scooter

¹ American  

[skoo-ter] / ˈsku tər /

noun

1. Also called kick scooter.  a child's vehicle that typically has two wheels with a low footboard between them, is steered by a handlebar, and is propelled by pushing one foot against the ground while resting the other on the footboard.

2. Also called electric scooter.  Also called e-scooter.  a similar vehicle with or without a seat, propelled by a motor powered by rechargeable batteries.

3. Also called motor scooter.  a lightweight motor vehicle similar to a motorcycle, having a saddlelike seat mounted over the engine and a footboard to rest the feet.

4. (in the U.S. and Canada) a sailboat equipped with runners for use on ice.

5. Pacific barracuda.

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verb (used without object)

1. to sail or travel in or on a scooter.

scooter ² American  

[skoo-ter] / ˈsku tər /

noun

plural

scooters,

plural

scooter

1. scoter.

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scooter British  

/ ˈskuːtə /

noun

1. a child's vehicle consisting of a low footboard on wheels, steered by handlebars. It is propelled by pushing one foot against the ground

2. See motor scooter

3. (in the US and Canada) another term for ice yacht

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Other Word Forms

• scooterist noun

Etymology

Origin of scooter

First recorded in 1800–10; scoot + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In his clients’ lawsuit against the city, two plaintiffs say they were arrested for riding a scooter on the sidewalk.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

“I love Dubai. And I have no fear,” said Abdul Halim, a delivery scooter driver from Bangladesh, just after an incoming missile warning alert sounded on his phone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

But after 2018, dockless schemes - where the bicycle or scooter could be left virtually anywhere - became more popular.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

"Even just one scooter… abandoned in the wrong place can block a route."

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

With any luck, I’d be able to bring his scooter back.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• motorbike