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 9/4/2018!

I'm adding the Crisp Blaster Pro scooter to the list. 

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 100m on the entry levels.  The larger scooter wheels, 110m, 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.

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.

More scooter goodness in 2018!  Super excited about the pro scooter scene, especially about some of the new models coming out from Lucky Scooters, Envy Scooters, KOS, Grit and Madd Gear/MGP!

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.

Here's another first time addition, the Crisp Blaster pro.  Truly an entry level due to size and price, but super clean so it looks like a higher end (like the big boys ride).

First time on the beginner list is the Sector5 scooter.  Weighing in at 8lbs, I originally thought it might be 'too heavy' for beginner.  Changed my mind.  I like the simple design but super high quality.  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.

Back in stock is the popular Grit Fluxx, perfect for the younger crew!  18" long by 4" wide deck, 21" tall by 20" wide bars.  $129.99 (as of 7/23/2018).

 

I'm adding the Dominator Trooper back to menu.  :)  Truly geared to the young rider with a lighter feel and splashy graphics.  $119.99 is a solid price for this scoot.

Lucky Scooters - entry level Crew is back with some very nice changes.  A new bar style that has a slight 'V' shape, and a couple new colors.  They're keeping the price the same as previous year's...I like that.

 

Hey there.  I'm back again with some updates on our most asked question...

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

And thank you, Valued Customers, that have visited our site and/or our shop!  We love the scooter sport!

Earlier this year we introduced  you to 'mini PRO scooters'.  Remember?  And I'll say it again, 'minis' are legit; same material larger pro scooters (and BMX bikes), sealed headset and wheel bearings, metal core wheels, not adjustable.  They're just, well, smaller.

We now carry 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.

 

New this year is the mini Fluxx from Grit Scooters.  Compact deck and splashy colors make this a winner for the young riders. 

                             

Pro Scooter Shop carries beginner scooters that range from $129 to $159.  I would recommend the following options for the new rider:

Madd Gear VX7 Pro, or MGP scooters.  The 'pro' edition (yes, it is confusing that Madd Gear Pro scooters has a pro edition) is very popular, a great looking scooter and well priced.  This is are most popular entry level pro scooter!  (Yep, the VX8 editions are out now, too.  We'll write about those in the next edition).

 

Phoenix is an industry favorite.  I'm adding a new model, the Phoenix Force.  Arriving soon to our shop, looking forward to seeing how this compares to other beginner scooters.  Some quick specs:  

• Deck – 4.25” W x 19.5” L Pilot Deck with Square Dropouts
• Bars – 22.8” W x 22.8” T Phoenix T-Bars
• Wheels – 100mm 5 Spoke Phoenix Wheels

The Phoenix Pilot is just right for the transition-to-pro-scooter riding.  Includes a head tube badge, new fork and 110mm wheels. With a 4.25" wide and 19" long deck, the Phoenix Pilot is well balanced for stomping out tailwhips. The 22 inch tall, 20 inch wide T-style bars are a solid size for growing riders and are fully upgradeable.

A slightly more expensive entry level, but killer scooter from Australia, the Envy Colt.  Cleaner design, solid scooter.  Worth a look.  Click or tap any pic for more details.

To round out the beginner pro scooter list, Grit Scooters has the Extremist.  I like what they've done with the colors.  Keep in mind these are small scooters for the smaller riders.

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?

 

 

Proto Scooters has played a pivotal role in the progression of freestyle scooter components over the course of the last several years, which has allowed them to innovate in ways that many other freestyle scooter brands would have never thought possible. With that being said, Proto's premium selection of clamps and compression have essentially earned their spot as some of the most groundbreaking freestyle scooter components in the entire industry. When the Proto SCS compression system initially reached the forefront of the freestyle scooter community, no one really knew how to respond, which is why you see such an overwhelmingly amount of them being ridden by some of the top professional scooter riders in the world. Anyways, Pro Scooter Shop has got you covered on any and all of your Proto clamp needs, so before you go visit those other guys, be sure to stop by Pro Scooter Shop and see if we have what you need. Proto double clamps, Baby SCS, and SCS compression system are all currently available at Pro Scooter Shop, and they all come in multiple different color options, as well. Be sure to come get yours today, while supplies still last.

If you want to be able to safely learn how to be doing all of the crazy freestyle scooter stunts that the professional riders are doing than you're going to need to get in the habit of protecting your noggin, and the best way to do that is by rocking a helmet whenever you step on your scooter. Head protection is hands down one of the most important parts of any extreme sport because the human head is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. Luckily, we over here at Pro Scooter Shop are firm believers in the fact that every scooter rider should be wearing a helmet at all times, which is why we carry such a great selection of Pro-Tec helmets that are the perfect size, shape, and color no matter what your head protection needs may be. So the next time that you come into Pro Scooter Shop to make your freestyle scooter product purchases, be sure to keep in mind that you can also satisfy all of your head protection needs by picking up your very own Pro-Tec Helmet for the affordable price of just $39.99, or you can also pick up one of the brand new Street Lite helmets, which features entirely new, extremely lightweight technology, for the price of $59.99.

 

For those of you who didn't get the memo about Washington's recent freestyle scooter competition, "The Muk Games" just took place at the YMCA skate park in Mukilteo, Washington, and the event ended up being a huge success! The weather held up great, and everything was very well organized in terms of judging, prizes, and giveaways. On top of all of that, We at Pro Scooter Shop sponsored the whole event, which is all the more reason why all of you you guys who missed out on the fun need to be sure to make it out next year. Anyways, now that you understand the scope of the event, it's time to talk about Havoc Pro Scooters and their commanding presence in the competition. Three of Havoc Pro Scooters team riders somehow managed to walk away with the top three podium spots in the pro competition, which is no simple feat to accomplish. Each and every single one of them gave it their all and their hard work certainly paid off because they took home the first, second, and third place prizes. So now that all of you know exactly what kind of scooters winners ride, our only question for you is why aren't you riding Havoc Scooters? We currently have the Havoc Storm, Descendant, and the Artemis complete pro scooters in stock at Pro Scooter Shop, so ride like a champion and come get yours today.