An adventurous but potentially calm sport
This week I’m continuing my recent theme of YouTube inspiration. Today’s outdoor and adventure sport is scootering. I love scootering. It’s like effortless roller skating or skateboarding. I actually have the confidence to go down a path and look around at the scenery. Amazing!
Scootering offers a gentle type of skateboard-like exercise, with wind flowing through your hair and much more stability (in my opinion) than skateboards and roller skates. When I’m not up to those sports, or just want to roll along with a bicycle-like breezy feeling, scootering is my sport of choice.
If you missed my previous posts, click to check out a curated set of inspiring videos about rollerskating and skateboarding.
Get 1 to 2 updates per month in your inbox. You’ll never miss another adventurous blog post again!
Scootering
What scootering looks like
Explore the tricks, gear, and styles of scootering today! Sometimes advertisements provide a great impression of the joys of scootering, so I included some as well.
My thoughts on scootering
Scootering came to my attention later in life. Just a few years ago actually, in my late 40s. I lived surrounded by pavement and I saw lots of electric scooters going by, presumably to work and to the store.
Those riders zipped along, making it look easy. I had also seen some tricks at a couple skate parks and never thought I’d want to do that.
However, something lured me into wanting a push scooter (not electric) to zip along to a store with just a backpack and simple cable lock. I was tired of maintaining a bicycle just to go a short distance to nearby stores.
I bought a folding scooter from Razor (the A5 DLX I think, or was it the LUX?) with slightly big wheels from Canadian Tire. It works great, but is very noisy when going over every bump on sidewalk. I’m lucky to live near flat roads and a path that runs through town, but literally every bump makes a sound.
On the plus side, it feels really stable and smooth. It folds up and gets stored in my closet easily. It’s stable enough for my inexperienced friends to ride.
I just didn’t like the rattling so I got another one that doesn’t fold.
The second scooter is smaller and hooked me even more. It’s a Root Invictus (see the latest version at Root Industries website) and it’s beautiful, all shiny and colourful chrome and blue (from a few years ago, maybe 2019). It’s meant for young adults, I’m sure, and especially for tricks. The smaller wheels mean you’re closer to the ground when pushing off to keep your speed up. It feels great under my feet, and I can assure you it glides smoothly to the store and back along the sidewalk, for all 150 pounds and 5’6″ of me.
I’ve taken one or both scooters to local flat parks that have meandering country paths. It’s a lot of fun and this sport is especially simple. Hang onto the handlebars, and push off like a skateboard. I’ve never fallen, and if I start going too fast, I just hop off and walk. If the path starts to climb, I jump off and walk up the hill (and down the other side).
Types of scooters
You’ll find a wide range of scooters on the market:
- Kids scooters for bashing parks or paths
- Trick scooters
- Commuter scooters
- Electric scooters
- Offroad scooters, both push and electric
- Big wheel scooters and walkers
Features you might want to look for include:
- Optional or built-in seat
- Lights front and rear
- Pneumatic tires
- Foot brake vs. handlebar brakes
- Folding frame (for easier storage)
- Non-folding frame (for strength and quiet)
The features will vary depending on the type of scooter and intended age of the rider. Electric scooters often have lights and substantial brakes. Trick-oriented scooters likely have a foot-operated brake only.
Where to buy scooters
- Unlike skateboards, scooters are a little harder to find retailers
- In Victoria, B.C., we have very few to no choices: West 49 store in Mayfair Mall has scooters for tricks but likely not in adult size
- A variety of kids and electric types at Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Walmart, and other big box stores
- Amazon offers a lot of variety, and sellers vary in reputation
- Search Google for recommended scooters for your purpose; note the brands and model numbers
- Seek the brands you like online and you may be able to buy directly on their website
- Beware shipping costs and duty if ordering sports equipment from another country
Tips while shopping for a scooter
- Try them in-store if possible
- Next-best is to buy from a reputable retailer online, or directly from the brand’s website
- As usual, start with a safe and durable quality level, the best you can afford without going overboard
- a cheap scooter may fit you and look great, but might not ride or balance well
- Try to find reviews by people your age, weight, height, and riding style
- If you scooter a lot, expect to replace the bearings and wheels overtime
- Wheels come in different hardness levels; softer absorbs bumps better but is less able to maintain speed
- Wheels also come in different sizes; make sure you know what your size is, and which wheels are compatible because the store you buy from today might not have them tomorrow (in my experience)
- If available, ask your skater buddies or strangers at the park who have more experience
Where to scooter
Scootering has much overlap with skateboarding and roller skating:
- Lacrosse boxes are perfect for learning, when not in use by lacrosse people
- School yards may have paved areas or paths to follow
- Bike and multi-purpose paths
- Pump tracks might suit your scooter – give it a test to make sure you won’t scrape the bottom of your scooter on the hills
- Hard-packed dirt trails works well with all-terrain scooters and pneumatic wheels
- Indoor and outdoor ramps and parks
- Quiet neighbourhood streets and sidewalks; be sure to follow local laws for these locations
Tips before you start to get geared up – same as for roller skating:
- Look for level areas clear of people, traffic, rocks, and dirt—and have no scooter restrictions
- Little bits of tree debris will usually not cause you to stumble, but bigger twigs, rocks, and pavement bumps might, so play safely and in the smoothest areas you can find as you learn to ride
Safety gear for skateboarding
This is literally a repeat of the roller skating advice last time, with some modifications:
- Find or repurpose safety gear—at least a helmet
- You likely won’t need knee pads or elbow pads, but thin cycling-style gloves might be nice
- You’re unlikely to fall because a scooter is built with narrow wheels; rocks and sand bounce off to the side rather than stopping you in your tracks
- If you have a hearing impairment, get a mirror so you can see when someone’s approaching from behind – bicycle stops carry mirrors that mount to handlebar and eyeglasses that may help
It’s okay to start slowly and enjoy the process. Focus on having fun. Scootering (non-electric) employs your leg muscles VERY much so start with short outings. Electric scootering is virtually non-exercise, but you’ll still need some physical fitness to keep balance and control as you turn and adjust to speed changes.
Next time, I’m not sure yet what the topic will be. It will be a surprise!
By Heidi Bada
