How to choose a freestyle scooter
Are you looking for a freestyle scooter for yourself or your child? Choosing the right one is essential for comfortable and safe riding, whether for tricks or just free riding. In this guide, we'll cover everything important: from the ideal handlebar height, differences between park and street scooters, to tips on wheel size and materials.
Let’s get started – let’s pick the perfect scooter tailored to your needs!
1. Handlebar Height for Freestyle Scooters
The correct handlebar height is crucial for safe riding and performing tricks. Ideally, the handlebars should reach the rider's waist or hips, providing optimal control and stability. Choosing the right height is especially important for beginners – if the handlebars are too high or too low, it can make maneuvering and performing tricks difficult.
If you're unsure about the best height for you, check our table and use the filter option in the freestyle scooters section to find models matching your height. This simple guide will help you find a scooter perfectly suited to your height, ensuring comfortable and easily maneuverable riding.
Table for Selecting Handlebar Height
| Rider Height | Estimated Age | Recommended Handlebar Height | Recommended Total Scooter Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95-112 cm | 3-5 years | up to 440 mm | Less than 70 cm |
| 112-126 cm | 5-7 years | 445 mm - 480 mm | 60-75 cm |
| 126-138 cm | 7-9 years | 470 mm - 520 mm | 65-79 cm |
| 138-149 cm | 9-11 years | 530 mm - 580 mm | 75-80 cm |
| 149-160 cm | 11-13 years | 600 mm - 622 mm | 75-85 cm |
| 160-172 cm | 13-15 years | 640 mm - 680 mm | 78-85 cm |
| More than 172 cm | 15+ years | 700 mm + | 79 cm + |
Tip: If your child isn’t doing tricks yet, a few extra cm won’t hurt. Generally, it’s not ideal to buy a scooter with “extra room,” but if they’re only riding on sidewalks or pump tracks, you can allow for a bit more height.
2. Park vs Street Riding Style
Freestyle scooters can be divided into two main types: park and street, based on the intended riding style.
Park Scooters
Park scooters are ideal for skatepark riding, where lightness and agility are essential. For park tricks, we recommend freestyle scooters for skateparks, which are designed with the following characteristics:
- Lightweight construction and smaller dimensions
- Aluminum material for improved agility
- Perfect for park-specific tricks and stylish skatepark riding
Street Scooters
Street scooters are designed for street riding and handling tough obstacles. We recommend freestyle scooters for street riders who need a scooter tailored for:
- Larger and more robust design for demanding tricks
- High stability and durability for grinding
When choosing between a park or street scooter, it’s important to consider where you plan to ride and which style you prefer. If you’re interested in jumps and aerial tricks, a park scooter will be the better choice. If you’re drawn to grinding and street obstacles, a street scooter is the right choice for you.
3. Wheel Size
When selecting a freestyle scooter, wheel size is also an important factor as it significantly impacts the speed and stability of the ride. Most scooters come with 110 mm diameter wheels, which are an ideal compromise between speed and maneuverability.
Wheel Size Alternatives
- 120 mm: Larger wheels provide higher speed and a smoother ride.
- 100 mm: Smaller wheels are suitable for children and beginners, offering greater stability.
Tip for beginners: When choosing a scooter for a child or beginner, make sure the wheels have a metal core, as it’s more durable and withstands falls better, which is particularly important when learning tricks.
4. Types of Handlebars – Aluminum vs Steel
When choosing a freestyle scooter, the handlebar material is another essential consideration. The two main types are aluminum and steel handlebars, each with its pros and cons.
Aluminum Handlebars
Aluminum handlebars are lighter and more maneuverable, making them ideal for beginners and younger riders who need low weight and easy handling.
- Lightweight and agile
- Ideal for beginners and kids
- Typically have a “Y” shape
Steel Handlebars
Steel handlebars are heavier but very durable and suitable for riders who prefer a more robust scooter for challenging tricks.
- Robust and highly durable
- Heavier weight
- Often have a “T” shape
Titanium Handlebars
Titanium handlebars are light and extremely strong, making them suitable for advanced riders. Since titanium is a more expensive material, titanium handlebars are not commonly found in complete scooters. They are popular among riders who build their own scooters and want low weight combined with maximum durability.
- Light and strong, ideal for advanced riders seeking top performance
- High price
- Not commonly included in complete scooters
Comparison of Handlebar Types for Freestyle Scooters
| Handlebar Material | Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Handlebars | Lightweight, maneuverable, affordable |
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| Steel Handlebars | Sturdy, very durable, affordable |
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| Titanium Handlebars | Lightweight, strong, expensive |
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5. Complete or Custom Scooter?
When selecting a freestyle scooter, you can choose between a complete scooter or a custom one. The choice largely depends on your needs and experience.
Complete Scooter
- Cost-effective and ideal for beginners
- Ready to ride, requires minimal setup
- Good balance of performance and price
Custom Scooter
- Maximum customization options (colors, dimensions, specifications)
- Higher price, tailored to specific needs
- Requires knowledge of components and their compatibility
Tip: If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with a complete scooter – it’s simpler and more affordable. If you’re interested in a custom scooter, check out our custom freestyle scooters section or contact us – we’ll be happy to help you choose the right components.