Scooter wheel: varieties and tips for choosing

Each wheel in a scooter can perform several functions at once: it directs the course of the vehicle, absorbs a significant part of the load and vibrations from riding on rough roads, and also insures the scooter from loss of balance and injury. In this article, you will familiarize yourself with the most popular types of handlebars for stunts, children’s and amateur scooters, as well as with tips on their purchase and selection.

There are several separate classifications of the types of handlebars for scooters, depending on the material of manufacture, diameter and height (or dimensions of the model), as well as the shape of the wheel itself.

As a rule, scooter handlebars are made of three materials: steel, aluminum and titanium. It is necessary to understand in more detail the pros and cons of each of these materials.

• Steel. This material is the classic and most common for the manufacture of rudders specifically for stunt scooters. To create them, special chromium-molybdenum steel is usually used, which is characterized by high strength, as well as ease of welding and processing. The main plus of steel rudders is that in case of breakage or the formation of cracks on them, ordinary welding will be enough to close these cracks. Despite this plus, steel rudder models usually have a large weight (up to 1.5 kg), which greatly affects the speed of the scooter and its maneuverability.

• Aluminum. Aluminum models are the second most popular in stunt bike designs - aluminum units perform much better in quiet driving on good roads.Their weight is much less than that of steel models (up to 0.85 kg the heaviest), but aluminum is far from being as hardy as steel. The main problems begin when choosing the dimensions of the steering wheel made of aluminum - the wider it is, the more likely it will break under load. Unfortunately, aluminum rudders are very rarely repairable, since welding on this material is very problematic and ineffective.

• Titanium. Today, titanium aggregates can be found very rarely, even in professional stunt scooters. Usually this material is used to create specific parts (for example, steering columns) on a scooter. A distinctive feature of titanium rudders is low ductility, as well as the smallest weight of 0.5-0.6 kg. Unfortunately, titanium is not suitable for performing serious tricks and long loads, and therefore it is rarely used.

The diameter of the frame affects the overall weight of the scooter, its ductility and strength. The diameter of the steering wheel frame should be selected based on the type of compression system of the model: ICS, SCS, IHC or HIC.

• The standard diameter (such models are called narrow) is 31.8 mm. This size is considered universal, because it is compatible with almost all compression systems and can be fixed with any version of the clamp (even if the latter are adapted for oversized steering wheels). With such a diameter, it is usually steel models of scooter rudders that are made.

• “Overseas” (they are also called wide) - steel or aluminum rudder models with a diameter of 34.9 mm can be attributed here. Typically, these rudders are used only for compression systems such as HIC, however, due to the standard size of the inner diameter, they can be adjusted to the SCS system. To dock such rudders with other systems, additional purchased parts are usually used.

• Overseas alloy - only aluminum models belong to units with a diameter of this type. The method of thickening the walls of the frame here is used to make the construction of the scooter more durable, because aluminum in itself is a material much less durable than steel. Units with an oversize alloy type diameter can be mounted on the same compression systems as standard models, however, unfortunately, not all types of clamps can tighten them.

When choosing a steering wheel height for an adult or children's scooter, pay attention to a number of factors.

• The steering wheel should be located approximately in the zone of the belt (while standing on the deck) of the person who rides on it.
• According to the Raiders, for stunt scooters it is better to choose lower handlebars, as this will directly affect the maneuverability and performance of the stunts. Others are sure that scooters with long rudders can also be used for tricks, however, for performing special tricks such as manuals. For children, tall (in comparison with their growth) options are more suitable - they allow the kids to maintain balance and insure against falls.
• If you choose a steering wheel for a children's scooter, then everything directly depends on the growth of the child. For children with a height of 80 to 95 cm, models from 50 to 70 cm should be chosen. All versions of scooters with a higher height are intended for adolescents and adults.
• Ideally, the hands of the scooter should be at the level of the solar plexus at right angles to the steering wheel. This is the most convenient position for riding on flat areas.

All handlebars for scooters can also be divided in shape. When choosing this indicator, they are primarily guided by the riding style. That is, these forms are created exclusively for stunt and professional riding a scooter.

• T-shaped. This form is considered classic for raider riding on smooth and non-neck surfaces. The main condition when buying a steering wheel with this form is to try not to overload the scooter frame with tricks or loads. Among the direct rudders with a T-shape, we can distinguish models of the Comet series from heat-treated steel, which are created specifically for stunt riding on a scooter. The weakest point of any steering wheel of this form is the welding of the carrier and the main pipe.

• Aggregates. Y-shaped are considered more comfortable, lighter and more durable than T-shaped. The so-called supports or feathers in the rudders of this type help to evenly distribute the load from the frame to the handles themselves, in addition, these feathers can be used by the raider for additional control over the scooter. Such rudders have a convenient anatomical shape, which does not allow the hands to slip while riding. Models of this type are considered ideal for use by professional raiders, however, unsuccessful braking with the help of such a steering wheel or loss of control can end very badly for a scooter.

Beginning scooters rarely pay attention to the presence or absence of a backsweep - this word refers to the special position of the handles on the handlebar of the scooter, where the latter are directed towards the scooter body. Such handles do not greatly affect the maneuverability of the scooter and control over it - it is rather a matter of habit, as well as the chosen riding style.

Many novice raiders make many mistakes when choosing the first stunt scooter. The same applies to parents who want to choose the perfect scooter for their child, but do not know what points to look out for. The following list of recommendations should help you decide which steering wheel option for your scooter is best for you.

• If we talk about choosing a steering wheel in terms of the material of manufacture of such an aggregate, then you need to decide why you need a scooter. If you want to buy a model for amateur use, or choose a gift for your child, then it is most logical to buy an aluminum model. Such models will be durable, lightweight and not particularly expensive. If you buy a steering wheel for a stunt scooter, then it is more logical to choose steel models - they are more durable, shockproof and durable, although heavy.

• An indicator such as the diameter of the frame should also be selected based on the size of the fork of your scooter and its compression system. To choose the best steering wheel for your vehicle, take the scooter deck with you to the store - so you can check on the spot whether a particular steering wheel suits you and whether there is any play when riding with it.

• To simplify the choice of such an indicator as the height of the steering wheel, it is better to choose the telescopic versions of the model where the steering wheel can be raised or increase its length. Such a function will be especially relevant in large families with growing children. Over time, you will not need to buy a new scooter for your child. And also when choosing a height, you need to focus on the size of the steering column that fixes the scooter frame.

• Those who decide to professionally ride scooters and improve themselves in performing tricks should not think that the wider the steering wheel, the better it is to control it - it all depends on your chosen riding style and tricks.For example, for performing VIPs and degree stunts, it is precisely wide models of rudders that are suitable, narrower ones will perfectly show themselves when performing barspins, bright flips or bartwists. If we talk about the standard width, then this indicator should be approximately equal to the width of the shoulders of the raider.

On how to choose a wheel from a scooter, see further.