.png "John M Hanna Cycles")
"Is a scooter just a scooter?" It's a fair question, and one we hear a lot. In fact there are two quite different types: the everyday kick scooter for getting from A to B, and the stunt scooter built for tricks and skate parks. Choosing the right one makes a big difference to how much it gets used.
Here's a plain-English comparison from our family-run shop in Lisburn.
Message us on WhatsAppCall 028 9267 9575
What is a kick scooter?
A kick scooter (sometimes called a commuter or folding scooter) is built for getting about: to school, to the shops or round the park. Typical features include:
- A folding frame, so it's easy to carry or store.
- Adjustable handlebars that can grow with the rider.
- Larger, softer wheels in many models, for a smoother roll over pavements.
- A longer deck for comfortable cruising.
The trade-off is that the folding joint and adjustable bars are moving parts. They aren't designed for jumps and hard landings.
What is a stunt scooter?
A stunt scooter (also called a trick or pro scooter) is built to be thrown about. Typical features include:
- No folding joint and fixed-height bars, for strength and less rattle.
- A one-piece deck that takes knocks.
- Smaller, harder wheels that are quick to spin and flick.
- A compression system that keeps the bars and fork tight under landings.
Side by side: the key differences
| Kick scooter | Stunt scooter | |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Getting about | Tricks and skate parks |
| Folding | Usually yes | No |
| Bar height | Usually adjustable | Fixed |
| Wheels | Often larger and softer | Smaller and harder |
| Built for jumps | No | Yes |
Which should you choose?
Ask what your child actually wants to do with it:
- Mostly riding to school or the park? A kick scooter is likely the better fit.
- Watching scooter videos, talking about bunny hops and tail whips, or asking to go to the skate park? Go for a stunt scooter.
- Somewhere in between? A stunt scooter can still be ridden around town, but it won't fold and the bars won't adjust, so it's worth getting the size right first.
The stunt scooter we stock: BERG Proxus X1
If a stunt scooter is the answer, the one we stock is the BERG Proxus X1. It's made for beginner to intermediate riders. We'd say it suits riders from about age 6, though BERG's own spec sheet says 8 and up, and it takes a maximum rider weight of 100 kg. It has a one-piece aluminium deck, a chromoly steel Y-bar, 110 mm wheels with aluminium cores, an IHC compression system and a flex fender brake, and BERG lists it at 3.59 kg.
It comes in Blue/Lime, Green/Orange and Grey/Pink. You can have it built in the shop for collection (there's a small extra charge, shown on the product page) or take it boxed for home assembly.
Buy now: Blue/LimeBuy now: Green/OrangeBuy now: Grey/Pink
For a deeper look at sizes, decks and wheels, see our stunt scooter buying guide.
Don't forget the helmet
Whichever scooter you choose, a properly fitted helmet should go on every ride. Browse our children's helmets and youth helmets, and see our scooter care and safety gear checklist for easy checks to keep a scooter safe.
Where to ride
If you go for a stunt scooter, you'll want somewhere to use it. Our stunt scooter FAQ lists council skate parks near Lisburn, including Skate 100 in Newtownabbey and the parks in Comber and Newtownards, plus news on Lisburn's own skate park at Bells Lane.
Still not sure? Ask us
The quickest way to decide is to bring the rider in and talk it through. We'll give you honest advice, whichever way you go.
John M Hanna Cycles
11-15 Chapel Hill, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 1EP
Phone: 028 9267 9575
www.jmhcycles.co.uk