Considering purchasing the Boot Scoot Zoomer from Woot? For $50 for the Zoomer of $60 for the Cruiser, that is certainly one great deal and if that is all you can afford, by all means go for it, BUT first make sure that the bike fits your child. The Zoomer will fit kids with an inseam of 14″ – 17″ and the Cruiser kids with a 17″ to 20″ inseam. If you can afford more than $60 for a balance bike, I would highly recommend staying away from the Zoomer, as its geometry is poor (see below) and go for a a Strider ST-3 (inseam 11″ to 16″) which are currently selling for as low as $69 through Amazon. If you can stretch your budget to $87, the Burley MyKick is an awesome bike with puncture-proof air tires (not foam or plastic!) that is currently on sale for $87 (MSRP $129). The inseam heights on the MyKick is 12.5″ to 16″. Need more help? Feel free to email me using the link provided in the sidebar.
Boot Scoots are one of the least expensive metal bikes on the market, starting at $90. Both models have a lightweight steel frame without the option for a brake. The cheap cost is due to cheaper components, but the manufacture’s warranty covers any broken parts. The Zoomer has foam tires on plastic rims, while the Cruiser has air tires on steel rims.
Boot Scoots Pros:
1. Superb handlebar grips: The grips on both the Zoomer and the Cruiser are solid rubber with a large chunky end to protect hands during falls.
2. Quick-release, adjustable seat post: I don’t know what is more bothersome, finding the correct tool to adjust a seat, or listening to your kids whine while you try to find it.
3. Metal headset: The metal headset on the Boot Scoot’s allow the handlebars and front tire to spin smoothly around the frame. Compared to the Strider, which has a plastic headset, the Boot Scoot’s steering is much smoother and less restricted. For younger riders however, some resistance when turning is desirable to help in steering. In such cases, the metal headset on the Boot Scoot’s are adjustable.
4. A fun ride: Despite it’s drawbacks (see cons below), the Boot Scoot’s are fun to ride.
Boot Scoots Cons:
1. Cruiser’s fenders: The fenders on the Boot Scoot are flimsy, scratch easily (red in picture below shows scratching) and often become out of alignment. Luckily, the fenders are easily removed by simply unscrewing the bolt above the fender.
2. Wheel out of alignment: After falls, the wheel and handlebars often came out of alignment. This was a common problem with other brands as well, but by placing the front wheels between your feet, the handlebars can be quickly realigned. Allowing movement between the tires and the handlebars however, can actually prevent some injuries as it allows the handlebars to give way during a fall. To decrease the amount of give, the bolt on top of the handlebars (shown in the picture below) can be tightened.
3. Frame geometry: A lower center of balance on a bike allows for better handling. The geometry of the Boot Scoot’s bikes are not designed for optimum handling, which can cause older riders to be more “squirrely” during their rides. In the picture below, you can see difference in angles for the same rider on two different bikes. To be fair however, the Zoomer is designed for a two to three-year old and the rider pictured below is five. As a result, the angles are much more pronounced because the bike is designed for a younger rider.
The higher center of balance on the Zoomer is due to the more forward positioning of the seat.
Bottom Line: A good entry-level bike. Nothing fancy, just the basics, but due to their geometry, be sure to buy the Cruiser for older riders.
Manufacturers’ website: Boot Scoot, LLC
Boot Scoot Cruiser
The Cruiser covers all the basics with a good solid frame and air tires, but falls short of delivering any “extras,” such as a brake for older riders.
Link to Purchase: Boot Scoot Cruiser
Boot Scoot in Action:
**Please note, I did not take this video and it is used merely to show the Boot Scoot in action.**