What is the difference between a pro scooter and a regular scooter?
One of the top questions our team gets is, "What is the difference between a pro scooter and a regular scooter?" With so many different types of scooters on the market, it can be genuinely challenging to determine which scooter type is the perfect fit for your needs. Many riders also ask what is a kick scooter and how it compares in a kick scooter and skate setup for fun and casual riding.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the three main types of scooters - regular kick, pro, and commuter - detailing their unique purposes, features, and ideal users.
Three Types of Scooters
The world of non-electric scooters can be broadly categorized into three distinct groups, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. Understanding these categories is the first step in navigating the vast market of scooter types.
The main three types of scooters are regular (kick) scooters, pro scooters, and commuter scooters. While they may share a similar basic shape-a deck, handlebars, and wheels-their construction, components, and intended use vary dramatically. This also helps beginners understand what is a kick scooter and the differences between a kick scooter and skate.
Regular Kick Scooters
Designed for casual, recreational fun. Perfect for children and short rides on smooth surfaces.
Pro Scooters
Engineered for stunts, tricks, and aggressive riding at skateparks with heavy-duty components.
Commuter Scooters
Built for efficiency and comfort over mid to long distances, ideal for practical transportation.
Regular "Kick" Scooter
Purpose
The primary purpose of a regular scooter is casual, recreational fun. These scooters are engineered for short to mid-length distance rides on smooth, paved surfaces like sidewalks, bike paths, and driveways. They are perfect for leisurely rides around the local neighborhood or park. Many riders who enjoy kick scooter and skate activities often start with a regular scooter to build balance and control.
Many modern regular scooters come equipped with fun features like LED lights in the wheels and deck for enhanced visibility and coolness factor. It is critical to understand that these scooters are not intended for long-distance commuting, rough terrain like gravel paths, or performing tricks and stunts at the skatepark.
Intended Customer
 The target consumer for a regular scooter is overwhelmingly children. These models are typically designed for riders starting as young as 3 years old, with specific smaller-sized options available for toddlers. Depending on the model's size and weight capacity, most children will eventually "age out" of a standard regular scooter around 8 years old.
For parents wondering what is a kick scooter or comparing kick scooter and skate options for young kids, these scooters provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to riding.
Product Features
- Folding Headtube: A crucial safety and portability feature that allows the scooter to be folded down for easy storage and transport.
- Plastic Core Wheels: These wheels are adequate for smooth surfaces but lack the durability and roll speed of higher-quality materials.
- Two-Piece Handlebar: The handlebars are typically made from two separate pieces of metal, which can be a weak point under stress but is sufficient for casual riding.
- Lightweight Construction: Often made from aluminum or steel, but not built to withstand impacts from jumps.
Price Range
The price range for a regular scooter is lowest of the three types of scooters. Typically they range between $10 - $100 USD.
Our Recommendations
Pro Scooter
Purpose
As the name implies, pro scooters (or trick scooters) are specifically engineered and built to handle the immense pressure and impact of stunts, tricks, and aggressive riding at skateparks, pump tracks, and street spots. Every component is overbuilt for strength and performance.
While you can certainly ride a pro scooter casually around the neighborhood, its true calling is the skatepark. It is important to note that this scooter type is not suitable for very young children under the age of 5 or 6, and it is not designed for long-distance commuting on rough terrain. If you are deciding between a kick scooter and skate setup for tricks, a pro scooter is the better choice.
Intended Customer
The pro scooter demographic is vast. Children as young as 4 or 5 years old can be fitted for a beginner-level pro scooter designed for smaller riders. Crucially, there is no upper age limit for pro scooters; there are specific models built with larger decks and taller bars to fit teens and adults of all ages.
Product Features
- Solid, Non-Folding Headtube: This is welded solid to the deck to create an incredibly strong connection that can withstand repeated landings from jumps.
- Alloy Core Wheels: These wheels feature a strong aluminum or magnesium core with a high-quality polyurethane (PU) tread.
- One-Piece "IHC" Bars: The handlebars are made from a single, solid piece of metal, making them vastly stronger than two-piece bars.
- Longer and Wider Decks: Provide a more stable platform for landing tricks and better foot placement.
- Non-Folding Design: Folding mechanisms are a major weak point, so true pro scooters do not fold, prioritizing strength over portability.
All of these features are added to pro scooters to reduce failure points for tricks and jumps. If you tried to do stunts on a regular scooter or commuter scooter, your risk for injury and scooter destruction is high.
Price Range
Pro scooters are generally the priciest type of scooter due to their specialized, high-strength components. However, the market offers a wide range to fit various budgets. You can find entry-level complete pro scooters starting around $60 - $100 USD, while high-end models built with aftermarket parts can easily exceed $300 USD.
Our Recommendations
Selecting the correct pro scooter is a custom experience that depends on the rider's height, skill level, and budget. We highly recommend using our dedicated resources to find your perfect match:
Pro Scooter Selector Quiz
Find Your ScooterHow to Choose the Correct Size
Learn MoreBest for Beginners
See OptionsBest for Intermediate Riders
See OptionsBest for Advanced Riders
See OptionsCommuter Scooter
Purpose
Commuter scooters are designed for efficiency and comfort over mid to long distances. Their main purpose is practical transportation—getting from point A to point B reliably, whether that's to school, work, the train station, or around a college campus.
They handle a variety of urban terrains, including pavement, asphalt, and even slightly rougher paths, much better than kick scooters. You can absolutely use them for casual cruising, but they are not intended for the abuse of skatepark tricks, stunts, or jumps. A regular scooter is better for light recreation or kick scooter and skate style play.
Intended Customer
We recommend a commuter scooter for older kids, teens, and adults. The typical user is 8 years old and up. These scooters are built with an average adult's height and weight in mind, featuring taller handlebars and larger decks.
They are perfect for college students, urban professionals, and anyone looking for a efficient, fun, and portable last-mile transportation solution.
Product Features
- Larger Wheels (200mm+): Bigger wheels roll faster, maintain momentum better, and absorb bumps and cracks in the pavement more effectively.
- Taller Handlebar: Allows for a more comfortable, upright riding posture, which is essential for longer rides.
- Longer and Wider Deck: Provides more foot room for a stable stance during extended rides.
- Folding Mechanism: Unlike pro scooters, most commuter models feature a robust folding mechanism for easy carrying.
- Sometimes includes a brake: Many models include a fender or hand brake for added safety in traffic.
Price Range
Commuter scooters are priced similarly to pro scooters, as they also use higher-quality materials than basic kick models. The price is heavily influenced by wheel size, brand, and component quality. The typical price range is $60 - $300 USD.
Our Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between a pro scooter and a regular scooter?
The main difference is strength and purpose. A pro scooter is built with reinforced components like a solid headtube and one-piece bars for withstanding tricks and jumps at the skatepark. A regular scooter is designed for casual, low-impact riding and often folds for storage. This is also a key difference in kick scooter and skate use since scooters are for riding, while skates focus on gliding.
Can adults use pro scooters?
Absolutely. Many brands make pro scooters with larger decks and taller handlebars specifically designed for teen and adult riders who transition from kick scooter and skate setups.
What type of scooter is best for a 5-year-old?
For a 5-year-old, a regular scooter (like the Carve 100) is usually the best starting point. It's the correct size, weight, and durability for their age and riding style. Parents searching what is a kick scooter often find this is the right option for beginners.
Is a commuter scooter good for long distances?
Yes, compared to other non-electric scooter types, commuter scooters are the best for longer distances due to their larger wheels, smoother ride, and more comfortable riding posture.
Can you do tricks on a commuter scooter?
We strongly advise against it. Commuter scooters have folding mechanisms and components not designed for the impact of tricks, which could lead to component failure and injury.
Conclusion
Understanding the key differences between the main types of scooters is essential for making a safe and satisfying purchase. Whether you seek fun-filled rides for a young child with a Regular Kick Scooter, high-flying action at the park with a Pro Scooter, or efficient urban travel with a Commuter Scooter, there is a perfect model designed for your specific needs.
By considering the purpose, intended user, and key features outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the world of different types of scooters and find the one that will provide years of enjoyment and utility.
Find Your Perfect Scooter Today
 Whether you're looking for a first scooter for your child, a trick machine for the skatepark, or an efficient commuter for urban travel, we have the perfect regular scooter for your needs.
Explore All Scooters
Dejar un comentario