Scooter Parts Guide
Whether you're a new scooter rider, looking to buy a gift or after an upgrade to your current scooter, but not sure where to start. Rest assured, everything you need to know about all scooter parts will be here in this guide for dummies.
Compression
What is compression?
Compression is simply the part that holds the front end of the scooter together. In order for the bar and fork to spin simultaneously when turning the scooter, you need a compression system. It fastens the fork to the headtube of the deck and insures that your fork turns smoothly.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPRESSION?
There are 3 different types of compression to choose from, you will need to pick one to begin your build.
- SCS - Standard compression system
- HIC - Hidden internal compression
- IHC - Internal hidden compression (also known as mini HIC)
The type of compression that you choose will determine the parts that will be compatible with your scooter.
Deck
Deck types
Decks are arguably the most important part of the scooter. The size, weight and style will have a massive factor in how the deck rides. There are two main types of deck that you will find.
- Park style
- Street style
The park style of deck is usually lighter and smaller whereas the street style is generally larger, more robust and have a boxed rear end to maximise stability during grinds.
Bars
Size and Material. Two Very Important factors.
Bars will massively affect the way that your scooter performs and it will be down to 2 outstanding factors. Size and material.
How will size affect the performance?
Size will affect the way the scooter rides as if they are the wrong size for your style of riding then it can make it harder to learn tricks and be less comfortable to ride. If you are conflicted on what size to go for, the best thing to do is take a look at our Size Guide.
How will the material affect the performance?
The material is a super import factor to consider when purchasing a new bar. There are 3 main different materials of bars.
- Titanium
- Steel
- Aluminium
Titanium is the strongest and lightest bar, super popular in the scooter world and known as being the best of the best, although this does come at a price with Titanium bars being the most expensive of all materials.
Steel is the heaviest bar but this comes with its perks. They are super robust and bring a great inertia when doing bar spins.
Aluminium is a more affordable way of getting a lightweight bar without paying the price of titanium. Choosing an aluminium bar will considerably reduce the weight of your scooter after running a steel bar.
Clamps
What are clamp types?
Clamps, like forks, will affect the compression of the scooter. There is 3 main types of clamp to look out for.
- SCS Clamps
- Oversized Clamps
- Standard Size Clamps
SCS clamps (if oversized) generally mean that all bars will work with it, however, you may need some surrounding components including a shim or SCS sleeve. Standard size SCS clamps will only work with standard size bars.
Oversized clamps are the majority. This works with HIC bars and IHC aluminium bars.
There aren't loads of standard sized clamps, however, if you do find one, these will only work with standard size IHC bars.
Forks
Forks and compatibility...
Forks have 3 main types and is a super important component for how the scooter goes together, especially with the compression type.
- HIC
- SCS
- IHC
Sometimes a fork will be SCS and HIC compatible, this will be highlighted. SCS and HIC forks are generally the same, however, SCS specific forks can come slightly shorter than HIC forks. This will affect compression and maximum wheel size of the scooter.
IHC forks will only work with IHC specific parts e.g. bars. The clamp will depend on the diameter of the bar whether it is oversized or standard size. However, no SCS components will work when IHC is chosen.
Wheels
Wheels and compatibility...
Wheels are a great way of spicing up the look of your scooter with a bunch of different designs and sizes.
Most wheels are 110mm which deems them compatible with all products. However, if you'd like to size up to a 120mm or even a wide wheel, you will need to take the compatibility into consideration.
While most wheels will fit on most products, if you do size up, it'll affect the forks and deck that you will be able to run. Decks and forks have maximum wheel sizes and if the chosen wheel is too large for these components, you will have to re-think your choices.
Headset
What is a headset?
The headset is a vital part of your scooter when it comes to everything running and spinning smoothly and as they should. You find the headset sitting in the top tube of the deck.
Aftermarket decks are mostly fully integrated which means they have seats for the bearings to sit nicely in place with no cups or modifications.
What are the components of the headset?
In a headset you will find the following parts:
- - Crown race (most forks usually have these built in)
- - Two bearings for the top and bottom (these are identical)
- - The compression ring and a top cap. This makes up the headset
Grips
Comfort is key.
Grips are the part you touch the most on the scooter so finding a comfortable grip for you is important for the enjoyment of your ride! There are plenty of options that you'll see and various designs. Adding a new colour or design of grips to your scooter is another great way to spruce up the look!
Are there any compatibility issues with grips?
You will shouldn't find any compatibility issues with grips.
The only thing to consider is the length. If you are running a Y shaped bar then the grips may end up sloping down into the dip and if this is something you'd like to avoid, it would be a good idea to look at the length of the grip.
Griptape
What about griptape width?
Griptape width is important to think about, especially when choosing a wide deck. You will not want to go for griptape that is narrower than your deck otherwise you will not get full coverage.
Griptape is the best part of the scooter to compliment the colour combo of the scooter. With so many options and brands to choose from there is sure to be a style that will add to the look of the scooter.
