Hey there!  We get quite a few questions similar to this:

"My son/daughter wants to build a custom scooter.  Is that possible?  Are all the parts compatible?  What parts are needed?"

If this is you, or you're the son/daughter, we can help.  This first article will focus on what parts you need to build your own custom pro scooter.  Future posts will cover more details about each of the parts, like bars, forks and decks.  So let's get started...

Here's the quick list of parts you'll need.  Additional info can be found below.

1. Deck
2. Fork
3. Headset
4. Wheels
5. Bars
6. Grips
7. Griptape
8. Clamp or compression system

Deck - the part of the scooter that you stand on.  Most custom builds start with the deck and the build out from there.  Things to consider; width, length, boxed-end or not.

Fork - does two things; holds the bars so you can turn and holds the front wheel.  Two basic types of forks; HIC/SCS or IHC.  Don't get caught up in the acronyms.  Just remember this:  HIC/SCS goes with oversized bars, IHC goes with either standard sized bars or aluminum bars.

Headset - bearings/spacers/dust cover all to help the bars spin smoothly.  Almost all are compatible across brands.  Most come with a spacer for HIC/SCS forks.  IHC forks typically come with their own headset spacer.

 

Wheels - no explanation needed, right?  Well...Things to consider; diameter size (100mm, 110mm, 120mm, 125mm), rim type (spoked, hollow core, full core), bearings (measured by ABEC tolerance).  Decks and forks need to support the diameter size.

Bars - what you use to steer your scooter.  Things to consider:  Height, width, material (steel, titanium, aluminum), straight Tbar or with design, backsweep or not.  Forks and bars need to be compatible.  Remember the fork note:  Oversized bars go with HIC/SCS forks, standard size and aluminum bars go with IHC forks.

Grips - the soft rubber things that you hold onto.  These slide on to your bars.  Things to consider; length, thickness, softness.

 

Griptape - sandpaper-like material that adheres to the deck and keeps your feet from sliding off the deck.  Things to consider; width, length, gritty-ness, color, design.

Clamp or compression system - the part that secures the bars to the fork.  Things to consider; outside diameter of your bars.  For clamps, oversized clamps fit oversized bars or aluminum bars.  Standard-sized clamps fit standard-sized diameter bars.  Another type of system is called SCS and this system includes both the clamping mechanism and the system that secures the bars.

 or

NOTES

Headsets are common sizes and fit 99.9% of all decks.

Aluminum bars are STANDARD sized on the inside and OVERSIZED on the outside.  Most customs that use aluminum bars use an IHC fork and an oversized clamp.

Grips come with bar ends.  Some grips come with two sets of bar ends; a set for aluminum bars and another set for all other bars.

OK, let's stop here.  We've thrown a lot of info at you.  Read over it again.  And call if you have questions.

Thank you!

Pro Scooter Shop team

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome!  We'll keep you updated on the pro scooter scene here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!  Hit us up with questions, or if you know of an event, let us know.

Saturday, June 1st, 2019

Join us for a free ride event at the Bellevue Skatepark outdoor plaza.  Shred with other riders, enjoy some BBQ'ed hotdogs and drinks, and register for the raffle!

Location:  14224 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue, WA 98007

Fee:  Free

Saturday, July 20th, 2019

Pacific Northwest's best and biggest pro scooter competition!  5th Annual The Muk Games sponsored by the YMCA Mukilteo and the Pro Scooter Shop.

Location:  10601 47th Pl W, Mukilteo, WA 98275

Fee:  $15 YMCA pass holders/$25 for all other contestants (includes lunch)

Saturday, August 17th/Sunday, August 18th, 2019

Portland Street Jam

 

Saturday, August 24th/Sunday, August 25th, 2019

Seattle Street Jam pro scooter event

Wednesday, August 28th, 2019

Sammamish Pro Scooter competition!

Location:  801 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA 98075

Registration opens at 4:30pm, competition starts at 5pm

Fee:  $5 for contestants, must sign waiver

October 2019

Pacific Scooter Experience scooter competition!  Bringing back a local comp at the indoor scooter park in Redmond, WA.  Perfect indoor venue for the younger riders to get a taste of fun competition.  But also rugged enough to challenge the local riders to showcase their skills.

Location:  14766 NE 95th St, Redmond, WA  98052

Fee:  $10 for contestants

 

Welcome to the Pro Scooter Shop, or PSS, Spotlight series!   This short article and video series will take on anything and everything related to the sport of Pro Scooters.   We'll start with the basics about pro scooters, and then progress to rider interviews, event highlights and other scooter stories.

What is a mini pro scooter?  Is there really such a thing?  Read our fact-filled article and get the skinny on minis.

In our local world of too much traffic, crowded parking lots, and almost fanatical desire to be kind to Mother Earth, we’re always on the lookout for alternatives to commuting. So what’s trending now might surprise you: Scooters.

Yep, Scooters. They’ve been around for decades but have always played second fiddle to skateboards and bikes. Not anymore. With the introduction of pro scooters several years ago, they have taken off globally as a sport, and are quickly becoming the recreational choice for kids and teens at the local skate parks.

And now they can also help you get to work.

Young professionals are beginning to use scooters to travel between office buildings in Redmond, Bellevue and Seattle. The scooter’s compact design makes it easy to pack up when not in use or when hopping on the bus, which makes the link between home and the bus quicker and easier. And these aren’t electric scooters. Instead, they rely on good old-fashioned foot power. But far from old-fashioned, these new scooters have an attitude.

We caught up with Aaron, a local Creative Director, who rides the 5Starr Rebel: “I have to say, I love the urban scooters. There so much fun to get around town on. That in and of itself is worth it.”

Today’s scooters are a larger, more stable version of the kid’s scooters: taller handle bars, a wider deck to stand on, and larger wheels that tolerate uneven surfaces better. Some even come with beverage holders.

If you’re looking for something that will turn heads, then the Urban, or Dirt Scooter, is for you. Built from high-grade metal with rugged tires and a healthy dose of attitude.

 

Looking for something a little more conservative?  We're now carrying a line of adult scooters by Globber.  Check out this video:

S1 LIFER HELMET GREAT FIT + LIGHTWEIGHT + CERTIFIED PROTECTION = S1 LIFER HELMET

In 2010 we noticed some pro skateboarders and roller derby players were getting knocked out and in some instances getting traumatic brain injuries in traditional soft foam skate helmets. So we took the soft foam helmets into the testing lab and learned that the impact energy goes directly through the soft foam helmets and rattles the brain. We also learned that soft foam skate helmets FAIL the ASTM multiple impact test and they FAIL the CPSC high impact test.

So we set out to make a better and safer helmet. We came up with the S1 Lifer Helmet. The S1 Lifer Helmet is constructed with EPS Fusion Foam and is 5x more protective than soft foam skate helmets. The S1 Lifer Helmet passes the ASTM multiple impact test and the CPSC high impact test.

We have taken steps to educate the public about the S1 Lifer Helmet through videos and printed media but most skaters and parents did not know that traditional skate helmets did not pass any helmet safety standards. They usually only learned the difference after a head injury and that is too late. A Mom who watched her 15 year old son get knocked out for 5 minutes in the bottom of a pool while wearing a soft foam helmet later said to me, “I didn’t know there was a difference between the S1 Lifer Helmet and soft foam skate helmets. We bought the soft foam helmet at a local retailer and just figured it was a good helmet. I really wish I knew before.”

We made a helmet that we would want to wear and that we could 100% recommend to family, friends and team riders. When you are wearing an S1 Lifer Helmet you know that you are wearing the best and if you own a retail shop you know you are offering the best to your customers. – Dan McCashin Co Founder / S1 HELMETS 

Updated 9/12/2019!

Welcome (or welcome back)!  A few updates on what's new or new again.  I'm putting the Envy One back on the list (even though I don't care for the 2-piece bar), and adding the Dominator Sniper (ugh on the naming).

But first, the background...

"What is the right entry level pro scooter for my kid?"

We get a lot of questions in our Redmond, WA, scooter shop about the best entry level scooters.  A good question so thought it would be good to provide some input.  Let's start with defining what 'entry level' or beginner scooter means.

We define a 'pro scooter' as having these characteristics:

• Metal core wheels - can be solid core, honeycomb or spoked.  Just as long as they're metal
• Sealed bearings in the wheels and the headset
• Solid state - meaning they don't fold up, the bars don't adjust

Most of the time, this question comes from the parent/parents of the younger riders, say 7-11 years old, with little or no scooter experience.  For the most part, the entry level scooters are capable of performing the same tricks as the mid- and higher end scooters.  The difference can be in the size of the bars, usually lower (shorter) and not as wide (for the slimmer shoulders on younger riders).

Another difference is usually the scooter wheel size, which is generally 100mm on the entry levels.  The larger scooter wheels, 110mm and 120mm, offer a little more speed and higher clearance from the ground to the scooter deck.   The wheels can be customized, allowing the entry level rider to make simple changes that set their scooter apart from their friend's scooters.

NOTE:  While newer decks and forks generally support larger wheels, if you're not sure, just ask.  Some older decks and forks, and some smaller completes, may not support 120mm wheels.

For bar height, defined as where the top of the scooter bars hit the scooter rider, in general they like the bars to be between waist and belly button when standing on the scooter.  Younger riders can ride with slightly taller bars, allowing for them to grow with the scooter.  Here's another chart that gets more specific.

Read the chart like this:

1. Average distance between the bottom of the front wheel to the bottom of the bars is 9-10".
2. Add to that the height of the bars on the scooter (example:  20")
3. This number is the total distance, in inches, from the wheel to the top of the bars. (example:  9" + 20" = 29")
4. Now measure your kid from bottom of shoes up 29"
5. This is where the top of the bars would reach on your kid

Finally, I'm giving you averages and generalizations. Some kids are ok with shorter bars, some like taller.  The best thing to do is have your kid try out the different sizes.

Let's talk about prices.  No surprise, but the entry level scooters are less expensive than higher end scooters.  But that doesn't mean less quality. The decks are rugged and have great looking designs.  Some brands even come with a 'sticker pack' so your rider can customize his or her scooter.  Bars and grips are also well made and look good, but again, these can be customized (replaced) on most scooters.

Quick highlights, and then I'll fill in details over the next few weeks as the new products arrive.  But don't feel like you (or more likely, your young shredder) needs to have the latest and greatest.   What I see most often year over year are subtle changes to previous year's models.  Maybe a new bar style, or hollow core wheels, or an improvement in a design.  I'll call out changes so you're in the know.

Let's get to the scooters.  The Lucky Recruit has a some minor changes that I like, with the 110mm hollow core wheels being the most significant.  Wow, 110mm hollow cores on a mini!  Impressive.  The colors are still what I'd refer to as 'masculine'...nothing flashy here.  But quality...they nailed it.

The Sector5 scooter, also by Lucky Scooters (did you know that?), is still a good beginner.  Weighing in at 8lbs so a tiny bit heavier but solid quality at a respectable price.  19.5"x4.25" deck is small-feet friendly.  The bars are 22" tall by 20" wide; slightly taller than some others but not too tall.  The only downside to this scooter is that the fork does not have the integrated compression screw hole.  It uses the 'old style' starnut which might, over time, require some adjustment or replacement.  

Lucky Scooters - entry level Crew is revamped for 2019!  The single most interesting change is in the weight.  This new version is 2lbs LIGHTER than the original.  And nothing compromised in the quality or sturdiness.  How did they do it?  Lighter fork (going from HIC to IHC) and aluminum bars.  The black neochrome is picture here, but comes in four other tasty flavors.

Dominator scooters has been on and off the list, just like the Envy One.  I'm bringing on the Sniper (unfortunate name for sure) because I like the simplicity of it.  Simple design, simple colors, sturdy design.

 

And if you've been following along for the last several  years, I like to end with my favorite mini...the Havoc mini in three super cute colors!  5.9lbs, 17" tall by 16.5" wide bars, 16" long by 4.5" wide deck.  Mini is right.

                         

One last thought. As a scooter shop owner, I'd love to 'upsell' you to the next level scooter.  As a parent of three kids, I wouldn't spend more on an upgraded scooter until I knew my kids really enjoyed scootering and grew with the sport.

Hope this helps!

Pro Scooter Shop

Envy Scooters and specifically the crazy popular Prodigy.  (NOTE:  The Prodigy isn't necessary what I'd call an 'entry level' scooter.  If you have an above average in height kid, then it is a good option).  A couple of new colors, including gold bandana and splatter.  My favorite change, though, is an improvement to their rear wheel spacers.  I'm always happy when a manufacturer acknowledges an issue, and takes steps to fix it.

In Australia, the sport of scootering has become as common of a pastime as surfing. Along with the scooter scene exploding ‘down under’, incredible companies pop up, such as Apex, MGP, and Native scooters. Root Industries has recently boosted into the scene more than ever before. For years, riders around the globe have ridden their extremely popular “Air” wheels, a hollow-core wheel, and over the past few years, they have added many more products to their name. They have expanded their wheel range, branching into an 8-spoke design along with the innovative ‘honeycore’ design, the lightest wheel on the market. Signature wheels have been included for four of their team riders: Clayton, Derek, Dylan, and Sean, with a discontinued signature from Dakota Schuetz, though not team rider. Along with wheels, they have added handlebar grips, clamps, forks, and headsets to their range. Yet to be released is the long awaited ‘Air’ deck, coming in with multiple width and length options to suit the riders needs. The deck has gone through many stages of rigorous testing, with different designs being tested by some of the toughest riders around the world. Root has an incredibly talented roster for their team. With only six riders, Root has chosen some of the best from around the world, such as Clayton Lindley (US), Derek Marr (US), and Sean Williams (AU). With them are Zeidon White (AU), Shahfiq (SG), and rounding it out is Dylan Ryan (AU). Root has incorporated riders of all styles, ages, and experience, with Derek being only 15! Root Industries has given innumerable riders around the world to advance their skills on trustworthy and cost-effective parts for years, and plan to continue to do so. In every shop, Root Industries products are in and out of the door extremely quickly as they are so popular. At Pro Scooter Shop, we only have wheels in stock right now, so make sure to pick them up before they’re gone! And remember, stay safe!

While our “sport”, revolving around two hunks of urethane and a couple pieces of metal, increases in popularity, more and more riders from around the world continue to gain interest and join the scene. Throughout the years of growth for the industry, scootering has primarily been dominated by riders and companies based in America, Australia, and western Europe. Recently, however, more groups of riders have begun to spring up on the maps. North Scooters has certainly came straight out of the blue, stunning everyone with their quick and very successful arrival into the big leagues; manufacturing parts on the same level and quality as the very best in the game. Based out of Alberta, Canada, North began to seriously consider making scooters in 2015. Mark Pritchard, owner, launched North with the help of Ethan Howell as his product designer and team manager. Over the past two years, Ethan, also known as “Sneethan” or “Sneeth”, has continued to develop fantastic products including everything from handlebar grips to a variety of five unique complete scooters. The most recent innovation at North Scooters happens to be the new Transit Deck. This deck, coming in at a whopping 5.3 inches wide and either 22 or 23 inches long, is currently one of the biggest decks available on the market. With a variety of color choices, the Transit comes in black, raw, trans-red, forest green, and most importantly the “Junebug”, a teal-ish matte color. Other than colors, the Transit comes with either the basic extruded headtube, a cheaper simpler option, or the beautifully 3D forged headtube, signature for Lachlan Gauchier. As well as making quality scooter parts, North has assembled a team of 12 main team riders, five of which from Canada. The Transit decks are flying off of the shelves just as fast as they are placed on them, so make sure to go get one before they are gone!

Tilt Scooters continues to be an rider-approved leader when it comes to pro scooter parts.  Their headsets and forks are among the best selling and most durable parts.  They recently released their Scout and Sentry bars, and we sold through them in no time and will be ordering more soon.

But Tilt isn't done yet.  They have just announced their next gen scooter wheels, the Stage 2.  We like what they've done with design, including a nice touch of having the design on both sides.  Nice!

 All the colorways will come in 110mm size, which is still the industry standard, far outselling 100mm and the newer 120mm.  The 110mm size ensures compatibility with all of the modern forks.

 Another super nice touch is that they're all signature wheels by Tilt's own team; Dylan Kasson, Issac Miller, Jona Humbel, Jon Archer, Jordan Jasa and Tom Kvilhaug.  Keepin' it tight with the riders!

 

Let's recap...Stage 2 wheels by Tilt Scooters.  110mm in size, and six fresh colorways, signature Tilt team riders.  Oh, did we mention Made in the USA?

What wheels will you ride?