Scooter Wheels Buying Guide
Your scooter wheels play a vital role in determining how your scooter performs and how safe and enjoyable your ride is. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect scooter wheels based on your riding style, preferences, and budget.
Understanding Scooter Wheels
What Makes a Great Scooter Wheel?
- Size: Influences speed, control, and compatibility.
- Hardness: Affects grip, speed, and wear.
- Core Material: Determines durability and suitability for tricks.
- Bearings: Essential for smooth, fast spins.
- Compatibility: Ensures the wheel fits your scooter correctly.
Different Types of Wheels
- Kick Scooter Wheels: Best for casual riders and young children.
- Stunt Scooter Wheels: Designed for performing tricks and jumps.
- Pro Scooter Wheels: High-quality materials, built for durability and speed, ideal for serious riders.
Wheel Sizes Explained
100mm Wheels
100mm wheels are lightweight, agile, and affordable, making them excellent for beginners and younger riders learning basic scooter skills.
110mm Wheels
A great all-rounder, these offer a perfect balance between speed and maneuverability. They're suitable for intermediate riders and provide improved durability compared to 100mm wheels.
120mm and Larger Wheels
Larger wheels are faster and smoother, especially on uneven surfaces. They're typically chosen by advanced riders looking for speed and stability during more demanding rides or at skateparks.
Width Considerations (24mm–30mm)
Most wheels are 24mm wide. Wider wheels (26mm or 30mm) offer improved stability and better balance, particularly beneficial for carving and street riding. However, ensure your scooter fork is compatible with wider wheels.
Wheel Core Materials
Plastic Core Wheels
Plastic core wheels are affordable, lighter, and ideal for casual riding or beginners. However, they aren't designed to withstand aggressive riding and stunts.
Metal Core Wheels
Metal core wheels, typically aluminum, are strong and highly durable. They're designed to handle high-impact tricks, making them essential for regular skatepark use and advanced riders.
Wheel Hardness and Durometer
What Is Durometer?
Durometer measures wheel hardness. Scooter wheels usually range from 78A (soft) to 90A (hard), with 82-88A being most common.
Softer Wheels (Lower Durometer)
Softer wheels offer increased grip and smoother rides on rough surfaces, but they wear out quicker.
Harder Wheels (Higher Durometer)
Harder wheels roll faster, are more durable, and perform better on smooth surfaces like skateparks. They're recommended for riders performing tricks regularly.
Bearings and Spacers
Why Bearings Matter
Bearings reduce friction inside your wheels, allowing for faster, smoother spins. Higher ABEC ratings (ABEC 7 or ABEC 9) typically mean smoother, faster bearings.
Spacers and Compatibility
Spacers maintain correct spacing between bearings, ensuring even load distribution and smooth wheel rotation. Incorrect spacers can damage bearings, so always use manufacturer-recommended spacers.
Replacing and Maintaining Wheels
Signs You Need New Wheels
Replace your scooter wheels when you notice significant flat spots, cracks, slow rotations, or excessive wear on the urethane.
How to Replace Scooter Wheels
- Remove the wheel axle bolts using an Allen key.
- Slide out the old wheel and remove spacers.
- Place bearings and spacers correctly into the new wheel.
- Position the wheel and tighten axle bolts securely.
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly clean your bearings and check for dirt.
- Inspect wheel cores for damage or cracks.
- Rotate wheels periodically for even wear.
FAQs – Your Scooter Wheel Questions Answered
What size scooter wheels are best for beginners? 100mm wheels are ideal due to their lighter weight and easier control.
Can I use 110mm wheels on a scooter that came with 100mm? Usually yes, but always ensure compatibility with your fork and deck.
Are bigger scooter wheels faster? Yes, larger wheels roll faster and more smoothly but reduce maneuverability slightly.
What's the difference between plastic core and metal core wheels? Plastic cores are lighter and cheaper, ideal for casual use, while metal cores are durable and designed for tricks and intense riding.
How do I know when to replace my scooter wheels? Replace them if they're cracked, severely worn, or spinning slowly.
What hardness of wheel should I choose for skatepark riding? Choose a harder wheel (85A-90A) for faster rolls and better durability on smooth skatepark surfaces.
Do all scooter wheels fit all scooters? No, check wheel size, fork width, and compatibility before purchasing.
How long do scooter wheels last? Wheel lifespan varies based on riding style and terrain but generally ranges from several months to a year or more.
What does durometer mean on a scooter wheel? Durometer indicates wheel hardness; lower numbers are softer, higher numbers are harder.
Are wider wheels better for tricks? Wider wheels offer more stability but ensure they fit your scooter properly.
How do I install new scooter bearings? Push bearings evenly into the wheel core using a bearing press or careful hand pressure, ensuring spacers are correctly positioned.
Can I mix wheel sizes on the same scooter? It's not recommended; mixed wheel sizes can negatively impact handling and balance.
Do pro riders use special wheels? Pro riders generally prefer metal core wheels with higher-quality bearings for durability and performance.
What ABEC rating bearings should I get? ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 bearings provide excellent speed and smoothness.
How do I make my scooter wheels spin faster? Regular cleaning and lubrication of bearings, using high-quality bearings, and correct installation of spacers will ensure optimal wheel spin.
With this guide, you now have everything you need to choose the perfect scooter wheels for your riding style.
