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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to scoot to work?

78 replies

Allegrogirl · 26/01/2015 10:00

I am currently walking 20 minutes each way to work to avoid a daily parking charge and get a bit fitter. DH has suggested I get a fold up bike to save time but I reckon by the time I've unfolded/folded and found somewhere to store at work I won't save any time. I've seen one women scooting and that seems sensible but I'm a bit self conscious Blush.

OP posts:
mummypig14 · 26/01/2015 12:36

YABU. I see several people in central London on them. I don't think I've ever thought they shouldn't be on the pavement, the people just look utterly ridiculous on them.

Would it give you one huge calf too??

chrome100 · 26/01/2015 12:42

I bought a scooter to scoot to the swimming pool as it saved me crossing a massive junction on my bicycle.

I did it a few times but gave up. It was really hard work on one buttock and I don't think was much faster, especially as I lived on a 20% hill and scooting up that was impossible!

footallsock · 26/01/2015 14:55

I get loads of positive comments - loads of people stop and talk to
me from school. Sometimes I walk if carrying lots of stuff for school and then scoot my DDs scooter home too. No dafter than a bike. I swop legs too as its tiring on the thighs at first. I guess I don't really care as I just like to get home quickly. I hate taking the car on school run. I am not the only person seen on a scooter at our school and it's fun with the kids. I am also an older mum so maybe less self conscious??!?!

HighwayDragon · 26/01/2015 15:06

I love my scooter Grin I've had some looks because of it, but I don't care, they're just jealous Wink

OpposableThumbs · 26/01/2015 16:33

The motorised unicycle thing is called an air wheel I think.

Plateofcrumbs · 26/01/2015 17:41

Ah that is it, thank you! They look amazing!

TheWitTank · 26/01/2015 17:45

Oooo yes, do it! I would love to, sounds great fun. A man near to me runs his husky ahead of an adult size scooter and it looks brilliant. Not suggesting you get a dog team to pull you though! Grin

Shedding · 26/01/2015 17:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Whatisaweekend · 26/01/2015 17:48

AIBU to scoot into work? Yes, unless you are four.

Roller blades or possibly Segway? Now you're talking.

Hygellig · 26/01/2015 17:57

A folding bike takes very little time to fold and unfold and you may not need to lock it if you can take it into your workplace.

But if you fancy a scooter instead maybe try it out on the route first to decide if it would be practical? I don't think I've ever seen an adult on a scooter but it could be fun.

myotherusernameisbetter · 26/01/2015 18:02

My son's (very much large adult sized) have these:

www.amazon.co.uk/HUDORA-205-Big-Wheel-Scooter/dp/B001OC6D3Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422295261&sr=8-1&keywords=large+wheeled+scooter

The bigger wheels mean they go like stink for very little effort.....

myotherusernameisbetter · 26/01/2015 18:03

meant sons, not son's - i seem to be putting stray apostrophes everywhere at the moment.

Singleandproud · 26/01/2015 18:13

I think the difference between scooting and cycling on the pavement is that you are unlikely to get the sort of speed up on a scooter as you would on a bike, therefore I wouldn't mind someone scooting.

sofahogger · 26/01/2015 18:15

Yanbu, I will be getting one soon. The kids got stunt scooters for Christmas and they're so much fun.
However I will be getting an adult one as I'm 5"11 and my back starts hurting after a while on the kids from the bending over. Have a look on the decathlon website. They've got a few different adult ones.

SoonToBeMrsB · 26/01/2015 18:15

I seriously considered getting a scooter before I moved away a couple of years ago. I walked 2.5mi to and from work and wanted to do it in less time but I couldn't get over my own self consciousness.

joanne1947 · 26/01/2015 18:23

Why a fold up bike? why not a proper bike (ducks to avoid the arrows from the Brompton owners on here)
I cycled to work and used two decent locks on a tatty looking bike and left it outside. It looked tatty, it still looks tatty but rides like a dream. You do not need a folding bike and bike will do.

Brandysnapper · 26/01/2015 18:24

I see a man scooting to work most days near me. I did do a double take the first time, but you just get used to it.

ApocalypseThen · 26/01/2015 18:29

Adults scooting and cycling on the pavement should be shot. If you can find some way to use a scooter which doesn't involve bellowing at pedestrians because you've decided to use an unsuitable mode of transport for the part of the road.

WowserBowser · 26/01/2015 18:30

Does anyone remember the MN thread where someone spotted a woman riding a hobby horse?

CornishCreamPuff · 26/01/2015 19:16

I had long hankered after a scooter and I got myself one last year. It's quite the most fun way to get about. SW London here, I use to it on my (short) commute to work - in a school. Seeing the school children and parents do double takes as I sail by like a Spanish Galleon at full speed is enormously amusing.
I couldn't give the tiniest of fucks to the naysayers...

If you get one, make sure it is suitable for grown ups. I have the micro white scooter, it has reasonably large wheels and a low foot rest. I have fallen off once, it was early in the morning and it was my pride that got bruised. I am getting some wrist guards for future use.

Hismumhermum · 26/01/2015 19:23

I have just got one but maybe a little too late as my daughter is 10.5 and has now learned how to be embarrassed. The days she lets me ride it to school are great though-so much quicker! Am working up the courage to go out on it on my own.

squistle · 26/01/2015 19:26

UADNBU! Getting a scooter for the school run was one of the best decisions I made last year! They are so much fun and cut a massive chunk of traveling time off your walk. If you alternate legs you wont feel the strain of zooming past the slow coaches Grin

I goftmine from Decathalon, proper adult size scooter!
www.decathlon.co.uk/town-7-xl-scooter-white-id_8129077.html

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 26/01/2015 19:31

My own dad has had a scooter for years and years. He's about to retire so he's progressed to a bloody unicycle. As in a single wheeled device often ridden by clowns Hmm Grin

I doubt he gives a fuck what anybody thinks. In fact I'm certain he does not!

Woolyheads · 26/01/2015 19:32

I would love to encourage you and say "yes definitely go for it" but sadly I think it is illegal. When I was 12 years old I was shouted at by two police officers for riding my bicycle on the pavement. To this day it makes me shake to think of it and I would not let even my 4 year old ride a scooter on the pavement. I wouldn't want them to be upset like that. And I'd prefer you to get home from work without a similar experience or even, as you are an adult, not get there as you've been arrested!