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
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
Ely Portillocalled 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
Jodi S. Cohencalled also mobility scooter
Examples of scooter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The unknown vehicle failed to stop at a red light before striking the scooter.
—Robert A. Cronkleton
march 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
And while the number of people using new electric modes of transportation, including scooters, bikes and unicycles, has increased nationwide, reports of injuries on scooters are increasingly common, according to hospital administrators.
—Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
According to the City of Dallas, which permits only a certain number of vehicles, Lime has up to 1,650 scooters and 100 e-bikes operating here.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 24 Mar. 2026
Airbags have existed on motorcycles for nearly two decades now (a $30,000 Honda Goldwing that tips the scales at over 800 pounds), but scooters?
—New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scooter
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Robert A. Cronkleton
march 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
And while the number of people using new electric modes of transportation, including scooters, bikes and unicycles, has increased nationwide, reports of injuries on scooters are increasingly common, according to hospital administrators.
—Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
According to the City of Dallas, which permits only a certain number of vehicles, Lime has up to 1,650 scooters and 100 e-bikes operating here.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 24 Mar. 2026
Airbags have existed on motorcycles for nearly two decades now (a $30,000 Honda Goldwing that tips the scales at over 800 pounds), but scooters?
—New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scooter
Cite this Entry
“Scooter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scooter. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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