Ready for a cool ride: Kids are kickin' in to school on scooters.(Chicago Tribune)

This year, Emily B., 14, of Oak Park, Ill., won't be getting rides from her mom to school. She'll be scooting to class instead.

Emily is among a growing number of kids (and adults) who are relying on these souped-up skateboards to give them a leg up on their daily commute. She says a scooter is much more convenient than in-line skates, which require her to tote around shoes in her backpack.

"If you Rollerblade, you know how it is when you go in a store: No Rollerblades allowed. So it takes about five minutes just to take off the blades and strap on some shoes," Emily says. Her scooter, a JD Razor 2000, folds up in seconds and fits in her locker.

Convenience isn't the only thing about scooters that's …