Light up wheels, a sleek metal frame, and the color of your choice all contributed to the appeal of the now forgotten Razor scooter.  Back in the early 2000s, every kid either had or relentlessly begged their parents for one of these hot sellers on the market.  The scooter was really memorable for me, and I can still lucidly remember when I unwrapped the box with this shiny, new ride inside.

It was my Mom’s birthday of all occasions.  She was opening some gifts my Dad had bought her from all of us because at this time I was probably about six and my brother about ten.  All of a sudden this gigantic box in the corner was the sole remaining present– except ironically it was not for my Mom.  I still remember how giddy I felt that my brother and I had received a present and it was not even our birthdays. Once we peeled back the layers of wrapping paper, we were ecstatic to see that we could now join the Razor scooter club.  We would now (take turns) riding in style.

I cannot even estimate the countless hours spent outside on our cul-de-sac pedaling at lightening speed on my scooter and whizzing by my brother as he waited for his turn.  The scooter is nostalgic to me because I still vividly recall all the hype surrounding it and how it was such a sought after item. It brings me back to a time when playing outside with my brother was the most important thing in life and also possibly the most gratifying. A time before social media and the obsession with cell phones; a time where people enjoyed interacting with one another and kids were outside in fresh air rather than glued to a screen. The scooter was more than just a means of transportation– it was a way to interact with others through conversation and races down the street.  My Razor scooter carried me all along the streets and sidewalks of our neighborhood.  It brought me the simple joy and happiness of having the wind in my hair and tickling my face as I felt untouchable and cool on its’ glowing wheels.

Now, there are a variety of scooters and knockoffs on the market.  Although the popularity of scooters in general has drastically decreased, my love for the original Razor scooter and the joy it brought me as a child will never be forgotten.