You don’t need to be a kid to get a kick out of something cool like a skateboard or a scooter. They can both provide you with a great ride, and they are both fun means of transportation. Both skateboards and scooters can aid in commuting or travelling and can be a form of good exercise. So, let’s dig into the differences and the similarities between the two, so you can decide which one suits you better.

Skateboards vs. Scooters

Design and Ease of Riding

Both the skateboard and the scooter have a deck for the feet. On a skateboard, your feet may sit between or on top of the wheels, while on a scooter your feet always sit between the wheels. You can find skate decks for sale or visit a scooters store and choose the type of scooter you prefer. They are both kick-powered, or foot-propelled devices that can be used for the daily commute or to do cool tricks in the streets and at the skatepark.

Skateboarding is often associated with older teens, but also adults who commute or cruise on skateboards or longboards. Also, it has a rich history and the popularity of various competitions and tournaments since 1963 and since then, it is constantly growing and the skateboards dominate the scene in board riding.

The board of a typical skateboard is short and narrow with wheels fixed at both ends. It allows the rider to move the board while in the standing or crouching position. You can choose from a wide range of skate decks for sale and select your favourite design, so you can enjoy an exciting and cool ride. On a skateboard, you have nothing to hang on to, so you have to balance on a single leg while pushing with the other.

Both skateboards and scooters are propelled in the same manner, however, the scooters have a handlebar you use to ride or roll more easily. This makes kicking for gaining speed easier on a scooter than on a skateboard because you can hold on to the handlebar. Also, turning is easier because all you have to do is turn the handlebar slightly to steer. Learning to turn on a skateboard is a bit more challenging as you need to shift your balance.

When it comes to stopping, both scooters and skateboards have their own ways. Most scooters have a foot brake located at the end of the tailboard, so you can step on the fender-like part and your scooter will gradually stop while it rubs against the hind wheel. Some scooters have a hand-brake installed on the handlebar, so you just have to press it and you can stop easily.

Stopping a skateboard might be a bit more difficult, especially if you are a beginner. You need to practice a good balance and technique and as you advance, you may learn how to use the sliding technique to stop your skateboard.

That being said, scooters are much safer considering learning time. So, if you are looking for a solution for daily commuting, you can go to a scooters store and find the right scooter for your needs. Whatever your choice is, a nice scooter can make your journey much safer.

Scooters and skateboards are both portable, however, scooters can be quite bulky with the handlebar. Skateboards are mainly designed for leisure and sports, but when it comes to daily commuting, they are convenient for short distances as they are easy to stow and/or carry around. Although, with modern advancements, there are foldable scooters available now.

Materials

Most skateboards you will find out there have a deck made from wood and rubber wheels and stainless steel parts, known as bearing, used to attach the wheels to the main body. Keep in mind that skateboards are not designed for heavy loads and carry only you on the deck.

Scooters, on the other hand, are made of stainless steel, aluminium and other hard metallic materials. They have stronger constructions than skateboards and can resist rough driving conditions better.

Learning Time

For beginners, learning to ride a scooter is easier than skateboarding since you can get on it and move around the handlebar slightly to keep the balance. But when you first set foot on a skateboard, you are most likely to feel the imbalance and fear of falling. However, that’s what makes skateboarding more exciting and from there you will not have fear of getting on a scooter, surfboard, get your rollerblades or else.

Exercise

Both skateboards and scooters can give you a great workout. You need to kick constantly to keep moving and you can alternate feet when pushing to spread the effort across both sides of your body. Some people believe that a skateboard gives a better workout because there is no handlebar, so commuting on a skateboard requires more effort and you can get more intense balance training.

Final Thoughts

So, which one to choose? This is the hardest decision to make, however, in the end, what matters most is that you enjoy what you do. If you have strong balance skills, a skateboard will allow you to enjoy the thrill from the beginning. If you are looking for safer means of transportation, then a scooter might be the right choice for you.