So you want to try out a stunt scooter for the first time, huh? Awesome! Stunt scooters, with their flashy designs and ability to pull off tricks and jumps, have become hugely popular lately. Before you head to the skatepark though, there are a few things you should know to make sure you have a fun, safe first ride. A stunt scooter is built to handle a lot more action than a standard kick scooter. It has stronger, larger wheels, a more robust deck, and enhanced brakes and clamps to help you control the scooter. You’ll also want safety gear like a helmet, elbow and knee pads until you get the hang of it. Start with the basics, practice controlling your speed and balance, then slowly work your way up to small jumps and tricks as you gain confidence. With some patience and the right preparation, you’ll be riding the rails in no time! Are you ready to give it a go?

Introduction

What Is a Stunt Scooter?

How To Be Prepared To Ride One?

Safety Gear You'll Need to Ride a Stunt Scooter

Choosing the Right Stunt Scooter for Your Skill Level

Conclusion

What Is a Stunt Scooter?

So, you want to try stunt scooting? First, you need to know exactly what a stunt scooter is.

A stunt scooter is a lightweight scooter designed specifically for doing tricks and aerial maneuvers. It has a sturdier build than a standard kick scooter, with a reinforced deck, bars, and wheels that can take impacts from jumps and grinds. 

The key components of a stunt scooter include:

1. Deck - The standing platform where you place your feet. Stunt scooter decks are typically wider and more durable than a standard scooter deck.
2. Bars - The handlebars you hold onto. Stunt scooter bars are usually taller, to give more control, and often threaded so you can adjust the height. Some have detachable bars for transport.
3. Wheels - Stunt scooter wheels are usually metal core with hard urethane, measuring 100 to 120 millimeters in diameter. The hard wheels can withstand impacts better. Some scooters have pegs attached to the wheels for grinding.
4. Grips - Rubber handles that provide traction and comfort. Stunt scooter grips are typically thicker and more durable.
5. Clamps - The mechanism that attaches the bars to the deck. Stunt scooter clamps are very sturdy to withstand the forces from jumps and tricks.
6. Headset - It connects the fork and handlebars to the deck. It enables smooth handlebar turning, facilitating tricks and stunts. There are two main types of headsets commonly used in stunt scooters: threaded and threadless.

Now you know what makes a stunt scooter different. With the proper safety gear and practice, you'll be ready to start perfecting your scooter tricks in no time!

How To Be Prepared To Ride One?

Safety Gear You'll Need to Ride a Stunt Scooter

To ride a stunt scooter without injury, you need to gear up properly. Safety first, my friend!

1. Helmet - This is non-negotiable. You'll want a helmet specifically rated for action sports that fits snug but comfortably. Give CORE helmets a try!  They offer lightweight, stylish, and affordable options. 
2. Elbow and knee pads - As a beginner, you'll probably take a few spills. Protect your joints from scrapes and breaks. Look for pads with hard caps and straps to keep them in place.
3. Durable clothes - Wear clothes you can move freely in like jeans, sweatpants or action sports gear. Avoid loose or baggy clothes that could catch on parts of your scooter.

You'll also want gloves, preferably with reinforced palms, and high-top sneakers with flat, grippy soles. Now you've got the gear, time to adjust your scooter. 

Make sure the handlebars and clamp are tight, the deck is clean, and the wheels spin freely. Practice your balance and braking in a safe space with few obstacles before hitting the streets.

Start slow until you get a feel for it, then work on basic hops, spins and grinds as you gain confidence. But always put safety first by wearing your gear, watching your speed, and being aware of traffic and pedestrians.

With the right safety precautions and practice, you'll be pulling off tailwhips and barspins in no time. But take it from me, a helmet and pads are a lot cheaper than an emergency room visit. Safety gear may not seem the coolest, but trust me, you'll be grateful for it when you bail. 

Choosing the Right Stunt Scooter for Your Skill Level

Beginner Scooters (Ages 6-8)

If you're just getting started with stunt scooting, look for a scooter designed for beginners. These have larger wheels (110-125mm) that provide more stability as you learn, as well as a lower deck height that's easier to mount and dismount. 

Beginner scooters typically have basic components to keep them affordable, but still rugged enough to handle drops and jumps. Looking for the perfect scooter for beginners? Try the Core Kids Foldy Junior Kick Scooter! It's a top favorite among new riders. With its lightweight yet sturdy design, riding becomes a breeze.

Once you get the hang of it and want to start learning more advanced tricks, you'll want to size down to a scooter with smaller wheels (100-110mm) and a higher deck. 

Intermediate scooters open up more possibilities for grinds, spins, and aerial tricks. They feature stronger aluminum components, but still provide some flexibility and "give" as you refine your riding technique.

Advanced Scooters (Ages 10 and up)

For experienced riders pushing the limits of scooter freestyle, a pro scooter is your best choice. These high-performance scooters have the smallest wheels (90-100mm), the highest decks, and the strongest components to handle bigger jumps and more technical grind tricks. The smaller wheels increase responsiveness for whips, tailwhips, and barspins..

The most important thing is to choose a scooter that matches your current skill level. Start with a beginner model, then size down as your abilities improve. Look for a scooter that feels comfortable and natural to ride, rather than going for the flashiest or most high-tech option. 

Try a lightweight stunt scooter to help increase riding performance. Pay attention to the dimensions, wheel size, and construction to determine if it will meet your needs as a starter scooter or an upgrade to advance your skills. 

The right scooter for your level will make learning new tricks a blast rather than a frustrating challenge. With practice, you'll be busting out the sickest stunts in no time! 

Conclusion

So there you have it, you're ready to hit the skatepark and show off your newly acquired stunt scooter. You've got the right safety gear, a scooter that can handle some air, and you know how to properly ride it. Now it's just a matter of getting out there and practicing. Don't be afraid to fall—every pro scooter rider eats concrete from time to time. The key is to get back up, brush yourself off, and try again. Keep at it and before you know it, you'll be jumping ramps, grinding rails, and spinning like a pro. The world of extreme scootering awaits, so go have fun and most of all, be safe! 

Discover the perfect stunt scooter for you at CORE. Check out CORE’s top-quality products here.