Purpose:
Review
and determine which of the two proves to be truly the best and most versatile
outdoor action and fitness product. We did not consider the Razor, Fusion, or
any other similar scooters as they did not meet the criteria of offering models
that provide fun and fitness for the whole family.
Overview:
Both
are patented designs; the cambering motion of the Trikke and the totally unique
‘Action Deck’ driven wheels of the SLIDER. Both vehicles are designed to propel
the rider without their feet touching the ground. Both offer the stability of
three wheels and the safety of dual handbrakes and a no-impact ride with great
exercise benefits. Both also offer models to accommodate varying ages and sizes
of riders, although the SLIDER has 4 models with a size that even a 3-4 year
old toddler can ride. The Trikke is
constructed of aluminum while the SLIDER is constructed from steel. Both use
Urethane wheels of varying sizes, although the Trikke offers a pneumatic (air
filled) tire on the front, primarily for traction and excessive wear due to the
cambering action.
At First
Glance: Advantage Trikke
Although
seemingly similar, the two are functionally totally different. Trikke’s
aluminum construction and adjustable height bicycle style handlebars give it the
edge when compared to the SLIDER. Both had a means of collapsing the handle
pole for stowing; the Trikke did a better job of that and also seemed to be
more robust, but that was due moreover to SLIDER’s rear wheel steering design.
First Ride
Impression: Advantage SLIDER
SLIDER’s
unique scissor Action Decks were very intuitive and every rider was able to propel themselves using one or a combination
of the riding styles, whereas most found the Trikke to be very unnatural and were
either unable to get themselves going or able to maintain any forward momentum
without continually using their feet to push off.
Maneuverability: Advantage
SLIDER
SLIDER’S
three-wheel steering allow you to utilize its full functionality and in 1/3 the
area required by the Trikke. Slider’s Action Decks have the advantage at slower
speeds where you can literally pivot on axis and ride circles around the others.
SLIDER also offers three riding styles, (scissor, skate & slalom) as well
as exhilarating high speed drifting turns that require the rider to counter
steer. The Trikke’s strengths seem to be in jumping or riding off of curbs
while the front only steering and cambering action makes slow to medium speed
turns awkward.
Speed: Advantage Trikke
The
SLIDER provides a great workout up to about 15MPH but the Trikke’s cambering
provides an edge on the top end where if you have the room to run and in good
enough condition, is a rush.
Price: Advantage
SLIDER
Cost
of the Trikke is approximately 50% higher than that of the SLIDER and although
we believe that the aluminum construction and adjustability is a very nice
addition, those interviewed felt that it didn’t really add sufficient value and
thought SLIDER provided greater versatility.
Best Overall: Advantage
SLIDER
No
matter the circumstance, SLIDER’S three modes of propulsion coupled with its
all wheel steering make it more versatile and more fun to ride than the Trikke.
Most of the test riders gave up within a few minutes and switched to the SLIDER
demo unit. The Trikke like the SLIDER will provide excellent leg, core and
cardio workout, but the SLIDER is much more forgiving on those who are just
starting out or recovering from joint injuries and are looking to build
strength and flexibility. Although the Trikke is a nicely built product that can
be conceivably used for transportation, its cambering design and fixed V decks
(> > >)gives
it a wide track, coupled with the inherent zig zagging required for the
cambering motion, makes it difficult if not impossible to ride anywhere but in
the street. SLIDER’S
scissor action decks however, (> = > =) can not
only moveindependently of each other
but also allow the rider to maintain their path as well as to pull their feet
completely together making it very narrow and friendly on even the most crowded
of sidewalks.
Conclusion:
Both
have their strengths and weaknesses; Trikke may have it’s following with those
who are fit enough to utilize it’s high speed touring benefits, but the
majority of riders seemed to prefer SLIDER’s many riding styles and fun-factor.
Also, check out: Razor's POWERWING vs. SLIDER The UNscooter
