Customer Reviews

Go-Ped Know-Ped Kick Scooter (Green)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Very well built, tough, great ride. Easy to ride even for someone who's never ridden one as a kid. Got this to give my dog a better workout during afternoon walks, and now we both get a great workout.

I'm 45, 6'5" tall. After shopping for various electric and gas scooters, decided to get this because I read that for 1-2 mile distances, this was all you needed. It is! Half the weight of any gas or electric scooter.

I've had the KnowPed for about a year, and also got a Xootr Mg last month, after reading that the Xootr "goes 3-4 times as far on a flat surface, with the same number of kicks". That may be, but as I discovered, most people don't ride on a perfectly smooth, flat surface, but on streets and sidewalks, and there, the Xootr's better glide makes little difference. The Xootr's lower deck helps kicking a little, but over a 1-2 mile loop, the overall effort is the same. Except for sections where a lot of braking is needed, and there, the KnowPed is less effort thanks to its better brakes. If you're going to be riding 5+ miles over smooth sidewalk, the Xootr will save you some effort.

The Xootr deck flexes side-to-side when you change feet, but this is more a matter of hinge design, than of build quality. The flex doesn't really affect ride quality, it just takes a little getting used to. Xootr is also noisier, and has a slightly harsher ride, but neither is worth worrying about. The Xootr may technically be lighter, but the KnowPed is more rigid and feels lighter. The Xootr's T bar extends higher above the deck than the KnowPed's, however this isn't necessary, even for very tall people (I'm 6'5"), unless they're going to be riding 5+ miles. The ability to set a lower hieght is an advantage to anyone less than 5' tall. Xootr claims their backwards oriented front wheel fork is more stable than competing design, which is true, but their narrow wheel is more likely to jam in a crack, so its a wash. Both scooters require you keep two hands on the T bar at all times, so make sure you have a backpack to carry supplies. I clip my dog's leash to my belt when taking him for a trot. (Jan 2009 update: Safety is excellent in my opinion: The Xootr can spill when the wheel jams in a sidewalk crack. The KnowPed can spill if you take one hand off the T bar. Total spills in 3 years: 2 for Xootr, 2 for KnowPed. Embarrassing, but kind of exhilarating, too, for the few moments of weightlessness. Don't worry, have fun!)

Two Xootr's attractions are its sophisticated looks, and narrower deck. If I were wearing a suit, I'd rather be riding the Xootr. The Xootr's shorter adjusting T bar is also good for use by children. (A GrowPed also serves here). The KnowPed's deck is a little too wide for my taste, but not enough for me to do anything about it. If that really bothers someone with carpentry skills, they could take a router to the wooden deck.

Both are fine scooters, but overall I like the KnowPed better than the Xootr, even if it were the same price as the Xootr, and not half the cost. Simpler, to use, quicker to fold, and super reliable. Fantastic brakes compared to the Xootr, and easier to control. The rear brake is much more effective and easier to use than the Xootr's, because its easier to step on. The KnowPed is quieter, and looks great. Unless you like the Xootr's appearance and styling better, I'd recommend the KnowPed to anyone looking for a kick scooter.

UPDATE: April 2008. Re: Xootr noise- there is a simple way to quiet the fender rattle: piece of sponge between the brake and fender. Also I am really getting used to the much taller T bar on the Xootr. It lets me stand completely upright. Have to recommend the Xootr for riders over, say, 6'1" who are going on 5+ mile rides. Also, the KnowPed is no longer that much cheaper than the Xootr. Still, the KnowPed is an excellent scooter: simple, tough and reliable.

UPDATE: Jan 2009. Folding: both scooters fold, but the Xootr is more compact when folded and has a great shoulder strap available. Pop it on your shoulder and both hands are free. My favorite rides are anywhere along Manhattan's riverside Greenways, anywhere that's super crowded like China Town. Scooters are a great way to see a crowded flat city like NYC. Even checked mine in on the airplane so I could scoot around Austin during a business trip.

It just came Fed-ex today. Pulled it out the box -- raised the bar and it snapped into position -- voila!! Step on and coasted across the living room. Wow! Big. Sturdy. Rolls nice. Brakes nice. I'm nearly 300lbs and feel safe, stable and supported on this lovely blue scooter. Now I can join my 7yr old with his razor A for scoots around the neighborhood! Can't wait for my wife to check it out. I think she will want one too. So far so good. If anything bad happens... or more good... I'll be back to update this for sure. But so far very pleased.

UPDATE... OK. That was fun. A bit of a workout in the 90 degree heat today. Me and the kid cruised up and down the block a few times. The deck on this thing is nice and wide, so I was able to coast with both feet next to each other and then switch feet for pushing when one got tired. Folds up much quicker and easier than the razor(I had to struggle with that) and then it's easy to carry up the stairs to our 2nd floor flat.

It's well made and durable but it's just not very stable. When riding it down a hill I felt as though even a minor bump in the road could send me tumbling if I didn't pump the break and slow to a crawl. The mechanism to keep the scooter folded is also very unreliable. It's basically a small hook that hangs loose from the handle that grabs the rear fender. If you try to hold it by the steering shaft it will eventually unhook and unfold, possibly hurting someone.

So, back in February of this year (2011), I purchased a blue Go-Ped Know-Ped. I loved it. I live in New York City, and it was perfect for commuting from my apartment to the subway, and then form the subway to work. Let me be clear: I am not a stunt man by any means, and taking it out on New York streets is enough of a thrill for me. I do not practice any stunts or tricks.

The first problem came less than a month after I bought it, in early March: the wooden deck (the part you stand on) was starting to fall apart. Ends up you are not supposed to take it out in the rain or "on wet surfaces", which I admit, I did. TWICE. Nothing on the page I ordered it from mentioned you were not to take it out "on wet surfaces". it was only after I went to the go-ped home page to contact them about this that I found in the deep part of "the go-ped warranty" (which was not included in my shipment). So I tried to contact go-ped about the issue, to see if they would replace the deck, or at least to offer to pay for some part of it, etc., if nothing for the fact that they were not clear about not using it on wet surfaces. I got this in response:

"Thank you for visiting goped.com.

We appreciate your comments and suggestions and will answer your email as soon as possible.

-Go-Ped Staff"

And I never heard from anyone after that. I got this automated response and that was it.

So ends up I had to order a new aluminum deck(for an additional $69.95)from another company so I could take it out on a "wet surface" occasionally and not worry about the deck breaking under me.

So everything was fine until 2 weeks ago(so I've owned this know-ped for 5 months now) when the rear break/fender broke with normal use. Once again, I had to shell out about $36.00 dollars to get that replaced, and this time I ordered from Go-ped directly. When I received it, they didn't even bother to put the adhesive grip tape ("Fender stomp pad")on the back of the fender/brake. Apparently I was supposed to pay and additional $3.90 for the "Fender stomp pad", not including what they would charge for shipping.

I still love my Know-ped, but now having spent $300 for it, I probably would have just ordered a different scooter, perhaps the Xooter. I went with the Know-Ped because I thought it was a sturdier design, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I am very upset that they do not back up their product better, and Go-ped's very poor customer service. If this product was backed up better, I would gladly give it 5 stars.

I bought four of these a few years ago and the kids still ride them...wish I could say the same about all the plastic junk toys that we collected down the basement over the same number of years. The scooters have been left outside a lot and the undersides are all scraped and the wood decks are splitting and rotting and we've replaced the wheels a few times (hint - get some aftermarket aluminum wheels from any Go-Ped dealer...they don't break) but they've taken some unreal abuse and are built tough...tough enough for adults. Comparing these long-lasting American-made beauties to cheap Chinese Razors is totally laughable...no comparison.

It just came Fed-ex today. Pulled it out the box -- raised the bar and it snapped into position -- voila!! Step on and coasted across the living room. Wow! Big. Sturdy. Rolls nice. Brakes nice. I'm nearly 300lbs and feel safe, stable and supported on this lovely blue scooter. Now I can join my 7yr old with his razor A for scoots around the neighborhood! Can't wait for my wife to check it out. I think she will want one too. So far so good. If anything bad happens... or more good... I'll be back to update this for sure. But so far very pleased.

UPDATE... OK. That was fun. A bit of a workout in the 90 degree heat today. Me and the kid cruised up and down the block a few times. The deck on this thing is nice and wide, so I was able to coast with both feet next to each other and then switch feet for pushing when one got tired. Folds up much quicker and easier than the razor(I had to struggle with that) and then it's easy to carry up the stairs to our 2nd floor flat.

I am a big girl, 5'7" 250lbs. and it is hard to get a scooter that handles bigger weight and is still portable; this scooter does it! I bought the pink one and rode 4 miles my first day on the strand at the beach. It is very smooth, going over cracks, curb bumps, and small debris without a hitch. I then took it on the Metro with me and it was portable enough to sit in my lap folded and stood upright, or in two seats folded side-by-side. It folds down and up really quickly and once you get a hang of the locking clasp, you can carry it with one hand. Just don't set it on the floor, the clasp sometimes unlocks itself and the handle swings around and can smack someone. I ride my scooter around Downtown Los Angeles: get where I'm going faster, get a little exercise, and get a lot of compliments. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!

I uaed to be very athletic. But had an injury 6 years ago and am just now getting back into excercising. I wanted something that would give me a workout and still be fun. Something that I can even ride from my car when it's parked a couple blocks away.

So, I went in search of a foot scooter. I didn't like the razors and found most of them too small. And since I'd be on the sometimes unever road and sidewalks, I needed a larger wheel what would go over some rough ground at times.

Anyways, the minute I got it, I found it folds in two, which makes it real easy to take into the stores with me. And I just love the ride. I take it to the 7-11 instead of my car. And because I park my car far away at times, I just scooter back home. In fact, I just love getting up and riding it back to my car. it's so cool, I want to find a way to find more time to use it. it's just too cool.

Pros: It has the handle brake in addition to the back foot brake. It has nice big wheels that will go over the rough ground in my alley. Just perfect size for an adult. And has a nice size foot pad to stand on. Goes fast and glides great.

Cons: I really don't have a con. It is not the imported foot scooter I had as a child with large nuematic wheels-which really allows you to ride on everything. But that was imported from holland and very expensive. From everything I researched before I bought this one, I found this to be the best around.

I'm so glad I bought it and by the way, the next day I felt a bit sore which was perfect. It means I got a bit of a workout from riding it-which is what i wanted. And it's helping me with my balance as well.

Highly recommended.

If you are over age 10 or you are going to take your kick scooter beyond your driveway, this is your best choice. It has an ultra-smooth ride, a big wide deck and a front brake. Front brakes do more of the stopping power, just check the pad wear on your bike.I use it for quick trips when a bike feels like too much. The deck has plenty of room for my 7-year-old and me when we scoot to school every morning. Try that on a Razor clone. The big solid rubber wheels roll over cracks and everything else. A great scooter.

The only downsides:

- it's a little bigger annd heavier.
- The clip that holds it folded rattles
- It's made by the same company that makes the noisy, smell, horrible gas-powered Know-Ped, so I feel a little bad about supporting those jerks.

I'm a 43 year old mom and nurse and I'd been riding my son's Razor and almost killing myself when those tiny wheels hit a bump or a hole. Then I bought the Know-Ped and life became fun again! Yes, it's bigger and heavier, but that's okay . . . I'm bigger and heavier than a 9 year-old. I like that I can put my feet side by side while coasting and I feel oh-so-much-more stable. It folds down and hooks together nicely and you get a little biceps work out while carrying it! I keep it in my trunk and ride it from where I have to park my car to where I work in San Francisco . . quick, fun, good exercise. Highly recommended!