Two-wheeled skate: what is it called, how to choose and how to ride it?

In cities, fans ride a skateboard are often found. But the article will focus on the two-wheeled model, which has just begun to gain popularity in our country, although the idea to change the usual skate appeared in the 90s of the 20th century among students of Meklod-Smitsch and Fischer from Johannesburg.

Skate on two wheels can not be called a board - it combines the technical features of different sports. In its design, you can find elements of surfing, videos, skateboards. This led to the emergence of different names for the 2-platform vehicle, in addition, each company has a different name for the projectile:

• scooter;
• skateboard
• ripstick;
• Snakeboard
• waveboard;
• streetboard;
• skateboard;
• casterboard.

Structurally, such a skate is divided into 2 types: 2-platform and in the form of a solid board, narrowed in the center. The first type of construction is more popular. It consists of two independent moving parts held by a special connection. Each platform is endowed with a roller that can rotate 360 ​​degrees, which helps the parts of the skate to rotate independently of each other. Such a structure significantly affects the maneuverability of a sports apparatus. Despite the apparent fragility of the models, many of them withstand a load of up to 100 kg.

The speed that is developed on a two-wheeled skateboard is small, only 20 km per hour. But this has its advantages: riding is 4 times faster than walking, which means that you can get to your place of study or work on time, while managing to examine the surroundings.

By appointment, 2-wheel skateboards are divided into 3 groups:

• children’s;
• for beginners and lovers;
• semi-professional.

Let's consider each group in more detail to understand the difference between them.

Models of small size and weight, made of lightweight but durable plastic. Platforms connected by a soft spring have rubber pads and allow you to stand firmly on your feet while maintaining balance. Skateboards for little ones are as maneuverable as adult models. You can distinguish them by size and bright appearance.

They are intended for both adults and children from 8 years old. The heavy-duty plastic from which they are made will remain intact even if a car crosses it. The length of such skateboards is 83-87 cm. The vehicle has a rubber shell, it is an excellent protection for the torsion spring. To ride it was more convenient, you should choose models with slightly concave platforms.

To increase strength, the products are made of metal, but the weight also increases. Designs have racing bearings and contain a length of 73 to 80 cm. A variety of shapes and colors make it possible to choose a skate for every taste. They can be used for speed driving or stunts. Such skateboards are more rigid.

Two-wheeled skateboards are divided into ordinary and electric. The second is made of steel, aluminum, sometimes a tree is involved in the design, for example, Canadian maple. The wheels are installed with a polyurethane coating.

Skate provides movement, and movement guarantees health, this is the biggest plus sports equipment. Advantages are marked by the following factors:

• a surge of positive emotions while riding;
• the body trains during the trip, especially the lower part, which experiences a lot of tension - legs, hips, buttocks;
• movement on a skateboard is equated to the type of aerobic exercise, contributing to the strengthening of the cardiovascular system, regulation of respiration and weight;
• vision training - to do the trick, you need to see everything around you, not to miss the details;
• the will is educated when tricks are perfected to perfection;
• focuses attention.

As for the shortcomings, there are few of them:

• it is impossible to stand at rest on ripstik, two movable boards allow you to maintain balance only while riding;
• carelessness and lack of skills can lead to injuries while riding;
• electric skateboards have a high speed and do not cause muscle tension, but they are expensive and not easy to find;
• penny boards are endowed with a small length (up to 60 cm), it is hard to resist a person with a large shoe size.

Two-wheeled skateboards hit the domestic markets relatively recently, but their diversity is already surprising and pleasing. Models differ not only in form, price and quality, but they are also structurally diverse. We offer to consider the most popular of sports equipment in this area.

This type of skateboard was developed by Razor back in 2000. The absence of a spring is imperceptible, since its role is played by the deck, and the connection is fixed with a piece of plastic. This facilitates the design and increases the speed, but at the same time, the wear of the sports equipment is faster.

The most successful ripstick model is the Air Pro skate, which is available in different versions: for children, lovers and professionals. The sports line comes with a metal body, which increases strength and allows you to perform various tricks. Ripstick can withstand loads of up to 100 kg, but is sensitive to uneven riding.

Another model of the same company with two platforms that can combine into a familiar skate. The model allows you to drive separately on platforms with no jumpers. The shell has a beautiful design, it is easy to control, it is lightweight, with a smooth glide. Made to perform complex tricks.

The budget version of the roller two-wheeled balancing skateboard belongs to the Chinese company Re: Action. Models with luminous wheels allow you to ride safely at night. The skate has a steel or aluminum frame, a deck made of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane wheels with a diameter of 8 cm. It can withstand a load of up to 85 kg.

A high-tech device on two wheels, endowed with a pair of motors and gyroscopic sensors that allow you to control the vehicle. It withstands loads of up to 120 kg, has a speed of 16 km per hour, is equipped with 9-inch wheels. It is controlled by moving the body in the right direction. The disadvantages include high cost and insufficient speed.

American skateboarding is one of the most expensive professional skateboards. Made to perform the most difficult tricks. Platforms are made of high-strength plastic or wood (Canadian maple). Polyurethane wheels are resistant to wear and tear.

The model uses Switch suspensions, which allows each platform to be driven, providing bi-directional riding. With a slight movement of the foot, the angle of the board relative to the track changes, turning around up to 180 degrees. The disadvantages include the heavy weight of the structure.

It stands out among the mass of skateboards with its printing industry, with an abundance of symbols and bright colors. It has angular platforms of irregular geometry and a shortened torsion spring. In addition to the unusual appearance and abundance of colors, The advantages of waveboards include reinforced wheels and curved platforms that allow you to feel comfortable while riding.

Rounded platforms are endowed with multi-colored anti-slip rubber bands, interconnected by a torsion bar and plastic trims. The advantages of the Poversurfer include the rotation limiter of the roller along the axis, which leads to increased stability.

The best way to choose the right board is to stand on it and ride. You can immediately understand whether it is suitable for weight, comfort, maneuverability and speed. But most often such an opportunity is not provided, then during the selection of a model a number of criteria must be taken into account.

• You must know the weight of the rider and compare it with the instructions for what load the skate is designed for.
• Understand for what purpose a two-wheeled skateboard is purchased. For riding on a flat plane, traditional roller skaters are suitable. To perform the tricks, you should pay attention to Air Pro rips.
• Models with torsion springs are more durable, they affect the style of riding.
• Trusted brands should be preferred. A cheap skate is only suitable for beginner riders. Gambling and confident skateboarders need a strong, high-quality, maneuverable and obedient sports equipment.
• Lastly, attention is drawn to design and printing. If a skate is chosen by children, the appearance matters to them.

Two platforms, fastened with a torsion bar, look unusual when compared with a monolithic board. But learning to ride them is easy - some lovers learn riding skills in just 2-3 hours. Only the lower body is involved in the management of the skateboard. You should move as if you are riding a surf or snowboard: the feet are set perpendicular to the movement, and for the first push you do not need to lower your foot on the asphalt surface.

Two platforms can make independent movements, this gives greater control capabilities than a traditional board. The scooter controls the skateboard with the heel and toe while riding, changing the pressure on each of them as needed. From the side, such a ride looks undulating.

You can ride, leaving your front leg without movement, and all maneuvers to be done with a limb located on the rear platform, rotational movements are often performed. Another way of riding is due to the pressure of the toe on the first platform, and the heel - on the second. Those who don’t really like to strain can get an electric two-wheeled skate. To ride it, it is enough to maintain balance, and make turns by tilting the body.

When buying a skate, you should immediately take care of the availability of sports equipment. Helmet, protective pads on the knees and elbows, will not get injured during training.

See how to learn how to ride a two-wheeled skateboard in the next video.