How to Choose the Perfect Park vs. Street Scooter Setup

When building a pro scooter, choosing between a park or street setup is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Each style caters to different riding environments and trick preferences. This guide breaks down the major differences, helps you identify your riding style, and walks you through the ideal parts for both setups.

Park vs. Street Scootering: What’s the Difference?

• Park Scootering focuses on flow, air tricks, and ramps.

• Street Scootering emphasizes technical grinds, stair sets, rails, and ledges.

Understanding your terrain and goals will determine which setup is right for you.

Core Differences Between Park and Street Scooter Setups

Component	Park Setup	Street Setup
Deck Size	Narrower (4.5"–5")	Wider (5.5"–7")
Deck Weight	Lightweight	Heavier and more reinforced
Bars	Aluminum (lighter)	Steel or chromoly (stronger)
Wheels	110mm - 120mm Diameter 24mm Width 88A, harder urethane	110mm - 120mm Diameter 24 - 30mm Width 86A, softer urethane
Forks	Lightweight, IHC or HIC	Stronger, SCS preferred
Compression	IHC/HIC for lightness	SCS for strength and durability

How to Know Your Riding Style

Ask yourself:

• Do you spend most of your time at skateparks, on ramps, or transition bowls?

• Are you more into creative grinds, nose manuals, and urban obstacles?
  

You Might Be a Park Rider If:

• You love big airs, flairs, and flow lines.

• Your setup feels too heavy or wide when doing tailwhips or barspins.

You Might Be a Street Rider If:

• You focus on ledges, rails, and technical combos.

• You need more deck space and durability for 5050s and grinds.

Suggested Setups

🔧 Ideal Park Scooter Setup:

• Deck: 5" x 19.5" lightweight deck like the Fuzion Entropy 2.0 or Ethic Pandemonium v2

• Bars: Aluminum bars or Ti Bars (22” wide x 24-26” high)

• Wheels: 110mm, 88A hollow core wheels

• Fork/Compression: IHC system with a lightweight fork for Aluminum bars or HIC with Ti Bars

🛠️ Ideal Street Scooter Setup:

• Deck: 6.2" x 22.5" boxed-end deck like the North Unity Deck

• Bars: T-style chromoly bars (24” wide x 28” high)

• Wheels: 110mm, 86A full core or spoked wheels (e.g., River Rapids)

• Fork/Compression: SCS compression fork like the Tilt Tomahawk Fork

Can You Ride Both?

Yes—many riders build a hybrid setup that offers a bit of both worlds:

• Mid-size deck (5.25” - 5.5")

• Stronger aluminum bars or lightweight steel bars like the Ethic Tenacity v2 Bars

• 110mm wheels

• Lightweight SCS compression

Great for riders who split time between park and street.

FAQs

Q: Is a park scooter good for street riding?
Not really. Park scooters are lighter, smaller, and less durable, making them more prone to damage on rails or concrete edges.

Q: Can I use a street deck at the skatepark?
You can, but it may feel bulky for tricks in the air but you can certainly do big steezy grabs

Q: What scooter setup is best for beginners?
Hybrid or park setups are ideal due to their lighter weight and easier handling.

Q: What’s the most important part of a street setup?
A strong deck and SCS compression are key for durability and grind control.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a park and street scooter setup depends on your style, terrain, and goals. Focused on technical street riding? Go with a wider, heavier build. Love flowing transitions and boosting out of bowls? Stick with a lighter, park-friendly setup.

Still unsure? Stop by our shop or check out our complete scooter builds tailored for every style of riding.