@nbsp;

Top 6 Best Dirt Scooters - Buying Guide

Dirt scooters are an awesome addition to a scooter collection. They are different to kick or stunt scooters because they designed to be ridden off road on rough terrain. They can cover ground including mud tracks, drops, grass, canals, woodland and other terrain which is inaccessible on a traditional scooter. Scooting on off road terrain adds an additional fun factor to the scooting experience. In order to cope with off road conditions, dirt scooters are heavy, strong and have big wheels with air filled tyres to absorb the off road shocks.

Older kids, teens and adults may want to use dirt scooters on bmx trails and dirt tracks where they can try out jumps and high impact manoeuvres. Dirt scooters are amazing for adventurous kids who want to try out something fun and exciting away from the skate park. It's important to choose the right scooter which is strong but lightweight to cope with the extra force required in landings.

Skip the buying guide and go straight to the top dirt scooter picks.

What to Consider When Buying an Dirt scooter.

Like all scooters, there is much to consider when buying a dirt scooter. Some questions will be can the rider cope with the extra weight of a dirt scooter?

Age

If you are buying for a child, than the age, height and weight of the child needs to be taken into consideration. It is important the scooter is strong enough to withstand off road riding.  However if it is too heavy, it may be difficult for younger and smaller kids to control. If this is the case, look for a dirt scooter which is specifically made for younger riders. The scooter should be light enough for them to use. Some dirt scooters have a recommended age range.

Weight of the Scooter

Some dirt scooters can be very heavy. This is fine if you are an older, stronger rider. However, ultimately you want the lightest dirt scooter that your budget can accommodate as lighter dirt scooters tend to be easier to control and nicer to ride. More expensive scooters tend to be made with stronger materials but are designed in such a way that they are more lightweight.

Wheels

The main difference between traditional scooters and all terrain scooters are the wheels. The wheels are bigger with high pressure. all terrain tyres that can cope with rough ground. Like car tyres, they will have different treads and patterns. The type of tread may offer increased traction when riding so is something to consider.  Look for nobbly tyres which offer increased traction.

Wheel size

The wheel size is a factor to consider when choosing your scooter. Larger wheels offer a smoother ride on the toughest terrains which is why dirt scooters all have larger wheels than you'll find on a standard kick scooter. If you want extra control to do off road jumps and stunts (perhaps on a bmx trail), consider slightly smaller wheels.

Wheel Hubs

If you're want dirt scooter to do jumps, tricks and stunts along dirt and bmx trails, look for a wheel that has a metal core to withstand the extra external force demanded when landing

Split Core Hubs

Split core hubs on dirt scooter wheels make it easier to change tyres. However, they do tend to be on more expensive models and are not a necessity.

Maximum Weight of Rider

Like all scooters there will be a maximum rider weight. This is important as you want to make sure a dirt scooter will last for a growing child. You also want to make sure that it will accommodate a teen or adult if that is what you want from the scooter. If possible get the lightest scooter that will accommodate your weight.

If you or your child are not very heavy, a scooter with a high maximum rider weight will normally be more expensive, heavier to ride and you won't need it, so look for something lighter. As well as the maximum rider weight you may also see a maximum rider weight for aggressive riding which will be lower. The maximum weight for aggressive riding is for people who jump and perform drops and tricks on the dirt scooter.

Type of Terrain

Most dirt scooters can be ridden on pavement and smooth surfaces as well as on uneven terrain. However, dirt scooters may take more effort to ride on smoother surfaces and won't be as quick due to the extra traction for the wheels.

Some dirt scooters are designed to be super strong so that they are perfect for heavier rides who want to do jumps on BMX trails. If you have this in mind, make sure that the scooter will take your maximum weight when riding aggressively. Also look for a dirt scooter with a fully welded aluminium construction which is light enough to do tricks but strong enough to take the impact. It's possible to get a scooter that could be used for the school run in the week and off road fun on the weekend. If this is the case look for one that is easy to ride on smoother surfaces like pavements as well as off road.

Handlebars

The handlebars should be at a comfortable height so it's easy to control the scooter. This tends to be around mid hip to waist height although some people prefer them to sit lower. The handlebar will be fixed, not adjustable. This is because the scooter needs to be strong. A foldable or adjustable handlebar creates weak points in the bar which can snap under pressure.

Most riders prefer wide bars for stunts and tricks. The majority of handlebars have soft grips for comfort when bumping over the ground. All scooters should feature hidden internal compression.

There are y style handlebar or straight handlebars. Either is fine and is a matter of preference.

Kick Stand

Not all dirt scooters features a kick stand. It shouldn't be a deciding features but a kick stand is nice to have so you don't have to store it lying down.

Deck

The decks should offer superior grip. Decks vary in length and width. Like all scooters a shorter deck is better for smaller riders. Small decks are better for tricks and jumps too. Some riders will prefer a longer deck for more foot space. Choose a deck which is more comfortable for you. Ideally all decks should be strong and lightweight.

Brakes

Most scooters features a spring brake so you can slow down. Look for one which is easy to change if you expect to use this scooter a lot.

Cost

High end scooters have stronger and more durable parts and should last longer. Top end scooters will be made out of strong materials which are also light which costs more. The amount you pay will very much depend on how much you will use the scooter, your budget and what specifications are important to you.

Which Brand Should I Get?

Despite being such a new innovation, there are now quite a few scooter manufacturers which make dirt scooters. The brands including Osprey which has been making dirt scooters for a number of years.  Lucky is another manufacturer which also makes of high end stunt scooters. The one to buy will depend on what specifications are important to you. Check out the options below.

​Osprey All Terrain Off Road Dirt Scooter