UGears: Moto Compact Folding Scooter (192pc)

The Moto Compact folding scooter from Ugears is a clever, spring-drivenaddition to our family of two-wheeled DIY wooden models. For many youth, a motorscooter is their first form of motorized transport. It represents freedom,mobility, a fun way to get to school, activities, a first job. It's a ticket toexplore the world beyond the neighborhood where you grew up. Capture thatfeeling of youthful freedom when you build this smart little foldingscooter.

Motorized scooters took off in popularity when Audrey Hepburn took a ridethrough Rome on Gregory Peck's iconic Vespa (“wasp” in Italian) scooter inthe 1952 film “Roman Holiday.” Though mostly a novelty in car crazy NorthAmerica, motor scooters remain an important form of transport in many parts ofthe world, especially Europe, Asia, and Latin American.

The Moto Compact folding scooter 3D puzzle packs quite a bit of power for itssize. The wooden model scooter is driven by a spring-loaded engine, and is ableto travel 2 m (six feet) on a single wind-up. The handle bars can be placed inone of three positions to send your Moto on a straight course, or curving to theleft or right. Because this is a Ugears model, and because we delight in packingas much mechanical action as we can into our wooden DIY models, the Moto Compactcomes loaded with great features, including front and rear suspension, andsophisticated folding capability for safe and easy transport.

To fold up your Moto Compact, grip the front and rear sections of the bikeand push them together, which also collapses the handle bars to theirtucked-away position. The folded scooter can now be slipped into a pocket andcarried, or it can rest on its kickstand, which flips down from the left side ofthe body.

To start your scooter, grip and pull the front and rear sections slightlyapart, which raises the handlebars. Press the driver's seat down to engage the“stop” mechanism. You can now wind the motor using the ratchet knob on thebike's right side. Raise the kickstand and lower the small guide wheelsunderneath for balance. Set the bike on the floor or other smooth surface, thenhold it gently while pressing down on the passenger seat at the back, whichserves as the “start” button. This pops the driver's seat up and engagesthe main gear—let go quickly and watch your scooter zoom off! After thescooter has stopped, if you want to start it again just repeat the cycle.

The Moto Compact folding scooter will appeal to anyone who loves two-wheeledtransport: bikes, scooters, motorbikes and motor scooters. It joins the UgearsBike (a classic cruiser) and the Scrambler (a dual-sport motorbike) in ourfamily of DIY wooden motorbike models. Are there any kids (or grownup kids) wholove bikes in your circle of family and friends? The Moto Compact foldingscooter will make a great gift idea for their next birthday or holiday. TheUgears Moto Compact has 192 parts, is rated “Medium” difficulty, and is afun, moderately challenging DIY project for hobbyists or for families to work ontogether.

Specifications:

• Model size: 5.7 × 2.4 × 4.3 in(145 × 62 × 110mm)
• Package size: 14.9 × 6.7 × 1­.06 in(378 × 170 × 27mm)
• Number of components: 192
• Estimated time for assembly: 4 hours
• Level: Medium