Scooters are a perfect, eco-friendly and economical way of commuting. Some people get it for recreation and extreme sports, others get it to get from A to B. No matter what your choice of getting a scooter is, there are some things that have to be considered. First of all, it should meet your needs. Are you looking for an e-scooter or a kick scooter?
Then consider how it's made, and if you will be able to keep balance on it. One of the most important things for this is the handlebar and the handles. They should feel comfortable and be set just right. Finally, you must consider the scooter grips. They might appear as small accessories that come with the scooter (or you buy them separately) but their part is very important. They will provide you with a comfortable grip on the handles without your hands getting sweaty and slippery. Here's what you need to know.
What are Scooter Grips?
Scooter handle grips are grips that are placed on the handlebars and come in different lengths and textures. Their main purpose is to keep your hands comfortably gripped onto the handles. You can get ribbed patterns (prefered by advanced scooter riders) that won’t let your hands slip. Besides these, you can also get waffle designs and diamond-cut or flush patterns.Most grips are made of rubber, so they can last longer and feel soft to the touch. They won't cause you any cuts or scratches but instead will give you a comfortable grip. Usually made of foam or rubber, these grips are integrated at the bar ends, so you can easily hold the handlebars. And of course, they come in every colour you want, so you can match them to your style and taste.
Are They The Same As Bike Grips?
Even though you may easily get confused, scooter grips are not the same as bike grips. Even though they have the same diameter and can fit both scooter and bike handlebars, truth is, they aren't sold as one-fit-all. Sure, both have the same purpose - to keep your hands comfortably gripped onto the handlebar so you don't lose balance and fall. Many people wonder if they would need a bike to place the grips onto the handlebar, but the answer is no. Simply cut off the old grip and carefully put on the new ones.
Why Are Your Scooter Grips Sticky?
Even though they are made of rubber or foam, your grips might get sticky. After all, you keep your hands on them, and hands get sweaty, so you get the picture. They get sticky out of sweat, dirty hands and whatnot, but you can always clean them. Use grease-cutting soap and hot water and a scrubber. Then wipe the grips with a clean towel and dry. You can also use rubbing alcohol to wipe the grips and remove the stickiness.
Which Ones Are Suitable for You?
Choosing grips for your scooter shouldn't be a complicated thing. Of course, you will get what feels good in your hands, as well what matches your budget. However, you there are two main materials - foam and rubber.
Foam or Rubber
Most recreational scooters are sold with standard foam grips. Foam is known to give comfort and will surely allow you to keep your hands firmly gripped onto the handlebar. However, if your skills are advanced and you feel like doing stunts, you can choose rubber grips. They give a better grip because of their raised surface. Also, the rubber will surely last far longer than foam. You can of course change them at any time.
Consider Your Skills and Age
Another thing you should never forget to consider when choosing grips (and scooters of course) is your skill levels. Even though all grips are suitable for any skill level, if you're more experienced in riding your scooter, and now want to do some tricks, it's a good idea to invest in a more quality product. The more comfortable your grips are, the more confident you will feel while doing your stunts.Beginners will do good with almost any type of quality. What they need is comfort and a good grip, without feeling as if their hands are slipping off the handlebars. When it comes to age, there is no limit; all handlebars are suitable for use for both recreational and extreme scooter riders no matter their age or skill levels.
Don't Forget The Warranty
Yes, your grips should have a warranty. Typically, this product comes with a 90-day warranty, but it doesn't cover normal wear or tear. If any major defects occur when you first get your grips, you should notify your seller about it. Most sellers won't replace an entire item, but they will inspect the grips to determine the nature of the damage and make sure to offer you good customer service. This is why it's important to buy your grips from trusted sellers and brands. Sometimes it's better to pay a higher price and get a quality product instead to face damages with no warranty and no money refund.
