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A stunt scooter takes a lot of punishment. Every jump, drop and tail whip puts strain on the bolts, wheels and bars. The good news is that a few minutes of checking before a session keeps it safer, quieter and lasting longer, and you don't need a workshop to do it.
Here's the simple routine we suggest to families who call into John M Hanna Cycles in Lisburn. If you're still choosing a scooter, start with our stunt scooter buying guide.
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Before every ride: the two-minute check
Get into the habit of these quick checks before heading out:
- Bars and clamp. Stand in front of the scooter, hold the front wheel between your knees and try to twist the bars. They shouldn't move.
- Front end rattle. Hold the bars and rock the scooter forwards and backwards with the front wheel pressed into the ground. Any clunk or knock suggests the compression needs attention.
- Wheels. Spin each wheel. It should turn smoothly and quietly, without wobbling.
- Brake. Press the rear brake with your foot. It should spring back up and slow the wheel.
- Griptape. Make sure it's still gritty and not peeling at the edges.
The clamp and compression system
The compression system holds the fork, headset and bars together. On the BERG Proxus X1 it's an IHC system with a double clamp. If the bars feel loose, or you hear a knocking from the front when landing, stop riding and get it sorted before the next session. Loose bars can easily lead to a fall.
If you're not confident tightening things up yourself, or something still doesn't feel right, pop in and we'll take a look.
Wheels and bearings
Stunt scooter wheels are polyurethane and wear down over time, especially with tricks that scrape. Look for:
- Flat spots or chunks missing from the wheel.
- Cracks in the wheel or around the core.
- Grinding or rough spinning, which usually points to dirty or worn bearings.
Keep the scooter out of puddles where you can. Water and grit are hard on bearings, and Northern Ireland weather doesn't help. After a wet ride, wipe it down and let it dry indoors. Wet concrete is slippery too, and some skate park rules (Bridges in Belfast, for example) say not to ride when it's wet.
Griptape
Griptape keeps feet planted on landing. Once it wears smooth, feet can slip off the deck. Brush off mud and dirt, and keep an eye on the edges and the middle of the deck, where it wears fastest.
The brake
Most stunt scooters, including the Proxus X1, use a flex fender brake over the back wheel. Check that it isn't cracked, that its bolts are tight, and that it springs back after pressing. Make sure younger riders know how to use it before they need it.
Safety gear: helmet first
A helmet is the one piece of kit that should go on every single ride. Among our helmets we stock the Tiger T1 Napper, and you can browse the full range of children's helmets and youth helmets.
Check the fit every so often, as children grow quickly:
- It should sit level, just above the eyebrows.
- It shouldn't slide around when they shake their head.
- The straps should form a "V" under each ear, with about one finger's space under the chin strap.
Replace a helmet after a big knock, even if it looks fine.
Pads and protection
Knee and elbow pads take the sting out of falls while learning, and wrist guards and gloves help too. Some skate parks recommend them. Skate 100 in Newtownabbey, for example, suggests helmets, gloves, and arm and leg protection. We stock the Oxford Junior Protective Knee and Elbow Pad Set, and you can ask us about wrist guards when you call in.
You'll find more on where to ride in our stunt scooter FAQ.
Still choosing a scooter?
If you're deciding between a scooter for getting about and one for tricks, our kick scooter vs stunt scooter comparison explains the difference.
Pop in and see us
If something on your scooter doesn't feel right, or you'd like help choosing and fitting a helmet, call in. We're a family-run shop and always happy to help.
John M Hanna Cycles
11-15 Chapel Hill, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 1EP
Phone: 028 9267 9575
www.jmhcycles.co.uk