Word: scooter
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...essentials, the new scooter is much like the old: a board on two wheels, steered with handlebars and propelled by foot. The new versions, however, are made from lightweight metals, sport faster and more shock-absorbent wheels, are narrow enough to thread through congested sidewalks and have collapsible steering columns for portability. The top-selling Razor weighs about 6 lbs. and, when folded, can fit into a backpack. Unlike a bike, it requires no lock or parking space and incurs no hostile stares when crammed on a commuter train at rush hour...
...scooter frenzy originated last spring among teens in Japan, where entire magazines are now dedicated to scooter arcana. After storming Australia, the trend touched down in Hawaii and, since last Christmas, has been spreading east. "We started carrying the Razor in our catalog last August with moderate interest," says Tony Farrell, a senior vice president for the Sharper Image. "In early February, they began flying out of our store in Honolulu." Now the Razor is the top-selling item in many of the chain's U.S. outlets...
...foot, and its relatively small wheels give a rough ride over potholes. Consequently, it is favored by teens and others who scoot for amusement, or for short runs to the subway. "The Razor is a fashion statement," says James Yu, who owns Basic Wheels in lower Manhattan. Serious scooter commuters with deep pockets favor the Xootr, whose Street model retails for $389. "Generally, these are for the guys over 40," says Yu. "They have wider wheels for a smoother ride and are sturdier...
...past three months, Steve Becker, 45, an executive for an instant-messaging company, has been alternating between his bike and his Xootr for the eight-mile commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan. "It takes me an extra hour by scooter," says Becker, "but it's a great workout, it's fun, and it's a lot easier to ride through Midtown. Plus, people look at me and say, That man is having fun! I remember fun." But will they remember the scooter next Christmas...
HAVANA BALL The Cuban-American community was (again) outraged last week, when a new photo of Elian was released. Was it the Pioneer scarf instead of the TV-show T shirt, the lack of sunglasses or the switching of a $129 scooter for two wooden sticks...