Fun Scooter Tricks for Kids to Try and Enjoy Outdoors

Fun and Exciting Scooter Tricks for Kids

Scootering is not just a mode of transportation; for many kids, it’s an exciting way to express creativity and develop physical skills. As little riders zoom around their neighborhoods, the thrill of learning new tricks adds an entire dimension of fun to scootering. In this article, we’ll explore some easy yet impressive scooter tricks that are perfect for kids just getting started, along with tips on how to master them safely.

Safety First

Before we dive into the tricks, it’s essential to emphasize safety. Parents and guardians should ensure that children wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. Choosing a safe location to practice—such as a flat, smooth surface away from traffic—can also help prevent injuries. With safety in mind, let’s look at some fun scooter tricks!

1. The Scooter Ollie

The Ollie is a foundational trick for any scooter rider. It’s a jumping mechanism that allows the rider to lift the scooter off the ground. To perform an Ollie, follow these simple steps

- Start by riding at a moderate speed. - Put your back foot on the tail of the scooter and apply pressure to push down. - As you push down, jump up with both feet simultaneously. - As you jump, drag your front foot up the deck to level out the scooter in the air. - Land smoothly and roll away!

Once your child has mastered the Ollie, they can use it as a stepping stone to more advanced tricks.

2. The Bunny Hop

The Bunny Hop is a fun trick that combines the Ollie with a horizontal jump. It’s a great way to clear small obstacles like curbs or bumps. To execute a Bunny Hop, your child should

- Gain some speed while riding. - Propel upward using the same technique as the Ollie. - Instead of just lifting the scooter upwards, tilt it slightly forward to get both wheels off the ground. - Focus on landing with both wheels at the same time for balance.

With practice, kids will be able to Bunny Hop over small obstacles, impressing their friends!

3. The 180 Spin

Once the basic tricks are mastered, kids can move on to spins. The 180 Spin is a great trick to learn, giving riders the ability to turn around mid-air. Here’s how to do it

- Approach with moderate speed. - As you prepare to jump, do an Ollie. - Once in the air, turn your shoulders in the direction you want to spin (usually, this would be to the right or left). - Pull the scooter around with your feet while keeping your body positioned for the spin. - Aim to land facing the direction you spun to complete the trick.

This trick not only looks cool but also helps build confidence in performing tricks.

4. The Manual

The Manual is a balance trick that involves riding on the back wheel of the scooter. It’s about control and balance, and it can be a fun challenge for kids as they work on their skills. To do a Manual

- Start by rolling at a slow pace. - Shift your weight back while pulling the handlebars towards you. - Keep your front wheel off the ground as long as possible. - Use your core muscles to maintain balance. - Gently bring the front wheel down to land.

This trick can take some practice, but once mastered, it showcases excellent control and skill!

5. The Barspin

Once the basic tricks and some spins have been mastered, kids can try their hand at the Barspin. It’s a more advanced trick that involves spinning the handlebars while in mid-air. While this trick requires more practice and confidence, it can be very rewarding. Here’s a breakdown

- Ride at a good speed and initiate an Ollie. - Just as you leave the ground, pull up on the handlebars gently. - Use your hands to spin the handlebars around quickly while keeping your body straight. - As the bars come back around, catch them with your hands and land safely.

Conclusion

Scooter tricks can enhance the riding experience for kids by promoting physical activity, coordination, and confidence. With practice and patience, children will not only learn new techniques but also improve their overall scootering skills. Remember to keep safety in mind, practice in suitable environments, and most importantly—have fun! Whether they are mastering the Ollie or attempting a Barspin, the joy of scootering will keep kids entertained and active. Happy scooting!