Customer Reviews

Radio Flyer Smooth Rider Scooter

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

 

 

Hello. I'm 40 years old, weigh 225 pounds, and I ride this scooter!

I stumbled on it at Toys R Us quite by accident, while searching locally for a Razor A5 -- Razor's "adult" scooter, also with a 220 pound weight limit. But I already was unsure of the A5's smallish deck and lack of a front brake. Alas, there were no A5's to be found locally (short of a 30 mile drive to a Craigslist seller).

Also as a point of reference, I had just come from a test ride on a Xootr Mg at my local dealer (Oceanworks in Berkeley), and although I was smitten by Xootr's generous deck and quality construction, I choked on the high price.

As much as I'd be happy to pay a premium for a quality product, and an additional premium for an American-made product, the price difference between Xootr Cruz and Radio Flyer was three-fold for what will ostensibly be a "toy" that I use to accompany my now 2½ year old son on his new adventures aboard his Mini Kick Scooter. If this turns into something bigger -- trips down to the coffee shop or grocery store, perhaps -- then I'll reconsider.

I'm not going to get over the Radio Flyer label anytime soon. Compared to the Xootr Cruz and Razor A5, the Smooth Rider has lots of plastic and bright red coloring that screams "TOY!" But other than that, it works. Here are the boring vitals (followed by Xootr Cruz / Razor A5):
> weight: 11.6 lbs (X: 10.5 lbs / R: 8 lbs)
> wheels: 170mm (X: 180mm / R: 200mm)
> wheelbase: 715mm (X: 720mm / R: 686mm)
> deck: 16½" x 7", tapers to 6" (X: 7.9" wide / R: 4.5" wide) <16½" measured from front of deck to front of rear fender
> max handlebar height from deck: 36" (X: 38" / R: 36")
> handlebar width: 13.5" (X: 12.5" / R: 12")
> rider weight limit: 220 lbs (X: 300 lbs / R: 220 lbs.)

The Smooth Rider comes assembled, and has a Razor-like spring pin to fold/unfold, versus Xootr's "pull out the pin, open, then re-insert the pin" operation. The Smooth Rider also has collapsible handlebars that keep them narrower than the 6" wide deck when the scooter is stowed away. The height adjustment has three pre-selected detent positions, but can be set anywhere up to 32 inches high using the standard quick-release clamp design.

The red deck grip has some wrinkles in it at the rear where the deck "flips up" over the wheel. There's no grip applied to the right two inches of the deck, but what is lost in grip is gained in style points.

The deck is bolted to a twin-tube frame. It looks underwhelming compared to the T-frame on the Razor and Xootr. But under my weight (which exceeds the manufacturer's max weight by at least 5 pounds) I don't feel any flex or wobble -- in fact, it feels equally sturdy to the Xootr Mg I test rode around the block a few times.

Radio Flyer's front brake is quite similar to Xootr's. The rear fender brake has no springs or hinges, it's simply flexing plastic down onto the rear wheel. Both brakes work well.

I appreciate the bicycle style headset into a forged link on the Smooth Rider, unlike Xootr's rather hinkey-looking pivot bolt setup. But I don't like that the Radio Flyer's headset is notchy, and seems to have a detent or two at random locations. But the notchiness is only really apparent when I'm holding the scooter up and turning the handlebar; it disappears when I'm in motion. Nevertheless, it appears to be a conventional threaded style bicycle headset, so sooner or later I'll be tearing it down to clean, inspect, and re-lube it.

At 6 feet tall, I'm pretty comfortable riding this scooter. I don't find myself yearning for higher handlebars. The wheels are smaller than the other two, but I don't notice much difference over rough asphalt or small curbs (driveway lips) vs. the Xootr (only a 10mm difference in diameter, however). And I'd actually say the Xootr Mg had a harsher ride than this Radio Flyer, but that may be because of the stiffer frame and magnesium deck. And the Radio Flyer certainly has overly cushy grips.

The steering geometry feels stable and "just right" for cruising at faster clips. No problem navigating the slight hill in front of the house and easing into a controllable, gliding turn. Run-out seems good, i.e. no excessive friction. For what it's worth, Radio Flyer says they use similar ABEC-5 wheel bearings as the Razor A5, which generally gets good marks for rolling resistance.

At 1/3 the cost of the Xootr Cruz, this Radio Flyer (so far) is a pretty good deal. The crunchy headset is its biggest flaw. If I progress from "toy" stage playing with my son, to actually making the mile-long trip down to the shopping district, perhaps I'll form a different opinion, and reevaluate my thrifty decision. I'll post any updates here if something goes awry. If you can get over being a "grown up" riding a Radio Flyer, put this scooter on your list for consideration.

I have no regrets purchasing this scooter. Quite durable and the brakes work well. I like the front brake on this scooter- it reminds me of my first with two brakes at the handlebars and air-pumped wheels. I'm an adult and I never get tired riding this everywhere. It's a great alternative to Razor with more standing room on the board. Radio Flyer-it's not just wagons now!

We purchased this scooter for our 8 year old son for Xmas. It came almost fully assembled-it only took a few minutes to get it up and running. He learned to ride it in about 5 minutes. It has a nice wide deck and a hand break-highly recommended. It also folds for easy transport.

My seven year old son loves this scooter. He doesn't do tricks or anything with it. So I can't say whether or not it holds up to things like that. But he rides it every chance he gets and it's help up awesomely! Classic!

I bought this scooter for my daughter's 8th birthday. She loves it. The handle bar has the three settings. The board is wide enough for her to stand both feet on. It rides smooth.

This is definitely the best scooter that kids ever used. They are 7 and 5 y.o. their friends just jealous for this scooter. Very sturdy even me can ride it.