As my kids are getting older, it’s getting harder to shop for them for the holidays.  Cash and gift cards are nice but often impersonal.  This year, there’s a fresh, new alternative that will get kids up and active and out the door, something that I know my son would love, and even adults can have fun on it. The Rockboard Scooter is the coolest new hybrid on two wheels.

All 3 of my kids have scooters that we use year round.  Luckily the California winters still allow us to bundle up and get outside without the snow to keep us off the roads and being as active as we can be.

· The innovative Rockboard Scooter is a hybrid that combines the drive-chain propulsion of a bicycle with the practicality of a kick-scooter and is going to on the top of every tween and teen’s must-have list for the holidays.

The Scooter’s patented advanced Rockboard Propulsion Technology incorporates a revolutionary power drive chain that will have kids racing down the block and tearing through their neighborhoods with every up-and-down propel. The faster kids rock up and down, the faster it goes!

My son prefers in the rockboard mode since he has “regular” scooters, this one is unique and already he has the neighbors and my nephews buzzing about this cool toy.  The rocking motion takes little effort and keeps you going for a fun ride, while it has a brake just like a bike to slow you down.  My son said the hand brake is cool because you don’t interrupt the pumping motion to brake on the back of the scooter like some models have, which sometimes can throw your balance off.

Watch as he rides smoothly and quickly down the street:

My husband took it for a spin (the scooter can hold up to 200 lbs.) and was impressed how fast you could go (up to 10mph) while just using a easy pumping/rocking motion.  With a quick adjust to the two-position locking joint, you’re back to a low-profile kick scooter for cruising.  Though my husband adjusted from rockboard to flat easily, it’s a little tricky for my 10 year olds’ hands and I fear a pinch is going to happen, but hasn’t…  Also there’s just a small adjustment to the handle when you go back and forth between styles, loosening and tightening at the joint is simple for my son and husband.

It’s a complete hit for my boys.  My youngest (5) tried it out, but she is fresh off learning to ride without training wheels, so she’s a bit skeptical about her balance just yet while rocking back and forth.  I tried it too, it’s fun and will keep the kids playing throughout fall and winter!

The Original Rockboard Scooter retails for $200 and comes in White, Orange, Blue and Pink finishes. Built for an exciting ride just like the Original, the Mini is the scaled-down version with the same kick scooter capabilities and advanced Rockboard Propulsion Technology. The Mini retails for $159, can hold kids up to 90 lbs. and is available in White, Blue and Pink finishes. Both models are available at Target.com.

Product was sent for our honest review.

Prepare to be “shocked” by the Shox Scooter, the first-ever active shock absorber scooter that allows riders to perform higher, faster, more awesome tricks! Unlike traditional scooters, the Shox Scooter’s supreme shocks increase a rider’s speed and air-time, making stunts bigger and better.

The Shox Scooter is built with a new, innovative spring shock deck that not only absorbs impact when landing jumps and stunts, but also springs back to increase the rider’s power. The deck’s rough grip surface provides excellent foot control and traction while performing tricks. Also, the scooter’s sturdy back brake further enhances control and safety while riding.

Our Take: The Shox scooter is different, fun and durable. My 9 year old son picks up this scooter zips down the driveway, hops off the curb and circles back with a grin every time we open the garage door. The Shox is not your typical scooter, its wheels are twice the size of a normal scooter which makes for better rolling over sidewalk cracks and small rocks. Less impact and less potential for crashing is something parents will love. The curb hopping wasn’t easy with a traditional scooter, the Shox gives you a launch in a sense and also makes for a more comfortable landing.  As my son would say “all in all, it’s pretty awesome.”

You can purchase the Shox for $59.99 at Toys ‘R’ Us, Amazon and on their website, http://www.shredsled.com/Products/ShoxScooter.aspx.

We were sent product to facilitate this review, the opinions were our tried-and-true experience and were not influenced by any source.

What are your kids doing this summer?  I’m trying to get mine away from the electronics for a majority of the day to enjoy the weather and get some exercise!  One way to do it is with the Whiplash Scooter.

This isn’t your ordinary scooter!  This self-propelling revolutionary new ride that whips side to side, is part scooter and part casterboard and totally fun!  The rear caster wheel spins 360 degrees and added handlebar can make you maneuver like you wouldn’t believe. When first getting on one, my 9 year old exclaimed, “I’m totally surfing on wheels!”

Check out the commercial for the Whiplash…

So how do you ride the Whiplash?

1. Place the Whiplash on a slight downward slope.
Place foot in the center of the back platform and position the scooter so that it is level with the ground.

2. Push with your front foot and lean
your weight forward.  Look straight ahead. Straighten your body and bend your knees slightly.

3. Immediately after pushing off, start the twisting motion.  To acheive an “S” shape, move your shoulders and your hips back and forth in opposing directions. Swing your back foot repeatedly left to right and self propel your Whiplash Scooter without ever putting your foot on the ground.

Our take: Minus a few adjustments and dad’s help, my 9 year old put the Whiplash together on his own. We’ve had the Whiplash for a month now and my son is so much more agile and comfortable on it. At first balancing while scooting is a challenge, there are a few different strategies and muscles you need to coordinate at the same time. Don’t forget a helmet and pads. We learned the hard way that elbow and knee pad are good to have for the first few weeks. But the scooter handlebar is also great for that, it helps you keep your balance in the beginning.  The caster wheel and the wave action board makes you feel like you’re in the water rather than on the ground.  Gaining confidence, we through out a mini obstacle course and now the Whiplash is a daily event!

You can find the Whiplash at Target, KMart, Sports Authority and online at Amazon.com for $79.

We were sent a Whiplash for review purposes.  The opinions are our tried and true experience and were not influenced by any source.