I was trundling along the Yarra this morning, minding my own business, when I spied up ahead a bloke who seemed to be doing it tough: he was pushing along on a scooter. At first I thought he was on one of those dinky Razor jobs, but then I realised it was something a bit bigger. And at closer inspection his technique seemed pretty good—smooth strides with a regular hop-switch to change kicking foot, he was getting along pretty well, not doing it tough at all.

As I drew up behind him, I noticed it was no ordinary toy scooter—it was one serious sports vehicle, something a bit like this:

I dropped in beside him for a chat. I guessed he was getting his fitness up to speed for cross-country skiing but it turns out he’s a runner keeping up his training while protecting his back, and presumably his knees as well. (But he gave me points for recognising that it’s something that cross-country ski teams use to maintain fitness in the off-seasons.)

Sure, compared to a bike he wasn’t breaking any speed records but he was getting the workout that he wanted and he seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.

I don’t think I’m a convert but I still reckon that’s one cool bike—a utility cyclist might even want to grab one to use as a lightweight city bike.

More info

• Kickbike Australia is the local importer (and source of photos of hot chicks and buff blokes with tight bums, presumably sculpted by scootering)
• A detailed review and comparison
• Check out the mad descending in this race footage
• Kickbike is the “World portal for the Kickbike scooters and Kickspark sleds”
• IKSA “the world organisation for footbike (scooter)-and kicksled sport”
• Kickbike America

More on related topics

• I discover that I will never be cool. Again.