How to Choose the Best Stunt Scooter for Every Rider

stunt scooter rider motion
26 June 2023
How to Choose the Best Stunt Scooter for Every Rider

Stunt scooters are a great option for fun at the skate park. Unlike traditional foldable scooters, stunt scooters are studier and stronger – just what you need for ambitious tricks, spectacular stunts, and riding large ramps. 

Ideal for those who would rather get out and ride as soon as possible, a complete stunt scooter will save you time assembling or customising each component. It’s the perfect option for riders who do not own all the necessary tools or equipment to set up their ride and want to avoid purchasing individual parts.

For experienced riders who prefer stunts and tricks, as opposed to street-style cruising, a stunt scooter is a favourable option. But with so many choices on the market, what should you look out for?

How old is the rider?

The recommended minimum age for stunt scooters is five years old – at this age opt for a narrower deck and handlebars for the best rider experience. Tip: Check out our kid's scooter safety guide to prepare a young rider for riding. Older kids, teens and adults should go for wider bars and decks. Be sure to also check out the maximum rider weight before buying your stunt scooter. This will generally range between 60–100kg.

 

Important stunt scooter parts

Although a complete stunt scooter purchase will include all the necessary parts needed to head straight to the skatepark, you will still need to consider the unique characteristics of each part to pick a scooter best suited to you.

What type of stunt scooter handlebars do I need?

Most stunt scooters feature a fixed, straight handlebar, usually in a T-bar design. As a rule, wider handlebars–such as BMX-style bars– will enhance stability and control, allowing the scooter to be pushed to its limits. Which is also beneficial for beginner riders when practising new tricks.

Close-set handlebars are used by all kinds of riders. They are also a good choice for children since close-set stunt scooter bars are easier to hold on to and control, plus they require smaller inputs to turn the front wheel.

Be sure the bars are the right height. The height of the T-bar should be at navel height or just slightly above when measured from the ground up. The lower positioning allows for a strong-arm stance and makes whips, spins and jumps more accessible. The further away the bars are from the user’s face and chin, the better. Handlebars that are either too high or too low will have an impact on performance and manoeuvrability. 

 

person riding a scooter with text 'The height of the T-bar should be at navel height or just slightly above when measured from the ground up'person riding a scooter with text 'The height of the T-bar should be at navel height or just slightly above when measured from the ground up'

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What should you look for in a stunt scooter deck?

Stunt scooter decks differ in width and length. Larger decks provide added stability and control, making them a preferable choice for adults, teens, and intermediate riders. Larger decks are also far stronger than smaller variants. The Terra Firma Stunt Scooter is a great all-around choice, featuring a wider deck to maximise stability and performance.

For air tricks, a lighter and narrower deck is preferable. For stunt scooters, a one-piece deck is far stronger than a two-piece since it’s not foldable and offers far more durability.

Stunt scooter brakes

When purchasing a new complete stunt scooter consider whether a fixed brake or a spring brake is most suitable for you. Sprung brakes are easier to depress with the heel of your foot, whereas a fixed brake will provide more control. However, fixed brakes do tend to be trickier for lightweight riders to use effectively – smaller riders may find themselves having to operate a fixed brake by pushing town with their toe to create enough force to slow the scooter down.

Scooter headsets

The headset is one of the most vital parts of your stunt scooter. It’s the mechanism that allows the bar and deck to spin when doing tricks. Two Bare Feet offer scooters with both threaded and threadless headsets. Threaded headsets are great for beginners as they have a lower price point. Whereas threadless headsets offer a smoother ride. 

 

scooter on its side with text 'What you want to get out of your scooter grips will influence your choice of material'scooter on its side with text 'What you want to get out of your scooter grips will influence your choice of material'

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Stunt scooter grips

What you want to get out of your scooter grips will influence your choice of material. Rubber grips are durable and long-wearing. Silicone grips are softer, and provide increased grip, but do tend to wear faster. Foam grips are also available; however, they won’t protect your hands from high-impact stunts as well as other premium materials. At Two Bare Feet, we offer both silicone and rubber scooter grips in a range of colours.

What bearings should I choose?

Bearings are rated with an 'ABEC rating'. The higher the ABEC rating, the tighter the tolerances, giving a much smoother ride at speed, but many riders will find that they are less durable. You may also see splash-proof bearings, which have a rubber flange over the face of the bearing that helps to prevent dirt and moisture penetrating the moving parts.

Best scooter wheels

Scooter wheels are available in a variety of materials, each of which will bring a different quality to your ride. Alloy core wheels tend to be the strongest option and are favoured for their ability to carry more momentum. Alternatively, plastic wheels are far lighter, but they lack durability and can struggle under the force of larger tricks.

Most scooter wheels are available 100mm or 110mm in diameter. Smaller wheels are more compact. Whereas the 110mm have an expanded rolling radius, providing a faster, smoother ride.

Wheels are also measured by the durometer, meaning how hard they are. Although the durometer scale ranges from 0 – 100, 80 – 90 is considered optimum for scooter wheels.  At Two Bare Feet, all our scooter wheels have an 88a durometer for a great, firm ride. 

 

close up of scooter wheel with text 'At Two Bare Feet, all our scooter wheels have an 88a durometer for a great, firm ride'close up of scooter wheel with text 'At Two Bare Feet, all our scooter wheels have an 88a durometer for a great, firm ride'

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Stunt scooter materials

Our complete stunt scooters are designed to resist the impact of large tricks and heavy landings. This means they need to be robust but lightweight when moving through the air. Often this results in scooters being made from high-quality alloy materials such as aluminium, chrome, or steel.

 

Finding a stunt scooter for the right price

In many cases, the higher the amount spent on a scooter, the better the overall quality – particularly for pro-level riders. For lower-intermediate riders, it’s probably better to spend less. A great option for both new and experienced riders is the Two Bare Feet’s Cipher Stunt scooter– it offers a durable, stylish and high-quality design at an affordable price.

Colour and style options

Two Bare Feet has complete stunt scooters across a range of incredible colourways – from single-colour designs to shiny neochrome models. You’ll be sure to find one to best suit your personality.

The complete stunt scooter and accessories

Our extensive selection of Two Bare Feet complete stunt scooters are designed to withstand the pressures of the skate park. Our scooters and parts are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring a comfortable, durable, and high-performing ride. Whether you’re completely new to scooters or an advanced rider, our range is bound to satisfy your needs and help you master your favourite tricks. 

If you are just looking to upgrade or repair your current ride, we offer an extensive selection of scooter parts and accessories.