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Two questions come up again and again at the counter here at John M Hanna Cycles on Chapel Hill: "Where can they actually ride it?" and "What's a good first stunt scooter?" We've gathered the answers in one place for families in Lisburn, Belfast and across Northern Ireland.
If you want the full detail on sizes, decks and wheels, have a read of our stunt scooter buying guide.
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Where can I ride a stunt scooter in Lisburn?
Lisburn doesn't have a public skate park just yet, but one is on the way. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is developing the city's first skate park beside the Lisburn BMX track at Bells Lane Park. The council said it expected the new facility to open by summer 2026, so check the council's Bells Lane Park update for the latest before you go.
What skate parks are near Lisburn?
Until Bells Lane is open, these council parks are within reach:
- Skate 100 @ V36, Newtownabbey. At V36 Valley Park (BT36 7LJ), this is one of the largest skate parks in the UK and Ireland, and the council lists scooters among the things it's suited to. It's open dawn to dusk, and electric scooters aren't allowed. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: Skate 100
- Comber. Ards and North Down Borough Council lists a skate park at Muckers Field, 53 Upper Crescent, Comber (BT23 5BH).
- Newtownards. The same council lists a skate park and a pump track at the Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, 1 Dairy Hall Lane, Newtownards (BT23 4DB). Both are on the council's play parks list.
Rules and opening times can change, so it's always worth checking the council page and the signs at the park.
Can I take a scooter to Bridges Urban Sports Park in Belfast?
Check first. Bridges Urban Sports Park, under the M3 flyover near Custom House Square, is Belfast City Council's urban sports park. Its published rules list parkour, skateboarding, inline skating and BMX. Scooters aren't on that list, so contact the council before taking a scooter along.
What's the best stunt scooter for a beginner in Northern Ireland?
The best first scooter is one that fits the rider, is light enough for them to lift, and is built well enough to take knocks while they learn. It doesn't need to be the most expensive one going.
The stunt scooter 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 an aluminium deck, chromoly bars, 110 mm wheels and an IHC compression system, and BERG lists it at 3.59 kg. That makes it a sensible scooter to learn on and to keep progressing with.
It comes in three colours:
Buy now: Blue/LimeBuy now: Green/OrangeBuy now: Grey/Pink
What age should my child be for a stunt scooter?
Check the manufacturer's guidance. For the BERG Proxus X1, BERG's spec sheet says 8 and up, though in our experience it suits many riders from about 6. Just as important are the rider's confidence and whether they can comfortably lift and control the scooter. If you're not sure, bring them into the shop and let them try it for size.
Should I buy a stunt scooter or a kick scooter?
If they mainly want to get to school or the park, a folding kick scooter may suit them better. If they want to learn tricks, a stunt scooter is the one. We've written a separate post on kick scooters vs stunt scooters to help you decide.
Do they need a helmet at the skate park?
Yes, every time. The Skate 100 page recommends helmets, gloves and arm and leg protection, and the Bridges rules ask for a helmet as a minimum. Have a look at our children's helmets and youth helmets, and see our scooter care and safety gear checklist for what to check before every session.
Can you build the scooter for me?
Yes. On the BERG Proxus X1 you can choose a shop-built option for collection in store (there's a small extra charge for this, shown on the product page), or a boxed version for home assembly.
Come and see us
Whether you're in Lisburn, Belfast or further afield, the easiest way to choose is in person. Bring the rider along and we'll help you get it right.
John M Hanna Cycles
11-15 Chapel Hill, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 1EP
Phone: 028 9267 9575
www.jmhcycles.co.uk