Boot Scoot balance bikes have lower-quality components and upright geometry that limit their maneuverability and overall durability. Read the full review below to see if you should consider a Boot Scoot.
Boot Scoot Balance Bike Review – Results of our Test Rides
PROS:
- Metal headset allows the handlebars and front tire to spin smoothly around the frame
- Superb handlebar grips
- Quick release adjustable seat post
CONS:
- After falls, the wheel and handlebars often come out of alignment
- Not designed for optimum handling (seat is placed too far forward for older riders)
- Foam tires aren’t ideal for the older riders this bike is made for
Boot Scoot‘s bikes are some of the cheapest metal bikes on the market as they are often found on daily deal sites for around $50 to $60. 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: Height adjustment can easily be made while on the go.
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 its drawbacks (see cons below), the Boot Scoot’s are fun to ride.
Boot Scoot Zoomer and Cruiser Cons:
1. 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.
2. 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 the differences in the rider’s position on the two bike. 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:
While the Boot Scoots are decent budget bikes, their lower end components and upright geometry prevent limit their maneuverability and overall durability and quality. For other budget balance bike, be sure to check out our Top 10 Budget Balance Bikes list.
FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.
