In my research of scooters, I have come across many new words that describe the different parts of scooters. One of the words was “deck”, scooter deck. What is a scooter deck I wondered? Here is what I found.
A scooter deck is a platform on a scooter that the rider’s feet rest on as the scooter coast. The scooter style determines the style of a scooter deck. Different styles that would have standing decks would include but are not limited to, stunt, commute, kick bike, dirt, and electric.
The deck on a scooter offers a place to put your feet when riding on a scooter. The bigger the deck, the easier it is to stand on it. If you are looking to get into stunt scooting, the deck would most likely be made out of aluminum to keep it lighter in weight. I explain the differences in scooter deck styles further.
What Are Scooter Decks Made Of: The Different Styles
Scooter decks can be made from several different materials, one being bamboo. The most common material is aluminum. One metal that is used often for its strength is aircraft-grade aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is beneficial when it comes to scooter decks. The lighter the deck, the lighter the scooter. With this being the main component of a scooter, the deck size, and weight matter a lot in certain circumstances.
Stunt scooters are made out of aluminum mostly, some even being made out of aircraft-grade aluminum to keep them as strong as possible. Because stunt scooters are abused on a regular basis with stunts, jumps, and tricks that people perform on them, they need to hold up but they are not indestructible. They do break at times and wear out.
Commuter scooter decks can be made out of metal, plastic, and wood. I have seen Xootr Scooters come with an all-magnesium deck (that has holes drilled in it to make it even lighter in weight), Birchwood, and plastic resin decks. All these materials offer a very lightweight deck. The three choices of scooters only weigh in at 10 to 11 lbs. (4.54 kg to 4.99 kg), which is pretty light for a kick commute scooter. The Xootr company that makes these commute kick scooters claim their scooters will hold 800 lbs. or more. That is just amazing. See my post giving more details on the Xootr scooter.
Most kick scooters for younger children are made of high-density plastic composites. This is suitable for smaller riders who just scoot around for some fun. These types of scooters are not made for long distances or rough riding.
Grip Tape
Grip Tape or something equal to it is important on a scooter deck. This keeps your feet from easily slipping while riding the scooter.
Grip Tape is very popular among stunt scooter riders. Because custom stunt scooters are popular and custom is cool, they change their grip tape more so than a commute scooter rider needs to. Grip tape comes in all shapes and sizes and many different patterns and colors.
You can find grip tape in a local big box hardware store if in a pinch, but they usually only come in thinner strips of 1 1/2″ to 2″ wide. You can occasionally find a wider width that might work for a scooter deck.
What Is A Scooter Deck That Is Less Than $200
If you are looking to get into stunt scooting and you want to do your own build, there are several choices for decks under a $200 budget.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive pre-built to start your scooter journey as a stunt scooter rider, this Fuzion Z250 Pro Scooter, is under $150 for a whole scooter.
What Is The Lightest Scooter Deck?
The lightest pro scooter deck weighing in at just around 2 lbs. (0.907 kg) is the Aztek Hydra. You can get this deck in two sizes 5″ x 19.5″ (12.7cm x 49.53cm) or 5″ x 20.5″ (12.7cm x 52.07cm).
The Aztek Hydra is specially constructed with patented hydroformed tubing. It claims to remove the weakest points from the deck and replace them with a smooth contour that distributes stress across the entire length of the deck. It also claims to be ergonomic and responsive under your feet. It is suggested though to not use this deck if you break decks or grind on rough surfaces. According to the company, it will not hold up under those conditions.
This scooter deck does not come with a light price tag.
The next one being a bit heavier is a Madd Gear VX9 deck. Their lowest weight is 2.49 lbs. (1.129 kg) at 4.5″ x 19.5″ (11.43cm x 49.53cm).
There are no stated restrictions on this scooter deck, so this would be the lightest deck with full use, no restrictions. This is a better price on this deck plus you get it in an already assembled scooter. I have to say these are pretty sharp-looking scooters.
What Is A Scooter Deck Height?
Scooter deck height is the distance between the ground and the top of the scooter deck. The deck height plays a significant role in comfort when on a kick scooter. This is often overlooked when looking for a scooter.
What a lower deck height offers is more comfort for the kick stance. When you are kicking off on a lower-height deck the leg that is standing on the deck gets less knee fatigue. Plus it is easier to change feet as you don’t have to do such a big step. Easier to step on and off.
Your ride is more relaxed with better stability with the lower center of gravity.
One disadvantage to a lower scooter deck is more chances to scrape the uneven ground, so they are better suited for smoother pavement. But even with this said, a kick scooter with the lowest deck is more desirable.
What Are Lucky Scooter Decks?
Lucky scooter decks are a brand familiar in the stunt scootering community that is known worldwide. The decks are made from aircraft-grade aluminum and machined under fine specifications. This is proudly made in the USA, with the input of pro riders to produce the highest quality product.
Their strength is strong enough to endure the most aggressive stunts and tricks. Lucky scooter decks have a reputation for being strong and outlasting the competition.
What Are Ethic Pandemonium Decks?
An Ethic Pandemonium scooter deck is a bigger than average deck but surprisingly lighter in weight. Weighing in around only 2.6 lbs. (1.2 kg). Super light and super strong to hold any rider and rider’s style. Perfect scooter deck for any riding environment.
I did see on two occasions that an Ethic Pandemonium Deck had cracked in the back fin near the brake. This could be a design flaw or the decks being bigger than average is maybe not such a good idea.
