Scooter Grips Buying Guide: Add Comfort and Control to Your Ride

With restrictions lifting in most parts of the country, and summer temperatures slowing oozing in, it’s time to get off the couch and get your blood pumping. Aussies are known to be outdoorsy, and sports and recreation are high on our priority list. We take pride in leading healthy lifestyles, eat all our fruit and veg, and exercise regularly, well most of us anyway. Sporting activities have exploded during the pandemic, and a lot of us, myself included, have picked up a new sport. Anything on two or four wheels minus a motor will keep you away from the doctor’s office. Cycling, skateboarding, and scooting are getting the attention they once had, and are cheap ways to get some exercise and have some fun in the process.

Scooters in particular are becoming more popular with all age groups. And not only e-scooters, but also your ordinary kick scooter. You’ll see these in skateparks, around schools, on the pavement, and even in CBD offices. Pro scooters have the option to be customised just the way you want. You can change out any parts to suit your riding style, and add a personal touch. One of the components often overlooked are the handle grips. Having a properly fitted comfortable pair of handle grips for scooter matters in all riding styles, no matter if you’re doing backflips or tailspins in the park, or just cruising down the street.

These might seem basic parts compared to the rest of the scooter, and something that you throw out when worn. But handle grips determine how comfy you get when riding, with more grip giving you the confidence in doing new and harder tricks. Also, they come in colours and patterns that match your scooter, or can be something that just stands out.

Scooter Handle Grips Basics

Comfort: Your complete might not have the grips you like, but these are easily swapped out. Comfy grips mean they’ll sit nicely in the hand, big or small, be of materials that won’t cause blisters or aching, and give just the right amount of momentum in handling the scooter for anything you have in mind. Too big and long handle grips might feel awkward, and that’s not what you want. The same goes for grips that are too small or too short. Grips need to inspire, and comfortable grips do just that.

Grip: Not only do handle grips need to stay put once attached, but they should also give you the leverage in maneuvering the handlebars in any direction you point it with the least amount of effort. Some handle grips have locking mechanisms that attach to the handlebar ends, meaning they won’t slip off. Also, look to textures and designs that hold your hands firmly in place. Materials that don’t soak up sweat, like rubber, are better in any type of riding.

Designs and Colours: You’ll want the grips that match how you ride. There are heaps of colour schemes and wild designs to choose from. Once you tire of one colour or pattern, just get a new pair. These can be anything that looks good to the eye.

Handle Grip Types

There are slight but important differences in the way handle grips are designed, the materials they come in and the size available.

Materials

When looking at the different materials, you can choose between EVA foam grips or thermoplastic rubber. Foam grips are good at cushioning in landings, but are more prone to slipping. Plus, they soak up water, sweat and dirt easier, so don’t last as long as rubber grips. The latter are preferred by serious riders, as they have better grip levels, though look to the texture and hardness of the rubber to make sure you’re comfortable. Good rubber handle grips come on top-of-the-range completes from multiple brands.

Sizing

As mentioned earlier, size counts. Handle grips come with a standard length of 160mm, but you can also find longer grips, up to 180mm or more. The wider the handlebar the more leeway you have in jumps. But this is just a general rule, and may not apply to all riders. Also, look at the thickness of the grips and if they fit on the handlebar. Most handle grips are at 7mm thickness and should slide into bars 20 or 22mm wide easily.

Designs

A few design differences can mean a lot of difference. The most important is between slip-on and lock-on handle bar grips. Slip-ons do just that, but are easier and faster to put on or remove. Lock-on grips have additional handlebar locks or ends that screw into slots in the handlebar. Generally, lock-ons have a tighter fit and less slippage.

Another difference in design is between flanged or flangeless grips. Flanges are the pronounced inner ring of the grips, near the thumbs. Some pro-riders see them as offering more grip and better handling, but this is a matter of personal preference. Newer designs tend to be flangeless.

Choosing your Next Pair of Scooter Handle Grips

Look for quality grips, made of good materials and a decent build that provides the right balance between comfort and grip. They should be the right size for your hands, in the colours you like and not too pricey.