Looking to choose the best scooter wheels but don't know where to start? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming. The three most common wheel sizes are 100mm, 110mm, and 120mm, with some decks and forks compatible with up to 125mm wheels as well.
Wheel Diameter
To understand which wheel size is right for you, it's important to consider your level of experience. When freestyle scootering first gained popularity, everyone rode 100mm wheels. However, with the introduction of 110mm wheels, more options became available, allowing riders to carry more speed and roll more smoothly. These days, entry and intermediate scooters typically come equipped with 110mm wheels, and intermediate to advanced scooters usually have 120mm wheels. 100mm wheels are usually only found on the most basic entry level scooters now.
When it comes to handling, smaller wheels are lighter and keep you lower to the ground, making them perfect for beginners. Smaller wheels are ideal for smaller decks, which are easier to flick around and provide quick progression for younger riders. On the other hand, larger wheels carry more momentum and roll more smoothly, making them perfect for intermediate and advanced riders. Larger decks require larger wheels to prevent contact with the ground during hard cornering.
Wheel Durometer
When choosing wheels, durometer is also important to consider. Durometer is a measure of hardness, and it affects a wheel's grip and speed. Softer, lower durometer wheels provide more grip, making them ideal for park riders. In contrast, harder, higher durometer wheels provide more speed and durability, making them preferred by street riders. However, this ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Wheel Width
In the earlier days of freestyle scootering, wheel width was standardized at 24mm. Now we have things like 30mm wide wheels, or wheels with 26mm urethane. Wheels with a wider contact patch offer even more grip and durability. 30mm wide wheels require special forks and decks that are compatible with the wider core. 26mm wheels actually use a standard 24mm core, so you can get the benefits of a wider contact patch without having to upgrade your whole scooter.
Axle Size
Almost all scooter wheels are compatible with standard 8mm axles. All of the wheels that we sell include bearings pre-installed so you can easily bolt them on and ride. In addition to standard 8mm axles, there is a less common standard known as 12STD. This system uses larger 12mm axles with proprietary bearings which provides more stiffness in the deck and fork for a more responsive ride. By the time you are ready for 12STD, you are likely already an expert in wheel selection.
Wheel Compatibility
Make sure to pay attention to what sizes your deck and fork are compatible with. Most scooters today are compatible with 110mm wheels, and more and more are being produced with 120mm+ compatibility. Width is also an important factor for compatibility. Many decks and forks are sold with spacers that make them compatible with both sizes, but many are designed to only work with one size. Pay close attention to the specifications of all your parts to ensure that you get components that will all work together. If you ever need guidance for parts compatibility, we're always here to help!
Beginner riders: 110mm
Intermediate/Advanced riders: 110mm or 120mm+
Park riders: Softer durometer, 110mm or 120mm+
Street riders: Harder durometer, 110mm
Remember, these are only guidelines. There’s nothing wrong with a street rider using 120mm+ wheels, and there’s nothing wrong with a park rider preferring hard durometer wheels. It all comes down to your personal preference and style. Use this guide as a starting point, and as you continue to ride you will eventually find what suits you best.
