I usually take my kids out on their scooters once a day for exercise around the neighborhood. They were using the simple scooters that cost around $30-$40 and come with 3.8″ solid wheels, no hand lever break, no suspension, etc. I believe these scooters were good for them to learn on, but they are older and bigger, I felt scooters with adult features would be better for them in terms of ride quality and overall enjoyment, so this is my real life VIRO Rides Sport Runner Folding Kick Scooter Review.

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Kids outgrew their original scooters

As I mentioned, my kids have outgrown their original scooters they learned on. I felt buying them a scooter with more “adult” features and capabilities would enable them to enjoy “scootering” more. So, I started doing research online.

Because my kids are growing so quickly, I think they need a scooter with a larger frame and platform. Also, I felt the ride would be more smooth and enjoyable if they had larger wheels and a suspension. And, because they are able to go faster as they get older, having a hand lever brake would be safer.

Many of the scooters that had the features I was looking for were in the $100-$200 range. But, I found the VIRO Rides Sport Runner Folding Kick Scooter and it appeared to have everything I wanted for my kids at a very reasonable price. So, I bought three Sport Runner scooters through Amazon. Since this particular product offered free returns, I figured I had nothing to lose.

Sport Runner Specifications

• Adjustable handlebars
• 8” urethane wheels with ABEC-5 bearings
• Front and rear suspension
• Bicycle-style handlebar grips
• Dual braking (hand lever and rear friction brake)
• No assembly required
• Lightweight aluminum frame and deck
• Suitable for ages 8+
• Recommended weight up to 220 lb
• Weight: 13-14 lbs (Shipping weight is 14.6 lbs)
• Expanded Dimensions: 5.1 x 35.5 x 13 inches
• Folded dimensions: 37 x 5 x 13.5 inches

My and my kids’ thoughts

Assembly was simple and intuitive. I asked my kids if they like their new scooters versus their old scooters, they said the liked them better because they can go faster and they are less bumpy. In my opinion, the kids seemed to be able to go faster with less effort on the sport runner scooters. They are still trying to get the hang of the hand lever break, but I assume they’ll get more comfortable as they get older and with more practice. Since the handle bar height is adjustable, the kids can keep the scooter as they get older.

Two issues I had with the scooter initially, first the cable for the hand lever break is very long so there is a lot of extra slack…too much. The slack would get caught in their front wheel fender. So, I tied the cable to the body of the scooter using a black zip tie…problem solved. See picture below.

The second problem was that my middle child’s kick stand keep deploying when she was riding it. So, I used wire cutters to shorten the spring and now it works fine. See picture below.

Other than these two issues, I’m happy with my purchase and I think my kids are too. I would recommend this scooter, especially because of the low price.

4/13/2020 Update: My kids continued to have problems with the kick stands not staying in folded up position when riding their scooters, so I just removed them using a screw driver and hammer.

Where can you buy this scooter?

If you’d like more information or you’d like to buy this scooter, follow the link below. Note, if you would like to save some money and you’re okay with buying a used scooter, then be sure to check the Amazon page for a link under the product description that looks like “New & Used from $$.$$ + FREE Shipping.” Note, you’ll want to verify if there is “Free Shipping” and “Free Returns”

VIRO Rides Sport Runner Folding Kick Scooter – https://amzn.to/39W8K27

Also, you may want to add some reflective tape to the scooter to increase visibility if sometimes you ride when the sun sets, see below for pictures of how I used the reflective tape and where you can buy it. I also added reflective tap to my kids helmets.

Hopefully you found my real life VIRO Rides Sport Runner Folding Kick Scooter Review helpful.

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Check out my other scooter review

Hover-1 Alpha Electric Kick Scooter Review

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