Michael Schwartzbach, a media arts sophomore, traded in his skateboard for a Razor brand scooter after seeing them in Los Angeles this summer. It also gets a lot of chicks. The scooter is also appealing because it is economic and portable, Schwartzbach said. They fold down in a matter of seconds, allowing the rider to walk if necessary. Replacement wheels are available in order to alter the color or the design, including ones with tread for rougher terrain.
Most models also offer some sort of friction-plate braking device over the rear wheel.
All of the scooters fold down to a compact size for easy carrying, but the newest models feature shoulder straps, grinding rails and front-wheel suspension for navigating large cracks and potholes, adding to their convenience. In addition to being spotted on campus, this new fad toy is appearing across the nation. The boardwalks in California are teeming with scooters, and even the business men in Washington DC use them between the subway and work. Not everyone is a fan of the gadget, however. Scott Weller, a business freshman, sees the scooters as a burden more than a convenience.