the market, it’s well worth the price tag.

Best Ride On Toys: Mini 3in1 Deluxe by Two Wheeling Tots

March 19, 2019

We've been testing it for quite a while now because we were a little unsure of it at first. My daughter didn't "get it" in the beginning, but once she figured out she could raise her feet up and glide, she's screaming "wheeeee!" all over the house. It's adorable.

Pretty much every other ride-on toy out there is much wider, causing kids to hit their legs as they run and push off the ground. The Mini 3-in-1 is narrow enough that that doesn't happen, which is why my daughter is actually able to glide successfully. What a fantastic preparation for the joys of a balance bike.

FITS KIDS: Toddlers ages 12-months to 3-years (but best for 18-months+)

FEATURES: 3 easy-rolling wheels for gliding, 2 seat heights, converts to a scooter

With the Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe, our favorite scooter company converted their best selling scooter (the Micro Mini), into a smaller ride-on toy for toddlers. Essentially a scooter with a seat attached (that can later be removed), the Mini 3-in-1 rolls smooth and easy like a scooter, and offered the most “fun factor” for our toddler testers.

While the lean-to-turn maneuvering of the scooter is too complicated for toddlers in ride-on-toy mode, toddlers 18-months+ will quickly learn to pick up the Mini to turn, and then glide all over the house screaming “whee!!!!”. (Trust us, it’s adorable!) We love that the wheels allow kids to glide quickly, but are slower than the sometimes nerve-wracking other toddler scooters.

The Mini’s narrow body allows kids to push off the ground and then lift their feet to glide. This feature is a great building block for toddlers who will then transition to a balance bike, where gliding is also the end goal.

PROS

  • 3 easy-rolling wheels roll fast and smooth
  • 2 seat heights to better accommodate toddlers as they grow
  • Narrow body prevents toddlers from hitting their legs on the wheels as they stride
  • Easily glides for more fun play as toddlers get older and more adventurous
  • Higher, round handlebar is easy for little ones to grab
  • Converts to a scooter

CONS

  • Steeper learning curve (but more fun when toddlers finally “get it”)
  • Difficult to maneuver for very young toddlers

5 Reasons Why I Love Scooters by Shalice Noel 

October 16, 2017

Last week, we scootered around the historic Mission District and found so many beautiful historic buildings to learn about and scooter around. It was founded in 1771, and the fourth of California’s 21 missions. We scootered around the fountain and to the plaques to learn more. The kids didn’t get tired but are always easily entertained by scooters and a pack of gum in their pocket. Ha! I’m sharing a short list below of why we LOVE our scooters:

 

Top 5 Reasons Why We Love Our Scooters

  1. Great Exercise. Scooters get kids moving! When are kids are tempted to spend hours on devices such as iPads and laptops, it’s important to give them a fun alternative to sitting, scootering!
  2. They travel well. The micro sprite folds for easy travel. Just push and hold in the 2 buttons on either side of the front wheel and unfold your scooter. Also, think about using them on vacation to explore a new town. Bonus: the kids get less tired than walking. Pro tip: bring them when you trick or treat to keep the kids from getting easily tired walking. (Check out scooter-friendly costume ideas here)
  3. I get a workout. These 4 scooters fit in our SUV and if I want a workout, I wear my running shoes and try and catch up to them on their scooters. It’s harder than you think!
  4. They are great for almost every age. The maxi deluxe is great for ages 5-12 (what my kids have) and the micro sprite is great for ages 8-99! I have the micro white and can more easily catch up to them at the park. Either way, it’s a great workout.
  5. They make great gifts! Christmas is 70 days away, get or give a free scooter light to a niece, nephew, son or daughter.

 

On Saturdays We Scoot by Naomi Davis (Love Taza) 

October 9, 2017

…and go to the farmer’s market (see below.) and get pumpkins (so long as they are mini.)

on saturdays, we eat pancakes for breakfast before going to a baptism for eleanor’s friend (at least on this saturday), and do chores around the apartment and get a little bit of the never ending pile of laundry conquered.

on saturdays, we watch star wars return of the jedi (well, the kids), and sweet home alabama (me.)

on saturdays, we use our scooters as pretend snow boards and give mama mini panic attacks at every other stop light on the upper west side. we also get annoyed with mama when she tries to take a family photo on a street corner. (it was a very big fail.)

on saturdays, we can’t seem to come to agreement on dinner, so half our family eats subway sandwiches and the other half, salads from sweet green. (pick your battles.)

on saturdays, we do a lot of other stuff, too. but mostly hold onto the memories of the cuddles on the sofa, the big cardboard box turned into a puppet show stage/ rocket ship and relish in the glorious smell of a bleached bathroom because that means it’s CLEAN.

hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  some photos from ours below…

Just Roll With It by Ledger and Major 

March 15, 2019

Do you and your kids a favor and get some kid friendly wheels. Micro kickboardscooters to the rescue . Not only are these scooters rated the best in the world, but they have cool. minimalist design and come in multiple colors. These scooters are strong so they can handle kids every day play, but also lightweight. 

Not only do these scooters help with balance and direction but also with gross motor skills!! Oaks has the mini deluxe and Ford has the maxi deluxe and of course I don’t let them ride without helmets. These are great Birthday or Christmas present ideas and I am all about a gift that promotes being outside. 

Your kids will thank you and you will thank Micro Kickboard scooters.

 Scootering Around Silverlake by Shalice Noel 

November 1, 2017

One of our favorite things to do on the weekends is explore new neighborhoods and scooter around. While Reid and I look for coffee, the kids compete who can scooter the fastest and they usually find a lizard or two to slow them down. Luckily, our 4 scooters fit nicely in our SUV so we can take them out whenever convenient, like here in Silverlake. We had just left Whole Foods getting food and flowers and burning off some of those cookies from dessert was a main priority if we were going to have a semi-peaceful afternoon. Mission accomplished with these cute and practical scooters. My kids never don’t want to scooter and I’m thankful for that!

Where will your scooters take you? See where we took our scooters in Venice HERE and see the health benefits of scooters HERE

 Micro & the Benefits of Kids Riding Kick Scooters by La Jolla Mom 

December 11, 2015 9:14:16 AM EST

This kid. I asked her to scooter around the sidewalk area while I walked the dog and instead she takes off down the grass hill. This shot was taken before she did it. I can almost see her wondering if I’d approve.

I was fine with it because the space is used for dogs, bootcamp and then some, but also because she’s become quite an expert at maneuvering her Micro Maxi scooter on bumpy sidewalks, along beach boardwalks and around other far flung places because we often keep it in the car.

I’m here to tell you that a kick scooter makes a perfect holiday gift for kids ages 18 months and older. It’s fun, plus riding a scooter hones gross and fine motor skills that are useful for learning, sports and other life skills.

The Benefits of Kick Scooters for Kids

Think about what it takes for you to ride a kick scooter. Then, consider the following.

Balance and Direction

Scooters are powered first by a kick but directed using balance. Scooters can help improve coordination with use at any age, but particularly when kids are young and learning how to balance using their weight.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills

Developing gross and fine motor skills enables kids to become more independent, while opening doors to exploration, creativity and learning. Parents Magazine surveyed a number of experts for an article regarding why motor skills are so important for kids to cultivate early.

Scooter help develop both sets of motor skills kids need in everyday life. Scooters must be transported to a place of play (often by the kids), perhaps assembled (if traveling with your kick scooter), maneuvered properly, and can even be used a as a centerpiece for imaginary play… or barreling down a grass hill.

Kick scooters like the Micro Maxi help kids develop motor skills. Plus, they're fun and my daughter loves hers!

Pre-Reading Skills

The above benefits are also essential pre-reading skills for very young kids. Our books are printed from left to right so experts believe its important for new readers to be familiar with the concept of direction at an early age. Motor skills are essential for a number of other reasons. Kids not only need to hold the books and flip pages, but a good pencil grip later enables them to write words down in order to remember them better. They’ll hone motor skills to brush teeth, type and a number of other things throughout their lives.

Confidence

It usually doesn’t take long for kids to master riding a kick scooter. When they do, the confidence knowing they can handle it can potentially make them eager to tackle other skills.

Safety

A helmut is require by California law for non-motorized scooters, skateboards and bikes for anyone who is under the age of 18. Through riding scooters, kids can understand a bit more about the importance of protecting their bodies and consequences of not doing so.

Fun

Seriously, kids love the freedom and ease that riding a scooter provides. The bottom line is that kick scooters are fun and also let them ride when walking might be a burden.

Micro Kickboard Kick Scooters for Kids and Adults

The question now is, “Which scooter do I buy?” Am I right? Fortunately, Micro Kickboard has you covered from age 18 months all the way through adulthood.

Mini2Go

The Mini2Go, Micro Mini and Micro Maxi scooters for kids from Micro Kickboard The Mini2Go (pictured above on the left) is an awesome choice for ages 18 months – 3 years because it starts off as a ride-on scooter and then converts to a stand-up scooter with a T-bar. It also has a removable toy drawer and non-marking wheels that won’t destroy floors should the kids learn to ride indoors first.

Micro Mini

The Micro Mini is the highest-rated scooter for 3-5 year olds. Kids will lean to steer and the non-marking wheels won’t destroy floors should they learn to ride indoors. The scooter’s three wheels and low deck provide stability. It is also reasonably-priced at $79.99.

Micro Maxi

The Micro Maxi kick scooter is the highest rated for kids ages 5-12. My daughter loves hers! My daughter uses her Micro Maxi constantly. She rides it when we walk the dog together as we do at Kate Sessions park in San Diego (pictured above). We take it to our local beach boardwalks and sometimes leave it in the car because I never know where we’ll wind up. It is best for kids ages 5 – 12 and the highest rated for this age group. Kids can carve up the sidewalk like a skateboard with the scooter’s curving and carving action that is controlled by body weight.

Micro White or Micro Black

The Micro White scooter is one of Micro Kickboard's best-selling scooters for adults. The Micro White and Micro Black scooters are the same adult scooter in different colors. I have a Micro White that is incredibly convenient as I can ride alongside my daughter when transporting her from our house to a neighbors and then some. It’s ergonomically-designed with a higher T-bar so that adults can maintain a comfortable stance. The oversized wheels can handle bumps in the sidewalk well and provide a smooth ride. I love it. I wasn’t sure why I’d “need” a scooter but I can tell you that I use it much more than I thought!

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