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The Razor Scooter is a compact folding scooter developed by Micro Mobility Systems and manufactured by JD Corporation.[1] Over 5 million units were sold in the six months following the launch of the first Razor scooter in 2000, and it was named as Spring/Summer Toy of the Year that same year.[2] The first electric Razor scooter was released in 2003.[3] Today, the Razor is manufactured by RazorUSA, based in Cerritos, California, in the United States.
Design
editThe basic scooter design consists of an airplane grade aluminum frame,[4] 98 mm polyurethane wheels, and a hinged fender over the rear wheel, which is pushed down by the foot to act as a spoon brake. The handlebar and headtube fold for carriage when a quick release latch is opened.
Models
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- A - 98mm wheels
- S - "A" with fixed-height handle bars (no height adjustment)
- AW - "A" with a wheelie bar
- Spark - "A" with a spark bar for real spark action from the rear brake
- A2 - "A" with a front suspension and a wheelie bar
- A3 - extended A2, early versions have 98mm wheels and later ones have 125mm wheels
- AW125 - extended A3 with 125mm wheels, upgrade to the early versions of the A3
- A5 Lux - 200mm wheels
- Non-Pro Model - the non-stunt model
- Ultra Pro - for stunts, not foldable
- Cruiser - 140mm wheels
- Malibu Cruiser - cruiser but with 125mm wheels and a metal deck
- Finger Crusher - lightweight design, Dan Green Pro Model
Electric scooters
editIn 2003, RazorUSA introduced its first electric Razor scooter. It operates with the use of a twisting throttle. These new models reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour.[5] Electric scooters became a popular way to travel slightly longer distances than one might with a traditional Razor scooter, yet distances short enough that using a bike would be excessive.[6]
Freestyle riding
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Freestyle scootering is a growing sport. Due to the rough demands of trick riding, people often reinforce the scooter to withstand impacts and high force.
Safety
editRazor scooters have received attention for the frequency of injuries sustained by riders. In 2014, The Atlantic and other news outlets reported that Razor and other brands of scooters contributed to substantial increases in yearly numbers of emergency room visits.[7][8][9]
Razor claims their scooters are safe to ride, and recommends adult supervision and the use of protective gear when riding.[10] To increase the safety of younger riders, razor recommends a three wheeled scooter.[11]
Team Razor
editTeam Razor is an exhibition scooter team sponsored by Razor. This team of professionals travels across the U.S., wowing crowds with their tricks and talents, and appeared at X Games Los Angeles 2013.[12] In October 2013 they completed the Team Razor Cross Country Tour, visiting 17 states as well as the District of Columbia.[13] The team held their most recent exhibition event on August 30, 2014 at the 3rd Annual Triple Crown.[14]
Current roster
edit| Name | Age | Hometown | Joined team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Kimbell | 23 | Harby, UK | 2012 |
| Jason Beggs | 26 | Long Beach, CA | 2010 |
| John Radtke | 29 | Pomona, CA | 2006 |
| Michael Pytel | 23 | Newport, DE | 2012 |
| Nat Barber | 23 | Stratford upon Avon | 2012 |
| Big Ron Sharpe | 29 | Elk Grove, CA | 2008 |
| Royce King | 22 | Glenbrook, Blue Mountains, Australia | 2011 |
| Tanner Markley | 28 | Temple City, CA | 2010 |
| Trevor Navarre | 18 | Mission Viejo, CA | 2012 |
References
edit- ^ Micro Mobility Systems: Realizing the scooter dream, Beatrice Heim, Matthias Hofer, Daniel Keibach, Michael Rist and Eva Voycheva, all from University of St. Gallen, class 2001
- ^ "2000 TOTY Winners".
- ^ "Corporate History - Razor". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-07.
- ^ "Razor Scooters for Preschoolers, Kids, Teens and Adults". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-07.
- ^ "Razor E300 - Sit or Stand Electric Scooter for EcoSmart Teens & Adults". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
- ^ "Razor Electric Scooters". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
- ^ Journal, Brian Resnick, National (2014-12-03). "The Toys That Send Kids to the Emergency Room". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Toy scooters are driving more and more kids to the emergency room, study says". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
- ^ Painter, Kim. "Study says scooters lead the toy-injury pack". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
- ^ "Razor Safety - Razor". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
- ^ "Study says scooters lead the toy-injury pack". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
- ^ "Team Razor - Razor". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-15.
- ^ "Team Razor Events Calendar - Global Domination Pro Tour | Razor - United States". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-15.
- ^ "3rd Annual Triple Crown". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2017-05-15.
- ^ "Team Razor - Razor". Razor. Retrieved 2017-05-15.
External links
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