If the summer months are an ideal time for cycling and football “tournaments”, then in winter the entertainment is completely different. For example, sliding down a hill. And here the question arises, how to choose a snow scooter. After all, it was this improved device that replaced the ice skates and sleds that were familiar to us.
In order to choose a truly high-quality and, most importantly, safe winter “transport” for a child, it is necessary to study all the most important parameters and characteristics of snow scooters. The opinions of experts and experienced parents will help us with this.
During your winter walks, you've probably noticed an unusual vehicle that resembles a mini snowmobile. But if the latter moves thanks to an engine (it doesn’t matter so much - gasoline or electric), then the snow scooter (which is what we are talking about) cannot boast of such luxury.
The direct “relatives” of snow scooters are ordinary sleds. But only if the “progenitor” has a very primitive design and a minimum number of parts, then a manual snowmobile can boast of a steering wheel, a brake system, durable runners, seat adjustment and a towbar.
Such design features give the children's vehicle more maneuverability, lightness, and safety. The last parameter is extremely important, since a child rolling down a snowy mountain will be able to slow down at any time using the hand or foot brake.
Another name for snow scooters is argamaki. In Soviet times, domestic improved sleds with a steering wheel and three wheels were produced under this brand. Such a toy was the dream of all Soviet children!
Advantages and disadvantages of snow scooters
This type of winter transport has recently become more and more popular. Scooters seem to have no weak points. But is it? Let's look at the main pros and cons of the device.
Advantages of the device
- Excellent maneuverability and controllability. Manufacturers have achieved good maneuverability thanks to the front movable skid and steering.
- Increased security. The presence of a braking system is an important feature of a snow scooter, which significantly increases the safety of sliding down a snow hill. The little rider can now slow down in front of an obstacle in the form of another child or a pole.
- Convenience. Most modern snow rolling devices are equipped with a shock absorption system. And this directly affects the comfort of movement (there will be less shaking on bumps and holes).
- Towing. Models are also equipped with a tow rope. Thanks to this detail, personal transport can be easily transported in the snow or climbed up a hill with it.
- High load capacity. The maximum load of some snow scooters, thanks to the steel base, is about 100 kilograms. Consequently, parents can ride together with their child or seat two children on the seat at once.
Another important plus is the attractive design. Manufacturers offer various design options and a rich range of colors. Therefore, parents will be able to purchase a bright pink device for a young lady or a “brutal” model for a little tomboy.
Disadvantages of transport
Of course, like any product, a children's snow scooter also has certain negative qualities. You need to remember them when choosing the best winter transport.
- Impressive weight. The average weight of a snow scooter is 8 kilograms. For an adult, this is nothing, but for a child, daily towing of such a bulky device can become quite a serious problem.
- Age restrictions. It is recommended to purchase a manual snowmobile for children over four to five years old. Very young children cannot drive a vehicle. And this is fraught with various troubles, “accidents” and even injuries.
However, no one is stopping you from buying a product for growth. At first, you can take your child to a preschool institution on a snow scooter, and after 2-3 years the child will independently tow it and ride it down a snowy mountain.
How to choose snow scooters for children over 3 years old - basic parameters
You can find many different models of snow scooters on sale - with and without a headrest, with a special steering wheel design, and with additional accessories. But what should you pay special attention to? We choose winter transport wisely and correctly, taking into account the basic requirements and characteristics.
Housing material
Since the device is intended for active pastime, you should worry about the reliability of the design in advance. This parameter is directly related to the material from which the case is made.
- Steel. It is the steel frames that ensure the stability, strength and durability of the snow scooter. This type of transport can easily support a mother and baby or two children. However, the metal base makes the product significantly heavier.
- Plastic. To make it easier to move the product, manufacturers use plastic. The result is obvious - a manual snowmobile becomes lighter and more “obedient.” However, the plastic casing may crack due to an unpleasant accident. And in general, this material is not very durable, especially when it comes to small fidgets. In addition, repair and replacement of plastic parts is impossible.
This characteristic directly stems from the previous parameter. Argamaks for very young children can withstand a 50-kilogram load. Typically, such devices have a plastic body and more compact shapes.
If you plan to ride a snow scooter together with a child or are purchasing it for a teenager, then take a closer look at products that can withstand up to hundreds of kg. This option is ideal for an active family vacation.
Product weight
Everything is logical here: the lighter the snow scooter, the easier it will be for the mother to carry the baby and the more dexterously the grown-up child will be able to lift his vehicle up the slope. But, as we said above, a lightweight product is usually made of plastic, and it has many disadvantages.
So decide for yourself what is more important - low weight or reliability and durability of the structure.
Safety
This parameter includes several elements at once. And each of them is important for safe driving and transportation of the child.
- Snow scooters are equipped with a braking system. Mainly foot type. Reviews show that you should prefer a product with 2 brake pedals. If one fails, the second one can be used. The hand brake is more convenient in its location, but is still considered a backup for the foot stop.
- The backrest is placed on the seat not only for the convenience of the young rider, but also for safety. Such a part can be foldable. Some manufacturers additionally equip the seat with removable sides and even standard belts.
- Sustainability is another important parameter. The low landing and wide arrangement of the runners gives the snowmobile stability and prevents overturning. However, in this case, the argamak becomes more sensitive to bumps and less maneuverable.
Ski features
Typically, runners are made of flexible and high-strength plastic material. It is important that these elements (both front and longitudinal) are removable so that you can replace a broken ski with a completely new one at any time.
Convenient models are snow scooters with 3 skis. The front skid is capable of rotating during steering and makes the vehicle more maneuverable. As a result, the child will be able to avoid collisions when rapidly descending a slope.
Seat Features
The best option is a soft seat covered with anti-slip material and equipped with a shock-absorbing system. It will be comfortable for the child to sit on it, since he simply will not feel numerous bumps and potholes.
Pay attention to the dimensions of the seat. If it is too short, then it will not be possible to accommodate two people. The optimal length of the seat for the movement of two people is approximately 50 cm. It would be good if the seat is equipped with handles. Then the second rider will not fall during a sharp turn or push.
Product color
The brightness of winter transport is not a whim, but a necessity. An intensely colored snow scooter is better visible to car drivers when driving along city streets. In addition, parents will always be able to “identify” their child among frolicking peers by the bright colors of the vehicle.
Types of vehicles
Today, parents can choose not just a classic argamak, but also a snow scooter. What kind of “beast” is this and how does it differ from traditional winter transport? We will talk about this further, and at the same time we will present reviews of two popular models of snow scooters.
In principle, it makes no sense to describe this type of argamak in detail, since all of the above applies specifically to this design. The main feature of such models is the presence of a seat and usually three skis: front and longitudinal. But it’s really worth considering one of the brightest representatives of this class.
The transport is intended for the movement of children from four to 12 years old on snow or ice cover, and for skiing downhill. The body is made of metal pipes, the runners are made of frost-resistant plastic. Leather seat with print.
So that children could ride snow scooters, manufacturers combined skis and children's sleds into one and added a steering wheel and a braking system to the resulting design.
The result is the perfect vehicle for driving down snowy mountains. The steering wheel, connected to the central ski, allows you to choose the direction of movement, and the brakes allow you to stop the vehicle in time if an obstacle is encountered on the way.
For driver comfort, a soft seat and shock absorbers are provided to smooth out road irregularities. By the way, on a winter scooter you can not only slide down, but also ride in a straight line, for example, to school or kindergarten.
How to choose the right snow scooter?
- The main thing is skis. The children's snow scooter has three of them: one central rotary one and two side ones. Skis must be made of durable flexible plastic, because there are various obstacles on roads and snowy slopes. It’s good if the manufacturer produces spare skis for the selected model - if they break, they can be replaced.
- Shock absorbers smooth out bumps. The simplest models may be without them, but it is still better to choose a more expensive option in order to ride without shaking.
- Frame quality. Steel frames are the strongest and heaviest. They are suitable for skilled drivers and their parents. Aluminum frames are lighter, but if they break, it will no longer be possible to assemble the structure. Plastic is only suitable for beginners - it simply cannot withstand a lot of weight.
- Load capacity. Manufacturers usually indicate it in the product instructions. High-quality and durable models can withstand the heaviest load.
Which children's snow scooter is better?
The snow scooter simultaneously resembles a traditional sled and a snowmobile. The frame of the structure is equipped with runners and a soft seat. As a rule, there are three skis: two main ones and one rotary one connected to the steering wheel. Read about other nuances of choice below.
The best manufacturers of children's snow scooters
The country of manufacture should also be a guideline when choosing. By tradition, European manufacturers enjoy the maximum trust. But in a product category such as snow scooters, you can safely turn to models from Russian and Asian brands.
Material for making snow scooters for children
The material affects the durability and reliability of the structure.
In this context the following can be said:
- steel- a very common option. This case is durable, has corrosion protection, and can carry a load of up to 100 g. However, the weight of the device reaches 7-10 kg, so it is suitable for older children who can handle it;
- plastic– the lightweight version is suitable for children 2-3 years old; it is suitable for walks and trips to kindergarten. It is not recommended to ride this model downhill.
Check the ski quality
The vast majority of runners are made from impact-resistant plastic. It can withstand uneven slopes and bumps. To ensure convenient control, you should choose a model with three skis. The front one turns when you turn the steering wheel, which will provide maneuverability.
Snow scooter for two children with backrest: seat
It can be hard, soft, of various sizes and shapes, with or without a back. It is good when the seat is equipped with a shock absorber and covered with anti-slip material. This will provide comfort and safety; shocks will not be felt on uneven surfaces and bumps.
The size deserves attention. For example, with a length of 50 cm, it can accommodate two children. A useful addition would be handles that you can grab onto so as not to fall when turning or pushing.
Safety system for children's snow scooters
The snow scooter can operate either a foot brake or a hand brake. With its help, the device will stop at any time. If we talk about the brake on the handle, it is convenient for children of any height. But such a solution is considered duplicative. A more common solution is a foot brake.
In addition, there are models equipped with a stopper. This is a clever spring that provides a stop if the rider accidentally falls. In any case, the brake and steering wheel must be of high quality. Indirectly affects safety and color. It’s good when it’s bright, it’s easier to watch the child roll down the slide.
Nuances of choosing a snow scooter
Always consider the child's height. If it is below 1.25 m, and the super sled is chosen for one or two seasons, you can purchase a lower model. In such snow scooters, the distance between the skis is wider and stability is higher, which is important for safety. The disadvantages include a less comfortable fit, since the bumps on low samples are felt more strongly. Don't forget to check that your child's feet can reach the skis and brake pedal.
All designs from 100 cm are classified as high. This solution is for those who plan to use the sled for more than one year, and for both children and adults. In addition, there is often a removable backrest. This is convenient when transporting younger children. It can be removed later.
- Bars – Russian brand, owned by the company "MTR", specializing in the production of equipment for driving on snow. Their products boast the highest reliability and resistance to critically low ambient temperatures - engine problems rarely arise from this;
- Nika – manufacturer of household and children's goods from the Russian Federation, the central office is located in Izhevsk. They have been operating since 1998 and are in great demand in almost all CIS countries. The prices for their products are low, but in terms of quality they can compete with imports;
- SmallRider – Chinese manufacturer of children's bicycles, scooters, sleighs, snow scooters and other similar vehicles. It sells its products mainly in the CIS countries and Europe, and boasts very affordable prices, and the quality of the goods offered can be assessed as average.
The best snow scooters with a durable frame
Snow scooter for two children with a backrest Bars 114 Comfort Auto with a metal frame
Frame – metal, installed 3 skis made of impact-resistant plastic. The declared maximum load is 100 kg, it can also be used by adults - this is indicated in the instructions. There are only one seats, but two children aged about 3-6 years old can easily fit together, the steering wheel is like in a car, that is, oval-shaped.
The seat is soft, the back also has a softening lining, but it is quite small - only 20 cm. The back, by the way, is foldable - this makes it more convenient for transportation in a passenger car. Dimensions – 112.5×27.5×48.5 cm, weight – 6.5 kg. There is a brake, a simple spring shock absorber under the front ski.
Overall, it’s a decent model at a relatively low cost. The frame is really reliable, even under an adult nothing bends. The average price is 2.3 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- metal frame;
- folding backrest;
- there is a brake;
- Suitable for adults too.
Minuses:
Children's snow scooter Bars 128 Comfort Snowbirds with plastic skis
The snow scooter is completely similar to the Bars 114 Comfort Auto model and has the same technical characteristics. The only difference is the design. Load capacity, seat size, braking system, upholstery, materials - all the same.
Accordingly, this The snow scooter is suitable for either 2 children or 1 adult. The frame is a steel alloy, the skis are just as quickly worn down to the point of burrs and you have to grind them yourself with a fine abrasive.
This model belongs to the 2017 model range; the snow scooter has not undergone any technical changes. The average price is similar - 2.3 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- metal frame;
- folding backrest;
- there is a brake;
- Suitable for adults too.
Minuses:
- the backrest is not the most comfortable, for adults it does not provide any benefit at all;
- The skis are quite quickly rubbed down to burrs - it is necessary to grind them occasionally with the finest sandpaper.
Children's snow scooter Nika Timka sport 2 with durable frame
Suitable for children from 3 to 5 years old, permissible load – 100 kg. It has small dimensions of 110x49x44 cm, so it is not very comfortable for adults, and the footrests are quite narrow. The frame is steel, the seat is plastic with soft upholstery.
There is no backrest, the steering wheel is like in a car. There are 3 skis, all plastic, with simple spring shock absorption on the front. There is a brake system, a tow rope. It’s an inexpensive snow scooter, but the only drawback I noticed is the seat that bends under the load. Even under the weight of a 7-8 year old child, it sags quite a bit.
But this model is available in more than 10 design variations with cartoon characters - the child will be able to choose any one he likes. There are models specifically for boys, and there are for girls, but in technical terms they have no differences. The average price is 1.8 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- low cost;
- durable frame with a permissible load of 100 kg;
- the seat is elongated - two children can easily fit there;
- There is a mechanical brake.
Minuses:
- the seat sag even under light weight - the lining is weak;
- The footrests are narrow - perfect for children, but not suitable for adults.
Children's snow scooters with backrest
Children's snow scooter with backrest Small Rider Snow Comet 2 with a permissible load of 50 kg
This snow scooter is an updated model of the most popular Small Rider Snow Comet, introduced back in 2015. Key innovations: updated steering wheel shape, the front wheels in the Small Rider Snow Comet 2 rotate 360 degrees, slightly modified seat shape. This snow scooter is one of the best according to most parents.
Its dimensions are only 88x44x15 cm when folded, weight is 11 kg. The back is massive and folding. There are 3 skis made of EVA alloy - this material is resistant even to heat and practically does not wear out. Number of seats - 2 for children under 6 years old, older - only for one. There are 2 wheels installed on the sides of the front ski to distribute the weight - it is very, very difficult to fall even when skidding.
There are no complaints about the frame either - it’s massive, with strong connections. And the weight is quite large - this only confirms that high-quality steel was used in production. There is a brake, the seat has a very thick soft lining. The only drawback is the price of 5.5 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- massive frame inspires confidence;
- there is a tow rope;
- comfortable brake with soft pressure;
- adjustable backrest, folding;
- wheels on the sides of the front ski - even when skidding, the child will not fall.
Minuses:
- high price;
- Definitely not suitable for an adult.
Children's snow scooter Bars 116 Comfort Animals with backrest and brake
The frame is metal, the skis are plastic, 3 pieces, and, as is the case with Bars snow scooters, they wear out quickly enough until burrs appear. Seats – one, permissible load is 100 kg. Adults can also ride this snow scooter – there is minimal space for this, but still enough.
Dimensions – 112.5×27.5×48.5 cm, weight – 6.5 kg. Design – this line comes with images of various kinds of cartoon animals. There are models for both girls and boys. There is a brake and a tow rope (it can be unfastened if necessary). There is a low back that can be folded for easy transportation.. You can even unscrew a couple of nuts and remove it completely.
There are footrests and a brake pedal. The steering wheel is round, like in a car. Only the seat, handlebar pads, backrest and skis are made of plastic; everything else is a durable alloy that does not bend even with a 100 kg load. Average the price for this snow scooter is 2.4 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- durable metal frame;
- the backrest folds;
- there is a brake;
- Suitable for riding by adults too.
Minuses:
- plastic skis are not of the best quality;
- The back is not the most comfortable, the softening lining is thin.
Children's single snow scooter Bars 124 Comfort Baby Friends with folding backrest
Basic model of a snow scooter from Bars for children. Ideal for both boys and girls aged 3 years and older. Dimensions are 112.5×27.5×48.5 cm, so even adults can ride, especially since the backrest easily folds or can be removed altogether and is covered with a small layer of softening lining.
There is one seat, but 2 children under the age of 5-6 years will fit. The steering wheel is round, the skis are 3 pieces, plastic. This model belongs to the 2018 model range, there are no longer any problems with washable plastic. The shape of the skis itself was slightly changed. Spring shock absorber, almost not felt. There is a tow rope and a brake pedal (mechanical braking).
The frame is very durable, steel alloy, does not bend or rust. The permissible load is 100 kg (according to the technical data sheet), and in this case, too, nothing bends. The average price is 2.5 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- reliable frame, can withstand 100 kg;
- although plastic, but durable skis;
- light weight – 6.5 kg;
- The backrest folds and can be completely removed.
Minuses:
- The tow rope comes separately - there is no specially designated place for it.
Snow scooters for children from 3 years old
Children's snow scooter from 3 years old Bars 112 Comfort Travel with towing rope
Everyone's favorite model of the snow scooter Bars Comfort, this model differs only in design - the image of different countries and continents in cartoon form. According to the manufacturer's instructions, suitable for children from 3 years old, permissible load - about 100 kg. Dimensions – 112.5×27.5×48.5 cm. There is a brake, a removable folding backrest, and a tow rope.
The skis are plastic, only 3 pieces; the front one has simple spring shock absorption. The steering wheel is visually similar to the one used in Formula 1 cars. There are footrests, two children can easily fit on the seat. The only drawback is the rather low back, only 20 cm. For children aged 6 years and older, it will be more of a nuisance than a back support. The frame is steel, resistant to corrosion.
The main advantage is the price of 2.4 thousand rubles. Snowmobiles from foreign manufacturers with similar characteristics will cost at least 1.5 times more. And Bars also provides a 12-month warranty.
Pros:
- low cost for its quality;
- there is a brake, a tow rope;
- the permissible load is about 100 kg, so the snowmobile is suitable even for adults, although its dimensions are miniature.
Minuses:
- low back with not very dense lining;
- there is no room for a towbar - you will have to hold it in your hands during descent, which is not so convenient.
Snow scooter for children from 3 years old Bars 134 Comfort Treasure Island, suitable for adults
Bars Comfort model from 2018. In technical terms, it differs from the 2017 and 2016 models only in the slightly modified shape of the skis. They also use a different plastic alloy that is more resistant to mechanical wear and burrs.
Steel frame, maximum permissible load is 100 kg. The snow scooter is suitable for children from 3 years old, but adults can also ride it - the frame can easily withstand all this and does not even bend. There is a brake, a tow rope, and a folding backrest. The seat is wide and there are also footrests in the front.
There is shock absorption on the front ski, but the spring there is quite weak, so it is not even felt when driving hard. But the vibrations are still partially damped. There is only one seat, but two children can easily fit there. For the price, there are simply no downsides here. The average cost is 2.5 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- The frame is load-resistant and can support even an adult;
- skis do not wear out, no burrs appear on them, unlike older models of this line;
- The backrest folds and can be removed altogether.
Minuses:
- a small layer of softening lining on the back - in case of a strong impact it will be of little use;
- The tow rope comes separately; there is no convenient place for it.
Tips for choosing the right snow scooter for children are shown in the video:
The traditional design of sleds familiar to many Russians is gradually becoming a thing of the past, leaving room for more advanced snow scooters. This technique outperforms its predecessor due to ergonomics, functionality and reliability. And this is not to mention the driving performance - the design of modern models provides an aerodynamic effect, which increases the operational capabilities of the design. And yet, a wide variety of models can confuse anyone who wants to buy a high-quality snow scooter for their child. Reviews from users who are generally positive about this technology will help you understand the nuances of choice. But first you need to understand the key characteristics of such devices.
What is a snow scooter?
This is a type of winter transport. As a rule, the design is designed for use by children, but there are also models for adults. A distinctive feature of this technique compared to classic sleds is the presence of a brake mechanism, a seat and a steering wheel. The most common version is a snow scooter with a backrest. Reviews of such modifications note their convenience and higher level of safety. Externally, the equipment may resemble full-fledged snowmobiles, but this comparison reveals even more distinctive features. The main difference is that snowmobiles are equipped with a special drive with motor traction. At the same time, the simple design still gives a lot of scope for designers and designers, as a result of which different models appear, endowed with their own technical characteristics and features.
Basic criteria for choosing a snow scooter
The main attention should be paid to design. This primarily applies to the construction of the ski base, seat and braking system. Based on these data, capacity, carrying capacity and the ability to accommodate several people are determined. An important selection criterion is the material of manufacture. If the model has a body, then it must be made of a durable metal alloy, like skis. But you shouldn’t ignore models that use plastic. These include the Timka Sport snow scooter, reviews of which note the strength and reliability of the materials. Its design combines metal elements and frost-resistant plastic with an impact-resistant structure. An important element of the device is the braking system. It is advisable to choose equipment with separated mechanisms, since if one pedal fails, the second will allow braking.
Reviews about the Timka line
You can start your review of snow scooter manufacturers with the Nika company, which offers a whole family of Timka models. Owners for the most part speak positively about this product, noting the reliability, durability and safety of the equipment. These characteristics are explained by the massive construction, which uses steel elements and high-quality plastic. At the same time, it is worth emphasizing the ergonomics of the Timka snow scooter. Reviews praise the comfort of the soft seat, the grippy steering wheel and the presence of automation, in particular for assembling the towing brake.
However, there are some issues regarding performance. Dynamics and speed evoke positive impressions, which, however, is not surprising given the large mass. But at the same time maneuverability suffers. Handling such models is not always convenient due to the massive design and the same weight. There is one more nuance - many users criticize Nika snow scooters for the uselessness of the brake when moving on ice.
Reviews of SnowStorm models
Snow scooters from the Kaliningrad manufacturer SnowStorm are also distinguished by high quality materials, but at the same time they are free from the disadvantages of budget equipment. According to the owners, the models of this company provide a high level of comfort and safety. Ergonomics are ensured by a comfortable seat and a frost-resistant steering wheel, and while driving you can feel the benefit of optimal shock absorption settings. The shape of the skis that the SnowStorm snow scooter is equipped with is also noteworthy. Reviews indicate that representatives of the Pro series are able to move not only forward, but also backward, as well as perform various tricks with rotations. To be able to control the child, the design developers also thought of a roomy seat that an adult can sit on. In addition, it is worth mentioning the euphonious opinions about the design of the models of this brand - the manufacturer gives different versions an original style, dividing them by gender, for girls and boys.
Reviews of Yamaha models
Foreign brands under which winter equipment are produced are quite widely represented in Russia. Yamaha products occupy one of the leading positions on the market. This brand is usually associated with extreme snowmobiles, but its family also includes a children’s snowmobile, reviews of which confirm the high level of quality of Japanese technology. In particular, the Snowbike series is represented by modifications with ergonomic controls, a reliable base and a wide range of auxiliary functions. The owners of such models include a low seating position, which gives the structure stability and reduces the risk of rollovers. If we talk about the disadvantages of snow scooters, then the peeling of the adhesive tape comes to the fore. Otherwise, the models are characterized by reliability, good gliding and ease of use.
Reviews of Snow Moto models
In the Snow Moto model line you can find higher-class devices that are designed for use by both children and adults. This is the Polaris Dragon family, which features functional and durable devices. As the users themselves note, the design is well made and without defects. High-strength steel was used to create the frame, and the streamlined body is made of frost-resistant plastic. The quality of the working mechanisms with which the snow scooter is provided is also noted. Reviews highly appreciate the performance of the brake mechanisms and the thoughtful shock absorption, which allows you to overcome uneven areas of snow with ease and comfort. The special shape of the side skis with curved edges also deserves attention. As with the SnowStorm models, this design solution increases the maneuverability of the snow scooter and generally improves ride quality.
