Exciting Tricks for Kids on Scooters

Scootering has become an incredibly popular pastime for children around the world. It's not just a fun way to get around; it also offers an opportunity for kids to learn new skills and express their creativity. One of the most exciting aspects of scootering is performing tricks. Whether your child is a beginner or has some experience, there are plenty of tricks to learn and master. In this article, we’ll explore some cool scooter tricks for kids that will help them build confidence and improve their riding skills.

1. The Scooter Ride-on

For younger or less experienced riders, starting with simple tricks like the Ride-on is a great idea. To perform this trick, kids simply ride their scooters and lift their feet off the deck while holding onto the handlebars. This helps them gain balance and understand how to shift their weight while on the scoot. It’s a great foundational skill that will aid in more complex tricks later on.

2. The Bunny Hop

The Bunny Hop is a foundational trick that every scooter rider should learn. To perform this trick, kids will need to compress their legs slightly and then jump off the ground while pulling the scooter upward. The key is to keep the scooter close to the body while in the air. This trick not only helps with gaining air but also develops essential balance skills. Once mastered, kids can take it to the next level by jumping over small obstacles!

3. The Tailwhip

Once kids have mastered the Bunny Hop, they can progress to the Tailwhip, an impressive trick that involves kicking the scooter deck around in a circular motion while in the air. To perform a Tailwhip, the rider will execute a Bunny Hop and use their back foot to flick the scooter deck around. Timing and coordination are crucial to land smoothly after the trick. It may take some practice, but the sense of accomplishment is well worth the effort!

4. The 180 Spin

The 180 Spin is another exciting trick that will impress onlookers. For this move, the child will need to perform a Bunny Hop, turning their shoulders and head in the direction they want to spin. As they jump, they should rotate their body and the scooter 180 degrees before landing. It's important to focus on the landing; a controlled descent will help prevent falls. Once they’re comfortable with the 180 Spin, they can even experiment with landing in different directions.

5. The Smith Grind

For those adventurers ready to take things further, the Smith Grind is a fantastic street trick. This trick is performed on a rail or ledge. The rider approaches the obstacle, executes a Bunny Hop, and lands with the back wheel on the rail while keeping the front wheel off. Balancing and maintaining control are essential here. Doing this trick smoothly can give kids a great sense of achievement, and it’s sure to impress their friends.

6. The No Footer

The No Footer is another popular trick where the rider executes a jump and, at the peak of the jump, extends both legs off the scooter. This trick showcases style and can be combined with other tricks, like the Bunny Hop or Tailwhip. Kids can practice this trick on flat ground or ramps to build confidence before trying it on higher jumps.

7. Safety First!

Before attempting any trick, it's vital for kids to wear appropriate safety gear. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads can protect them from potential injuries. Parents should also encourage kids to practice in safe environments, such as skate parks or open spaces, away from traffic and obstacles.

Conclusion

Scootering is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s an exciting sport that fosters creativity, coordination, and confidence. From beginners to more advanced riders, there’s always something new to learn. By mastering tricks like the Bunny Hop, Tailwhip, and 180 Spin, kids can enhance their skills while enjoying the thrill of scootering. So gear up, get out, and start practicing those tricks – the world of scootering awaits!