You may have been skateboarding for a while and decided to try something different. Or, perhaps you have been riding a pre-built scooter for some time and are just now looking to customize your system. For whatever reason, choosing to build your own scooter is an easy and fulfilling endeavor that almost anyone can accomplish. Following are the basic steps required to assemble a professional scooter.
1. Choose Your Ride
There are dozens of elite scooter companies making scooter components today. Some focus on speed, others on agility, and still others might add the right touch of designer flair. Do your research and build the scooter that best suits your riding style and your personality. It goes without saying that you should also spend time finding the best machine you can for your budget.
2. Collect the Necessary Tools
It doesn’t take much to put together the average professional scooter. Your basic tool set should do the trick. Most scooters do not require anything more than a few sizes of hex key and a 13mm wrench. Size 5 and size 6 hex keys should be sufficient in most cases, although it might also be a good idea to have a size 4 hex key on hand for tightening brakes when the time comes. If your particular model requires different tools, the manufacturer will likely include these with your purchase. If your scooter parts are arriving in a box, you might also consider a pair of scissors or a box cutter for opening the box quickly and safely.
3. Unpack and Arrange
Arrange your scooter parts on a floor or large table. Make sure you have all the necessary components and that everything appears to be in perfect shape. On very rare occasions, companies can make mistakes and send the wrong gear. This problem is much easier to fix before parts have been assembled and especially before your scooter has been out on the road.
4. Assemble the Pieces
Basic professional scooter assembly only requires attaching the front and rear wheels to the deck and then attaching the headset. When attaching the wheels it is important that you use your hex key and/or your wrench to completely tighten each wheel. This will ensure that your wheels do not wobble and will provide the smoothest ride. When attaching the headset, it is most important to be sure the headset faces perfectly forward. This will make riding your scooter both easier and safer, and will also allow you to land more technically demanding tricks.
5. Enjoy!
Once you are certain that your scooter is assembled tightly and correctly, it is time to take your new professional scooter out for a spin. When you first ride your new scooter, take the time to feel out any shaking or sticking. These problems may be easily fixed by tightening the scooter’s components yourself, but they may also be evidence of a problem with a component that must be addressed with the manufacturer. It is important to never ride on faulty equipment, as doing so can cause serious injuries.
