Choosing a stunt scooter: 5 important criteria

Is the craving for extreme entertainment chasing you? In connection with the onset of spring, riding a scooter will be a good leisure activity, and not on a simple one, but on a stunt one. It is popular with teenagers who quickly get tired of walking on the usual version, but it is also suitable for adults. Below we will figure out what features a stunt scooter has, how to choose it.

What is the actual difference?

A stunt scooter differs from an ordinary and, as a rule, budget scooter in a set of features:

• • one-piece frame made of light and durable materials - aluminum, steel, fiberglass
  
• • solid fixed handlebar without the possibility of its height adjustment
  
• • small diameter of both wheels, making difficult tricks easier
  
• • high-quality and expensive wheel bearings resistant to impact loads
  
• • most stunt frames do not have a folding option for the sake of greater strength
  

In connection with such differences, a natural question arises - is it possible, in which case, to ride a stunt scooter, like a regular one, and vice versa? More likely no than yes. The standard version is not designed for frequent jumps and other loads, the bearings in the wheels “crumble” especially quickly. It’s good if the matter is limited to this, since the frame can also crack and even completely break.



A stunt scooter is ideal for extreme riding, but not suitable for measured rides in walking mode. At least because of the small wheels, to which all the recesses and other road defects are transmitted. A handlebar that can't be adjusted for height doesn't add to your comfort, nor does a clumsy frame. It will not be as convenient to store a stunt scooter as a standard one.

How to choose?
Buying any vehicle based solely on its price is a big mistake. Do not save on a stunt scooter, otherwise every trip will be a test. To prevent this from happening to you, next we will consider the key criteria when choosing a model.

Weight

The weight of the scooter determines the comfort of the trip and how effectively you can perform tricks. When choosing, start from the style in which you plan to ride. There are two options here:

• • Straight. The style involves moving along city streets with a wide variety of obstacles. The heavier the scooter for street riding, the better, as it becomes easier to maneuver around passers-by and other obstacles, and the strength of such models is higher.
  
• • Park. In this style, riders ride on specially equipped areas, including the so-called "ramps", where tricks are performed. Here the principle is different - the lighter the scooter, the easier it is to “twist” and jump, and the more impressive it all looks
  

The average weight of most models varies from 3 to 4 kilograms. For beginners, regardless of their riding style, it is better to choose an easy option, since it is much easier to learn all the tricks on it.

Rudder type

There are three forms of stunt scooter handlebars, between which there are some important differences:

• • T-shaped. Consists of two pipes attached to each other at right angles. Lightweight and therefore well suited for the beginner. The weak point is the weld between the tubes. Because of it, a scooter with a T-handle should not be used for frequent and high jumps.
  
• • Y-shaped. It is assembled from two props (called feathers in slang), which increase the strength of the connection with the head tubes. This design is stronger, but has more weight than the T-handle. Good for experienced and professionals
  
• • Bat wing. Designed to take most of the load off the carrier tube. This is the strongest and safest option, but also the heaviest. To cope with such a weight, the rider will not interfere with good physical fitness, and experience in riding.
  

Do not forget about the height of the steering wheel, which, as a rule, is not adjustable for stunt scooters. Because of this, a mistake in choosing will cause you a lot of inconvenience later. Consider your height and riding style. For high jumps, the handlebars should be below the rider's waist, since in most cases you will have to ride in a semi-squat, because from this position it is easier to jump high.



Those who like to perform "manuals" and other tricks like this are more suitable for high handlebars, and a similar rule applies to street riders. However, it should still be below the waist - this can be considered the golden rule that many riders adhere to.

Wheels

The diameter of the wheels plays too big a role to ignore this parameter when choosing a stunt scooter. Typically, riders use one of three popular options:

• • 100 mm. Street, high maneuverability and handling, poor cushioning and stability.
  
• • 110 mm. Street and park driving. Medium control with an emphasis on increased speed.
  
• • 120 mm. Park. Option for fast and comfortable trips, maneuverability is low.
  

You can not ignore the quality of the bearings, because they are responsible for how easily and quickly the wheels rotate. In this regard, you should be interested in the ABEC classification, according to which the parameters of the parts are determined. There are 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th grades. The larger the number, the more expensive, but at the same time, the bearings are of better quality, and the greater the number of revolutions (speed) they are designed for.

Discs

Wheel disks of scooters are spoked and solid. The fundamental difference between them is only in mass - the latter weigh a little more due to continuous filling. What really matters is the material of manufacture: plastic or aluminum. Plastic wheels are lighter and softer, but less durable and reliable than heavy aluminum products. What for a beginner, what for a professional, wheels made of aluminum will be an excellent choice.

Compression

In this paragraph, we will look at four popular systems that ensure a reliable connection of the steering fork of a stunt scooter to its frame. Each has its own characteristics:

• • Threaded. The fork is fixed with a nut that clamps the steering column. Budget and easy option for beginners. Requires regular and fairly frequent maintenance.
  
• • SCS. For clamping, a bolt and anchor are used, installed in the steering fork. A more expensive option, however, it greatly surpasses the threaded system in terms of reliability and stability.
  
• • Fr. Relatively cheap and lightweight design, but rarely used due to the fact that the rider needs to remove the front wheel to adjust the compression.
  
• • HIC extension. Lightweight and reliable system, compatible with almost any type of steering fork. It is also widely used to adjust oversized handlebars with a diameter of 34,9 mm.
  

Based on the comparison, we conclude: a beginner can stop at a threaded or SCS system. For more advanced users, HIC and its subspecies iHIC for standard plugs are suitable. Please note: All types of compression except SCS require a serrated handlebar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth saying that it is important not only to choose the right stunt scooter, but also to use it correctly. Even if you have experience in extreme riding, do not forget about protection in the form of a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. One bad fall can put a stop to, or even end, a rider's career. For the same reason, don't do tricks you're not ready for. Keep an eye on safety, and then every trip on a stunt scooter will bring only positive.