The relationship between skateboarders and scooter riders has long been marked by a distinct rivalry. This isn’t just a lighthearted difference; it’s a genuine point of contention within action sports. While both activities involve riding on wheels, the cultures, skill levels, and general perception often clash. Let’s delve into the core reasons behind this friction and understand why many skateboarders harbor a strong dislike for scooters.
One primary reason for this animosity stems from a lack of situational awareness often displayed by younger scooter riders, particularly in shared spaces like skateparks. This isn’t a blanket judgment, but many scooter riders, especially children, tend to be less attentive to their surroundings, frequently cutting into skaters’ lines and causing dangerous situations. This lack of awareness, coupled with inadequate supervision by some parents, creates an environment prone to accidents and frustration.
scooter forbidden sign at a skatepark
The Issue of Parental Responsibility
The lack of supervision by some parents further exacerbates the tension. Rather than guiding their children, some parents are often distracted, failing to intervene when their children’s actions create hazards for others. This lack of accountability from parents can escalate conflicts and make skateboarders feel unfairly blamed when collisions occur. Fortunately, not all parents behave this way, but even a few irresponsible individuals can create significant problems.
The “Kids’ Toy” Perception
Another major factor is the perception that scooters are primarily for children. It’s not uncommon to see skateparks filled with young scooter riders while adult skateboarders are a common sight in the early morning or late evening. This age gap can create a divide, as older skateboarders might not feel a strong connection with much younger scooter riders. While the issue isn’t about disliking kids, the stark age difference can contribute to the segregation of the two groups.
The Skill Gap
Skateboarding is undoubtedly a challenging pursuit, requiring significant practice, patience, and dedication to master even basic skills. The complexity of maneuvers like the ollie, which involves precise foot movements and timing, stands in sharp contrast to the relatively easier bunny hop on a scooter. This difference in skill level contributes to a feeling of disconnect and sometimes, a sense of elitism among skateboarders who have invested countless hours perfecting their craft.
Skateboarder performing an Ollie
The Perils of Scooter Mishaps
Scooters, with their handlebars and more complex structure, can also pose a higher risk of injury during falls. Unlike a skateboard, where you can easily “kick out” to bail, a scooter requires managing both the deck and handlebars during a fall, increasing the chances of entanglement and more serious injuries. This added risk makes many skateboarders wary of being around scooter riders, adding to the friction.
A Sense of Elite Status
For skateboarders, the journey to skill mastery is long and arduous. The dedication required to even execute an ollie correctly fosters a sense of accomplishment and community. This shared commitment creates a sense of pride and identity, which can sometimes lead to an “elite” mindset. Skateboarders who have invested heavily in their craft may feel less inclined to switch to or embrace a sport perceived as easier and less challenging.
Shared Ground and Common Ground
It’s worth noting that despite the differences, skateboarding and scootering do share some common ground. Both activities involve a deck, wheels, and the potential for tricks, whether it’s grinds, slides, or jumps. You can find enthusiasts of both in skateparks, contests and video showcases. Both can be used to explore urban environments and express personal style.
scooter forbidden sign at a skatepark
A Look Back at the Author’s Experience
Even the author of the original article, a self-proclaimed skateboarder, admits to having owned and enjoyed a scooter in his youth. This personal experience underscores that the disdain isn’t about the activity itself, but rather the perceived differences in skill, community, and safety concerns. He was able to perform stunts on his scooter easily due to its design, making his transition to skateboarding more challenging by comparison.
Conclusion: Understanding the Rift
In conclusion, the dislike of scooters by some skateboarders isn’t merely a matter of personal preference. It’s often a result of situational awareness issues, a perception of scooters as primarily for children, the skill gap between the two sports, the potential for scooter-related injuries, and the unique culture that surrounds skateboarding. It’s also a matter of shared space and the lack of courtesy some scooter riders display, further straining the relationship between these two wheeled communities. While both have similarities, the differences in culture and perception continue to fuel this ongoing rivalry. Ultimately, it’s about respect for shared spaces and the passion that each community brings to their chosen activity.
scooter forbidden sign at a skatepark
