A stunt scooter is used for extreme riding and stunts. It is a relatively young and very fast-growing sport among teenagers. It originated about 20 years ago in America.
What is a trick scooter and what are its variations?
The main difference between a trick scooter and a normal scooter is the absence of folding mechanisms, all parts are fixed rigidly and securely. This means that the scooter can withstand serious loads. Also one of the main differences is the wheels. On a trick scooter wheels are much smaller (100-125 mm) than on a usual one (from 150 mm). This gives the scooter better manoeuvrability. And also the wheel rim is made of aluminium, plastic has been dispensed with in favour of greater durability. There’s also a very subtle difference – the bearings. Trick scooters are fitted with sealed industrial bearings. They perform much better and have a longer service life.
A trick scooter can be ridden by both adults and children.
Types of stunt scooters
There are two main types of trick scooters:
- Complites – these are scooters already assembled, the parts are picked up by the manufacturer, fit together and are sold together;
- Customs – these are scooters, the parts for which are selected individually and by the rider themselves according to preference. The cost of such scooters is considerably higher than the complements.
Trick scooters are also divided according to the style of riding: - Lightweight scooters for park riding These scooters are usually small in size and weigh up to 4 kg. They are purchased for riding in skate parks on special shapes and outings. Thanks to the small size and such weight, it is easier and more comfortable to do tricks in the air;
- Street scooters – used for riding on city streets. These are different slides, flights over steps and jumps from different heights. They have a larger size and correspondingly heavier weight. This provides more control and a margin of safety.
Scooter parts can also be subdivided into classes, you can find several price segments: - Entry level – suitable for beginners of small stature, characterised by a low cost;
- Medium segment – parts that are suitable for beginners as well as guys who are already familiar with the scooter;
- Top segment – top manufacturers with vast experience and guaranteed quality. This segment is distinguished by its already high price and extended warranty.
For beginners, it is better to buy a komplit that is the right size. The next step is usually upgrading. But what and how to improve comes with experience.
You should not rush into ordering a scooter, it is better to consult with experts and make sure that the chosen model is exactly right for the characteristics.
Scooter design
The most important parts in a scooter to look out for are the handlebars and the deck, which are the dimensions to look at when choosing a sport scooter. Decks most commonly have a length of 49 to 59 centimetres and a width of 10 to 16 centimetres.
Narrower and shorter decks are used by riders of small stature or for park riding. Decks of this size are lighter and easier to spin. Decks for street riding are larger and heavier (from about 55cm).
Handlebar sizes vary wildly, from 56cm to 70cm. The same goes for the width of 48 to 64 centimetres. It is worth considering that the narrower the handlebar, the easier it is to scoot. However, overall control of the scooter is reduced.
The handlebars differ in shape: Y-shaped and T-shaped. Most often riders, especially beginners, choose T-shaped handlebars, as they are easier to learn and have no extra bends.
They also vary in diameter between 31.8mm (standard handlebars) and 34.9mm (Oversize handlebars).
Attention must be paid to the type of fork compression system. There are currently three current systems: IHIC, HIC and SCS. These systems differ in the type of handlebar mounting as well as weight and strength.
The lightest system at the moment is IHIC. It is suitable for handlebars with a diameter of 31.9 mm and a special kerf, which compresses the handlebar. The handlebar is attached to the fork with a conventional clamp, and it comes with both one and three bolts. In turn, a bulb is fitted to the fork, on top of which a special bolt is screwed. The handlebar is already mounted on this bulb. This system will be optimal for a young rider of small stature.
The HIC system works on exactly the same principle, but differs in the diameter of suitable handlebars – 34.9 mm.
The SCS system is currently the benchmark in terms of durability, but it has the disadvantage of being heavier than previous types of systems. The whole point of this system is a special clamp, one part gripping the fork and the other gripping the handlebar. Whether or not oversize handlebars are supported will depend on the clamp you choose, and the kerf is not needed at all.
The wheels on a trick scooter vary in diameter from 100 to 125 mm and in width. A diameter of 100 mm is now very rarely used, mostly in the most entry-level scooters. The most common size now is 110mm.
These wheels are comfortable for both straight and park scooters. It is advisable to pay attention to trick scooters with a wheel diameter of 110mm and above. And the top scooters are already equipped with wheels with a diameter of 120 mm. As for width, the most common width of the wheel is 24 mm. Others are available in 26 mm, 28 mm and 30 mm. The wider the wheel, the wider the contact area. Accordingly, wider wheels are more convenient and controllable to ride on. Larger and wider wheels also provide better rolling properties.
Rules for choosing a trick scooter
When choosing a trick scooter, you should mainly pay attention to the size of the deck and handlebar.
The size of the deck should be chosen so that the rider can move around comfortably. The feet should rest freely on the platform, and the toes and heels should not hang off the platform too much. The larger the foot size, the larger the platform should be.
The handlebar should be about waist high. In order to ensure that the back does not get too tired while riding, it is sometimes possible to deviate from this standard a little. For example, the handlebars can be slightly above or below the waistline, according to the rider’s preference or style of riding. But these deviations should not be detrimental to your health. To find the correct handlebar height, use the table with approximate averages for height and handlebar height. If the handlebar turns out to be too big, it should not be a problem and can be shortened by cutting off the height and width. However, if the handlebar proves to be too low, you will have to buy another one.
It is also worth considering the weight of the scooter based on the rider’s fitness level. For young kids, it’s best to consider scooters up to 4 kg.
In RideScooter online shop you can buy a scooter and necessary accessories with delivery anywhere in Belarus. We are the first shop in the country that specializes in extreme scooters. With extensive experience in this area, if necessary, we will help you choose the first scooter, spare parts, protection and accessories.
Before ordering a trick scooter we recommend to consult with the specialists of our shop, they will advise you all the nuances and help you choose the optimal scooter.