How High Should Scooter Bars Be?

Scooter bars should go up to somewhere between the rider’s hip and waist when standing on the deck, and testing a scooter in a shop can help, so you might want to check it out. Bars that are too tall make the vehicle hard to control, and those that are too short are uncomfortable. In terms of width, this usually ranges from 18” to 22”. 

Many experienced riders will tell you that you can ride pretty much any scooter, but this doesn’t mean that it will be comfortable, fun, and easy unless you choose one that suits your needs. Given that these vehicles that have started out as kids’ toys are becoming increasingly popular among adult users, you want to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Scooters are certainly an excellent alternative for every day commuting, especially if you live in a large and crowded city, but you don’t need to go over very long distances to get to work. Moreover, as these devices can be used by kids and teenagers as well, for their fun, their construction is different, which brings us to this article’s main topic.

How do you choose the right scooter? 

There are several key components that can make a scooter safe and comfortable, or not, and the handlebars definitely play a major role in this matter. If you are simply looking for a fun toy for your kid, and not for a complex e-scooter, then it’s good to know that you should never go for larger handlebars thinking that the child is going to grow into them. 

If a scooter is too large and difficult to handle, it exposes the rider to all sorts of risks and potential accidents. Not to mention that for a kid, confidence can take a hit as well if he or she is unable to comfortably ride the device. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for the right unit for your own needs, then you can test out several options in a specialized store and see which one feels right and is easy to control. If that’s the case, then you probably found the right fit. The good part is that there are so many alternatives on the market, that you will surely find exactly what you need. 

A bit about the price 

Again, it all depends on what type of scooter you are looking for and on how you intend to use it. Parents that want to get their kids a first scooter are in luck since there are many basic options especially designed for beginners. On the other hand, these will need to be replaced rather quickly, as the rider grows and becomes more experienced. 

Non-motorized alternatives that are suitable for tricks at the park can be rather pricier, but they are great for teenagers who want to follow their riding passion and impress their friends. Getting a high-quality product should be a priority since this is a matter of safety as well. Although scooter tricks might not seem too complicated to some, they are and they can be risky as well. 

As for e-scooters that one can use to get to work and around the city, their costs are significantly higher, since they are motorized and they come with so many options and accessories. In this case, you need to take a look at things such as range and weight capacity, as well as to consider your needs before settling on a certain model. 

A few words about handlebars 

If you are buying a scooter for the first time, then you might not be sure where to start in order to determine what size is right in your case. We will go over a few general rules, tips and tricks below, but after you are getting used to riding, it all becomes a matter of preference. 

One of the key factors of a comfortable scooter is the size of its bars. In terms of height, the general rule says that they should sit somewhere between the waist and hip when the user is standing on the deck. If you follow this principle, then the result is a good balance between performance and comfort. 

If the bars go too far above the waist, then the rider will have a hard time controlling the device, and in case anything goes wrong, there’s a risk of hitting the crossbar with the face. On the other hand, if the bars go too low, they are simply uncomfortable, since the body’s position is not natural. 

Of course, this also depends on the riding style. Those who intend to use the scooter at the park to perform tricks and whips might prefer going for a lower handlebar that allows them more freedom of movement around it. Street riders may prefer higher bars that ensure more comfort, but do keep in mind the general rule, in order to keep the scooter under control at any moment. 

When it comes to the handlebar’s width, riders can have certain preferences as well. The rule of thumb says that you should choose a bar that has the same width as your shoulders. Common ones range between 18 and 22 inches, but if you intend to get the scooter for technical tricks, such as barspins, then a more narrow alternative might be better suited. 

In certain cases, depending on the model that you choose, you can cut the bar to your preference. However, this is usually the case for less complex scooters, so you shouldn’t rely on this if you are going to choose a more expensive alternative, such as the electric ones. 

The deck 

Now that you have a better picture of how to choose the right handlebar, we will go over a few things about decks as well. This part of the scooter is another of the main sizing elements, and it determines a lot of aspects for the rider’s overall experience. You might already know this, but the larger the deck is, the more comfortable the ride will feel. 

This is true, especially for larger riders. On the other hand, for scooters bought for tricks and stunts, the smaller and lighter the deck is, the easier will be to use the unit and develop cool riding skills. Its length is measured from end to end of the deck’s flat section, and anything that goes past the blunt plate is not taken into account. 

Usually, scooter decks go from 19” to 22”, and aftermarket elements can be a little larger, namely up to 23.5”. In terms of its width, this usually stands at about 4” to 5”, with some being thicker. For users who intend to ride the scooter on the street, these characteristics are important to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. 

Moreover, they also determine a unit’s weight capacity, which makes it an important characteristic to consider. Given that in the case of electric scooters the weight capacity has an impact on their range as well, you should take your time in determining which model is right for your riding needs. 

What about wheels? 

Basic scooters usually include 100mm or 110mm wheels, this number indicating their diameter. Some models come with larger ones that go up to 125mm, and if you are a beginner, then the size of the wheels might not be a huge factor in your decision, especially if you are not planning to use the scooter for park tricks. 

On the other hand, do consider the fact that the larger the wheels are, the more stable the entire unit remains, so this can be a matter of both comfort and safety for street riders. Plus, since the wheels are the elements that come in contact with the pavement, you want to make sure that they are durable. That’s why you should go for metal-core ones.