All you need to know about trick scooters!

An in-depth article on what a trick scooter is and how it differs from a normal scooter? A must-read!

Stunt scooters are scooters designed specifically for stunting, so they have the following differences from regular scooters:
1) No folding mechanism. The design must be able to withstand heavy loads, so a stunt scooter has no folding mechanism.
2) Small wheels. After all, this is not a walking scooter, so the wheels should be light, manoeuvrable and wear-resistant.
3) The number of assembled elements on the scooter is much smaller. This provides extra durability.
4) High-end bearings, which allow for explosive speeds.

Now let’s take a closer look at all the parts that make up a trick scooter and what to look out for.

1️⃣ Wheels. The wheel size can be 100mm, 110mm, 115mm and 125mm. The diameter of the wheels has a big impact on the ride of the scooter. Wheels of 110 mm are widely used in street (city riding), because the small diameter gives the scooter maneuverability. Wheels with a diameter larger than 110mm are more suitable for riding in the park, because speed and stability are important there.
There are plastic and metal rims in the wheels. The plastic ones are better suited for beginners and the metal ones are for amateurs and above.
There are hard wheels and soft wheels. The hardness is indicated by “92A”, for example. The higher the number, the harder the wheel is. Soft wheels are more comfortable and the ride is smoother. Harder wheels offer less comfort, but are more durable and hardwearing and have better rollability;

2️⃣ Bearings in the wheels. The bearings affect the speed of the scooter. The bearings are differentiated by ABEC code with indices 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. The most comfortable and reliable bearings are ABEC 7 and 9;

3️⃣ The deck. This is the most important part of the scooter, because you’re standing on it, so you need to choose the sturdiest deck possible. The fewer welds, the stronger the deck will be. Before buying a scooter or a new deck, you should definitely check all the seams for cracks.
Pay attention to the following parameters: length and width of the deck. If you’re about 170/180cm tall, choose a deck that is about 50-59cm long. The narrower the deck, the easier it is to do tricks on the scooter. The most optimal and comfortable deck width is 14cm.
But remember, it is all very individual and you have to choose a deck based on your own preferences;

4️⃣ Fork. There are different forks and each fork model has a specific diameter and width of the wheels. So, if you are going to change the wheels in your scooter, keep the above figures in mind;

5️⃣ Handles. The handlebar affects the height of the jump. Rudges come in heights of 50 cm and higher. The lower the rudder, the easier it is to jump. A high handlebar will reduce the height of the jump slightly, but will reduce strain on the back.
The handlebars should be adjusted to your height. If you are taller than 170/180cm, you should choose models that are at least 60/70cm tall;

6️⃣ A handlebar clamp. There are single, 2-bolt, 3-bolt and 4-bolt clamps. A higher number of bolts reduces the strain on each clamp element and the risk of tearing off threads or edges of the bolt. The more bolts, the stronger the structure will be;

7️⃣ Steering column. There are integrated and non-integrated steering columns. The integrated steering unit has closed bearings (industrial bearings) and the non-integrated unit has open bearings (bulk bearings). In general, scooters with an integrated steering column tend to have a faster, freer turning movement.
All professional scooters have an integrated steering column;

8️⃣ Grip grips. The harder the grips, the more confident your hand will be on the handlebar. Soft grips are easier to grip, but they will wear out soon. Soft grips will feel less hand-holding than hard ones;

Scooter weight. Less weight gives you maneuverability, more weight gives you control and reliability. If you’re a freerider, you’ll want a heavier scooter (3,5 kg or more). If you’re a park rider, you should opt for a lighter scooter (2.5 to 3.5 kg).

Are you just starting out and wondering which scooter to buy: a cheap one or a more expensive one? It’s up to you what you want. If you are only going to try it, it’s better to buy a cheap model. It will save you the extra investment and give you a good idea of whether you need the scooter or not. If you are confident that you will be doing this, it is better to buy a more expensive professional model. After all, learning new tricks will be much easier and more enjoyable.

A stunt scooter, like any kind of extreme sport, brings unforgettable impressions, feelings and emotions. It is never too late to start skating, and if you have a desire, then go ahead and dive into the new world. We hope that our article will help you in choosing a trick scooter and you will be sincerely happy with its purchase.