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.
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Go-Ped Know-Ped Push ScooterProduct Description: Inspired by the original Sport gas-powered scooter, the Know-Ped kick scooter offers all the design features of the Sport but without the motor. The Know-Ped is handcrafted from high-grade, aircraft-quality materials, including a 4130 Chromyl frame and a patented, cantilevered Chromyl fork. The 6-inch Go-Active rubber tires, meanwhile, deliver a smooth ride regardless of the street conditions. Other details include high ground clearance, front and rear brakes, and a folding design for easy storage.
Specifications:
Engine: None
Transmission: Kick
Frame: Aircraft-quality 4130 Chromyl
Fork: Patented, cantilevered, aircraft-quality 4130 Chromyl
Wheel type: 6-inch solid Go-Active rubber replaceable tires
Rims: Mach 12 reinforced, high-impact polymer
Front brake: Wheel caliper
Rear brake: Stomp fender
Folding: Yes, for easy storage and transport
Suggested usage: City/cruising
Max capacity: 400 pounds
Weight: 13 pounds
Folded dimensions: 34 by 13 by 13 inches (W x H x D)
Unfolded dimensions: 34 by 39 by 13 inches (W x H x D)
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Absolutely great! Kids loved it and worked out what to do in about 10 minutes. Easy to build and seems pretty strong. Only problem we've had is the inlet manifold (plastic I think) cracked making it unuseable, probably just a fult in the plastic. Waiting for Go-Ped customer support to reply though.
