Ready to drop into the skatepark but feeling lost in a sea of stunt scooters? Entering the thrilling domain of freestyle scootering will be a landmark event in the life of any beginner. Having such a great variety of options available at local skate parks can easily be quite confusing in the first place. But no matter whether you are going to learn to hop like a rabbit or ride down the quarter pipes gracefully, having the right gear from the start makes all the difference. Let’s get straight into what you should know when picking up your first freestyle scooter.
Start with a Factory-Complete Scooter
It is always advisable to buy factory-complete scooters when you are just getting started. This is because creating a customised scooter is extremely difficult and requires vast technical knowledge about component compatibilities, sizes, and even compression systems, which can prove very costly if mistakes are made. The advantage of purchasing a factory-complete scooter is that everything will fit perfectly without causing any stress.
Choosing a Quality Brand
Ethic DTC has consistently set the standard in freestyle scootering ever since it was founded in France by pro rider Kevin Demay. The rider-owned company was created with a clear mission: to design high-performance, rider-tested gear that stays accessible to everyone.
Known worldwide for pioneering lightweight tech and sleek designs, they deliver remarkably strong, reliable Ethic complete scooters and individual parts that don’t break the bank. Instead of releasing generic setups, Ethic builds complete scooters tailored to specific riding styles so beginners can start on gear that matches their goals.
In terms of selection, the Ethic Erawan stands out as an ideal pick for beginners. The Ethic Erawan scooter is known for its incredibly lightweight design, which makes a huge difference when you’re just learning how to get the deck off the ground. Because it’s free of unnecessary weight, beginners can practice spins, bunny hops, and basic aerial stunts without getting worn out.
Apart from the widely known Erawan models, the company produces other great complete setups and individual components built for various riding styles. For example, Ethic Pandora models feature heavy-duty construction that allows riders to hit urban streets and withstand heavy impact on concrete. By choosing from their wide selection of Ethic complete scooters, you’re sure to find a set that fits your style.
Key Features to Consider
Having a grasp of the physical features of a freestyle scooter will help you understand just how every feature impacts your performance.
The wheels are perhaps one of the most important features of your setup, considering that they determine your speed as well as the amount of traction you will have. Most high-quality freestyle scooters usually feature aluminium core wheels that are around 110mm in diameter. These larger wheels allow for a smooth roll over rougher surfaces while still offering plenty of grip to make quick turns inside bowl transitions.
The weight of your setup directly impacts how easy it is to perform aerial tricks. The lighter the deck and handlebars are, the easier it will be to flick and spin the scooter when landing tricks like tailwhips or barspins.
It is also crucial to measure for the correct size, as this is another key factor when choosing a freestyle scooter. The top of the handlebars should sit somewhere between hip level and your navel when standing flat on the deck. If the bars are either too high or too low, maintaining your balance and keeping control will be much more difficult.
Safety Tips
Riding at the skatepark can be an absolute blast, but staying safe should always be your number one priority.
Always wear a helmet when riding your scooter. A helmet protects your head from potential injuries, since you never know when you might end up falling hard onto the concrete.
Also, think about using additional protective equipment like knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards while you are still getting used to the tricks. Wrist guards in particular are useful for beginners since they will probably use their hands to catch themselves when they fall.
Always perform a quick check of your scooter before you begin riding it each day. Ensure all the clamp bolts are tightly secured and that the wheels turn freely without any unusual wobbling.
Where to Start with Tricks
While landing your first tricks can be scary at first, you can easily simplify the learning process so it feels less overwhelming.
Start off with the basic bunny hop that is used as the starting point for most other tricks. This entails bending your knees slightly and pulling up on the handlebars as you jump up using the deck.
After getting the hang of the basic bunny hop, you can learn other basics, such as manuals or one-eighty degree rotations. It is important to practice these basics on flat ground before trying them out on ramps or transitions.
In the skatepark, patience will be your best tool. There is no need to rush any part of the process; take it slow and remember to respect other riders.
