scooter

noun

scoot·​er ˈskü-tər How to pronounce scooter (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was ejected from the scooter and landed in the southbound No. 2 lane. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 The gunmen, who fled the scene on scooter and were dressed all in black, were still on the loose as cops look to track them down, according to ABC7. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 The cancellations, which affect items such as beach chairs, scooters, and air conditioners, appear to be a response to President Donald Trump's tariffs announced on April 2. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 Later, a boy spotted the car and frantically rode his scooter to try and get a better look. Saahil Desai, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scooter

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scooter was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scooter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scooter. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

scooter

noun
scoot·​er ˈsküt-ər How to pronounce scooter (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on scooter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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