When buying a scooter for yourself or someone else for the first time, it can be hard to choose the right scooter. Hopefully this guide will help you get an idea of what scooter you should go for.

Intended Use:

The first thing to consider when buying a scooter is how the rider intends to use it.

  • For a 12 month old, a convertible 3 wheel scooter with a seat is the best introduction.
  • For 2-6 year old kids learning to ride a scooter, a 3 wheel scooter is just what they need.
  • For a 5-9 year old learning their first tricks, the kids freestyle scooter are a great choice.
  • Over 9 years old and definitely keen to learn more tricks at the skatepark? A freestyle scooter is ideal for you.
  • Once you’ve reached a more intermediate/advanced level, tricks for street and skateparks are best done on a custom freestyle scooter that’s designed for the rider and their riding style. You can fully customise your scooter by choosing each part that best suit you.
  • For someone who wants to ride along the beach or travel to work, a commuter scooter or electric scooter is the perfect pick.
  • If you’re travelling a lot and want something portable and easy to carry around, a foldable scooter will fit just about anywhere.
  • A bit more hard core? You want to ride off road trails or dirt jumps? Go with a off road/dirt scooter!

Age/Height:

Once you know what the scooter’s intended use is, the next step is to find the right size. To determine the perfect size, stand with one foot on the ground and one foot on the deck of the scooter with both hands on the bars. The angle between the upper body and lower arm should be just over 90 degrees. Another way of saying this is the top of the scooter should sit somewhere between the hips and the belly button.

Price:

Once you know the type of scooter and the correct height, the next thing to consider is your budget. The average price of a quality scooter for each type ranges as follow:

  • 3 wheel scooter: $120-$220.
  • Kids freestyle scooter: $130-$230.
  • Freestyle scooter: $150-$400.
  • Custom freestyle scooter: $400-$1400.
  • Commuter scooter: $250-$350.
  • Electric scooter: $800-$2800.
  • Foldable Scooter: $150-$350.
  • Dirt Scooter: $200-$400.

Features:

There can be large differences in prices of scooters, and to the untrained eye the cheapest and most expensive scooter may look the same. The trick here is to find a scooter with as many features as possible for the price you are willing to pay. The largest differences in features between the lower range and higher range scooter are usually:

Lower Range Scooter Higher Range Scooter
100mm Wheels 120mm Wheels
Plastic Core Wheels Aluminium Core Wheels
Threaded Compression Threadless Compression (IHC/HIC/SCS)
Steel Bars Chromoly/Aluminium Bars
Steel Fork Forged Aluminium Fork
Non Integrated Bearing Cups Integrated Bearing Cups
Lower Quality Bearings Higher Quality Bearings
Thinner Aluminium Deck with Less Reinforcement Thicker Aluminium Deck with More Reinforcement
Painted with Stickers Anodized/Hydrodipped with Painted on Graphics
Heavier Lighter
Lower Quality Griptape and Grips Higher Quality Griptape and Grips
More difficult to service/upgrade Easier to service/upgrade

Brand/Appearance:

Once you have figured out everything else, the final thing to work out is how you would like your scooter to look. This is completely subjective so there is no need for advice but pick a scooter that appeals to you. Maybe there is one that just feels amazing to ride due to its dimensions. Maybe you just like the way a particular scooter looks or maybe there’s a brand that you are familiar with or like their designs. It could just be that you like the colour of one. There might be one that’s almost perfect but you don’t like one particular part, that’s not a problem, scooters are made to be customised!

If you still can’t decide or want some advice on choosing the right scooter, email (sales@myscooterlab.com.au) or call us at 07 5599 3946.  Or better yet, come see us at the store (My Scooter Lab, Shop 44a The Strand Shopping Centre, Coolangatta QLD)!

Remember it’s not always about the destination, but about the journey. Keep riding, have fun and stay safe.