The Best Scooter Kicks Elevate Your Riding Experience

Scooters have evolved from simple childhood toys into a popular mode of transportation and a thrilling recreational activity for people of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, mastering kick techniques can greatly enhance your scooter experience. In this article, we will dive into the best scooter kicks, exploring various techniques and tips to help you elevate your riding skills.

Understanding the Basics

Before we jump into the various kicks, it's essential to understand the foundational elements of scooter riding. Proper positioning, balance, and core strength are crucial for executing tricks successfully. Here are a few basics to keep in mind

1. Stance Your foot position is vital. Most riders have a dominant foot that they use for kicks. Position your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.

2. Balance Keep your body centered over the scooter. This will help you maintain control when performing tricks.

3. Speed A little bit of speed can aid in executing kicks. However, too much speed may make it difficult to control your movements.

Now, let's explore some of the best scooter kicks that can impress your friends and elevate your riding skills.

The Tail Whip

One of the most popular scooter tricks is the tail whip. It involves kicking the scooter's deck around while in mid-air. Here’s how to perform a tail whip

1. Get a Good Start Begin riding at a moderate speed. Ensure you are comfortable with basic riding techniques.

2. Pop the Scooter As you approach your jump, use your back foot to pop the deck down.

3. Kick the Deck Extend your legs and kick your dominant foot outwards, causing the deck to swing around.

4. Catch the Scooter As the deck completes its rotation, catch it with your feet and land safely.

The Heel Whip

The heel whip is a variation of the tail whip, where instead of kicking with your toes, you kick with your heels. This trick adds a different flair to your riding

1. The Setup Similar to the tail whip, start by riding at an even speed.

2. Pop and Kick Pop the scooter just like before, but this time, use your heel to push the deck around.

3. Catch and Land Ensure you catch the deck with your feet before landing, maintaining balance.

The Bunny Hop

The bunny hop is a fundamental trick for any scooter rider. It's essential for clearing obstacles and jumping higher

1. Preparation Start slowly. Position your feet properly, with your toes on the edge of the deck.

2. Jumping Action Bend your knees and pull up on the handlebars while pushing down with your feet simultaneously.

3. Landing Aim to land back on the deck with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.

The Bar Spin

A bar spin involves spinning the handlebars in mid-air, which requires good hand coordination and timing

1. Get Comfortable Before attempting this trick, ensure you’re comfortable with other basic tricks.

2. Pop and Spin Pop the scooter up and, with your hands, pull the handlebars towards you. Use your body weight to help spin the bars.

3. Catch the Bars As the bar comes around, catch them with your hands and prepare for landing.

Safety First

While mastering these tricks can be incredibly exhilarating, safety should never be overlooked. Always wear appropriate protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Practice in a safe environment, such as a skate park, and gradually build your confidence with each trick.

Conclusion

Scooter kicks are a fantastic way to enhance your riding skills while providing a sense of achievement. Whether you’re performing a tail whip or a bar spin, the key is to practice regularly and have fun. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, so keep pushing yourself, and you’ll soon be executing impressive tricks with ease. Happy scootering!