Xootr - Another exercise gadget

The Middlewife is sure I'm nuts this time. Despite already owning 3 folding bikes and 2 pairs of skates, I recently became convinced I also need a scooter for my daily commute. Part of why she's sure I'm off my meds is because she and Shades already gave me a scooter for Christmas once, several years ago. It was just what I wanted too, until I actually tried to ride it farther than a block.

What's changed? Me, mostly. When I last had a scooter, I was 40 pounds heavier, and thought a mile daily walk home from the subway station was lots of exercise. Scooters have changed too. That one had bigger wheels than a Razor, but still far smaller than the wheels on my Landroller skates. Its platform was also fairly high off the ground, which makes for more work pushing off to propel the scooter anywhere. Finally, it was a royal pain to assemble and disassemble, which killed my idea of taking it with me on the subway.

Now I expect to exercise an hour a day most days, and can walk 4.7 miles in that time on "gentle" days. Scooters are better too. The one I chose this time is called a Xootr Mg, with the Mg standing for its platform made of Magnesium. It has essentially the same 7 inch hard wheels as are used in the rear of my Landroller skates, and its platform sits very close to the ground.

Moment of truth: it arrived today in late afternoon, leaving just enough daylight to see if I could ride it the 4 miles I'll need to when I commute with it. And the answer is -- Yes! Four miles of mostly-flat terrain took 37 minutes, at an average speed of 6.4 MPH. As for effort, yep, it's more of a workout than either riding a bike or using my skates. My average heart rate was 152, rather than 128 - 137 on the same route via bike or skates. On the other hand, my average when running or jogging is 159 - 165, and I covered 1 more mile than I could have by jogging the same number of minutes.

The acid test will be when I take the Xootr to work. I'm looking forward to it fitting under the seat in the train, unlike even the smallest folding bikes. That will make it a lot easier for me to find a seat. I'm also looking forward to it being a whole lot safer than skates when crossing busy intersections. Simplicity is also a virtue - I broke a pedal on my bike this week. As my dad would say, the fewer parts there are, the fewer there are to break.

If anyone buys one, be sure to get the optional fender for $10 more. Riding in the rain isn't recommended, but with a fender it's at least feasible, plus the fender serves as an extra brake if needed. And if you'll be taking your Xootr on the train and don't already have a bag in which to pack it, the cheapest way to buy the official one is at the same time as the Xootr.

Update: CAUTION! I just did a face plant on my new Xootr and chipped both front teeth. I was going up into a driveway from the street, and the lip on the driveway curb was too much for the scooter. It just stopped, and down I went. No other damage to me beyond a cut on the nose, a slight abrasion above the upper lip, and a bit of discomfort in my hands. It's a good thing I was wearing thick gloves and ski goggles or I expect there'd have been more damage to report. The goggles show definite scrape marks. It was a lousy way to end a very pleasant 3 mile scooter ride!

Update2: I found a great 30" X 13" Alpine Designs nylon stuff sack at Sports Authority that holds the Xootr well for $8, and easily fits in a pocket or backpack while riding.

As for the fall, other Xootr owners advise keeping weight well back on the scooter, and not pushing the arms too close to the handlebar. I'm not the only one to have falls while first learning to ride a scooter, and extra slowness and caution is recommended on all but smooth flat dry surfaces with good traction.

If falling, tucking a shoulder and rolling is recommended. Shades similarly suggested the dead man fall, in which you land flat on the forearms and outstretched palms with the head turned to the side. Either would presumably have been far better than what I actually did.

Update3: That face plant I did in December is proving to be a gift that keeps on giving. I ended up needing two root canals as a result, and may also be getting a crown on one of the two affected teeth. I guess I know where my tax refund is going this year!

On the other hand, it could have been worse - a good friend fell on his bike about the same time, and ended up with a new hip! I suspect we'll both be more cautious as a result of our injuries.