There are some imitations on the market which copy our design – they often use cheaper, inferior parts and have a lower price tag as a result.
We thought we’d compile some information to show you how to avoid purchasing an imitation Micro scooter and what you get for your money if you do choose to buy from the Micro brand.
1. Register your Micro scooter
All genuine Micro scooters have a serial number and date stamp engraved on the underside of the scooter. By registering your scooter with us, you can be assured that the scooter you have purchased meets all the quality, engineering, and innovative standards you would expect from us. Register your scooter now.
2. Deck/Footplate
At first glance, some copycat scooters do look very similar to the Mini or Maxi Micro scooter. The key difference, however, is that copycat scooters are often made with low-grade plastic. This means the footplate, where your child stands, is prone to breaking easily. In the past, we sent some copycat scooters off for testing, and they all failed the EC71 requirements for toy safety. The scooters in our range are fitted with a flexible, fibreglass-reinforced footplate to absorb shock caused by bumps in the pavement. This also limits any further damage to the rest of the scooter, ensuring longevity.
3. Logo
Copycat scooters will often have no Micro logo on the scooter. Look for the Swiss trademark sticker on the stem, which ensures quality.
4. Wheels
The wheels on other scooters are sometimes made from plastic. This means they do not turn as smoothly as a genuine Micro scooter, resulting in a distinctly different experience for the rider. At Micro, we only use non-marking 120mm PU wheels, which grip the pavement better than those which are of lower quality. For younger riders who use their scooters indoors, Micro Scooter wheels are less likely to leave marks on hard flooring. PU wheels also retain their shape. What’s more, within the wheels we only use the finest ABEC 9 bearings, which are less likely to rattle and ensure a much quieter ride.
5. Handle grips
The handle grips on some scooters are made from hard plastic rather than the soft, more comfortable material used on genuine Micro Scooters. The design of the Mini and Maxi Micro Scooter handlebars is durable and non-toxic. They are also designed to absorb shock, meaning that when travelling over bumpy ground, the rider won't feel the vibrations as severely as they might otherwise.
6. Brake
The brake on a copycat scooter resembles a genuine Micro Scooter brake; however, Micro brakes are not just designed to look good, they have ridges that prevent a child's foot from slipping when they engage the brake. Our scooters for older, larger children also feature broader and longer brakes, specifically designed for larger feet and to prevent slippage.
7. Swiss Logo
Genuine Micro Scooters feature a stick with a Swiss logo on the stem. Copycat scooters fake these stickers by using a “C”. We are unsure what that is supposed to signify.
8. Who sold the scooter
We have our own Amazon & Ebay shop and sell through a small group of selected retailers, including John Lewis, Halfords, Smyths, Very, Harrods and a clutch of independent shops.
We have heard of incidents where people have sold micro scooters on Gumtree and other websites from abroad. These are not authorised stockists of any of our Micro scooters.
9. Invest in adventure
Our scooters are designed with high-quality components that have been independently tested for durability and safety. Each model is built to last for an average of 5 years of normal everyday use within the intended age range.
To further extend the life of your scooter, we offer replacement parts for more than 95% of components in our range, helping you repair and maintain your scooter instead of replacing it. You can find a full range of spare parts and maintenance advice on our website.
Due to our focus on quality and durability, our scooters may be more expensive than some alternatives. We recommend purchasing from authorised retailers to ensure you receive a genuine Micro Scooter that meets our quality and safety standards.
“If something is too good to be true, then it probably is” It’s quite a good thing to remember if you are offered a new “Micro” scooter at £20.