Building your own custom pro scooter can be a lot of fun. It can also be quite challenging since you have to figure out what parts are compatible with one another. This guide assumes that you already have a basic knowledge of scooters, so if you still feel lost after reading, feel free to contact us and we can answer any questions you may have! Keep reading to figure out how to choose the best parts for your custom scooter build.
If you are new to scootering, you might want to start with a complete scooter first. Completes are much more affordable than a custom build, they’re much easier to assemble, and they allow you to focus more on learning how to ride. If you’ve already been scootering for a while, and you’re ready to take the next step, then maybe a full custom complete scooter is for you!
The best place to start when planning out your custom build is the compression. The compression that you choose will determine which fork, bars, and clamp you need. There are three main types of compression and you can learn all about them in our compression guide. This guide will help you figure out what size handlebars to choose, whether or not you need a slit in your bars, and other details like that. Once you have selected the compression that you like, as well as fork, bars and clamp, you’re ready to move on to the next parts.
This would be a good time to choose a deck for your custom complete. Almost every aftermarket deck available will work with any compression system. The biggest things to consider at this point would be the size and geometry of the deck, as well as what wheels are compatible. You can use the scooter that you currently have as a point of reference to decide on the size. If you want something more stable, go with something longer and wider. If you want something more maneuverable, choose a deck that’s smaller.
Choosing a headset is relatively simple as most decks available today require a common integrated headset. Almost any BMX or scooter integrated headset will work. If you have a deck that requires a press-in, non-integrated headset style, your options will be much more limited. Every aftermarket deck that Jibs offers requires the integrated style.
The next choice to make is wheels. To figure out what size to use, you will have to review the specifications of your fork and deck. Most decks and forks fit 100mm or 110mm wheels without issue, and many more are now supporting 120mm+ wheels. Remember that a larger wheel will roll faster, and more smoothly. Smaller wheels are lighter and make your scooter more maneuverable. There is no right or wrong wheel size - it is all determined by your riding style and preference. All of the wheels that we sell include bearings pre-installed. For more detailed information on wheel selection, check out our Scooter Wheel Guide.
Any grips should work with any scooter. One detail to consider when choosing grips is which bar ends are included. Most bar ends are designed for steel bars, so if you chose aluminum handlebars you should either choose a grip that has aluminum-specific bar ends, or most bar ends can be modified to fit an alloy bar. Envy Hand Grips include two set of bar plugs - one for steel, and one for aluminum - so they are the perfect choice for aluminum bars. The alloy specific bar plugs are also available separately, allowing you to use any grip without any special modifications.
Grip tape is also a fairly universal scooter part. Just make sure that the sheet you select is at least as wide as your deck. As scooter decks have been growing wider over the years, some grip tape sheets might be too narrow.
