Sportsmans Warehouse

KicK scOOTer components
deck • head tube • headset • grip tape • fork • handlebars • wheels • bearings • brakes • folding action
Deck
Material: Most of the modern, urban kick scooters have decks made from lightweight
aluminium or steel. Quality scooters are made from 100% aircraft-grade
aluminium. Some do, however, have wood laminate or wood-and-fibreglass
laminate decks. A urethane cushion might be placed between the deck and the frame for shock-absorption.
Size: Decks range in length between about 16 and 23 inches (40 and 58 cm) and the most common widths are
4½” and 4” (11,5 and 10 cm). Wider decks suit bigger riders with bigger feet, while narrower decks are easier
to handle for the smaller or inexperienced rider. Cruiser kick scooters are wider, offering more foot space and a
smooth ride. Some children’s scooters have wider decks for stability.
construction: Scooters used for tricks can have decks that are reinforced, thicker and double-welded to the
down-tube. All scooters are rated to carry up to certain maximum weights of rider.
heaD tuBe
This is the front part of the deck where the fork and bars are mounted. Head tubes are available in several
angles to provide a choice of feel when riding.
heaDSet
This component is fitted into the head tube and is designed to keep the fork on the scooter.
It can be threaded or threadless and the kind of headset you choose will determine the
kind of fork you can ride.
Grip tape
This rough material must be applied, just as on a skateboard, to help your feet grip the deck.
Fork
The fork fits into the head tube. Forks can be threaded or threadless. Aluminium forks are usually
fork
threadless, while steel forks are usually threadless but can be threaded. The handlebar piece is
fitted into the fork and kept in place with a collar clamp, which must be strong and solid, particularly
for tricks. Double, triple and quadruple clamps are available. The fork is compatible with the wheel size.
hanDleBarS
pieces: One-piece and three-piece bars are available. One-piece bars are usually made
from 4130 chromoly steel, but aluminium bars are beginning to appear.
headset
height adjustment: Many handlebars are adjustable from 22 up to 36 inches (56 to 91 cm) and can be moved
by means of a quick-release or push pin. Some scooters offer a choice of fixed-height (and width) handlebars.
The ideal height for handlebars is at the level of the rider’s navel.
Steering: Most scooters have T-style handlebars which you turn to steer the scooter. Some scooters have fixed
handlebars which only serve to balance the rider, who has to lean in order to turn the scooter. Others have ballstyle
handlebars with a simple rubber ball-grip, serving to balance the rider who rides the scooter surfer-style,
leaning side-to-side to turn.
Grips: These are usually soft rubber. Some have extra-thick foam padding, while other, high-end trick scooters
have low-profile grips to enhance mobility.
clamp
bar
head tube
grip
clamp
folding mechanism
deck
WheelS
Size: Diameters start at about 110 mm and
go up to just over 200 mm, depending on
the size and design of the scooter.
Smaller wheels go reasonably fast and smoothly and are
more suitable for tricks. Larger wheels will cope with uneven
pavements more easily, but are not recommended for tricks.
Material: Smaller (standard) wheels are usually made of
solid polyurethane with a small hub. Larger wheels generally
have a spoked metal construction covered by a thin, polyurethane tyre.
BearinGS
Each wheel has two bearings and a bearer spacer in the middle to prevent
damage from over-tightening.
Replacement bearings are available in sets of four. The American ABEC scale for
bearings applies, with higher ratings providing faster rolling with less friction.
ABEC 5 is the norm for many kick scooters
ABEC 7 bearings are used in some highly spec’d trick scooters
BrakeS
The most common is a very simple fender brake.
The rider steps on the rear fender which is mounted on a hinged spring,
then the fender presses against the wheel to stop it.
grip tape
FolDinG action
brake
Most scooters fold up quickly and easily. Simply unlock the joint
release lever, fold the scooter and re-lock the mechanism to hold
the scooter in the folded position. Compact folded size and light
weight make these scooters extremely portable.
Pro scooters used for tricks are typically not foldable.
three-WheeleD DeSiGn
wheel with bearings
smooth
your ride
These scooters are suitable for younger children, as they are more stable,
closer to the ground and have an easy stick steering mechanism.
E&OE