If riding in a straight line feels too tame, it is time to level up. I have compiled a list of 20 simple, cool scooter tricks for beginners.
From basic jumps on flat ground to spins on a Razor, these moves are fun and sure to impress. Whether you are new to scootering or want to add flair to your ride, these easy tricks are the perfect starting point.
I will also share pro tips to keep you confident and safe while you practice. Note that these instructions apply to manual kick scooters rather than electric ones.
20 Easy Scooter Tricks
Time to scoot into action. Check out these 20 awesome scooter tricks that are brilliant for beginners. If you already have experience riding, transitioning into these moves is seamless.
Some tricks are great for kids, while others suit teens looking to impress friends at the skatepark.
Caution
A sensible adult should always supervise kids when they ride a scooter or perform tricks. Riders must always wear protective gear, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads.
1. Bunny Hop
The bunny hop is the foundational scooter trick. It is easy, safe, and looks cool enough to wow your pals.
To perform a bunny hop, stand still on your scooter and hold the handlebars firmly. Angle your non-dominant foot slightly at the back of the deck. Keep your dominant foot near the front, also slightly angled.
Bend both knees and jump straight up. Pull the scooter upwards with you as you rise. Keep your knees bent upon landing to maintain control. Once you master this stationary move, try it while riding.
Difficulty: 2/5
2. J-Hop
A J-hop is similar to a bunny hop but uses a different motion. Mastering it is beneficial because it leads to advanced moves like bar spins and tail whips.
Stand on your scooter exactly as you would for a bunny hop. Instead of jumping with both feet simultaneously, lead with your front foot. Pull the handlebars up first to lift the front wheel, then immediately jump and lift the back foot.
This creates an arc motion. Keep your knees bent as you pull the scooter up and absorb the impact when you land.
Difficulty: 2.5/5
3. Magnet
The magnet trick makes the deck look like it is stuck to your feet.
Stand with your feet in the middle of the deck, slightly angled. Jump high while looking down at the board. While in the air, pull the handlebars up so the deck meets your feet.
Land firmly. Keep your eyes on the deck to ensure your feet land in the center. Landing too far forward or backward causes a loss of balance.
Difficulty: 2/5
4. No Footer
A No Footer is a bunny hop with a twist. While you are in the air, take both feet off the deck and extend them outwards. Quickly place them back on the board before you land.
Difficulty: 3/5
Top Tip
Practice this trick by taking one foot off at a time. Once you master the single-foot motion, try removing both feet simultaneously.
5. Can Plant
You can eventually take the can plant to the skatepark on ramps, but it works great on flat ground too.
Start with both feet evenly spaced on the board. Angle them slightly toward your non-dominant side. Perform a bunny hop. While in the air, move your dominant foot forward and plant it on the ground.
When you land the trick, the scooter should be in the air behind you, with your non-dominant foot still on the deck.
Difficulty: 3/5
6. 180
A 180 involves jumping and rotating the scooter halfway around. The key is your head movement.
Initiate a bunny hop. As you lift off, turn your head and shoulders in the direction you want to spin. Your body and scooter will naturally follow. Land with the scooter facing the opposite direction.
Difficulty: 2.5/5
7. Barspin
A barspin involves spinning the handlebars a full 360 degrees while in the air. Practice on flat ground first by spinning the bars quickly clockwise or counter-clockwise.
To do it in the air, perform a J-hop. While you lean back slightly, quickly spin the bars and catch them before you land.
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Important Note
Ensure you complete the full spin before landing. If the wheel is angled when you hit the ground, you might veer off unexpectedly and fall.
8. Tail Whip
Master the bunny hop or J-hop before attempting a tail whip. You must also decide which direction feels natural. If your feet point left, whip the deck counter-clockwise. If they point right, whip clockwise.
Practice the motion while standing on the ground. Hold the scooter in the air by the bars and use your arms to rotate the deck in a circle. Get used to the wrist motion.
To try the full trick, jump up (bunny or J-hop) and kick the deck out to the side with your back foot. Flick your wrists to spin the deck a full 360 degrees. Catch the deck with your feet and land.
Difficulty: 4/5
9. Sex Change
Despite the name, this is simply a body varial. It involves a bunny hop and a mid-air stance switch.
Perform a bunny hop. While in the air, rotate your body so you switch from a “regular” stance (toes pointing right) to a “goofy” stance (toes pointing left), or vice versa. Land with your feet in the new position.
Difficulty: 2.5/5
10. X-Up
An X-Up requires you to rotate your handlebars 180 degrees without letting go.
Perform a bunny or J-hop. While in the air, cross your arms to turn the bars 90 to 180 degrees. Uncross them quickly to straighten the wheel before you land. Start with small turns and build up to the full X shape.
Difficulty: 2.5/5
11. Pump
Pumping allows you to gain speed on ramps or transitions without pushing with your foot. It is essential for skatepark flow.
As you ride up a transition, unweight your body. As you ride down, crouch and push your weight into the scooter. This rhythmic bending and standing generates momentum.
Difficulty: 1/5
12. Fakie
Riding fakie means riding backward. This improves balance and sets you up for advanced combos.
Stand on your scooter and push off a wall or curb to roll backward. To steer, turn the bars the opposite way you want to go. If you want the rear of the scooter to go right, turn the bars left.
Difficulty: 1.5/5
13. 360-Degree
A 360 is a full rotation in the air. It is often easier to land on a ramp, but you can learn it on flat ground.
Ride at a comfortable speed. Pre-load your spin by turning slightly in the opposite direction, then snap into your spin as you bunny hop. Turn your head aggressively to spot your landing. Keep your feet firmly on the deck.
Difficulty: 4/5
Top Tip
Start the rotation just before your wheels leave the ground. Accelerate into the spin to generate enough force to complete the full circle.
14. Manual
A manual is a wheelie on a scooter. You ride solely on the back wheel without using a brake to balance.
Stand as far back on the deck as possible. Pull the handlebars up and lean back to lift the front wheel. Use your legs to balance. If you lean too far back, tap the brake lightly. If you fall forward, pull up harder.
Difficulty: 3/5
15. One Hander
Start with a solid bunny hop. At the peak of your jump, take one hand off the handlebar and extend it to the side. Grab the bar again before you land. Start with your non-dominant hand as it is usually easier.
Difficulty: 3.5/5
16. Feeble
A feeble is a grind trick you can practice on a curb or low ledge.
In a feeble grind, the front wheel rolls on top of the ledge while the deck and back wheel slide along the edge. Approach the curb, hop the front wheel onto the top, and let the back of the deck land on the corner of the curb. Keep your weight balanced to slide.
Difficulty: 4/5
17. No Hander
This trick involves riding the scooter without holding the bars, similar to surfing or skateboarding.
Find a gentle downward slope. Turn your handlebars 180 degrees so the forks face backward (this stabilizes the wheel). Step on and place your feet side-by-side or in a skate stance. Release the bars and use your feet to steer.
Difficulty: 3/5
Pro Tip
Keep your posture upright and align your back foot with your shoulders for better stability.
18. Heelwhip
A heelwhip is the opposite of a tail whip. Instead of kicking the deck with your toes, you kick it forward with your heels.
Jump up and kick the deck out in front of you. Use your wrists to whip the board around in the opposite direction of a standard tail whip. Catch it and land. This feels unnatural at first, so master the tail whip first.
Difficulty: 4.5/5
19. Weedwacker
The Weedwacker is a flatland trick that does not require jumping.
Place your dominant foot on the deck and push slowly. While moving, swing your leg over the bars in a circular motion while simultaneously spinning the handlebars. It creates a “whirring” look like a weedwacker. It requires coordination but is very safe to practice.
Difficulty: 2.5/5
20. X-Ride
To do an X-Ride, perform an X-Up (crossed arms) and hold the position while riding.
Cross your arms to turn the bars, but keep the wheel straight. Ride forward with your arms crossed. It looks simple but requires good balance and core strength.
Difficulty: 2.5/5
Tips for Beginner Scooter Riders
New to the world of scootering? Whether you ride a Razor, Micro, or Fuzion pro scooter, you need the basics down before you fly.
Here are seven essential tips to hone your skills:
- Wear a helmet: Protect your brain. A sturdy helmet is non-negotiable for safety. I recommend wearing a helmet regardless of your age or skill level.
- Gear up: Wear elbow pads, knee pads, and protective gloves. Concrete is hard; pads are soft. They prevent scrapes and bruises when you bail.
- Choose grippy shoes: Wear skate shoes with flat, rubber soles. They provide the grip and board feel you need to control the deck.
- Rest and recover: If you get injured, take a break. Riding through pain leads to worse injuries. Give your body time to heal.
- Be patient: Do not hit the big ramps immediately. Learn slowly. Master the bunny hop on flat ground before trying to fly out of a bowl.
- Size your scooter: A lighter scooter is easier to flick and spin. When choosing the best scooter, ensure the bars sit around waist-to-wrist height. A shorter deck is generally better for tricks.
- Maintenance matters: Tighten your compression, check your wheels, and ensure your brake is dialed. A quiet, tight scooter is safer and easier to ride than a rattling one.
FAQs
Which Is Easier To Do Tricks On: A Bike or Scooter?
A scooter is generally easier for learning initial tricks. Scooters are lighter, smaller, and easier to bail from if things go wrong. The standing position is natural, and you have a lower center of gravity. However, transferring skills from BMX to scooter (or vice versa) helps significantly.
How Do You Get Over the Fear of Dropping on a Scooter?
Fear is normal. To overcome it, wear full protective gear so you know you are safe if you fall. Start on small ramps or flat banks before attempting vertical drop-ins. Commit to the move; hesitation is usually what causes the fall. Confidence comes from repetition.
How Do You Ride a Scooter With No Hands?
Find a gentle slope. Turn your handlebars 180 degrees so the wheel trails behind the fork (this adds stability). align your feet side-by-side or in a snowboard stance. Release the bars and steer by shifting your weight through your feet.
What Is the Easiest Scooter Trick for a Complete Beginner?
The Bunny Hop is widely considered the easiest and most essential trick to learn first. It requires no ramps, just flat ground. Once you master the Bunny Hop, you can unlock other tricks like the Magnet, No Footer, and eventually the Barspin.
