Razor A5 Lux - 1 Year of Commuting

It's been a year since I started riding my Razor A5 Lux to work. How has it held up? Will I keep commuting with a kick scooter? For reference, I am 5' 9-1/2" and weigh 175 lbs.

[@pixelpalettephoto]

Very precise and to the point review without any blabber. This is how product reviews should be done.

[@theWZZA]

I've owned the scooter for over four years now. It has held up very well; I have not had to make any extra mods or repairs. I would say don't bother changing the wheels, because the squishy noise comes back pretty quickly. Nowadays I don't ride for speed, just try to be safe, get exercise, and enjoy the ride. Other than skates, the kick scooter is the most compact, lightweight way to get around under your own power. It's great for the bus or train. Absolutely no regrets in choosing the A5 Lux.

[@Hana-su7zg]

Hi, thanks for this video, I learnt a lot. I don't have a Razor, I just got myself a used Osprey in the UK and starting to enjoy it as a way to cover a couple of miles to my college (52yr old carless woman retraining as a gardener). I learnt some useful tips from you!

[@theWZZA]

@@Hana-su7zg Thanks, I am the same age as you! Have fun and be safe!

[@havefunbesafe]

A5 is a great scooter. Treat yourself to a xootr next…you won’t regret it.

[@goodguyaus]

Thanks for the update (to your already informative video), theWZZA! Yours might be the final straw that actually tips me over into scooter-commuting (still terrified of Sydney car drivers though!)

[@theWZZA]

@@goodguyaus yes, be visible and be careful! My scooter is toll going strong!

[@mrben6573]

Dude. Such a helpful video. I'm sure people have been modifying their Razor scooters for the past 20 years, but there isn't a lot of documentation about it. The handlebar upgrade seems like a good idea. I love that people commute on these things. It just makes so much sense. Yeah, a bicycle would be faster and provide a better ride, but then you have to store it somewhere, and a decent commuter bicycle that will hold up to a year of commuting will probably cost 7 times that of the humble $80 Razor A5 Lux. This is really the inexpensive yet effective conveyance of the everyman. I love it.

[@theWZZA]

Thanks, still commuting with it, and it is going strong. Prices have jacked up quite a bit, but the A5 is still worth it.

[@XxxXxx-br7eq]

One major advantage to a scooter that can't be overlooked though is the fact that it's a full body exercise compared to a bicycle and is also good for your back and won't cause a stiff back like riding a bike will. And also really puts an emphasis on your hamstrings and a lot of other things we do often use more of our quads so it's good for your hips lower backs and knees as well.

[@KingPong1234]

I have the blue version of this. It works very well. I got fat with the COVID LOCKDOWN, but it still carries my 250 lbs really well, even though they say max. weight is 220 lbs.

[@roberts4406]

Yeah man im exactly 250 lbs too and I can ride fast on even the smallest razor scooters out there so this isn't even an issue

[@tsgreer]

Great review. Simple, to the point, and informative. Thanks for this!

[@mrben6573]

Your videos about kick scooting inspired me to get my own scooter. The roads around me are very rough so I went with the Razor A5 Air. I've put 17 miles on it so far! Longest ride was 11 miles. I'm still ironing out some problems with rattling and the T-Tube+ExtensionTube having a little slop left/right/front/back in the Head Tube. I believe tightening those nuts directly below the collar-clamp should fix it, I just need the right tool. So far I'm having a really good time. You mentioned that whacking your foot against the side of the Razor sucks. Boy, does it ever. I whacked my foot really bad against the side of the scooter and didn't realize until I got back home and took my socks off that it actually drew a little bit of blood. Brutal. I will have to be more careful in the future. The ride quality of the A5 Air is very nice, but I can imagine the air filled tires being a liability. You mentioned that you are tired of fixing flats on your folding bicycles. Well, if I wanted to fix a flat on my A5 Air on the side of the road I would have to keep track of: 5 bolts. 5 nuts. 3 spacers. 2 bearings. Because you have to split the wheel in two pieces to remove the tire and tube. It's not something you would ever look forward to doing. If they made Tannus Airless Tires in 200x50 I would whole heartedly recommend the A5 Air to you. There are aftermarket "solid" tires that would fit, but these all seem to be regular 200x50 pneumatic tires filled with foam by somebody in their garage. Anyways, I am excited for more kick scooter adventures in my future, I even ordered a "mount anywhere" bottle cage!

[@theWZZA]

Safe journeys and have fun!

[@mm1234Xxx]

Great video. I've just thought of trying a scooter since the bike lanes in my city are sketchy, and bike theft is rampant. So much easier to store and take anywhere.

[@theWZZA]

I just got back from a trip to my local sporting goods store, 3 miles round trip. It was nice. Be safe out there.

[@theWZZA]

I would say no need to change wheels until they are worn out. New ones don't last long before they start making this "squish squish squish" sound. I just deal with it until I can find the root cause. My best guess right now is the all-plastic construction has some weak point. EDIT: It's been two years of commuting now, and the A5 is holding up just fine. Scooting to work is the best part of the workday.

[@KJ-ek2ze]

Awesome video, really appreciate the way you were thorough and precise with important info. Very professional method.

[@rique5434]

Just bought one and really enjoying, thanks for the review brother

[@rahldlegaspi7669]

You're awesome! Thanks for the informative vid.

[@hatah9305]

Amazing review. Straight to the point and very illustrative 🙌

[@BecsMom]

Thank you. I hit a hole in the dark too. Scary! Luckily I didn’t fall.

[@lukeholloway7836]

I normally bike commute , I never thought this would be a option , Probably is a better option than a skateboard witch I used to do commute with .

[@samcha-rc7525]

Thanks for the very helpful video and the good tips. I ride the Razor A6 and after my good experiences with the Razor A6 I also bought the Razor A5.

[@mgkeoh]

Interesting video. I’m 66 now. And started out in a very tough generic scooter. I gave it to the youngsters after 15 years. I’m using Micro-Scooters now. Mainly because they’re available locally to me. I always pack on in the car. I have two. A 145mm wheel one, and the 200mm/ 8 inch wheel versions. I also use electric scooters too. But can scoot up to 10 miles no problem. I also use your little foot trick to change feet. I’m a size 11, so space is limiited. The workout one gets from scooter riding is very good for all the muscles.

[@theWZZA]

Thank you for your nice comment!

[@starcruiser75r12]

Great video thank you. I like Razor Scooters and I finally upgraded to the Razor A6 which I think is about 30 percent better than the Razor A5 when it comes to speed and handling.

[@theWZZA]

Thanks for sharing that insight!

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Excellent honest and REAL review! I was expecting those wheels to crack, the rubber to debead and or the bearing holes to get loose causing it to tilt while turning, hitting the frame. I've had all of those happen to me with normal sized scooter wheels, and I am not heavy.

[@theWZZA]

I'm still riding my razor to work. It's going strong

[@bui340]

Very informative, thanks!

[@unkono]

I have the original Razor scooter model A from the year 2000. I still ride it. The wheels are really small and narrow. (Similar to roller blade wheels). So I have to go super slow over a crack. It is ashame razor did away with the carry strap.

[@User_Unknown_15]

Thanks for posting 🙏

[@BBoxn]

Good video very informative. Thank you.

[@briantruck2284]

Great video !

[@adamarcher7847]

great vid and safety info thx :)

[@saraa_17]

Nice review!

[@animalfinatic9366]

Wow, thank you!

[@fobgalore]

Have you tried changing the front wheel to air tires? They may provide a more comfortable ride for you. Great video!

[@starcruiser75r12]

Great video. Very informative and well put together. I have a Razor A5 and also a Razor A6 and the A6 is my first choice scooter. In my opinion the 20% larger wheels makes a huge difference when it comes to scooter cruising as you glide more effortlessly. To lower my center of gravity I put my rucksack over the handlebars like a basket on a shopping bike. You are so right - avoid using in the rain as the brake and the tire grip on the road becomes virtually non existent.

[@martarenardowitsch3634]

Cool review, thanks lots!

[@martarenardowitsch3634]

I love Razors and have an A6 and A5 Air. They are such great scooters, and I especially like, that their boards are so near to the ground.

[@johnnytrejo911]

It’s probably riders preference. I’d rather extend the handlebars for a longer bar for a natural shoulder length width, and replace grips for a durable rubber grips. That’s what I’ve done with my Razor a5Air scooter 🛴 I used 7/8” aluminum tubing replaced the two piece bars with 24” inches in length and mountain bike grips with horns for a comfortable length / width / grip and replaced the bearings for the bones super reds and rear air wheel for a 8” polyurethane wheel. and a handlebar extender to put both lights and phone holder in the middle and a bike bell. it rides smooth it’s quick has better balance with longer handlebars width and the combination of the pneumatic wheel in the front and polyurethane wheel in the rear . is for better balance , it’s smoother and handlebars rough terrain like cracks and uneven surfaces and driveways. Since the front air wheel acts like a shock absorber and in the wet surfaces It handles great. But that’s what I’ve done with my Razor A5 Air kick scooter 🛴 I’ve done similar mods with my Razor A5 DLX 👍🏼

[@theWZZA]

Thanks for sharing your mods. I'm glad you are enjoying 🛴🛴🛴

[@rashb3994]

Jonny Trejo Do you have a video showing these mods or will you make one? I'm so intrigued by how all this sounds though. So for clarity you took two feet of 7/8 aluminum tubing and slid it in like this guy did on his with wood. I looked up the mountain bike grips. I take it you put the handlebar extenders away from you, not in the cockpit?

[@johnnytrejo911]

@@rashb3994 I’ll be posting a video, But I have posted on my Instagram the process and the two scooters 🛴 I have . The Handlebar extender I have I place it away from me to put two headlights on each side with to have room for my cellphone attachment in the middle. What I did was to be able to slide the Aluminum tubing thru I’ve used the existing rubber or plastic sleeve from both ends from the detachable bars and I lined up the holes and measured the two sides of the bar. of equal length. I’ve used 1/4”-20 x 1.5” screws ,drilled thru with lock washers and washers lock nuts . And it’s sturdy and looks like it belongs to the scooter . My photos of my Razors in my IG @i_am_johnnytrejo , But I will do a walk thru video soon of my Razor a5 Air 👍🏼

[@rashb3994]

@@johnnytrejo911 I have to give you more props man! I just came back from a ride after trying just one aspect of your trick. I don't have the A5 Air yet, just a cheap adult hard wheel scooter from Walmart. I bought a 4 ft 7/8 wooden dowel, cut it to two feet, and just duct taped it to the bar holder and rode it to the grocery store. Just that extra length alone created way more control and stability. It actually allowed me to move more creatively. So much fun, so thank you so much! As for seeing yours on Instagram I don't have an account and I think when I went to your page before it was private. But hit me up on here when you post a vid or somewhere else to see it.. I'm definitely going to now do the full mod on an Air because my cheap scooters deck is really high and I want that low deck front air wheel. Thx again!

[@bohdan--ukraine4866]

Thank you so much!

[@theWZZA]

You are welcome!

[@yenakwon]

it's really helpful! Thank you! :) bb

[@bagobeans]

Good review. Can you do a video on how to change the wheel bearings?

[@theWZZA]

Others have already done that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipa3pqWJlLCKgtU

[@jaysoncolbert6187]

I'm looking to go from Vegas to Utah, once weekly. Not sure if this will work for me

[@Akibatai00]

The A6 might be a little better in handling the rough surfaces of our streets, but not by much.

[@theWZZA]

Yeah, the A6 costs significantly more, but I wonder what the speed advantage would be.

[@rizwan1983]

Hey great video. I'm on my second A5 and it has had a rough life. Currently having headset problems. Thinking about trying the A6 for a change but I don't like that it's heavier and bulkier. Will you take the plunge? Also how did you remove that kickstand? A useless appendage if you ask me.

[@theWZZA]

No, as long as my A5 keeps going, I'm happy with it. Sorry to hear you're having issues. The kickstand is just held on by a screw or two. Use metric keys to remove them.

[@rizwan1983]

@@theWZZA oh Allen keys. Somehow thought they would need to be cut or something. Thanks for the reply.

[@kishascape]

I wonder how this compares to the Carbon Lux. Grateful that these big wheel commute style scooters are finally starting to make it into my backwater town. Used to be impossible to find, though I saw the CityGlide scooter on sale at Big5 for slightly less then razor and the longer deck and aluminum instead of steel appealed to me so I got it instead, it also seems better built.

[@theWZZA]

@@kishascape I don't know about other models, but my A5 is still going, and I still ride it regularly.

[@kishascape]

@@theWZZAshould regularly keep make videos. Need more of this kind of scootering content.

[@theWZZA]

@@kishascape Unlikely. KZbin makes money off my content, and I get nothing.

[@zzubuzz]

I've ordered a Razor A5 Lux, which is on the way. Q: Are those Dragon Endure bearings the 608 with 22m diameter, 8mm center and 7mm width? I presume I don't need any spacers, but do I need the "tool" package?

[@theWZZA]

You don't need any extra spacers. Just pay attention when you disassemble the wheels. Having two 5 mm hex keys is nice for bearing change (the scooter should come with one). I watched this video for changing bearings, but there are others: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipa3pqWJlLCKgtU

[@XxxXxx-br7eq]

I have a question if I have an older model razor A5 one without a kickstand what I be able to fit any type of pneumatic tire on there

[@theWZZA]

Probably not. There has to be clearance on the fork for the pneumatic tire. You'd have to find a skinny tire.

[@antigroundhogday]

Have you considered replacing the front or both wheels with a pneumatic tire & wheel for extra comfort at the expense of efficiency?

[@theWZZA]

There is an A5 Air model for pneumatic tires. I think it is slower. You can't replace the A5 with pneumatic tires (the fork is too narrow. I would use hard rubber if someone sold those.

[@antigroundhogday]

@@theWZZA agreed the A5 Air is slower (and a lower deck that drags), but apparently there are similar, but more narrow pneumatic wheels that can be installed. I don't think YT allows links, but Google for: "I was looking for ways to make my razor a5 scooter more comfy for the rough NYC roads." and the first search result is an Amazon review. :o

[@user-hv1yd2xr3o]

I have two A5's (hard and air tyre). Just bought an A6 out of curiosity - heard it rolled approx. 30% more than the A5. First test ride today and...disappointed. I really can't see any significant difference between the two...except the price! Early days yet but so far I prefer the A5 - more nimble and a bit lighter.

[@theWZZA]

Thanks for sharing your findings 👍

[@jamieborg4547]

It's been a year since this was uploaded, do you still commute by scooter? How has it been?

[@theWZZA]

Yesterday was my first day back since the start of the pandemic!

[@RM-_]

theWZZA: I really love your videos. You have inspired me to purchase a scooter for my 3.8 mile commute (each way) -- I am waiting for it to be delivered over the next few days. I have a couple of questions (1) what kind of average speed can an averagely fit person do on a scooter? I take around 18.5 minutes to walk a mile -- on this basis, how long do you think a mile on a scooter would be? (2) how do you deal with hills? On my 3.8 mile commute, approximately 1.2 miles on the way to work is uphill -- is it just a matter of walking that segment? Is a gentle hill OK to scoot up?

[@theWZZA]

Hi, thanks for your comment. 3.8 miles will take 30-40 minutes, so expect to gradually build up strength and endurance. To address the points you raised, 1) I would just take it easy to start. The speed will come. I think 7-8 mph is reasonable, so 7.5-8.6 minutes per mile. This is on the street. If you take the sidewalk, it will be slower. 2) Walking up hills is good until you build up strength and learn to stop well. If it is gradual, you can give it a try. I take shorter kicks to gear down going up a hill. Going down, I drag my foot to control speed.

[@RM-_]

@@theWZZA Thank you for this fantastic and detailed reply. On the sidewalk, what kind of average mph do you think is reasonable -- the sidewalks I will be on will have few if any people but the street will be full of fast cars, so I prefer the sidewalk.

[@theWZZA]

@@RM-_ My experience on sidewalks is, 1) they tend to be uneven, which might throw you off the scooter 2) cars or people will pop out unexpectedly from driveways and businesses. For these reasons, I end up taking 11 minutes/mile (5.5mph). I started exclusively riding sidewalks, but now I ride bike lanes as much as I can.

[@RM-_]

@@theWZZA This is excellent information to know. It means I could probably do the commute in 40 minutes at a moderate to even slow scooter pace

[@RM-_]

When you do 5.5mph on the (uneven) pavement, would you say that this can be done without breaking a sweat? Or does it require more energy expenditure than walking?

[@jorgeantonioruizvargas332]

Beautiful!! I am 67 years old and I need one 😕

[@eugene44569]

These were 55 bucks at Walmart

[@jorgeantonioruizvargas332]

@@eugene44569 I from Colombia - South America

[@theWZZA]

@@jorgeantonioruizvargas332 I will say I am still enjoying mine and commuting to work with it when it is not raining. It is a good quality product that has held up to regular use.

[@jorgeantonioruizvargas332]

@@theWZZA ok. Thank you 👍

[@candriqa12]

Can I use this to do food delivery about 3-5days a week for 10h?

[@theWZZA]

I wouldn't recommend it. A bike would be much better for this. You need the speed and the easier effort.

[@carls2622]

Finally a great video, just got a A6 and was wondering how long it's going to last especially the PU wheels.

[@theWZZA]

They last a long time, don't worry 😊

[@philipapong7352]

I just got the A6 yesterday too from Amazon. Been rainy up here in the Toronto area today, so couldn't take it for a spin just yet.

[@gavinng3898]

How many miles does it last before we have to switch out the wheels?

[@theWZZA]

You don't really need to. I thought it would help get rid of wheel noise, but it comes back rather quickly. It's a squish squish squish noise. I just live with it.

[@Me-eb3wv]

This is all cool but what made you choose a kick scooter over a bicycle or escooter?

[@theWZZA]

Kick scooter weighs 8 lbs. How much more does a bike or e-scooter weigh? How much bigger, more expensive, higher maintenance, are they? Kick scooter is good exercise, too. It can't get stolen because I can take it with me everywhere. For 1-2 miles, kick scooter works fine.

[@Me-eb3wv]

@@theWZZA those are some valid points

[@remkohorn4986]

I can recommend you the A6, it is a smoother ride. Nice video!

[@theWZZA]

Thanks for sharing!

[@skateata1]

When you bought new wheels, did you buy them from razor?

[@theWZZA]

Hi, I just searched "Razor A5 replacement wheels." They were cheapest on Amazon.

[@whatsupman2010]

Thank you I’m gonna order one ☝️

[@theWZZA]

I am still commuting with mine 😉

[@whatsupman2010]

@@theWZZA how far may I ask?

[@theWZZA]

@@whatsupman2010 1.25 miles. Piece of cake.

[@whatsupman2010]

@@theWZZA I got 4.2 lol

[@theWZZA]

@@whatsupman2010 legs of steel

[@digitalnorbs]

Hi, can you tell me what lights are those? thx

[@theWZZA]

shenkey Bike Lights USB Rechargeable LED Bicycle Headlight (2000mAh/1000 Lumen) Super Bright IP65 Waterproof Light for Bike/Flashlight

[@jefflaniajiffy3375]

Hi there, thank you for your review. Are the barrings easy to change out in your opinion? I'm considering this scooter for my move to Seattle.

[@theWZZA]

Yes, there are videos on how to do this. You will need two 5mm wrenches; one is supplied with the scooter. I also use a piece of wood to push out the bearing without damaging it.

[@jefflaniajiffy3375]

theWZZA wonderful, thank you!

[@gtpinoy]

Where did you get the bearings from?

[@markhill2279]

How far is your commute....good vid...thanks!

[@theWZZA]

2 miles each way... pre-pandemic

[@markhill2279]

@@theWZZA Thanks!

[@lawangus]

Will a scooter with suspension be better for commuting?

[@theWZZA]

You might get some comfort, but if it is not well made, it will not stand up to regular commuting. Also, it adds weight, and cost. I would pass, but some people might like it.

[@lawangus]

thanks

[@KGnines]

what super glue do you use?

[@theWZZA]

It doesn't work... Don't bother.

[@latorgator23]

Any 6’4” riders here? I want to get one to ride with my kids.

[@theWZZA]

I think you should go with the A6, which has a larger frame.

[@latorgator23]

theWZZA thank you, I just ordered an A6. I also wanted to say the video was well done.

[@fadrian98]

This video looks like it was posted in 2009

[@theWZZA]

The camera is from that time, LOL

[@fadrian98]

@@theWZZA I love it

[@unkono]

@@fadrian98 me too

[@eugene44569]

today was a somewhat sad day. i had two a5 luxes that were blue and I sold both of them for 15 dollars each. i got my money's worth since I bought them at toys r us about 7 years ago for 85 dollars in 2015-2016 when I was in 5th grade or so. i still have an a5 air which I will keep but those a5s I sold I replaced nothing on them even the bearings and wheels and they still worked fine. but I am basically a grown man so I don't show interest in them

[@theWZZA]

Glad you still kept the A5 air. Scooting is fun.

[@eugene44569]

@@theWZZA I also have a off brand one from alibaba

[@eugene44569]

@@theWZZA do you think I got a fair price for those scooters. They have some minor rust since I rode them I. The rain and the wheels also make speaking noises

[@theWZZA]

@@eugene44569 Yeah, you got them out of your life, and someone gave you money for that! It's not worth hanging on to material things that don't give you joy.

[@eugene44569]

@@theWZZA I looked up razor a5 on KZbin since I sorta miss those scooters. The memories I had with them as a kid riding around my 2 mile area town in New Jersey

[@firedemon2166]

Wouldn’t it take less effort and be faster if you got a bicycle

[@theWZZA]

Yes, a bike is faster and takes less effort. But, a bike 1) is way more expensive, 2) requires way more maintenance, 3) needs to be locked outside, 4) is heavier, bulkier. I rode a bike for many years, but now I choose the much simpler scooter life.

[@yellowgerbie]

I also have both bike and scooter, but whereas riding a bike is illegal on the footpath, riding a scooter is not! Sometimes I'm just not mentally prepared to ride my bike in traffic (I'm not a brave rider), or be bothered to go downstairs to the basement garage to get it. Scooter is left beside the front door so is really quick, easy and light to just grab and go!

[@byambaus1]

Any upgrade yet? Have you tried A5 air razor kick scooter 🛴yet?

[@theWZZA]

Nope, just riding the A5, it is still working well.