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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

scootered past tense, scooters plural, scooters singular

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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."

kick scooter moped motor scooter mobility scooter vespa

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial