Freestyle scootering has grown from a small group to one of the fastest-growing communities in the world, taking over skateparks everywhere. If you want to give freestyle scootering a try, know that choosing the right scooter is the first step towards becoming an incredible stunt-puller! To help you make the right decision when buying your first ride, here are some of the things you’ll need to consider.
Regular vs. Freestyle Scooters
As a beginner, you must understand that standard and freestyle scooters are not the same. City scooters are designed to provide both convenience and comfort throughout a trip. As a result, they have an adjustable steering wheel and huge wheels, can be folded, and may include extras like a bell and a flashlight. The manufacture and durability of the materials are important but not vital.
Freestyle scooters, on the other hand, are intended to allow skaters to perform difficult tricks in parks or on city streets. To ensure optimum stability, the steering wheel height is set, the decks are made of the strongest materials and alloys, the scooter does not fold, the wheels are smaller for speed and maneuverability, and no extraneous parts are used to reduce weight to a minimum.
Scooter Size
To gain the best performance and comfort when riding, select the appropriate scooter size. Riding a scooter that is too small or large for you may impair your control, balance, and overall riding experience. Furthermore, riding a scooter that is not the proper size for you may cause pain and even danger.
You’ll find freestyle scooters in a range of sizes. To ensure you can maneuver the scooter and perform tricks with ease, choose a scooter that fits your height and weight, as well as skill levels. Here is a guideline to help in your selection.
| Scooter Height | Rider Height Range | Recommended Rider Skill Level |
| 785mm | 120 cm to 150 cm | Beginner |
| 840mm | 160 cm to 180 cm | Beginner/Intermediate |
| 880mm | 160 cm to 180 cm | Intermediate/Advanced |
| 900mm | 170 cm | Intermediate/Advanced |
| 900 mm | 170 cm | Advanced |
Height and Width of the Deck
The scooter deck is an important component of a freestyle scooter, and getting it properly can significantly improve your performance. This is because the deck’s breadth can affect your stability. A wider deck gives you more room to stand your feet, which might be useful if you are a beginner rider or like a more stable ride.
A narrower deck, on the other hand, offers greater maneuverability, letting you do feats and stunts more readily. Longer decks, like wider decks, provide more foot space. This is especially useful for taller riders and those who prefer a more comfortable stance. However, keep in mind that a longer deck may be heavier and more difficult to transport. Achieving a mix of comfort and agility is critical.
Size and Hardness of the Wheels
Wheel size and hardness vary, and this can have a significant impact on your ride. Smaller wheels provide more control and manoeuvrability, making them excellent for acrobatics and feats. Larger wheels, on the other hand, are better for high-speed riding and offer greater stability, making them perfect for cruising around.
The hardness of the wheels is another important factor to consider. It is assessed using the durometer scale, which goes from very soft to very firm. Softer wheels have more grip, making them suitable for biking over rocky or uneven terrain. They also provide better shock absorption, which results in a more comfortable ride.
Which wheel size and hardness level you choose will be determined by your preferences and the way you want to use your scooter. A rookie rider should select a smaller wheel with softer hardness; this will assist them in maintaining control and building confidence. An experienced rider wishing to do tricks and stunts should choose wheels with a smaller size and harder hardness to boost speed and maneuverability.
Threaded Vs Non-Threaded Forks
The scooter fork connects the front wheel to the deck and allows you to control the scooter. It comes in a range of materials, including aluminium, steel, and carbon fibre, with each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Steel forks are robust and provide adequate strength. Their only downside is their weight.
- Aluminium forks are lightweight yet sturdy. As a result, they’re ideal for tricks.
- Carbon fibre forks are the lightest and most durable, but they also cost the most money.
The fork can be either threaded or threadless. With a threaded fork, you may change the handlebar height by adding or removing spacers. Threadless forks lack threads and instead rely on a compression system that can be modified using a compression clamp or bolt.
Scooter riders favour threadless forks because they are more adaptable, have higher strength and longevity, and are easier to maintain. Some riders, however, prefer the added adjustability of threaded forks, particularly those who wish to tailor their ride to their specific demands.
Height, Width and Material of the Handlebars
You should choose a handlebar that is the appropriate width, height, and material for your needs. The breadth of the bar is significant in deciding how stable the scooter is. Wider bars provide more stability, but they can also make it more difficult to do tricks that require a lot of manoeuvring. Narrower bars, on the other hand, can improve manoeuvrability while making keeping balance more challenging.
The height of the bars affects the rider’s comfort level and ability to perform feats. Taller bars provide more leverage for tricks, but they may be unsuitable for shorter riders. Shorter bars, on the other hand, are ideal for smaller riders but may not provide enough leverage for more advanced acrobatics.
The material used to make the scooter’s bars can also have an impact on its weight and durability. Steel bars are more sturdy, but heavier, whilst aluminium bars are less strong but lighter.