Scooter Bars
Bar / Introduction
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The scooter bar is the handlebar of your setup. It consists of a vertical tube called the downtube and a horizontal tube called the crossbar. The “slit” is a small cut at the bottom of the downtube. Bars for SCS compression have no slit. The slit lets the clamp grip the downtube around the fork so the bar and fork move together.
Bar height and width are mostly personal preference. Height often follows rider height — riding bent over gets tiring fast. Width depends on your experience and the tricks you do.
Most complete scooters come with bars around 45–55 cm wide and 50–60 cm tall — a good starting point for most new riders.
Height: Measured from the bottom of the downtube to the top of the crossbar. You can shorten the downtube with a hacksaw to lower the bar — or to remove the slit if you switch to SCS.
Width: Measured from one end of the crossbar to the other. A common rule: shoulder width plus a couple of centimeters.
Scooter bars / Backsweep (Rake)
The crossbar can angle back toward the rider. That bend is called backsweep or rake. Some riders — especially ex-BMX riders — find it more comfortable. Depending on the brand, backsweep is usually between 2 and 5 degrees.
Scooter bars / Wedges (Gussets)
A gusset is a reinforcement welded into the corner where the crossbar meets the downtube. It strengthens the joint — especially useful on wide bars.
Scooter bars / Incision (Slit)
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The slit is a small cut at the bottom of the downtube. It lets the clamp squeeze the downtube onto the fork. You need a slit for threaded forks, IHC, ICS and HIC compression. With SCS, the downtube should not have a slit.
Slit length matters: the clamp needs enough slit to bite properly. The slit should be at least as long as your clamp is tall.
Scooter bars / Standard
Standard bars have an inside diameter of about 28 mm and an outside diameter of about 32 mm. Most fit threaded forks, ICS and IHC compression. Some brands use thicker downtube walls — those may not work with ICS or IHC and are often sold as dedicated SCS bars. Standard steel bars are typically chromoly steel.
Scooter bars / Oversized / HIC
Oversized or HIC bars have an inside diameter of about 32 mm and an outside diameter of about 35 mm. They are built for HIC compression but also work with SCS clamps that support oversized bars. Oversized steel bars are typically chromoly steel.
Scooter bar / Aluminum
Aluminum bars usually have an inside diameter of about 28 mm (like standard) and an outside diameter of about 35 mm (like oversized). They work with ICS, IHC and SCS. Not sure if your bar is aluminum or steel? Hold a magnet to it — if it sticks, it is steel.
Scooter bar / ICS star nut
Standard bars need a star nut (about 32 mm) for ICS compression. Install it with the right tool — usually about 6.5 mm up inside the downtube. Most star nuts have a 6 mm thread for the compression bolt.
Over-tightening can damage the star nut. Always loosen the clamp before tightening ICS compression. Some brands weld the star nut in and require matching bolts and forks. Star nuts do not work in oversized (HIC) bars.
Scooter bar / Grips
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Grips give you a secure, comfortable hold. They come in many colors and textures, with or without flanges. Flanges are personal preference — some riders get thumb blisters from them, which is why flangeless grips are most popular.
