Your cart

Your Cart is Lonely

Scooters For Tricks: A Complete Guide

 

Scooters have come a long way since 2000 when the Razor A Scooter made its famous debut. What once was considered only a child’s product has now evolved into a main mode of transportation for many. It also has created a community of scooter riders known for their thrilling tricks and spectacular stunts.

There is an endless number of YouTube videos and tutorials showing scooter moves that range from beginner level all the way up to the world’s best. One of the most viewed videos has reached nearly 9 million views and the numbers are still climbing. It’s safe to say the scooter craze is more than just a passing fad. There is something for everyone when it comes to what a scooter can do.

Maybe you’re ready to make the move into practicing your own tricks or advancing to the next level of stunts. You’ll need a specially-designed pro scooter for tricks that can handle the adventure. Time to twist, flip, and turn.

Best Trick Scooters to Get Started

A high quality scooter built for tricks is typically heavier than other models, partly because they don’t have a folding mechanism as with other kick scooters and partly because the materials they’re made of simply weigh more. Although you still want a scooter that’s lightweight so they’re easier to lift and jump with, when you want a scooter for tricks, a sturdy and durable structure is essential.

The John Radtke Signature 110 Scooter, for example, is made with a Phase Two X-brace aluminum deck, hydroformed down tube, pneumatic 80 psi high thread count, all-terrain tires, and a BMX style 4130 CroMoly fork with installed starnut. This model also has a stamped steel spring brake cartridge and die-cast aluminum split hub cores with machined rims on 10mm high-grade steel axles. In other words, it’s ready to test out new moves and tricks.

It’s been designed and tested by scooter stunt star, John Radtke, and is built to handle a variety of riding styles. The original dirt scooter is created specifically for off-roading and primed to exceed rider expectations. The craftsmanship and sleek look of this model is perfect for riders who want to start trying new tricks. It holds up to 220 lbs. and is built for ages 12 and up.

Another scooter tested by one of the top dirt scooter riders is the Jason Beggs Signature 110 Scooter. It, too, was designed with the same quality materials as the John Radtke model, but with a specialized deck for large transition riders. That combined with riser-style bars create a whole new level of comfort for stunt riders. Alternatively, if off-roading is what you’re after, the Razor Dirt Scooter (RDS) is built to ride through rougher terrain. The BMX-style steel fork, fixed riser y-style handlebars, pneumatic tires, and heavy-duty aluminum frame build confidence in the adventurous rider to take the scooter off the beaten path.

Although it’s a scooter designed for kids ages 10 and up, adult riders name it one of the best trick scooters to get started on because there’s an easy learning curve with it. One RDS fan said he “scoots fearlessly up and down through the dirt and rocks and roots.”

Finally, for a scooter that is middle ground between a beginner kick scooter and scooters for tricks is the A5 Air Scooter. While used mainly for commutes rather than rocky roads, this model has features that can easily handle urban terrains. The low vibration, anti-rattle handlebars, and pneumatic air-filled tires elevate this scooter to another level. However, it’s not fully built for stunts because it has an easy fold technology that isn’t part of trick-specific models.

Nevertheless, with each of these models, you can count on premium quality, superior technology, and beautiful design to take you on your next escapade wherever that road may lead.

Scooter Tricks for Beginners

Want to try scooter stunts but not sure the best place to begin? Once you have the scooter that fits your needs, it’s time to practice. There are plenty of free trick and stunt videos online that will showcase varying levels of professional skills – note that scooter tricks require a lot of practice and the appropriate safety equipment.  . Also, due to the popularity of scooters, there are local and online communities popping up all over that support riders of all skill levels. If you’re new to the stunt world, here are a few basic moves to get started.

Bunny Hop

One of the best tricks to try first is the Bunny Hop. It’ll help you get more comfortable being airborne on your scooter. Keep both feet on the scooter deck and hands on both handlebars and jump. It may take a few tries to achieve any kind of height, but the more you get used to the feeling, the higher you’ll go. The best trick scooters have special tires that help with the bounce. After you’ve conquered the move on a flat surface, you can try to jump off low curbs or up a shallow step.

Nollie

A different take on the Bunny Hop trick, the Nollie is the same but uses only the front wheel. Lean and push forward slightly with your arms to lift the back wheel off the ground. While rolling on the front wheel, hop by lifting the front wheel off the ground. Depending on the speed you’re going and how well you have the original bunny hop move down, you may only start with doing one Nollie, which will be an awesome achievement for your first try.

No Footer

For starters, try the No Footer. Just as it sounds, it’s when you take both feet off the deck and stretch them out while in midair. First, jump to a comfortable height, while keeping your balance holding the handlebars. It helps to watch the deck as you bring your feet back down for a softer landing. If you’re new to tricks, don’t worry about jumping high. Start slowly and build on your confidence over time. Practice in an open area free of distractions or obstructions.

One Hander

While you may not be to the point of no hands yet, a one-hander move is good practice to get there. Again, jump to the height you’re comfortable with, take one hand off the rubber grips, and stretch out to the side. Keep a firm grip on the handlebars with your other hand and as you come down, put both hands back on the handlebars to land. Like other beginner tricks, this one’s easiest to learn on a flat surface or if you’re ready, out of a quarter pipe.

Barspin

You’ve tried no feet, one hand, now it’s time to work up to a handlebar spin. First, practice this move on the ground or with the front wheel off the curb. The trick here is to not let go of the handlebars completely, but rather spin the bars around for a full rotation. Let go of the bars at about a quarter of the way around and then, have your catching hand ready when the bars are about three-quarters of the way around. The higher you jump on your scooter, the more time you’ll have to spin. Again, it’s best to get started on solid ground before taking this move to the air.

 

These are all perfect beginner tricks that will get you used to having more control over your scooter for things other than just riding around the neighborhood.the road. It’ll test your balance, hand-eye coordination, and persistence. Not everyone has the patience to practice enough to learn to do scooter tricks, but we think with the right scooter to support you, you can do anything!

Practice Good Safety Habits

While  choosing the best scooter for tricks is important, it’s more important to practice scooter riding with a focus on safety. Scooter safety is always necessary whenever riding and even more so when trying out jumps and turns. Practice good safety habits no matter what level of rider you are to reduce the risk of harm to yourself or others and damage to your scooter.

Wear proper safe riding attire. This includes a helmet, which may also be a legal requirement in your city or state so be sure and know your local laws, as well as closed-toe shoes with shoelaces tied. Never ride a scooter barefoot or in sandals. Wearing elbow and knee pads is recommended as well in case of any tumbles . To stay prepared and protected, check out our scooter accessories and parts right on our website.

Perform a quick check before riding your scooter. Razor wheels and bearings are maintenance free, but it’s best to periodically check for any wear and tear. Also, check for any looseness or damaged parts and consult your owners manual or the Razor Customer Support team if you have questions. Make sure everything’s secure before you get started.

Replace any worn or broken parts immediately. Don’t use parts made by other manufacturers since they may not be compatible with our Razor scooters. The use of anything other than genuine Razor replacement parts may affect your safety and will void your warranty.

Keep your scooter clean. Since you may be taking your scooter off-roading or running it through some rockier terrain, make sure to care for it before you store it away for the day. Wipe it down thoroughly with a damp cloth so any debris doesn’t get clogged or affixed to the scooter. Refrain from using alcohol- or ammonia-based cleaners because these can damage or dissolve the surfaces and plastic components of the scooter.

Clear the area. You may want to practice tricks with friends, which is great to buddy up, but make sure everyone knows to steer clear of each other. Pick an open space with plenty of room for everyone to try jumping, spinning, and rotations. When practicing tricks, choose an area with smooth surfaces free of obstructions and clear of pedestrians and cars. When off-roading, check out the path first for any large rocks, tree branches, or roots that may interfere with your ride..

Lastly, keep alert. You’re in charge of the scooter, but there are still hazards involved since it is a moving device. Go at your own pace. Give yourself adequate time to move up to more intermediate or advanced tricks. The better you set yourself up with good safety practices, the better the experience will be.

Dos and Don’ts of Scooter Safety

  • Do obey all local traffic and scootering laws and regulations.
  • Don’t attempt to ride at excessive speeds.
  • Do wear your helmet at all times with the strap buckled. There’s no exception to this. Plus, in many areas, it’s the law.
  • Don’t try tricks you’re not sure about. Everyone learns at different levels. Find a pace that works for you.
  • Do avoid puddles, gravel, and slick surfaces. Even when off-roading, don’t pick dangerous trails.
  • Don’t touch the rear brake after continuous use because it may  get hot.

Finally, give yourself some credit from venturing into the world of scooter tricks. Don’t get discouraged. It’s all meant to be fun!

Become a Scooter Star

Trying tricks is a fun way to use your scooter even if you’re just beginning. The right scooter is key to making you feel secure as you set off on new adventures. That’s why there are different models available – no two scooter experiences are exactly the same. Once you feel comfortable on a beginner scooter, then it might be time to invest in a more advanced model; one that has special features and upgraded materials to create a sturdier experience and a more solid and smooth ride.

Unfortunately, the more basic scooter models aren’t equipped to handle stunts as well as others. Some are made for kids to scooter around the neighborhood and that’s it. Others are built more specifically for short commutes. Pick a scooter based on how you’ll use it most. In some cases, you may want one for everyday use and one for when you’re feeling a little more daring.

Who knows, once you get the hang of it and have all the beginner tricks mastered, you may be on your way to becoming the next big scooter star and there could be a scooter model named after you.

Source:

https://riders.co/en/scooter/tricks