How to choose a stunt scooter

Those who choose stunt scooter models over traditional scooters usually do so because of their exceptional durability and freestyle-ready design. A stunt scooter's parts are often reinforced for strength, for example, which helps to explain why they are usually heavier than more traditional scooters. Nor do they tend to feature a folding mechanism or adjustable handlebar height.

Instead of the latter, a stunt scooter usually has a one-piece handlebar for strength. It's important not to stereotype freestyle scooters too much, however. While 4.5kg is an average weight for such a scooter, stunt scooters have also become more technologically sophisticated in recent years. This means you may be able to pick up a freestyle scooter that weighs as little as 3.5kg.

The task of how to choose a stunt scooter becomes a much easier one when you boil it down to a few basic factors. One of those factors is money, of course. On one hand, the more you spend on a stunt scooter, the better quality it is likely to be. But if you're buying your first-ever freestyle scooter, you don't necessarily need to buy a range-topping model anyway.

If you're a more experienced stunt scooter rider, though, a higher-end model will probably make much more sense. After all, such a scooter will probably last much longer than a cheaper alternative. Potential buyers at this end of the market should keep a lookout for the likes of compression kits, metal core wheels and fluted parts - all features that help to make a scooter better suited for skate-park use.

The handlebar of the scooter should be another point of focus. As we mentioned above, freestyle scooters tend to have a fixed one-piece handlebar. However, you will need to ensure the fixed height is appropriate. We would urge you to go for a handlebar that is as close to mid-torso as possible. There isn't necessarily anything wrong, though, with the handlebar being at waist height. After all, stunt scooters are supposed to be easy to manoeuvre and perform stunts, so they can sometimes be quite small.

Weight capacity is another key factor when it comes to choosing between stunt scooters. Most freestyle scooters these days can support between 50kg and 100kg, which is easily sufficient for not only the average kid but also many adults. Remember, however, that while stunt scooters are now often made from lightweight aluminium, wider decks and various reinforcements can push up the scooter's weight. This may make them a little more cumbersome to lift and move around.

Carefully pore over all of these details when you are comparing freestyle scooters and you'll have a good chance of finding the perfect fit for you.