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what is bearing rating? The rating recognised in engineering is the ABEC standard, short for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, named after the body that established the standard.
The ABEC ratings are (from lowest precision to highest precision) 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Most kick scooters in the market use bearings rated ABEC 5 to 7.
The higher the precision, the lower the rolling resistance/friction. Lower friction translates into a longer glide distance for every push. This can be readily experienced when riding a scooter, and is often what makes you feel or judge if a scooter is 'fast' or 'slow'.
The Higher the ABEC rating, the tigher, more round, and better the individual bearings are inside the casings. Ball bearings are important for ultimately they are the reason we can all scoot and skate. |
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*Handbrakes?*
Most kick scooters in the market do not have handbrakes installed. Most scooters are slowed or stopped by stepping down on the rear fender, which doubles as a friction brake on the rear wheel. The rear fender brake is a simple and effective system.
Below: a typical kick scooter rear fender friction brake
Advantages (of handbrake)
- a familiar braking system that everyone can use
- can brake with a shorter reaction time compared to the kick scooter friction brake
Disadvantages
- Tenancy of rider falling forward if brakes are applied when the rider's body weight is towards the 'front' of the scooter
- only available on a limited number of brands and models of kick scooters. It may limit your purchase options.
- adds weight and complexity to your kick scooter
CONCLUSION
Bicycle-style handbrakes are nice to have, but are generally considered non-essential on kick scooters. It takes only a very short time to get accustomed to using the standard rear fender friction brake. Insist on it only if you really face difficulty using the fender brake.
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