Stunt scooter buying guide for newbies

With an estimated 2100 community skateparks in the UK, and an increasing number of leisure facilities developing their own outdoor and indoor stunt scooter riding areas it is not surprising that the incredibly accessible sport of stunt scooting is on the rise.   

2021 saw the 9th annual Official World Scooter Championships with the disciplines of “park” and “street” taking centre stage, and the International Scooter Federation was formed earlier this year too, established to connect the global scooter community and provide information and advice on everything from safety to lifestyle and to competitions.

Why Stunt Scooting is on the rise… 

It is undeniable that the sport takes a huge amount of practice, perseverance and strength of body and mind, but with many children now learning to ride a scooter from as early as 18 months old, it seems a natural progression for many (as young as age 5) to move to the more exciting and performance-based pastime of stunt scooting, rather than only using a scooter to get from A to B.  

And how it has shaped the success of a Team GB Athlete… 

Stunt scooting is building its presence in Youth Sports and is increasingly being considered a gateway sport – encouraging an active lifestyle, skill-based learning and social inclusion to millions of young people every year. Team GB’s very own Olympic gold medal winner, Charlotte Worthington, attributes her introduction into her sport of BMX riding to her early years practising tricks on a scooter.

The New Brand on the Block

 Chilli Pro Scooter was founded in 2010 with the purpose of developing a high-end lineup for stunt scooter riders of every age and skill level, and the team are 100% dedicated to the sport. Constant research, development, testing, sourcing of new materials and designing day in day out is helping to create better stunt scooters.   

In collaboration with the incredible Chilli Pro Scooter Team, and specifically current European Champion Archie Cole, the brand is gaining new fans all the time. Archie Cole has designed his very own scooter that can now be seen on the pro circuit as well as in the local park. As a little teaser of the world that can open up to you or your little rider, Archie has recorded an introduction to his scooter and what he and it can do.    

Introducing The Archie Cole Signature Scooter | Chilli Pro Scooter - Bing video

Everything You Need To Know About Stunt Scooters...    

If the stunt scooter world is where you think you’re heading but you still have unanswered questions, have a look at the following essential information to help you make the best choice for you or the little rider in your life.   

Do Stunt Scooters Fold? 

Stunt or freestyle scooters don’t fold for one simple reason – durability. 

Convenience takes a back seat and the ability to perform bunny hops, tail whips and fakie becomes the no.1 criteria for any wannabe pro stunt scooters. Similarly, stunt scooters are generally made from components that are reinforced and more durable, with the higher spec ones using strong aluminum for lightness and ease of use. Chilli Pro Scooter decks are made from the same aluminum as plane wings, (allowing for strength and flexibility) and with bars made from the steel that the BMX world has been using for years.  

What Height Should the Handlebar be? 

The bars are also not height adjustable (unless bespoke cut) for the same safety and durability reasons, however, Pro rider Archie Cole recommends that the handlebar height for stunt scooting should sit between the front pockets on a pair of jeans and the rider’s tummy button. This lower positioning allows for a strong-arm stance and makes whips, spins and jumps more accessible. Additionally, the further away from faces and chins, the better, for obvious reasons.   

What Width Should the Handlebar be? 

The width of the handlebars on a stunt scooter also differs to that of pavement scooter and as a rough guide the handlebars should coincide with the shoulder width of the rider, to assist with balance when performing stunts.     

It is always best practice to look at size guide before committing to a stunt scooter, to ensure that rider and scooter are a good match. 

What Size Should the Wheels be? 

A stunt scooter has smaller wheels than a commuter scooter, to offer         

• Durability         
• Short bursts of speed       
•  And the ability to take knocks and impact   

There are some stunning stunt wheels designs available, in the standard sizes of 100mm and 110mm, and as with many elements of stunt scooters, the choice allows for customization and individual style.     

What are the wheels made from? 

Most stunt wheels are made from polyurethane and feature a core made from either nylon or aluminium. An aluminium core offers increased shock absorbency – essential for when those jumps and spins become higher and more complicated. Wheels can be easily changed if required, either for renewal or aesthetic replacement and a basic tool kit (and a bit of brute force) is all you need.   

Whilst a stunt scooter is far more suitable for the school run than a commuter scooter for the skate park, it is worth bearing in mind that those smaller wheels are more susceptible to getting caught in uneven pavements and potholes.     

What are Pegs and Why Should I Have Them? 

Stunt scooter enthusiasts around the globe are always looking for new and inventive ways to perform more tricks on their scooters. Pegs are inexpensive, cylindrical-shaped add-ons (made from plastic, steel or aluminium) that can be attached to the wheels of a stunt scooter. They allow scooter riders to perform different grinds, stalls, and jumps that are otherwise not possible on scooters without pegs and are now considered to be an essential for riders taking their sport to the next level, or starters that want to look the part (!) 

It’s worth noting that not all pegs fit on all scooters so it’s best to buy your pegs (and the deck and fork) in the same brand.

Which Stunt Scooter should I Buy? 

So now you’ve gained a little more information about the scooters and sport in general, the next question must be “which one?” 

Visit the Stunt scooters page on the Micro Scooters website to start the search for your perfect scooter; you'll find all the help you need, from stunt scooter comparison charts to a digital scooter advisor. You'll be hitting the skateparks in no time at all.