Scooter vs. Skateboard [The Classic Debate]

There is always a debate of scooter vs. skateboard - so which one is really better? We take a deep dive into this topic, and tell you everything you need to know - so let’s get started. 🛴 🛹

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Overview - Scooter vs. Skateboard

There are a lot of similarities between scooters and skateboards. Both have wheels, both are ridden standing up, and both can be used for tricks and transportation. However, there are also some key differences between the two.

Scooters tend to be a smaller standing platform than skateboards, with narrower decks and smaller wheels. They also typically have only one brake (one on the rear wheel), while skateboards do not have brakes. Scooters also have handlebars while skateboards do not.

One of the biggest similarities between scooters and skateboards is how they are propelled. Both scooters and skateboards are propelled by kicking the ground with your foot. The added handlebar makes scooters easier to ride than skateboards, especially for beginners because less balance is required when kicking off to propel yourself forward.

The biggest difference (we're biased being a skateboard shop) is the perception of scooters. Scooters are generally seen more as a kid's ride and not as cool as skateboards. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but this is the general perception. Scooters can get hated on at skate parks because they are often ridden by kids that need to learn skate park etiquette. If you rip on a scooter and have good manners in the park, generally skateboarders are not going to mind scooters.

So, which is better? Scooter or skateboard? There is no easy answer to this question. It really depends on what you want to use it for and how you want to be perceived. If you have little riding experience and just want a transportation device to get around, then a scooter is the better choice. If you want to do tricks and look like a cool kid, then the skateboard is the better choice. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which is better for you.

Are Scooters Better Than Skateboards?

There is no easy answer to the question of whether scooters are better than skateboards. It depends on what you're looking for in a ride. If you want something with a quick learning curve and mostly focused on easy transportation, a scooter might be the better option. Skateboards are typically better for doing tricks and will have a more difficult learning curve. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which type of board suits your needs best.

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Why Do Skateboarders Hate Scooters?

It is no secret that skateboarders and scooter riders often don't see eye to eye. But why is this the case? Let's take a look at some of the key reasons why skateboarders hate scooters.

1. Scooters are often seen as being "easy"

Skateboarding takes a lot of skill and practice to master, so when people see someone riding a scooter it's like they took the easy way out. Scooters are often seen as being much easier to ride than skateboards and get less respect because of this.

2. Scooter riders are often younger

Another reason why skateboarders hate scooters is because they are often ridden by younger kids. This can be annoying for older skateboarders who know the etiquette of the skate park and expect all to follow these unstated rules. Young kids with scooters don't learn these rules and often get in the way.

3. Scooters are super common

Scooters in public places are super common in cities now with the rise of electric scooter "ride on demand" companies. They can look messy, get in the way, be ridden by kooks of all ages, and just cause a general nuisance.

4. Scooter riders often don't follow the rules

Skateboarders are often very particular about following the rules of skating, especially in skate parks. When scooter riders (especially the young and dumb riders) break these rules it can be infuriating. For example, scooter riders won't always take their turn and get in the way of a skateboarder while doing a trick.

5. Scooters are often seen as a fad

Skateboarding has been around for decades, but scooters can be seen as a passing fad. Remember the Razor craze? Also electric scooters in cities have come and gone with new laws being passed. Skateboards have been more of less the same for decades.

Overall, there are many reasons why skateboarders hate scooters. Scooters are often seen as being "easy", they are ridden by younger kids, they are used in public places, and they are often seen as a passing fad. While there may be some truth to these claims, it's important to remember that not all scooter riders are the same. There are plenty of respectful and skilled scooter riders out there, so don't write them all off just because of a few bad apples.

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Is Skateboarding More Popular Than Scootering?

It's no secret that skateboarding and scootering are both incredibly popular activities. But which one is more popular?

Skateboarding has been around for decades, and its popularity only seems to be increasing. In fact, a recent study found that skateboarding is the most popular action sport in the world. And it's not just kids who are getting into skateboarding – adults are doing it too.

Scootering, on the other hand, is a relatively new phenomenon. It started gaining popularity in the early 2000s, and has since become one of the most popular sports among kids and teenagers.

So, which one is more popular? Skateboarding or scootering?

Well, it's hard to say for sure. But if we looked at the popularity of each sport among different age groups, it's clear that skateboarding is more popular than scootering among adults, while scootering is more popular than skateboarding among kids and teenagers.

So there you have it – skateboarding is more popular than scootering, but only among certain age groups. Whether or not one sport is more popular than the other overall is up for debate.

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Is It Easier To Learn To Skateboard Or Scooter?

Scootering is much easier than skateboarding. This is because of the aid of the handlebar. Having something to hold on to while pushing aids rider balance and makes cruising significantly easier.

In addition, the handlebar is what is used to turn the scooter. This is far more intuitive and easier to learn than leaning on a skateboard, which takes decent balance.

That being side, there are some real pros and cons to skateboarding that should be considered.

✅ Skateboarding Pros:

• Skateboards are generally lighter than scooters, making them easier to carry around.
• It's almost always seen as the cooler of the two activities.

❌ Skateboarding Cons:

• Balance takes more practice without a handlebar to hold.
• You are more likely to fall and hurt yourself when skateboarding.

✅ Scooter Pros:

• Scooters have a handlebar for stability, meaning you are less likely to fall.
• It is easy to push off and turn on a scooter.
• Power assists are common on scooters, making them even easier to ride.

❌ Scooter Cons:

• Scooters can be heavier than skateboards, making them more difficult to carry around.
• You don't look as cool on a scooter.

So, which is better? Skateboard or scooter? It really depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to get around, a scooter may be the better choice. However, if you want to look cool and don't mind a little extra effort, a skateboard may be the better option. Whichever you choose, make sure to have fun and stay safe.

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What Is The Difference Between A Skateboard And A Scooter?

There are a few key differences between skateboards and scooters. The biggest being the handlebar on scooters and lack of a handlebar on skateboards. The handlebar is going to make riding easier as the rider has something to hold on to for balance while cruising around.

Skateboards have two trucks (the part that holds the wheels) while scooters have the wheels built into the frame.

Scooters usually have wheels with larger diameters, which make them roll more smoothly over a wide range of surfaces.

Skateboards are typically lighter and easier to carry while scooters are often heavier with their metal frames and addition of handlebars.

Can You Do Tricks On A Scooter?

Absolutely. You can do all sorts of tricks on a scooter - from the basics like riding no-handed to more complex moves like tail whips and insane flips. Some of those scooter kids straight rip.

Our Picks for Trick Scooters

Doing tricks on a scooter takes practice, and it's important to learn how to do them safely. But once you've mastered the basics, there's no limit to what you can do on your scooter. So get out there and start practicing. Just stay out of my way in the park!

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Who Would Win In A Skateboard Vs. Scooter Race?

This depends. Scooters are faster when motors are added to them while skateboards are faster un-powered downhill.

The top speed on a downhill skateboard stands at around 90 mph (145 kph). Scooters, like a Razor, have topped out around half that at 45 mph (77 kph). This is due to the advantages of 4 wheels for stability over only 2 wheels on the scooter.

However, when the scooter designed to take some serious motor power, they can reach speeds over 100 mph (160 kph). Scooters designed to reach these speeds are pretty unique and expensive making them fast af.

Of course, the winner of a race depends on the skills of the rider as well as the type of terrain. Get out there and start safely practicing your skills so you can take home the victory next time you're challenged to a race.

Is Scootering An Outdated Mode Of Transportation?

While some styles of scooters come and go, it is safe to say that scooters are here to stay. Scooter sharing services were all the rage a few years ago and still strong in many major cities, even with scooter share programs are being discontinued, outlawed, or scaled back.

So what does this mean for the future of scootering? It's hard to say for sure, but we're confident there will continue to be a segment of riders interested in participating.

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Which Is Better For Tricks?

There is no easy answer when it comes to choosing between a scooter or skateboard for tricks. It really depends on what kind of tricks you want to do and how comfortable you are with each type of ride. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for your needs.

For more balance challenged riders, scooters have the advantage of the handlebars. This means that they are easier to control and easier to get started. Most people can jump on a scooter and immediately start riding. That is not the case with skateboards.

Skateboards on the other hand are lighter and easier to carry, but more difficult to learn how to ride. The lack of handlebars makes balance a tougher proposition for some.

So, which is better for tricks? It really depends on what kinds of tricks you want to do and how comfortable you are with each type of ride. If you are just starting out or looking for something to teach balancing, a scooter might be the best option. If you are more experienced, a skateboard might be the better choice.

We recommend checking out some YouTube videos of skateboarders and scooterers (is that a word?) doing tricks and see which style you prefer. Each has a distinct style and seeing other talented riders can give you inspiration one way or another. Whichever you choose, make sure to practice your tricks in a safe area before taking them out in public.

Electrification: E-Scooters vs. E-Skateboards

If you're in the market for something with a bit more power than your kick, you may be considering an electric scooter or an electric skateboard. Both of these have pros and cons depending on what you need.

First we will discuss electric skateboards. E-skateboards are newer to the market than scooters and generally much harder to ride. You probably need to have a firm grasp on regular skateboard riding before jumping on an electric skateboard. The learning curve is going to be harder to overcome, just like a regular skateboard vs. regular scooter.

However, the amount of fun is undeniable. Going 20-25mph on a skateboard was a thrill that was once only reserved for downhill skateboarders. Now you can do that on flatland!

Electric skateboards also brake by using the electric motors in reverse. This was something that was once reserved for small niche applications in skateboarding, but now open to everyone on an e-skateboard.

E-scooters are generally more readily available to go fast as they are easier to ride. They also can have more advanced suspension, previously only found on bikes.

Both can be a ton of fun and we recommend going for a rip on either.

Other Factors To Consider

If you’re riding an scooter, you probably love it - but it’s distinctly different from doing a kickflip with the feeling of grip tape scraping against your shoes. Sure, skateboarding does involve a learning curve while scooters and e-scooters let you just hop on, but skateboarding can be tremendously awesome once you get the gist of it.

Skateboard tricks are not always easy to pull off, neither is a bunnyhop on a BMX bike, so we can see why some people would prefer a simple ‘hop on’ solution, like a scooter. Skaters may look down on some, but at the end of the day, the debate of scooter vs. skateboard isn’t really meaningful. Each has it's time and place for different preferences.

As long as you’re out there having fun and not getting in the way of other riders, we think that's rad. Commuting short distances is easy for both, whether it’s a skateboard or scooter.

Kick scooters are also fun, and little kids also love the portability. If you’re a newbie, riding a scooter for the first time, a foldable Razor scooter can be fun, and since we’re an Amazon Associate, you’ll be supporting us with any purchase you make.

The Bottom Line On The Scooter vs. Skateboard Debate

The main differences between these two are how hard they are to ride, whether or not you use hand/rear wheel brakes or foot braking, and if you care about how you look on social media.

We hope you enjoyed this article, and be sure to check out some of our other in-depth guides. So whether you like scooters or skateboards, just keep shredding. 🛴 🛹