Stunt Scooter – what makes it special?
Freestyle - extreme driving
It may seem that a scooter is such a simple and uncomplicated device that you can expect little from it - apart from recreational use. In addition to the traditional recreational scooters and the recently very popular e-scooters, there are now also so-called stunt scooters. It is impossible to compare them with the other types. Why? For whom? What for? We explain.
Probably, each of you has seen young people performing tricks on inline skates, bicycles, or skateboards in urban skateparks. This is a common sight. However, the person who "jumps" on a scooter is likely a rarer sight. This traditional device also has its extreme version, and the only thing it shares with a regular scooter is its shape. Moreover, it has a completely different design and purpose.
Scooters for Tricks
Stunt scooters—also known as freestyle scooters—are used to perform jumps and tricks. For this reason, they must be safe, meaning they need to be durable and very resistant to damage caused by overloading, for example. Because of this, these devices are not foldable. One might say: something comes at the expense of something else. But a freestyle scooter must be durable, and a foldable handlebar weakens the durability of this device. Additionally, the handlebar is wider than that of a conventional scooter and can rotate around its own axis. The use of such solutions allows for a variety of tricks to be performed, and in combination with the proper shape of the handlebars—the letter Y—it simultaneously ensures safety for the user.
What should you know about the construction?
It’s worth mentioning the materials from which stunt scooters are made. Both lightweight aluminum and heavier but more durable steel are used. The wheels are also important—they are much smaller than those on standard vehicles, with sizes ranging from 100 mm to 120 mm. The larger the wheels, the higher the speeds. Their cores are made of either plastic or aluminum. The advantage of aluminum is its greater durability and lightness, allowing the stunt scooter to move faster and, therefore, it is often used by more advanced riders.
The bearings are also significant in the equipment of this segment. Here, we primarily recommend ball bearings due to their resistance to overloading and dirt (as a reminder, their quality is measured on the five-point ABEC scale; the higher the bearing number, the smoother and faster the ride). When deciding to purchase such a scooter, we pay attention to the deck—longer versions are preferable for technical riding or street riding, so that its edges are flat. Following that, the brake is the basic element that regulates safety and comfort when riding a stunt scooter. Two types are used in these devices: the more durable spring brake and the quieter flex brake. In the first case, the brake is mounted on a screw included in the set. The spring pushes the brake up and away from the deck. The second type is a long, sickle-shaped metal plate that surrounds the wheel. Braking is achieved by pressing down.
For whom is the stunt scooter intended?
At this point, many might wonder: when and for whom is such an extreme scooter suitable? It is definitely a device for advanced riders. This scooter should certainly come second, after the traditional scooter. It is important to understand that freestyle scooters, depending on the manufacturer, are not universally applicable and are not suitable for casual rides. Why is that? There are several reasons. They are lower than conventional models, making it difficult to ride longer distances. Additionally, they lack a shock absorption system that reduces vibrations. They are often heavier than recreational models and are not foldable. What is an advantage for a professional user is a limitation for a fan of casual riding.
Should I buy this scooter? This question must be answered individually by each person. When considering this purchase, it is worth comparing this situation to buying a bicycle or inline skates. Each of these devices has its own variant. If we focus on sports and want to achieve success in this regard, we look for an alternative to the aforementioned devices. And if we want to remain original—a stunt scooter is definitely an interesting idea.
Skatepark - a special place for riding
To fully exploit stunt scooters, both special places and events (such as championships) are created. Various ramps are built in skateparks to facilitate the use of this equipment. There are also more and more scooter schools—including schools for stunt scooters—where even very young riders learn to ride safely and correctly with the guidance of instructors or develop their skills further.
The use of the seemingly same equipment that we see on city streets has been restricted to designated places where the use provides as much benefit as fun. However, we must remember that a traditional scooter and a stunt scooter fundamentally differ from each other. The latter is not for everyone. Let us choose them thoughtfully while considering our needs and capabilities.
