Bearings & Spacers

The choice of the perfect bearing for your stunt scooter

Bearings are small mechanical units that sit between the axles and the wheels of a scooter. They allow a smooth and efficient rotation of the wheels and ensure high speed. Without properly lubricated bearings, your scooter will not move an inch.

The quality of bearings is determined by several factors, including:

• Material
• Open or sealed bearings
• Lubrication
• Precision

Each wheel has two bearings. Most stunt scooter bearings are size 608 and fit axles with a diameter of 8 mm. They consist of 6 to 8 balls (Tilt uses only 6 balls), usually made of steel or ceramic. Steel bearings are robust and cost-efficient, while ceramic bearings are of higher quality and run more smoothly. Cheap steel bearings are often made from pressed scrap steel and often do not last long. Good bearings are made from real bearing steel such as chrome, titanium, or Swiss steel.

Bearings can either be open or sealed. Sealed bearings last longer as dirt can hardly penetrate. The housings of open bearings are usually made of metal discs and do not seal completely. Only a sealing disc made of rubber like in sealed bearings can reduce the ingress of dirt and water. However, the sealing disc rubs slightly against the bearing rings, which can slow you down a bit.

Bearings come pre-greased. The quality of the grease used affects the bearing's rolling characteristics. Therefore, high-quality bearings usually rotate better. You should regularly re-grease your bearings. It is very easy to re-grease with a special bearing oil. You don't even have to remove the bearings. It is enough to apply a drop and turn the bearing several times to distribute the oil well. Additionally, there is bearing grease. It provides additional protection against dirt and water. However, you have to remove and clean the bearings to grease them.

Lubricate and clean your bearings regularly to improve their durability and speed. Avoid water, sand, and moisture on your bearings, as they drastically reduce their lifespan. If the bearings make loud noises or do not spin well and oiling does not help, you should replace them.

Precision bearings

Many brands indicate the quality of the bearings with ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineering Committee). The ABEC scale originally comes from the industry and rates the tolerance and precision of the bearings. ABEC ratings range from ABEC-1 to ABEC-9, with a higher ABEC rating indicating higher precision. However, this rating is rather irrelevant for stunt scooters, as industrial bearings need to run much faster and longer than on a scooter. Not all brands use this scale as it is not really meaningful for freestyle sports.

The choice of optimal scooter bearings thus depends not only on the ABEC class but also on your preferred brand. Also, note that there have been 12-STD axles and wheels for a few years that require special 12-STD bearings. However, these only fit into the 12-STD wheels.

Changing bearings yourself

If the old bearings no longer spin smoothly or make loud rolling noises, the bearings can be changed. You can also change them yourself, but get help from an adult. Some bearings are very tight and can only be knocked out with much force. Be careful not to damage the bearings when knocking them back in. Place something between the hammer and bearing, such as a piece of wood, and knock the bearings in straight.

Spacers – to keep your wheels spinning smoothly

We differentiate between deck spacers and bearing spacers. Bearing spacers fill the gap between the two bearings so that they do not rub against each other and break. They ensure a smooth rotation of the wheels, as the bearings would be under pressure without spacers. Deck spacers fill the gap between the deck and the wheels. You need one on each side, otherwise, your wheel will wobble or rub against the deck. As bearing spacers are included in the bearing set, you don't need to buy them separately. If you are looking for deck spacers, you will find them here.

FAQ: Bearings for stunt scooters

How do I care for and maintain my bearings?

Keep your bearings clean and well lubricated. Remove dirt and debris regularly. Use special bearing oil or grease to keep the bearings smooth. Avoid water and moisture to prevent rust.

How do I know if my bearings need to be replaced?

If your bearings make noises, run rough, or do not spin evenly, it is probably time for a replacement. Rust or visible damage are also signs that new bearings are needed.

What are the advantages of ceramic bearings?

Ceramic bearings are lighter, harder, and more heat-resistant than standard steel bearings. They offer a smoother ride, higher speed, and longer lifespan, but are also more expensive.

What are sealed bearings and why are they advantageous?

Sealed bearings have covers that prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. This extends the lifespan of the bearings and reduces maintenance efforts.