scooter

noun

scoot·​er ˈskü-tər 

plural scooters

1

a

: a vehicle ridden usually while standing that consists of a narrow footboard mounted between or atop two wheels tandem, that has an upright steering handle attached to the front wheel, and that is moved by pushing with one foot

What pleases parents is the addition of hand brakes, which make today's scooters relatively safe.

—Newsweek

b

: a similar vehicle propelled by an electric motor

The rules are part of the city's attempts to cope with the rapid influx of scooters that have proven wildly popular but also raised safety concerns as they zip around at 20 mph, weaving between pedestrians or darting into traffic.

—Ely Portillo

called also electric scooter, e-scooter

2

: motor scooter

3

: a single-person vehicle ridden while seated that usually has three or four wheels and an open body framework, is typically propelled by an electric motor, and is used especially by those with impaired mobility

… where students with the most severe physical challenges—all use motorized wheelchairs or scooters—live on the first floor.

—Jodi S. Cohen

called also mobility scooter

Examples of scooter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His accident is the latest in a spate of celebrity accidents on moving vehicles, from scooters to bikes. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Play-Doh Pizza Delivery Scooter Playset $95 $71 at Amazon $95 $75 at Kohls.com Let imagination run wild with this Play-Doh set that comes with everything a delivery driver needs: a scooter, pizza boxes, and dough for the pies. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Following a large investment from Indian scooter and vehicle maker Bajaj Auto and a few ownership changes, KTM grew to become one of Europe’s most successful motorbike brands, including fielding a team in MotoGP, the top tier of international motorcycle racing. —William Roberson, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Ditto the ones that power your rechargeable drill, Roomba, and electric toothbrush—not to mention our latest modes of transportation, ranging from plug-in scooters and ebikes to EVs. —Vince Beiser, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scooter

• electric scooter
• e-scooter
• mobility scooter
• motor scooter

Kids Definition

scooter

noun

scoot·​er ˈsküt-ər 

1

: a child's vehicle consisting of a narrow base between a front and a back wheel and guided by a handle attached to the front wheel

2

: motor scooter