scooter
SKOO-tuh
Scooter (noun) means a small vehicle with a handlebar, deck, and wheels, propelled by pushing off the ground with one foot. Example: “The kids rode their scooters around the block.”
noun
1
A small vehicle with a handlebar, deck, and wheels, propelled by pushing off the ground with one foot.
"The kids rode their scooters around the block."
2
A small motorcycle with a step-through frame, typically with an enclosed engine.
"He commutes to work on a scooter to beat the traffic."
3
An electric-powered device designed to help elderly or disabled people get around.
"Her grandmother uses a mobility scooter to get to the shops."
How to use scooter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCovers everything from a child's kick scooter to a small motorbike to a mobility aid — context tells you which.
Common pairings
electric scooter
mobility scooter
ride a scooter
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Word forms
- Plural
- scooters
- Third person singular
- scooters
- Past tense
- scootered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kids rode their _____ around the block.
Etymology
Formed from "scoot" plus the agent suffix "-er."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for scooter
See all rhymes for scooter →Frequently asked questions
What does “scooter” mean?
The word “scooter” means a small vehicle with a handlebar, deck, and wheels, propelled by pushing off the ground with one foot. In plain terms, covers everything from a child's kick scooter to a small motorbike to a mobility aid — context tells you which.
How do you pronounce “scooter”?
“Scooter” is pronounced SKOO-tuh (/ˈskuːtə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “scooter” in a sentence?
Here is “scooter” used in a sentence: “The kids rode their scooters around the block.”
What part of speech is “scooter”?
“Scooter” is a noun.
Is “scooter” a common word?
“Scooter” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “scooter” have?
“Scooter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small vehicle with a handlebar, deck, and wheels, propelled by pushing off the ground with one foot.
What is the difference between a scooter and a moped?
A scooter typically has a step-through frame with the engine enclosed under the seat or floorboard, giving it a smaller, more compact build than a moped. Mopeds often retain pedals or a bicycle-like frame and are historically designed for lower speeds, while scooters range from small kick scooters to full motor scooters used for regular commuting.
What is the difference between a scooter and a mobility scooter?
A standard scooter is either a foot-propelled toy or vehicle or a step-through motorbike, while a mobility scooter is an electric-powered device built specifically to help elderly or disabled people get around. Mobility scooters usually have a seat, a basket, and a slower top speed suited to pavements rather than roads.
Do you need a license to ride a scooter?
It depends on the type: a kick scooter needs no license, but a motorized scooter with a step-through frame and engine generally requires a license and registration in most places, similar to a motorcycle or moped. Rules vary by country and by the scooter's engine size, so local traffic law should always be checked.
