Stunt scooter: features, rating of the best models and choice

Trick Scooter - a special type of vehicle designed for scooter sports. It differs from the usual one, well-known to everyone since childhood, just like a paper boat from a real sea liner: both constructively and functionally. The choice of such an acquisition is a very responsible event, it will certainly require special knowledge.

The stunt scooter is also called a kick scooter, and sometimes also a freestyle scooter.

As well as these vehicles are used in a special sport - kick-scooting. They are created with the expectation of serious loads, to perform dizzying stunts. And therefore such a shell looks very impressive - the reinforced structural elements make an impression. The sports stunt scooter does not have a folding mechanism and steering wheel adjustment, and this is what distinguishes it from other scooters.

The upgraded extreme version is usually presented in one of two main types. There are so-called compliments and custom. The first is the finished version, which is already assembled by the manufacturer and ready for tough and harsh operation. The second option is the constructor, which allows you to assemble a scooter for yourself from individual parts to order.

For different sports disciplines, devices different in purpose are used.

• Park scooter - Lightweight model with a small steering wheel and deck.On these, it’s convenient to do tricks that involve rotation. The wheel of a park scooter is usually titanium or aluminum, the wheels are hard and light.

• Straight - the wheel is higher and wider, made of steel, the bottom is flat. This facilitates the task when fulfilling the main purpose of such scooters - easy descent along the railing and steps. On such models usually put softer wheels.

• Durt - A serious device for extreme riding on hills and hillocks, in parks with ski jumps. It has a large deck and larger inflatable wheels.

When choosing such a device should always consider the intended purpose of the acquisition. It isn’t very convenient to do a spin on a kick scooter, and street models are unlikely to help make spectacular springboard stunts.

It's hard to imagine, but the first fans of scooter tricks used the most common children's little devices. So that the flimsy devices did not break right during the performance of the next trick, they themselves were "brought to mind", strengthening the design, adding certain elements. However, scooters broke, riders were injured, but they did not give up their hobbies.

This continued until the beginning of the new millennium, and only in 2000, fans of this extreme entertainment turned to the specialists of Eagle Supply. The organization was engaged in the production of castors for roller skis. The request surprised, but did not shock. After thinking and conducting a series of tests with the participation of the riders themselves, the company released the first wheels for a stunt scooter with aluminum wheels.

Razor and Micro almost simultaneously responded to requests for help and released scooter models that could not be folded. And then the riders themselves put together two components of success and began to produce individual elements - forks, decks, power steering. So the world famous firms TSI, Proto, Wee appeared.

It took about a decade to succeed and failures, discoveries and failures, and in 2010 companies that narrowly specialized only in means of transportation for extreme sportsmen announced themselves - MGP, District, Blunt.

Gradually changed and standards - literally on their own mistakes, falls and injuries, the riders came to the conclusion that it is necessary to increase the diameter of the wheels, raise the steering wheel, make it wider. And since then, the search process has not stopped - almost every season, companies offer new products. Today, these scooters are produced under 50 brands for a variety of users - from beginners who just today decided to go out and master the first trick, to professional athletes.

The stunt scooter has a well-defined design, the individual elements of which are subject to stringent standards. This applies to materials and sizes, and therefore spare parts from one scooter may well be suitable for another, another manufacturer, if both manufacturers comply with the standards.

Consider what a stunt scooter is.

• Soundboard. A deck is called that small-sized platform on which the skating stands. She does not understand, consists of a base or profile, stem and glass. Typically, these elements are interconnected by welding. The exception is models with molded cups, in which a take-out cup is cast from one aluminum piece.

How wide the backing board will be depends on the manufacturer and model. The brake, rear wheel, steering column and compression fork are attached to the board.

• Fork. This is an important part that holds the front wheel of the scooter. It connects to the board through the steering column and is attached with a compression system. The fork consists of two parts - the stem and feathers.

The plug can be made of aluminum. Such components are considered the most secure, lightweight. Steel forks consist of individual parts that are welded together. They are usually put in extreme scooters of a budget class. And there are also combined forks in which the stem is made of steel and the feathers are made of aluminum.

• Steering column The steering column is needed so that the steering wheel can change position in space relative to the deck. It is equipped with two bearings located in a glass at the top and bottom.

• Compression system. This is a special system that provides the compression necessary so that the fork in the glass can be fixed in an upright position. There are different compression systems - threaded, SCS (standard), HIC, IHC, ICS.

• Clamp. A small part is a clamp, which makes it possible to fix the steering wheel relative to the front wheel.

• Steering wheel. Needed to control the device. Since he cannot fold himself on an extreme scooter, he is simply initially selected for the height of the skater. Steering wheels come in different shapes: from T and Y to W - complex shapes with added stiffness wings.

• Grips. These are handles made of rubber on the steering wheel. They help to hold the steering wheel even with sweating hands, and also partially absorb the impact force when landing from a jump.

• Barenda. Small plugs covering the side of the steering wheel. They can be plastic or aluminum - this does not play a big role.

• Wheels. For extreme scooters, special wheels are made consisting of an aluminum disk and an outer polyurethane layer. Most often, stunt scooters have wheels with a diameter of 110 mm.

• Bearings. An important part to ensure the wheel's turning ability with minimal friction. As a rule, ABEC 5/7/9 bearings are installed on this type of scooter.

• Skin. Hard rough sandpaper on self-adhesive. This part allows you to provide a more reliable contact shoe soles with the strap-deck.

• Pegs. Cylinders that are on the same line with the wheels on a certain or two sides. They are needed, as you might guess, in order to do tricks - to slide, to do racks. They can be steel, aluminum or plastic.

• Brake. Located in the back, activated by pressing the foot. Sometimes instead of the brake there is a special lock — footfender.

An accessory may be attached to the purchase - a bag-case for carrying.

Beginners often ask the question of how the sports scooter differs from the usual. And the most truthful answer to it is to almost everyone. Extreme modifications, like ordinary children's scooters, are set in motion by pushing one foot off the ground. But if an ordinary scooter has a folding mechanism to make it comfortable to wear, adjusting the height of the steering wheel and a wide deck board, then this is completely unusual for a sports version.

The folding steering mechanism is, of course, useful, but it can play a trick when performing a stunt - to form with a tangible effort on the steering wheel from the side of the riding rider.

The wheels of an ordinary scooter are slightly larger than the wheels of a sports scooter. The extreme version does not provide for long walks on it, but involves tricks, and therefore the wheels are made lightweight, but durable.

For a conventional skiing device, plastic and aluminum of not the highest technical specifications are used. Sports models are always made of high quality aluminum, individual elements are made of high quality steel.

In ordinary models, grips can be decorative, sliding, in a quality sports scooter, they should never slip in the hand - the safety of the rider directly depends on this. The bearings on extreme models are placed only in the highest class.

If you are faced with the task of choosing an excellent racing or stunt sports scooter, you should carefully read the characteristics that should be inherent in it.

This indicator is decisive for many. If your sporting equipment is too light, it will be difficult to get acceleration at the right time, as a result, the trick will not work or will be performed incorrectly. If the device is heavy, then this will certainly affect his shunting qualities.

Most sports scooters have a weight of 3 to 5 kilograms, an average of 4 kilograms. For those who prefer street skiing, lightweight options weighing 3-3.5 kilograms are more suitable. For jumping, it is better to use heavier models weighing about 4 kilograms. They are more stable in the air.

Beginners are advised to choose lightweight models. So it will be easier to master the first tricks and tricks.

The frame should not be equipped with a folding mechanism. Take an interest in the material and design of the frame, it should be as concise as possible: the less welded parts and elements in it, the more reliable the design will be. An aluminum or combination frame is considered optimal.

Small wheels provide greater maneuverability. But beginners are advised to choose wheels that are not too small, since the learning process on them will not be the easiest and most enjoyable. For beginners, a diameter of 110-126 millimeters is recommended. Experienced riders usually try to choose 100 mm wheels.

The stiffness is indicated on the side of the wheels, usually it is 88-90A. This rigidity is standardized by most manufacturers.

They are usually standard in sports models, indicated by the letters ABEC and three digits. The best are ABEC 5-7-9. remember, that you won’t save much on bearings, but you can go broke on their replacement - they have to be changed together with the wheels, and therefore it is better to initially choose high-class bearings.

Wheel rims can be equipped knitting needles made of plastic or a metal core. The harder the drive, the more speed you can develop. The toughest are solid aluminum. Plastic-spoke wheels wear out quickly. But for beginners, this option is quite acceptable.

For those who want to jump more, softer options are suitable, and for speed glide, hard ones are better. If the skater has a solid dead weight, you should immediately give preference to hard metal disc options.

There can be two brakes (rear and front) or one rear. The presence of a brake is a matter of taste and purpose of the model. Some athletes release the brake and replace it with a footfender.

There are 2-, 3- and 4-bolt. Safety and durability depend on the number of bolts - the more bolts, the less risk.

What deck should be, is determined by what size of shoes the skater wears. The larger the shoe size, the wider the deck should be. In many ways, the width of the deck is a matter of taste.

The most inexpensive is threaded compression. It is she who is usually present in models for beginners. This most often stands on open bearings. SCS compression is heavy, but reliable, and therefore costly. The clamp in it holds both the steering wheel and the fork at the same time.

KS (ICS) is a lightweight and reasonably affordable compression system, the clamp holds the steering wheel and supports the compression itself. HIC (IHC) - a hybrid system of high reliability.

Extreme models can have a different steering wheel. There is a steering wheel that resembles the letter T, there is a Y-shaped and Bat-Wing. The simplest T-shaped is inexpensive, uncomplicated and safe. If it is made of solid material, it also does not burden the structure with excess weight.The Y-shaped steering wheel is more durable, the load with its help is distributed more evenly. The strongest and most reliable form is Bat-Wing.

Rudder height is a very individual criterion. The lower it is, the easier it will be to give high jumps, but a high steering wheel removes excess load from the back, but, alas, does not guarantee stability in the jump. The standard is considered to be the location of the steering wheel in the area of ​​the rolling waist or slightly lower.

The width of the steering wheel should be proportional to the width of the shoulders of the athlete. Most often, the height of the steering wheel is determined by the height and style of riding:

• 41 - 121-122 cm;
• 43 - 129-132 cm;
• 46 - 135-137 cm;
• 48 - 145 cm;
• 51 - 151-152 cm;
• 55 - 159-160 cm;
• 58 - 168 cm;
• 61 - 173-175 cm;
• 64 - 183 cm.

The best manufacturers of sports stunt scooters are considered Limit, Hipe, Playshion, Dominator, Oxelo, Tech Team Duke, Rush Action. The most expensive option in the world - Phoenix Sequel Scooter.

We have compiled the top of the best models, based on customer reviews and forums of athletes - both beginners and professional.

Great for beginners. It has a small weight, small wheels with a decent cross. The deck is made of durable aircraft aluminum. The main disadvantage is the backlash of the steering wheel if there is no clamp on the scooter.

A good and not the most expensive option for older teens and adults. Combined deck material is favorably complemented by innovative bearings that do not require additional adjustment. The design is very durable. Stylish design.

The model for athletes has a reliable foot brake. A device with a solid deck, you can even make very difficult jumps on it, without fear that the frame will break. On the front and rear wheels are aluminum pegs. Usually beginners find a minus in the model - the steering wheel is not too adapted for beginners, it is easier for experienced athletes to control it.

Ideal for stunt lovers of aggressive scooter driving. It has a light weight, shortened handle. The steering wheel is reinforced. Suitable for teens and adults.

The model is intended for children and adolescents who have yet to begin to master the first tricks. It has a reliable brake, grips reinforced with blockers. The downside is plastic discs, so you still have to change the wheels.

A great model for beginners and lovers. A company that is already legendary in the world of sports scooters, doesn't bet on fashion - You are unlikely to be offered red, green or other models, but these will be high-quality materials and a guarantee of safety.

A fairly wide deck allows you to stand on it with two legs at once. A wide steering wheel will help beginners learn tricks. The model can be used as a means for urban skiing.

Great for tall people. The only disadvantages are the high cost - from 15 thousand rubles. It has an interesting and slightly daring design, which teenagers will certainly appreciate.

Equipped with excellent bearings that allow you to do complex and beautiful tricks. All-alloy frame and polyurethane wheels contribute to this. It can be used by both beginners and experienced riders.

The optimal model for those who have already mastered the basics and are on the path to improving them. Mid-level riders will feel confident and cool on such a scooter. Lightweight and sturdy frame, small wheels, HIC compression system - all this guarantees safety and ease of riding.

Choosing a freestyle scooter is not an easy task.

Choosing the right vehicle for yourself means taking into account the manner of riding, the presence of experience or lack thereof, check the above requirements for height, age, determine where the person will ride.

For a beginner adult or teenager, both the street model and the park one will do equally well. The main thing is that the height of the steering wheel should correspond to growth, the frame was made of aluminum or its combination with steel, and the wheels were quite soft.

A scooter for a professional is selected individually already because the athlete simply does not ask such a question. He knows his style, manner, weaknesses very well and will choose a model with this in mind. Generally speaking, aluminum discs, a metal deck, the presence of a strong clamp, and as many bolts as possible for greater reliability are more suitable for professional tricks.

For boys over 5-7 years old, lightweight classic models are suitable. For children who are already participating in professional competitions, the rules of choice and requirements for scooters are usually the same as for professionals.

Whoever buys a scooter should remember about protection. This is especially important if the purchase is planned for children. Even an experienced rider does not interfere with a helmet and knee pads, they are not neglected even by world-class champions, so you should not risk it.

Assurances of manufacturers in the reliability and safety of their products should not be taken too close to heart.

To make the acquisition last longer, experts recommend that you properly approach the issues of scooter settings.

If it is slightly tightened, then the steering wheel will appear, and this will completely deprive the process of any safety and comfort. If you pull it, the steering will break quickly. Experts advise pulling bolts until the forks roll smoothly. The threaded compression is easiest to adjust, but this requires a gas wrench.

To configure SCS, a 5 or 6 mm Allen key is required. After removing the steering wheel, tighten the compression bolt, then return the steering wheel to its place. Almost the same, but slightly easier to adjust and the HIC system.

In the presence of wheel play, the axle must be tightened. For such a process, a hex wrench and a 13 mm wrench are required. You need to know the measure in this, because if you tighten the bolt, you can increase the load on the bearings, and this will lead to their premature wear.

It should fix the steering wheel as reliably as possible, but it should not be pulled too. Bolts need to be tightened just a couple of turns on both sides so that the load is distributed evenly.

In order not to break the scooter, you should adhere to simple rules, which are most often violated by beginners. No need to tackle the big tricks, not knowing how to do them, especially for drops and brothers. This can lead to increased strain on the cup and clamp.

And also the scooter cannot be beaten about obstacles, thrown it. No matter how strong it may be, such treatment will not contribute to a long and happy use.

It is difficult to call the transport safe, especially when you consider that it carries out very risky tricks. But you can reduce injuries. To do this, have and be sure to wear protection. And this requirement applies equally to professionals and beginners.

Traumatologists know for sure that the greatest number of injuries in professional riders usually occurs at the beginning of training and competition, if the athlete started the program, not well prepared for muscle loads. You need to move on to more complex tricks after you master the previous ones. Do not jump over the stage, trying to prove that "I can do that too." Everything has its time.

Wet roads and puddles are dangerous.Even the most expensive wheels cannot function normally in high humidity. The main danger is turns on a wet surface. Falls in most cases cannot be avoided.

Lovers of street skiing should be extremely attentive on city streets, where asphalt is not everywhere and not always as smooth as we would like. In addition, there are children on the streets, pedestrians, drivers and crazy stunts on the road fraught with dangerous consequences for everyone. It is necessary to carefully examine the place where it is planned to do tricks, because even one small stone at the landing site can overshadow the whole trick and lead to undesirable consequences.

If you got a stunt scooter, then a quiet walk in a park in a straight line becomes boring. Therefore, sooner or later you have to choose your own style. Freestyle is constantly changing, more and more tricks appear, everything is in motion, but you will have to start with basic skills.

In addition to the fact that there is street skiing, park and ski jumping, experts identify several styles that riders can use.

• Carving - consecutive turns, sometimes sharp, the style is often used in skiing. Skiers creating a wave of snow look incredibly spectacular. I can’t say the same thing about riders - they usually get a wave of sand and small stones from under the scooter, which is not so pleasant for the audience. However, the style is still beautiful, and therefore is very popular among young people.
• Drift - cornering at high speed.

If the park style implies a large number of jumps and turns, then the street style will offer the rider more adrenaline entertainment - stairs, steps.

Once you decide to become a rider, you should first of all learn that without knowing the structure of your two-wheeled horse, nothing will work. The more aggressive the scooter is used, the higher the wear of the parts and sooner or later, but they will require replacement. This is where understanding comes in handy where and what is located on the scooter. Extreme skiing must be treated carefully and carefully. It must remain clean.

In this case, you will need to disassemble the scooter and rinse, excluding moisture from the anthers, bearings. All parts must be wiped with a dry cloth. Bearings can be cleaned with kerosene, after which they certainly need to be lubricated, otherwise skating after washing may be the last for the bearings. Special lubrication is required. For steering - on a graphite basis, for bearings - lithol or thick silicone greases.

On the Internet, there are quite a lot of reviews about various models of stunt scooters. Owners are happy to share with everyone who wants information about what advantages their vehicles have and what disadvantages they have.

For the most part, both beginners and mid-level riders try to listen to the advice of “experienced” ones, and therefore often do not count their strength - either the scooter breaks down quickly or is difficult to operate. But if you want to make an informed and reasonable choice, it is quite possible. Just determine the list of the models that are most attractive to you, suitable for the price, and with it go to a specialized store where consultants will help to understand the details. If you have a friend who is keen on extreme skiing, take it with you - a rider even with average experience will help you choose the best model for a child, a beginner.

The following video will tell you how to choose a stunt scooter.