Riding scooters is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable means of transport and spending leisure time while getting some exercise. One of the many reasons why scooters are so popular is the fact that they’re also extremely easy to ride, even easier than bicycles and skateboards. On top of that, they’re great for children, making them very popular as activities that whole families can participate in. If you already own a scooter from some time ago, but want to freshen it up and improve its driveability so that you can get better enjoyment out of riding it, one of the chief ways of improving your scooter is by applying grip tape. Applying it is very easy and straightforward, but there are a few things to know beforehand.
Hella Grip Classic
As the name implies, this type of grip tape is a true classic. One of its best features is that it offers an outstanding grip for a very affordable price. On top of that, it’s quite easy to find. When you start looking for scooter grip tape for sale, odds are you’ll come across this one first. Hella Grip Classic is also able to withstand the elements easily because it’s made out of a waterproof PVC liner, as well as a durable adhesive that is as element-resistant as the PVC itself. All of this combined makes it easily one of the best grip tapes for scooters on the market.
Friendly Grip Tape
If you’re looking for something stylish, but also minimalist, then look no further than the Friendly Grip Tape. Its simple design, which is a black tape with the word Friendly stylishly printed on it, makes it a very appealing scooter grip tape. However, it’s not just the style that’s present in this package, because it’s also a very durable tape, as well as an adhesive you can be certain won’t ever peel on its own. That’s because it’s intended to be used for years, and chances are, you’ll most likely be using it for years yourself. It’s a great grip tape, especially if you like a minimalist approach.
Root Industries Grip Tape – Dylan Ryan Design
If you have at least a passing interest in pro scooter riding, you most definitely know who Dylan Ryan is. He’s one of Australia’s most popular pro scooter riders who became famous for his inventive tricks. He’s partnered with Root Industries to deliver a grip tape that someone like Ryan himself would use in competitions, while still being incredibly stylish and flashy. This pro scooter griptape is notable for being extremely resistant to water, so you can expect it to last a very long time even under very wet conditions. You’ll definitely like this one if you like pro scooter riding, or have an eccentric personality and are interested in flashy stylings for your scooter.
SCT USA Flag Colour
The design for this scooter deck grip tape is unique in that it follows an artistic representation of the USA’s flag. It’s not the typical flag you see in most media because it has quite an urban feel to it. One of the best things about this type of grip tape is that it’s incredibly easy to apply to your scooter, and once applied, it’s going to last for a long time. It’s definitely able to withstand the elements all year round, meaning you won’t have to reapply it every month like some knock-off brands you might find, as it’s very reliable.
Red Cat Brand
A problem with most scooter grip tapes that annoys a lot of people is bubbling. Sometimes, air gets under the tape, which is something that will never happen with Red Cat Brand’s grip tape. That’s because it’s designed with a perforated underside that has a zero per cent chance of bubbling. If bubbling is something that annoys you and you want to actively avoid it, the Red Cat Brand grip tape is definitely for you. Other than that, the grip tape itself is made out of a silicon carbide material that is ideal for pro scooter riders, as it offers an amazing grip.
Important Things to Know About Grip Tape
Everyone knows that applying grip tape to your scooter will only improve your riding experience. However, not a lot of people know what grip tape really is. There are a few things you should know about before choosing to improve your scooter riding experience.
What is it Made Of?
Grip tape is a rough surface that is usually comprised of silicon carbide and is meant to give friction to your soles when they come in contact with your deck. Without friction, it would be very difficult to get the scooter off the ground. Grip tape is typically 23cm x 84cm and can easily fit most, if not all, decks.
Replacement and Cleaning
Grip tape wears down after significant use, meaning the rough surface smoothens out and lessens the friction. In order to remove grip tape, make sure to blow hot air from a hairdryer on the tape because the hot air liquefies the adhesive and makes it easy to peel off. However, first, you should make sure you’re maintaining the grip tape properly, which is usually done by not riding your scooter with dirty and grimy shoes. If the tape does get dirty, you can easily clean it up with regular household shoe brushes.
How to Apply Grip Tape
Applying grip tape is extremely easy and quick, but it’s possible that you might cause bubbling with most tapes. When applying it, make sure you place the tape piece by piece and not everything at once. If air does manage to get inside, you can use a grip tape cutter to slice the bubble and allow the air to escape.
Scooter riding is a great activity for all ages and should always be enhanced by applying grip tape. Thankfully, there are some amazing brands out there that will definitely improve your riding experience immediately with some easy-to-apply grip tape.
