You would have thought that a bike that quickly became known as the ‘widow maker’ would put off a young, relatively inexperienced rider like myself, but it didn’t. The scare stories made it more appealing, the rumours of power wheelies made it exciting and the drone of a V-Twin with race pipes on full chat made it sound intoxicating. And so began a love affair with a bike that I can only describe as an Alfa Romeo on two wheels; brilliant when it works and a dog’s dinner when it doesn’t. Yes, it’s the legendary Suzuki TL1000S, or to be more precise TL1000SV, the original head-banging full power model.

My TL ownership began at a service station on the M25 in 2004, following a chat with the owner on eBay. I had placed a listing asking to part-ex my bargain Kawasaki ZX6R J1 that I had bought to get me to and from university for a bargain £2500 for a TL1000S. You read that right, a 4 year old bike with only 20,000 miles for £2500 from a dealer, but that is another story.

The TL had been my dream bike for many years, ever since its launch in 1997. It was the most powerful one litre V-twin of its time, kicking out 125bhp which was far more than its nearest rival the Ducati 916, the most famous motorbike of them all. The press raved about the engine, its effortless power wheelies, its fantastic handling and its revolutionary rotary damper rear suspension that had been inspired by the world of Formula 1. It walked all over Ducati.

Unfortunately the praise didn’t last long. Rumours of massive tankslappers on bumpy uneven roads began to circulate, people were getting hurt and the inevitable happened… a journalist was killed. Blame was attributed to the rotary damper. Only a teaspoon of oil was used, quickly resulting in the shock overheating when the going got tough and turning the bike into a giant pogo stick. It became known as the Widow Maker.

To address the problem Suzuki fitted an un-adjustable steering dampener, which helped the problem but also killed the handling. In later models they also started reducing the power, but there is some debate as to whether this was to give its ‘bigger’ brother the fully faired TL1000R the edge, but in reality the R was heavier and slower.

The problems didn’t stop there however… the fuel tank leaked in warm weather, the frames cracked resulting in a mass recall for a new frame, the fuel injection was jerky, the electrics were next to useless and the chain became too tight over bumps and had to be run slack.

You may now be wondering why the hell I wanted such a bike! Well for me it was a straight forward decision. I like the underdog, I liked the idea of owning a bike that nobody else wanted because it was too dangerous, and the reality was the bikes weren’t the problem. They just weren’t setup properly from the factory and people weren’t respecting its limits. In addition, various aftermarket suspension options from Maxton were available and other problems are easily fixed.

Waiting at the services on the M25 on a beautiful summer’s day, I could hear the bellowing sound of a v-twin with race pipes coming up the slip road towards me. It sounded fantastic! The red TL looked stunning in the sun, with its gold wheels, black menacing engine and polished race pipes. The owner immediately jumped on the ZX6 and squealed with delight, “this is exactly what I want, I hate the TL, I want something easy and modern”.

Alarm bells should have, but didn’t ring. I knew the TL1000S was a marmite bike. I gave it a thorough going over (or so I thought) and carried out the usual checks. The engine purred away, all the electrics were working and it revved freely. No leaks, no cracks, new frame, good chain, good tyres, comfy, sounds top… I never lusted after a bike so much.

We signed the paperwork as quickly as possible and he screamed away on the Kwack. I didn’t even look at him leave, although the ZX6r was a fantastic bike I just couldn’t get attached to it. I kitted up, swung my leg over the TL and fired it up.

It’s not like an inline four, as you sit there idling the whole bike vibrates and pulses with the engine beat, getting faster as you rev it. The riding position is more head down than the ZX6 but comfortable and the whole bike feels very narrow. Good to go I let out the clutch and joined the M25.

I gave it a fistful, the bike jumped forward, the front went light, 100mph came up in seconds and the sweetest sound was emitted from the pipes. The low down torque was sublime, giving it more urgency than the Kwack and it felt stronger at the top. Whether it was faster or not is debatable because of the ZX6’s screaming top end, but overtakes were effortless.

My joy was short lived. The steering felt heavy and the bike didn’t want to change direction. At first I thought this was down to the massive stock steering dampener across the top yoke, but after moving lanes the bike wobbled over the white lines. I pulled in at the next services and checked the tyres. They were both as flat as a pancake. The previous owner complained about the poor handling, I wonder why?

With both tyres pumped up, the bike was transformed and handled reasonably well on the bends once I had left the motorway but as I began to gel with the bike, I noticed the various well known problems. The bike felt rear heavy and pushed the front in fast bends making me run wide, the steering dampener removed any feel from the front end and reduced responsiveness, the rear shock crashed over bumps (combination of too tight a chain and the rotary damper) and when riding through towns the bike was horribly jerky on a part throttle. So jerky in fact it was like riding a bucking bronco! I could feel that if I pushed the bike too hard on a bumpy road, I’d be thrown skywards before I could say “Oh… “. I had some work to do…

My first task was to fix the jerky fuel injection. This was a simple case of setting up the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) properly, as Suzuki didn’t bother at the factory. It’s literally a 5 minute job and transforms the bike. Within seconds of riding I could feel the bike was smooth as silk, there was still some transmission lash, but that’s v-twin charm.

Next on the list was to sort the handling. I read numerous forums, tech sites and talked to various suspension specialists and quickly realised the bike was just poorly setup from the factory. It didn’t need money throwing at it, it just needed a few tweaks. I immediately dumped the steering dampener (I was told by various bikers I’d die), raised the forks through the yoke 5mm (told by various bikers I’d be even more dead) to put more weight on the front, tweaked the front and rear suspension settings and dumped the 190 rear tyre for a 180 to speed up the steering.

I also adjusted the chain properly, as due to the alignment of the rear swingarm compared to the output shaft, if you adjust the chain as you would on any other bike, it would go bow tight over a bump and potentially lock the wheel or wreck the engine.

One last modification was to fit better brakes from the Hayabusa, Galfer wavy discs and braided hoses to improve the spongy brakes. At low speed they are average, but at higher speeds they are superbly strong and two finger braking is all that’s required.

The first ride after the tweaks was sublime. All the scare stories I had heard and read about the Tl1000S just didn’t apply to the bike I was sat on. It tuned faster than the ZX6r, I could hit any apex I wanted by thought alone and there was no hint of a tankslapper, even if I was ham-fisted and going hell for leather. That ride was one of the best I’ve ever had.

A couple of days later I had it on the dyno, where it was tweaked from an already impressive 119rwbhp to 126rwbhp (later bikes produced around 100bhp), it was now the best bike in the world. Or it was when it worked 100%… On hot sunny days, after every ride I’d come back and find fuel leaking from the tank and dripping slowly down the side of the bike. Despite fitting later model fuel tanks, trying sealants etc, the problem was never fully fixed. I often thought about what would happen if fuel dripped onto the exhaust as I was riding, sending me skywards in a large fireball.

There were also gremlins in the electrics. If it rained the bike wouldn’t work. People often say how unreliable Italian bikes are, but this Japanese bike proved just as bad. Rain would seep in behind the front spark plug lead causing the front cylinder to cut out. You’d find yourself riding along and suddenly being launched out of your seat as it cut out then back in again. My neighbour also literally nearly punched me, because I’d have to sit there revving it after a wet ride until the water evaporated, otherwise the bike wouldn’t start in the morning. Sealant cured it… sometimes.

Other electrics were also problematic, with melting connections being a regular occurrence resulting in short circuits, or if you were really unlucky you’d be riding along a road in the middle of nowhere in the dark, and the headlight would fail.

The straw that broke the camel’s back however was when the out-shaft bearing failed. This was most likely caused by the previous owner having the chain too tight and resulted in an £800 repair bill. Most bikes you can remove the bearing from the outside, but on the TL1000S you have to split the cases then wait two months for parts. Soon after fixing it, I sold it after 2 years and 20,000 miles of ownership.

Do I regret selling it? Well I’m lucky enough to be back with my old bike 8 years later for one last ride. Since selling it I’ve owned a ZX9r and the monster that is the Kawasaki ZX12r (which I crashed on ice 8 months ago, oops!), both are significantly faster than the TL with 140bhp and 175bhp respectively, but did they have the same character? They were more reliable for a start, having covered 75,000 miles and 30,000 miles without a hitch. My biggest regret about selling the TL1000SV though is that they are now worth twice the amount I sold mine for!

Seeing my old bike again certainly gives me goose bumps. It still looks fantastic, despite starting to show its 17 years with flaking engine paint and the odd bit of corrosion, and although the design is now outdated it still looks menacing. It’s also been fitted with the optional lower fairing, which I’m not sure if I like.

Slinging a leg over the bike feels very old school. It feels dense and the riding position isn’t as comfortable as a more modern bike with a narrower seat. The fittings and fixtures look cheaper and don’t fit together as well as the luxurious ZX12r. The clocks are also very ’90s and minimalist, but they tell you everything you need for the ride ahead.

Starting the TL1000S up again, the sound is intoxicating. I will always love the sound of a v-twin, especially on full chat, it offends no-one unlike a screaming four. Sitting there and revving the engine however is when you really start to notice its age, the way it vibrates feels very unrefined, it feels as though the engine is loose in the bike and it’s about to fall apart. It won’t though, it gives it character.

Setting off at low speed, you notice the difference between more modern fuel injection and the TL’s, even though it’s a v-twin. The ride is snatchy, almost cumbersome, you have to think about what you’re doing otherwise you’ll stall easily. But as you wind the engine up, the bike comes alive and it feels just as good as any modern engine. There is relentless torque and power right to the red-line and the noise is sublime. Heading into a bend, the suspension feels rough and ready, crashing at the rear and feeling underdamped at the front. This might just be case of needing to fit the Maxton rear and modern internals on the front to improve things. The handling is still tight though and it holds a good line, tracking the road exactly where you want it. The braking is also still very impressive as the setup hasn’t changed since my ownership.

Riding my old TL1000SV again has been fantastic, but it doesn’t feel like the animal it once was. It is a bike you can grab by the scruff of the neck however and ride to within an inch of its life, while still going at a reasonable and not too illegal speed. The power wheelies don’t happen as easily as I remember (probably because I’m heavier) It’s full of character and is still one of the best sounding bikes on the road and despite the horror stories is also relatively benign by today’s standards.

Would I own one again? Yes, it was the best most enjoyable bike I’ve ever owned, but I would bring it up to date with much more modern suspension and it would have to have all the other problems already ironed out. The engine lives on in other motorcycles, but none have the same presence. It would be the perfect bike for my man shed alongside my next dream project, a Ducati Café Racer, and having a cult status, earlier full power models are going up in value making it a great investment.

For most of us from the government schools, PE (physical education) was in the school curriculum. So we had no choice but to comply and treat it as one of the school subjects. For the outdoor initiated, the PE lessons were great as it gave many an outlet for all the youthful hormones to exert themselves. For those of us who dread PE (including myself), our main thoughts were more like "what is the use of PE when it doesn't improve our exam scores." We were so wrong then.

Only now, as we approach the middle age do we realized the mistake of not having built up a more robust physique through our younger days to handle the pressures and stress of today's life. However, it is not too late. It is not the end of my life yet. I can still make a difference.

Didn't someone once said, that the glory of this temple in our later days will be more glorious than our former ones. So here I am, writing something on fitness hoping to spur my middle aged body on to greater heights.

The best way to good health is mild to moderate physical exercises. This suits me just fine, because we are so, so busy and time is a precious commodity in today's economy. The least amount of time spent on physical torturing exercises and yet be able to help me maintain a healthy body – will be just right for me.

All I want to achieve is a healthy body. I am not a fitness guru or an exercise freak (sorry for the term used). I enjoy a little bit of laziness once a while.

I like to pamper myself with some pleasures such as fine dining and couching in front of the TV. But I realized that this cannot be the norm or else I will be digging my own grave sooner rather than later.

Do you want to be fit or do you want to be healthy? Hey, I thought that meant the same.

Well, fitness has been defined in relation to a concept called physical work capacity, or how much work the body can do. A person's fitness can be determined in a laboratory by looking at how much energy they can produce on a cycle ergometer when cycling at a specific heart rate, or on an athletic track by looking at how far they can run in a set time. Fitness can also be understood in relation to a number of components including endurance, flexibility, strength and power. You need to be fit to play many sports, including football, hockey and tennis.

On the other hand, good health is a broader concept that includes being free from sicknesses and diseases, and be in a proper state of mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Normally, being fit and being healthy go hand in hand. But it is not always so. For example, you can be very fit, through playing tennis, but suffer a major health problem such as alcoholism.

When we understand these two concepts and the difference between fitness and good health, then you will realized that actually you need less exercise to be healthy. You actually need more exercise to get fit and to remain fit.

How to be fit?

Many people have a need to be fit because their jobs or careers demands it. If you are an athlete or a sportsman you need to be fit or else you are out of the game. If you are a soldier or a fireman, you need to be fit because it could mean a life or death decision for you just when you need it the most.

To be fit, you will have to follow a set program of exercise which we call training. Proper training will always take place in a right and professional environment that have the facilities to train you through expert and regimented supervision. Examples of such fitness training are gymnastic training, running, weight lifting, swimming programs etc.

In such an environment, the intensity of the exercise program is varied to achieve the different levels of fitness. It means that if you want to be very, very fit, you need to exercise at an above average or high intensity level. Normally, in achieving such fitness goal levels, the individual will undoubtedly also become healthier. However, if you don't want to be fit but just healthy, you don't have to exercise as hard.

How to be healthy?

On the other hand, if all you want to be is healthy, then you just need a milder level of exercises to be healthy and to remain in good health. Sometimes the fear and anxiety of suffering from heart diseases, excessive cholesterol in blood stream, obesity or mental health problems, propels us to remain physically active.

You do not need to have the same intensity of training to remain healthy as compared to remain fit. You can encompass your physical exercises into your normal routine. Instead of getting into your compact car and drive round the block, purpose to park at a distance and walk all the way. Walk through the golf course and carry your own bag instead of hitching a golf cart or engage a caddie. Perform some simple exercises behind the office desk using isometric exercises when nobody is looking. Do some pushup or situps in between commercials in the TV.

All I am saying is you don't need to torture yourself to remain healthy.

Some active living tips:

* Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator.

* Don't use the remote control to change TV channels. Get up from your chair.

* Bring along your jogging shoes when you travel outstation, just in case you find
some free time for a short walk / jog.

To be healthy, some experts recommend being physically active on at least five days out of seven.

We're increasingly living in a world where we require less and less physical activity in our lives. We have domestic appliances to wash and dry for us, cars to transport us and desks at which to sit and work or study.
In school we are always told to 'sit still'.

In view of these "bad" technological influences that have stopped us from moving, any physical activity is a health gain.

Not everyone can subscribe to a magic formula on the amount of exercise in order to achieve a benefit.

The right key is to make an effort and persevere. As soon as you move, you win!

If you have no idea at all for keep-fit ​​ideas, consider some of the following?

* dancing – you name the style

* bikes, scooters, inline skates and skateboarding

* ice skating, dry skiing and snowboarding

* Gymnastics / tumbling

* Swimming

* martial arts

* gym-based activities

* team sports (football, volleyball, basketball, baseball etc)

* walking

* skipping or jump rope

* kites and frisbees

* hide and seek

* dog walking

For young people, you can also exercise and earn money at the same time: wash the car, shovel snow, do the shopping, wash the windows, vacuum or do the gardening.

Cheers to Healthy Living.

When we talk bikes, we definitely are not just concerned about the looks or comfort; rather we always hunt for a good design with better torque and horsepower. Though I have never desired to ride a bike, but would definitely love to sit behind a special one and experience the fun of riding a sport touring bike. But if you wish to ride a powerful engine, then there is a huge collection of fast bikes for you that have already hit the market a decade before. Let us check out some bestselling speedy biking models.

‘BMW K’ 1200S 167mhh (268km/h) has been ranked 5th for the reason that it’s sufficient raw power hurls you in as low as 2.8 seconds from a dull stop to 60 mph. ‘Ducati’ 1098s 169 mph (271km/h) has been ranked 4th as it is an L-twin sport bike. With highest torque to weight ratio of 160 horsepower and 90.4 ft-lb torque, this ‘Ducati’ 1098 weighs around 173 kg. Then, third on the list is ‘Aprilia RSV’ 1000R Mile 175 mph (281km/h) because of its high performing V-Twin powered 143 HP 998cc engine. This model was also categorized as Master-bike 2006. Motorcycle that holds the second rank among the world’s fastest bikes is ‘Yamaha’ YZF-R1 motorcycle, which is a significant true liter class of 1000 cc introduced in 1998.

Honda Super Blackbird

Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird 178 mph (268 km/h) is a fantastic combination of operational error tolerance, big engine power, good looks and lot of comfort while riding. Driving this bike is definitely beyond belief. 300 km/h mph speed, 119.00 Nm @ 7250 RPM torque, 1137cc displacement and electronic fuel injection together with 150.00 HP @ 9500 RPM and inline four engine has pushed it on top of charts.

Though Honda Super Blackbird was introduced back in 1996, but some speed lovers like me, still appreciate this master bike for its good handling, quality, comfort, reliability and powerful engine. With the years passing by, company introduced a lot of changes to the model like up-gradation of thermostat housing; changes in tail light, RAM Air ducts, clutch, cooler and PGM-FI Fuel Injection System and much more. Initially, the bike was launched in black, red and titanium shades only, but later blue also became popular among the bikers. The era of transformations continued till 2007, but the bike still continues to rule the hearts and charts.

There are two main types of double strollers – The side-by-side models and the inline style model. In the side by side model the seats are placed adjacent to each other and allows the children to enjoy the world together, while in the inline the chairs are placed one behind the other; suitable for siblings with an age difference. Depending on your use and preference these models can come in various brands hence the need to have the following tips in mind while selecting the best double stroller for your kids.

Versatility:

Whether you are looking for a stroller to use when you are jogging, walking or hiking, a versatile stroller is desirable to every user. Hence it is advisable to purchase a stroller that suits many uses. The chariot cougar is the most versatile stroller compared to the other strollers like the Bob and the Chariot.

Age of your children and the stage in their life:

It is advisable to consider the age of your children are they twins-same age, siblings with an age difference, are your children taking naps, or does one of them have the ability to sit up while the other does not? All these are important tips and hints to help you make a decision on the best double stroller to buy for your children. The inline stroller is good for the siblings with an age difference while for twins a side-by-side stroller will work best. The Graco room for two classic connect is suitable for siblings with an age difference.

Duration of your Journey with the stroller:

If the stroller is for just a simple walk or just catching up on a plane, then a simple baby stroller will work for you However for a whole day's event like a hike you need a stroller with extra features like pockets. The Graco room 2 is good for trips which are shorter while for longer trips where you need your children to place snacks a cozy stroller is better. An example of this is the Joovy Scooter X2.

Frequency of the trips:

The other tip you need to have while buying your stroller is the frequency of the trips. If the stroller is for regular use then having extra features is a plus. In addition durability and versatility should also play a key role in your selection. The Joovy scooter has it all for this purpose. Britax B agile is also suitable for a higher frequency of your trips.

Budget allocation:

Most of us will admit that if a cheaper option is available in the market then we would run for it If one is constrained by budget then there are cheaper models that will definitely serve the purpose of a double stroller. These are Jeep Wrangler twin sport, the Joovy and the Jeep.

After an analysis of the 5 tips when selecting the best double stroller, it becomes easy to purchase the best stroller that serves you best.

Dangerous! A menace to the street! These are a couple of the accusations thrown at the Trikke HPV (human powered vehicle) by its critics. Their main concern seems to stem from the fast and wide swerving movements performed by the Trikke scooter. Are the critics correct? Are Trikke scooters really hazardous to other pedestrians when coupled with urban traffic? Let’s find out the facts.

When you see the Trikke in action for the first time, you will be amazed at the graceful and seemingly effortless flow exhibited by the rider to move the Trikke scooter without the aid of a mechanical propeller. But what some see as an elegant and controlled dance, some interpret as a swerving and careening monster waiting to force them off the sidewalk into traffic. The same has been said for bicycles and inline skates and skateboards.

What many may not be aware of, is that riding the Trikke requires some effort, practice, and concentration. Its riders indeed propel the Trikke in a zigzag manner and beginners do make wider swerves. However, beginners rarely practice on crowded streets. Experts advise Trikke greenhorns to hone their Trikke-ing skills on vacant lots where they will have enough room to develop the required skills to safely control their Trikke scooters.

Only when the lessons sink in and these Trikke amateurs develop and master a style of their own will they be ready to look for new challenges. And the other point here is that a Trikke moves a lot like a fish. Just like a fish has to wiggle to swim, the Trikke has to serpentine to move forward. A fish is highly maneuverable and can make wide swerves or tighter turns and still be swimming forward. Pedestrians need not fear that Trikkers will be hogging the entire lane because an experienced Trikke rider can easily narrow his turns to match the space of a bicycle.

Like anything else in life, the Trikke rider can have an accident. The most common accidents found in any sport involving speed are primarily falls and crashes. Riders falling off the Trikke does happen occasionally but it is not common, and definitely occur less frequently than compared to the number of accidental falls from other types of HPVs. Even so, it’s still a good idea to wear your helmet and safety gear when out on your Trikke. Moreover, falls from the Trikke often happen to riders who ignore the safety precautions included in the manuals that comes with their Trikke scooters. So play smart.

The Trikke is actually designed with safety and maneuverability in mind. Unlike the two point stance of the bicycle and roller skates, your Trikke scooter has a three-wheeled “V” shaped stance that is very stable, further heightened by the presence of a hand lever braking system for both Trikke rear wheels to control speed. The bulk and rigidness of the bicycle and the boots and wheels strapped to your feet when roller-skating make both of these HPVs more resistant to motion during sudden emergency situations, whereas your Trikke is flexible enough for easy maneuverability. All these allow your Trikke scooter to quickly dodge or brake within crowded areas with total control.

Despite all the disadvantages of other HPVs, people tend to accept their presence on roadsides because of familiarity. Don’t let the Trikkes outlandish appearance and speed trick you into the false belief that they are unsafe. If we allow bikes, in-line skates and other HPVs to silently pass by within crowded lanes, realize how much more we can trust the Trikke, which is capable of weaving in and out of crowded areas in total control?

The Olympus MJU 5000 is a stylish digital camera. At just under 25mm wide it will fit into larger pockets or a small bag. In terms of the design Olympus has rounded off one of the corners. Although this might not sound much of a difference it does help to distinguish this camera from the mass of strictly rectangular models out there on the market. It is available in blue and black. I was quite taken with the blue version that I had for review.

This is a step up from a more basic camera. There may not be any major differences, but there are a number of small enhancements to features. To start with there is a 5x zoom lens. I have noticed over the past year that lenses are getting longer and even this fairly small amount of extra zoom can help you to get in that bit closer for your shots. Next up is the 2.7 inch LCD screen. This is another area where cameras are advancing with a number of models offering this size as opposed to the smaller 2.5 inch screens. Image stabilization is included too. This feature is available on more and more cameras as well. Just how important this is can depend on how steady you can hold a camera and whether or not you take a lot of photos in less than perfect light. I would not describe it as a necessity on a camera with a 5x lens as opposed to say one with 15x zoom, but every little helps when it comes to taking sharp photos.

After a photo has been taken you have the chance to change it to be in black and white or sepia. There is also a tool that can automatically remove red eye. You can also add short voice clips to a photo to help jog your memory at a later date. These are limited to 4 seconds, so you are going to have to speak pretty quickly if you want to say much! Other cameras allow 30 seconds of commentary for a photo.

When it comes to picture quality the MJU 5000 delivers inline with what I have come to expect from a typical point and shoot digital camera. There are no major issues. Pictures could have been a shade sharper, but this is unlikely to be noticeable unless you are planning to make king sized prints. So I would say the MJU 5000 handles most snapshot situations well.

For storing photos Olympus has provided three options. The first is a small amount of internal memory. This will get full after about a dozen shots. This is enough to test the camera out, but not much more. It can also be used as an emergency back up if a card fails or you suddenly find your card is full. The MJU 5000 is compatible with both xD cards and micro SD cards.

There may be plenty of alternative cameras you can consider. These include smaller, ultra compact models or others around the same size such as the Canon IXUS 990 IS. That is another camera launched in the Spring of 2009 and one I plan to review shortly. If you would consider a camera that has been a round a little longer and may therefore offer a bit of extra value for money than the Fuji Finepix F60fd is a very good choice. In the same range Olympus also produce what they now call Tough cameras. These are waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. So cameras such as the Tough 6000 and Tough 8000 are also options you may wish to consider, especially of you have a young family and your camera might come in for some wear and tear.

Are you looking for an ideal gift for your teenage son, daughter, nephew or niece? While there are plenty of items that you could buy for teenage children such as computer games, game consoles, sports items etc., this abundance makes it confusing also about which item to choose. If you are aware of the tastes of the person you could buy accordingly. However, is there is any item that could make you the coolest dad or aunt in town it is skateboards.

If your choice of gift is skateboards, better check out first whether the recipients already have them. If they don’t, you could think of a set of good quality skateboards from well-known brands like Roller Derby and Riedell. In case your recipients are beginners in this sports item, quad roller skates would be ideal gifts for them. For those who have more practice and training you could think of inline skates.

A child who is interested in skateboarding would most probably have set of skateboards. In such a case you have other gift options related to skating. Here are a few tips for you:

Protective gears

Protective gears are very important for skaters, especially beginners. As you can guess, it takes time to balance on skateboards and meanwhile the chances of falling and hurting oneself is very high. Hence, for skaters, protective gears like helmets, elbow caps, knee caps, etc. are very useful. Often, sports equipment stores offer you starter packs that include all such necessary items required for beginners in skateboarding. You’ll find items that can not only protect the skaters but also give them a stylish look.

Clothing

Clothing for skateboarding includes some cool and funky items like t-shirts with skate board logos, caps, trousers, half pants, etc. Often you find skaters wearing these items even when they are not skating. This means, if you gift them, these clothing items can be worn at other instances as well. Most stores that sell extreme sports equipment and accessories sell these clothing items too in various colours and designs that make the skater look hep and cool.

Books or magazine subscriptions

Books and magazines are not cheap nowadays, and those on sports and games are more costly due to their high quality pages and colourful images. Normally, teenagers might not be able to afford to buy such books and magazines. Hence, you could gift them such books that contain helpful tips on skating or unique and interesting techniques to try out with skate boards. Even skate board magazine subscriptions for an year could be a great idea for these magazines would give them information on the latest trends in skating.

Gift vouchers

Of all the gift items related to skating,gift vouchers is the best idea. If you are not the parent of the child for whom you are buying the gift, you might not know what items they already have or what items they need. A gift voucher from a skate board shop could help them in purchasing the items they need according to their own wish. Besides, there are various items according to the level of expertise of each child and unless you know that level, you might feel at a loss on what gift to buy. A voucher is therefore the best and safest gift.

If you search for skate boards accessories online, you’ll find even more items related to skating. In fact, with hundreds of online stores that sell skating items, you could easily browse and purchase the kind of gift you want. Also, it is a good idea to collect some information related to skateboards before you actually go ahead and buy the item. And for this too, internet is a rich source and support from where you can collect data on skating. With adequate information on skating, you could purchase the best, coolest and most useful skate boarding gift for your loved ones.

Rideables are any small wheeled device with an electric motor, such as a skateboard, scooter, segway or unicycle. If its electric and compact enough to carry or ride on a sidewalk, it’s a rideable.

The 21st Century has certainly lived up its high tech hype, being a truly golden age of technology. And although we might not have the flying cars or true hoverboards that the movie Back to the Future predicted, we do have some damn cool gadgets that come pretty close. High tech innovation has taken the daily commute into our modern age. Whether it’s going to work or cruising the boardwalk, rideables let you get there in style without breaking a sweat.

Motorized skateboards and scooters have been present since the 1970s when the MotoBoard was first invented. Unfortunately the technology of the time wasn’t developed enough for rideables to catch on. But that was decades ago, and times have changed dramatically.

Electric Transportation for our Modern Age

It used to be that if you wanted to go somewhere without a car you’d have to push or pedal your way to get there. Now in today’s modern world we have eco friendly electric alternatives to traditional transportation, and they’re called rideables.

Advances in electric motors, battery life, changing lifestyles, urban congestion, and funding options have made electric rideables a viable and popular way of commuting. A growing number of startups have taken an interest in the wheeled tech market, allowing for improved design, availability and costs. It’s because of these reasons that electric transportation is becoming a more common appearance on streets and sidewalks.

So what exactly do rideables look like? You’ll know pretty quick when you see one for the first time, they’re pretty hard to miss. Rideables come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and definitely make you stand out in a crowd. Some of them feature new and unusual designs, while others have been around for a number of years and are easily recognized. The most commonly known rideables include the electric skateboard, scooter, unicycle, Segway, and auto balancing hoverboards. Below you can find some more information on all the wheeled wonders that are available.

Electric Skateboards

As mentioned earlier, the first electric skateboard was the Motoboard developed in the 70’s. Since that first gasoline powered prototype modern electric skateboards have become superior in every way. They’re now lighter, have improved travel distance, and are controlled by wireless remotes or even phone applications.

Electric Scooters

The electric scooter is one of the most popular rideables. The term scooter is often used interchangeably to describe two different types of transportation. The first type is the electric handlebar scooter which features two inline wheels. Rideable scooters have become started to gain traction as a viable way to commute to work or around town that is safe and easily portable.

Hoverboards

The second type of electric scooter is known as self balancing, but many people have started calling them Hoverboards to avoid any confusion. These two wheeled balancing boards are similar to a Segway but much less low key and without handle bars to hold onto. To travel the rider leans forwards or backwards and the board will automatically begin to move based on the shift in weight.

Electric Unicycles

At first glance the electric unicycle might seem the most daunting of the rideables. This isn’t the case though, since the electric unicycle doesn’t require any peddling and often has an auto balancing system to help the rider adjust. They are especially popular in cities and urban areas because of their very small design that is ideal for crowded streets.

The Benefits of Rideables

These motorized transports have numerous benefits and are much more than just fun to ride gadgets. Rideables can be used for just about anything in your everyday life. Commuting to work, zipping around town, or even a Sunday joyride. Being lightweight they’re easy to carry and small enough that you can take them on a bus or train.

They’re cheaper and better for the environment than a car because they don’t use gas, and you don’t even need to fight to find a parking space. Not to mention they’re less strenuous and far safer because you won’t have to contend with road traffic.

Rideables are commonly used for commuting and pastime sports, although they are becoming increasingly popular even as exercise devices. This is because most boards require some balancing technique and extra energy from the rider in order to ride perfectly.

Rideables are Becoming More Affordable

Motorized machines were once far too expensive for the everyday user to even consider buying. Rideables or personal transporters vary in many ways as seen above. However, their prices also vary greatly depending on the technology in use. In most cases self-balancing, battery powered personal transporters that can run for great distances are generally more expensive. As technology advances prices will continue to come down. While they still aren’t mainstream, rideables are an expanding market that will soon be more affordable than you might think.

A Learning Curve for Any Skill Level

Different rideables require different skills to ride. For example, an electric scooter is easier to ride than a self-balancing unicycle because it has a bigger base and more wheels for stability.

Electric transportation varies greatly in size and features, number of wheels and required balance. For instance, the Solowheel is a unicycle that uses various sensors to keep you upright. Thus, you will need some extra balancing techniques to ride it safely. On the other hand, the Hovertrax is a two-wheeled personal transportation device but does not have handlebars like a Segway. In order to ride it, you need to point your toes downwards to move forwards and upwards when you need to move backwards.

What Makes It A Rideable?

Technically speaking a rideable is any transportation device that meets the following characteristics:

• Weighs less than ten kilograms (a weight that most people can comfortably carry)
• Easily fits under the seats of public transit, buses, or trains
• Self-powered meaning that it needs another source of power apart from the riders energy
• Can be used in offices, on roads or sidewalks
• If not being rode, it can be easily carried
• Goes over obstacles of at least four centimeters
• Runs for at least ten kilometers without needing a recharge
• Comfortable to ride for at least 25 minutes without the rider feeling tired

Swiss banker, Wim Ouboter, invented the micro scooter in 1996 and it has since made Ouboter a millionaire. In 1999 a Taiwan manufacturer liked the product so much that it began producing 300 scooters a day which increased to 1500 a day within four months. The scooter rapidly became extremely popular across the world with children, adults and even celebrities such as Robbie Williams being photographed riding one of Ouboter’s scooters.

Ouboter wanted to create a mode of transport that was quick and easy to use and that could be compact and light enough to be put into a bag when not in use. In the early 90’s Ouboter’s first scooter was made using wheels from a pair of inline skates. This model was unsuccessful but he later had the confidence  to modify the prototype until he arrived at the version we know as the micro scooter today. Now, the aluminium scooters are available in a variety of colours and at various price ranges.

Initially, Ouboter thought that the micro scooter would be used by adults for short distances instead of taking the car. In reality, children are the biggest users of this type of scooter and even Ouboter himself takes his children’s testing and advice as to how good his latest model is. However, other companies were quick to reproduce Ouboter’s scooter and become competition for the original inventor. This has driven Ouboter and his team to continually improve the micro brand of scooter.

Not only is the micro scooter used as a mode of transport and for recreational enjoyment but many people now enter stunt competitions. Competitors use ramps and bars much like those used for BMX and skateboarding to show their skill with a scooter. The scooter has drastically developed from the original models in the early 1900’s and the scooters popularity re-emerged when Ouboter invented his very contemporary micro scooter.

Just say the words “electric scooter” and depending on your age, a definite image comes to mind. This no doubt is due to the many different types of electric scooters available in the market today.

The fist type of electrically powered scooter is the street version of a powered skateboard. These were a metal platform with a folding handle and two inline skate wheels. These scooters were all the rage just a few years ago and as the craze started slowing down, the scooter makers redefined the toy into a transportation vehicle. Some designs even look like a mini-bike in style. These electric scooters are marketed to the affluent teen as a unique and fun way to get around. They’re available both with electric and a small gasoline driven motor. Check with local authorities regarding the use of these little mini bike scooters. Some are not allowed on the road and cannot legally be ridden on the sidewalk making them less than attractive as a transportation device.

The next type of electric scooter is designed as a get around town mini motorcycle – moped. These units are marketed to 20 somethings and anyone else who needs to make quick short trips and don’t want the worry or hassle of driving a car. These are perfect for city travel where grid-lock is common. Although not a full sized motorcycle, many or these units will hold 2 people and have accessories like saddle bags to carry groceries and other purchases.

This little units have a long battery life and can get to speeds up to about 30 miles per hour with good acceleration. Depending on the number of starts and stops, these electric mopeds can go about 30 miles before needed recharging. This is usually more than enough to get back and forth to the store several times without a problem. Although most are considered street legal, check to make certain any electric scooter you purchase of this type has been approved by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and if in Europe, the European Union Transportation Agency.

The final type of electrically powered scooter is marketed toward the adult and senior market. These are typically a wheelchair like device that allows for greater mobility for older people or those with limited motor abilities. These scooters are designed to be used both indoors and out with tight cornering and a long battery life. These units have a top speed of under 5 miles and hour but can go 20-30 miles on a charge. It’s a mobility device more than a distance transportation vehicle.

All three types of electric motor scooters have one thing in common and that’s the need for constant charging. This is where the weakness of electrically powered anything really comes into play. If a limited mobility scooter runs out of power, it may not be such a big deal as they’re typically used only for short trips away from home and around the house.

If however, you find yourself several miles from home on a motorcycle type electric scooter, this can be a problem. With no power and your recent purchases in hand, the return trip home might be long and difficult pushing your scooter.

In the end, the electric scooter industry is alive and well providing products that fit a growing and diverse market.