Regular vs. Pro Scooters: What's the Difference?
Since the release of the Razor scooter in 2000, scooters have come a long way. Once seen merely as toys for kids, they have evolved into popular means of transportation and an exciting pastime.
Today, scooter enthusiasts are known for their impressive tricks and stunts, making trick riding one of the most compelling reasons to own a scooter. Whether you're just starting or advancing to more complex stunts, having the right scooter is essential for your progress.
When shopping for scooters online, one of the first questions you'll likely encounter is whether to choose a regular scooter or a pro one. Let's dive into the differences so you can decide which type is right for you.
Regular Scooters
Regardless of your skill level, regular scooters, also known as complete scooters, are excellent for both beginners and advanced riders. They come equipped with everything you need to start riding and learning tricks. Here are some reasons to choose a regular scooter:
Professionally Engineered
Regular scooters are designed by professionals who understand the intricacies of the sport. They consider factors like durability, weight distribution, and balance to create performance-optimized scooters. You'll find a wide range of regular scooters online, all offering a reliable and comfortable riding experience whether you're a novice or an experienced rider.
Cost-Effective
Building a custom pro scooter isn't exactly cheap, especially when purchasing premium parts. Regular scooters, on the other hand, offer a more affordable option. You can find high-quality complete scooters at great prices, making them accessible for riders on a budget.
Time-Efficient
Carefully analyzing and sourcing each component for a pro scooter can be time-consuming. As a beginner, you might not have the expertise to choose the right parts. Regular scooters allow you to hit the ramps or streets immediately, eliminating the hassle of finding and assembling matching parts.
Durability and Compatibility
Opting for a regular scooter ensures that every part is engineered to function seamlessly as a unit. This compatibility enhances durability, reducing the likelihood of components wearing out prematurely or performing poorly.
Performance Tested
Scooters are put through extensive testing by manufacturers to make sure they live up to safety and performance regulations. These examinations ensure that the scooter is capable of meeting the demands of trick riding. You might not get the same degree of performance and safety guarantee when creating a custom scooter.
Warranty
Regular scooters usually come with manufacturer warranties and support. This means you can rely on the manufacturer for help if you encounter any problems or defects. With a custom-built scooter, you might not receive the same level of assistance, leaving you to troubleshoot and repair on your own.
Pro Scooters
Pro scooters can take time to assemble and are generally more costly, but they offer full control over aesthetics and features. Here’s what sets them apart from regular scooters:
Non-Adjustable Handlebars
Pro scooters are designed for stunts and tricks, so the handlebars need to be secure. Adjustable bars might fail and collapse upon landing. To shorten or lower the bar on a pro scooter, it must be cut. Regular scooters' adjustable handlebars generally can't withstand the same level of abuse.
Sturdier Material
Pro scooters are typically constructed with more durable materials, such as steel or aluminium, to withstand the impacts of stunts. These robust and resilient materials endure the abuse of tricks while remaining lightweight enough for effortless movement.
Wider Deck
Pro scooters feature wider decks than conventional scooters, providing extra stability. The larger deck gives riders more room to land tricks and lock into grinds. This increased surface area enhances control, allowing for more intricate maneuvers.
Larger Wheels
Larger wheels on pro scooters offer greater traction and stability, enabling faster and steadier rides. They also provide better grip on surfaces, making carving easier and more controllable. Additionally, larger wheels absorb more shock during stunts, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
Higher Price Tag
Due to their higher-quality parts, pro scooters are typically more expensive than regular scooters. These parts often include stronger and lighter metals like steel, titanium, and aluminium. Pro scooters also feature better brakes, handlebars, and wheels.
Customisable
One of the main attractions of pro scooters is their customizability. Unlike regular scooters, pro scooters allow you to alter the handlebar type, wheel size, deck shape, and deck size to suit your preferences and riding style. This level of personalization lets you create a unique scooter tailored to your needs, enhancing your riding experience and helping you reach your full potential.
As you can see, skilled scooter riders who desire total control over their setup find great satisfaction in creating a bespoke scooter. A standard scooter is a better alternative for novices and those looking for an affordable, hassle-free solution.
Brands to Consider
If you decide to go for a regular scooter, here are some brands to consider:
Envy
Envy offers a range of regular scooters for every taste. Their well-balanced and durable rides are perfect for novice riders. The One S3 and Colt cater to first-time riders, the Envy Prodigy is ideal for intermediate riders, and the KOS is suited for experts. Their excellent quality represents a terrific value, making them an appealing choice.
Fuzion
Hailing from America, Fuzion has quickly become a popular choice for freestyle scooters. The Fuzion Z300 and Z350 boast innovative features and design, while the Fuzion Z250 offers excellent value for money as an entry-level option.
Longway
Longway focuses on high performance, making their scooters a favourite among more experienced riders who frequently perform acrobatics and tricks. Longway's bars are renowned for their high quality, making them a sought-after choice.
In conclusion, whether you opt for a regular scooter or a pro scooter depends on your needs, budget, and level of experience. Regular scooters offer a convenient, cost-effective entry into the world of scooter riding, while pro scooters provide the customization and durability needed for advanced stunts and tricks. Choose the right scooter for you and enjoy the ride!