The technology industry is abuzz with new companies promising to remove the friction of traditional ways. Transportation tech is no different. Uber and Lyft reduce the hassle of hunting down a taxi. Paying is automatic and requires no time wasted entering a credit card or managing change. New technology-based transportation services are reducing obstacles in our way of getting from A to B, but it’s important to remember that not all transportation challenges require a high-tech response. We seem to forget that walking can often get us to a destination as fast as driving during rush hour, in city centers. Kick scooters provide a faster and, I would argue, more fun way to travel within a 1 to 2-mile radius.

Relative to cars or bikes, kick scooters are likely to get you out on the street and on your way faster (assuming you have to get a bike or car out of a garage). Kick scooters are the ultimate grab and go transport. Because they can be folded and weigh only 9 to 13 pounds (referring to adult scooters), you can take them with you on trains, planes and automobiles. The ultimate in frictionless transport are light electric scooters that can be stored in an apartment and walked up and down flights of stairs without a strain (see electric scooters weighing less than 20 pounds like the eMicro). But, electric scooters are significantly more expensive than manual kick scooters, ranging from $800 to $2,000+. Adult Kick scooters, by contrast, typically cost between $100 and $300.

So, if you want to add control, speed and fun to your commute, whether walking or public-transportation focused, try out a kick scooter. Even drivers may be able to use one to avoid paying steep garage parking rates in downtown centers; park further away and use a kick scooter for the last mile. Introducing: Park and Scoot, the unofficial sister to Mass DOT’s Park and Ride program.

Not all kick scooters are created equal. So, trying them out on your city pavement is recommended. For adults and teens, I suggest purchasing a scooter with polyurethane, 200mm wheels (aka big wheel scooters). Within that category, there are choices (a quick search on Amazon will make your head spin). The decision often comes down to a Razor A5 versus a higher quality, Swiss-made, Micro scooter.

Micro Black Scooter (left) and Razor A5 Lux Scooter

After experimenting with a few scooters, I have chosen Micro scooters to power my rides. While adult Razor scooters are great for the price ($99 and sometimes less), Micro scooters will provide a more comfortable, smoother, and durable ride. Micros’ heavier material, more comfortable handle bars, and high-quality bearings make a difference. Boston-area readers can contact me to demo Micro products, including the eMicro, the Pedalflow, and Micro Samsonite Luggage. Their new Suspension Scooter is receiving rave reviews from Boston friends for its speed, comfort and adaptability to rough and cracked surfaces.

If you use a kick scooter, please share which one and for what purpose. Thanks for reading!