Who is the Scooter for?
Let's find out before we jump into the world of kicksleds and scooters, an innovative sport from Finland .
The snow scooter is usually used in Scandinavia as a means of transport on village roads and on frozen lakes during cold and icy winters. Originally, it was designed like this: a chair fixed on two long metal runners. Subsequently, its design was modified by Hannu Vierikko who, a decade ago, became a scooter enthusiast. This man's talent combined with his passion for scooters have made the practice evolve into an innovative sport. During his career, Hannu put a lot of effort into developing the new generation of “Finnish kicksleds that could move fast”.
In fact, it is thanks to him, an ardent scooter enthusiast who wanted to use it for training in the summer, that the scooter Kickbike was born.
What makes the scooter so special ?
The scooter for the race
The Kickbike scooter was originally designed to meet the very high demands of competitive sport. This scooter was in the lead at the international races which took place in Germany, the Netherlands and Finland in 1997. World records were reached (10 km in 19.58 min, 42.195 km in 1 h 26 min and 19 sec, and down the road at 92 km/h). Alpo Kuusisto (Kickbike scooter team) won the 1997 German International Moped Championships in Wolsburg and eight of the top ten riders rode a Kickbike scooter.
Scootering is fun for everyone
Everyone can enjoy the attributes that make the Kickbike scooter so light and fast. In fact, for a beginner, the extended, easy glide after each propellant kick is even more enjoyable than for a very experienced driver. Apart from the convenience of this scooter and the fitness benefits it provides, it can compete with bicycles that are usually used for short distances. Another important point: the scooter requires very little maintenance because its operation is so simple.
The scooter to keep in shape
The practice of the scooter has obvious advantages in terms of physical exercise. The propulsive kick makes the leg work in a pendulum motion and this, in a relaxed, different and stretching way, while the other foot is held in a more concentric way as for skating or cycling. The propelling kick technique is itself a workout in that there is alternating legs, after every three or eight propelling kicks. Fit riders have found new challenges in extremely difficult (Forest Gump-style) scooter rides, the toughest of which is from Helsinki to Gibraltar, where 4,000 kilometers were covered in 27 days.
An aerobic method of firming the buttocks
The power kick is an effective cardiovascular workout because it engages exceptionally large muscle groups during the exercise. Riding a scooter oxygenates you more than riding a bicycle, making it a much more effective aerobic workout. The lower back muscles, buttocks, hamstrings, calves, thighs and abs work. Rolling smoothly on two silent wheels protects the knees, hips and back from passive shock absorption that could result from injuries from sports like jogging. The power kick is probably the most effective aerobic method for firming the buttocks…
The scooter – the urban vehicle of the future
Unlike the bicycle and the roller skate, the scooter can be easily maneuvered on pedestrian streets and sidewalks. Despite its speed, the scooter gives you the same rights as if you were on foot, although driving on cycle lanes is also permitted. It's easy to stop and get back on the road – just a push and you're off! Compact and lightweight, the scooter is easy to transport – you can take it up stairs or even indoors quite easily. The use of the scooter is in no way hampered by bad weather or on uneven surfaces.
Towards a happier world!
Regardless of your age, gender or physical condition, you will be able to enjoy the originality of the scooter and the fact that it promotes initiative and individual thinking. The more you do, the more you will appreciate the simple pleasure of propelling yourself and the harmony of the rhythmic movements of the propelling kick. The scooter represents a healthy way of life. By joining the beaming peloton of moped scooter enthusiasts, you will be helping to launch this trend that will “propel” you into a happier world…