The Ultimate Stunt Scooter Maintenance Guide

Maintenance on a pro scooter is mostly about tightening, cleaning, and checking for damage. Get into the habit of performing a quick check before every session to catch minor issues before they turn into major problems.

Pre-Ride Checks: The "Dialed" Test

The simplest way to check your scooter is the drop test and a quick hands-on check.

• The Drop Test: Lift your scooter about 6 inches off the ground and let it drop onto its wheels.

  • Dull sound? Perfect. All components are tight and you're ready to shred.

  • Sharp or rattling noise? Something is loose. Check the handlebars, wheels, and compression bolt immediately.

• The Handlebar Twist: With the front wheel firmly held between your feet, try to twist the handlebars. If they move, your clamp bolts are loose and need to be tightened (often with a 5mm or 6mm Allen key). Tighten each bolt a little at a time to keep pressure even.

• The Headset Wiggle: Hold the front wheel and try to rock the handlebars back and forth (toward the deck and away from it). If there is any movement, your headset is loose and needs to be adjusted.

Critical Component Care

1. Headset & Compression (The Spin Zone)

The headset is what allows your bars and fork to spin smoothly. If it's too loose, you'll hear a rattle or feel play; if it's too tight, spinning the bars will feel "notchy" or stiff.

Problem	Solution	Pro Tip
Rattle/Play	Tighten the compression bolt (requires removing the handlebars and clamp on most systems like HIC/IHC).	Turn the Allen key just until the play is gone, then check that the bars spin freely.
Grinding/Stiffness	Disassemble, clean, and lubricate the bearings.	Use scooter-specific grease or oil on the bearings and bearing cups. Water and dirt are the main enemies here!

2. Wheels and Bearings (The Speed Zone)

Wheels are wear-and-tear items, but proper care can keep them fast and extend their life.

• Wheel Axles: Check that the wheel bolts are fully tightened with an Allen key. A loose axle is a common cause of rattles and wheel wobble.

• Prevent Flat Spots: Flat spots are the biggest wheel killer. They happen when you drag your foot brake too hard, causing the wheel to skid.

  • Avoid aggressive braking. Use the heel of your foot for gentle braking, or control your speed by foot-dragging. Flat spots are generally not covered by warranty.

• Rotate Wheels: The rear wheel takes a harder beating from braking and landing, so it wears out faster. Periodically swap the front and back wheels to ensure even wear and maximise lifespan.

• Bearing Protection: Your bearings hate two things: water and sand/dirt.

  • Avoid wet riding at all costs, as water washes out lubricant and causes rust. If you get caught in the rain, dry your scooter immediately.

  • If your roll is slow or noisy, remove the bearings, clean them with a degreaser or solvent, and re-lubricate with a light skate/scooter oil or grease. NEVER use WD-40, as it acts as a degreaser and will strip the necessary lubrication.

3. Deck and Grip Tape

• Deck Inspection: Regularly look for hairline cracks or damage, especially near welds or the headtube, particularly after a hard crash or landing. A damaged deck is a safety hazard.

• Grip Tape Cleaning: Dirt and mud reduce grip. Use a stiff brush to scrub the grip tape dry. For tougher grime, you can use a small amount of specialty grip tape cleaner or a rubber cleaner bar. It is recommended to replace your scooter grip tape every few months, or until the grip noticeably declines.

General Maintenance Habits

• Tighten All Bolts: Use a multi-tool or Allen key to regularly check every single nut and bolt on your scooter (clamp, axles, brake, compression). Loose hardware is the number one cause of noise and component failure.

• Cleaning: Wipe down your scooter after each session, especially if you ride street. Removing dirt and dust prevents them from migrating into the bearings and headset.

• Storage: Always store your scooter in a cool, dry place. Leaving it outside or in a damp garage is an express ticket to rusty bolts and seized bearings.

• Grips: If your grips are sticky, torn, or worn, replace them. They're cheap, and good grips are essential for control. You can remove old grips by cutting them off and install new ones using a bit of hairspray or brake cleaner inside the grip to temporarily lubricate and then lock them in place when dry. Check out our full range of grips here.

Proper care is the key to maintaining a smooth, fast, and safe ride. Give your scooter some love, and it'll keep you flying.