From children's toys to extreme sports
In its early days, the scooter was a simple means of transport for children, but over the decades it has evolved into an instrument of artistic expression and a competitive vehicle in the world of extreme sports. The scooter first appeared in the 1950s as a children's toy, but quickly gained popularity as a practical means of getting around cities. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that the first signs of what was to become the freestyle scooter.
In the 1990s, daring riders began pushing the limits of what was possible on a scooter. Inspired by other extreme sports such as skateboard and BMX, they began to experiment with tricks and acrobatics, transforming the scooter into an instrument of creativity and personal expression. At the turn of the century, freestyle scootering began to gain popularity with a new generation of passionate riders. Specialized parks and skateparks began to appear in cities around the world, offering an ideal playground for riders eager to push the limits of their skills. Over the following years, freestyle scootering continued to grow in popularity, attracting riders of all ages and skill levels. Local and national competitions were organized, providing a platform for riders to compete and gain worldwide exposure.
Today, freestyle scootering is considered a dynamic and exciting extreme sport. Renowned competitions such as the X Games and the Scooter World Championships attract large crowds and showcase the talents of the world's best riders.
The pioneers of freestyle scooters
The world of freestyle scootering boasts several big names who have marked the sport's history with their impressive performances and their influence on the community. Here are some of the most emblematic riders in this field:
Dakota Schuetz (Dakota "Kota" Schuetz): Originally from the USA, Dakota Schuetz is one of the pioneers of freestyle scooter. He has won numerous major titles in competitions such as the X Games and the World Scooter Championships. His fluid style and innovative tricks have made him one of the most influential figures in the community.
Ryan Williams (Ryan "R Willy" Williams): Originally from Australia, Ryan Williams is known for his creativity and daring on a scooter. He was the first rider to perform revolutionary tricks such as the "Frontflip Bikeflip" and the "Frontflip Flair". His social media presence and viral videos have helped popularize freestyle scootering worldwide.
Dante Hutchinson UK-born Dante Hutchinson is another renowned rider in the world of freestyle scooter. He has won several medals at X Games and World Scooter Championships, thanks to his technical style and ability to execute complex tricks with precision.
Jamie Hull Also from the UK, Jamie Hull is a talented rider who has made a name for himself with his impressive performances in international competitions. His versatile style has earned him many successes, and he is renowned for his commitment to the development of the freestyle scooter community.
Jordan Clark Another British rider, Jordan Clark, is famous for his aggressive style and innovative approach to tricks. He has won several world championship titles and is considered one of the best riders of his generation.
Freestyle scooters: a passion in motion
Visit freestyle scooterFor many enthusiasts, motorcycling, a world where daring and creativity merge on two wheels, is much more than just a sport. For some, it's an obsession, for others an all-consuming passion. To find out more about what drives freestyle scooter enthusiasts and the challenges they face, we spoke to Hawaii Surf rider Théo Olivier, who is passionate and dedicated to this discipline.
"What motivates me in this practice is always discovering new ways to ride," he explains. "This feeling of always learning is incredible! My first competition, the Vibrations Urbaines, left a particularly strong impression on me!"
For him, the most rewarding aspects of freestyle scooter riding are many: "Meet new people, keep fit, have a great time laughing and laughing!"
However, this path to fulfillment is not without obstacles. "I think the biggest challenge I've had is learning the backflip / flair! I worked on it for 1 year before having a bad fall in a tub that totally stopped me for 3 years. Then I had the opportunity to try again and I finally managed to tackle it."
Despite his non-professional involvement in the sport, he maintains a regular training rhythm. "I practice at least 2 times a week! When I arrive at the skate park, I start with a few tricks to warm up my muscles. Then, depending on my motivation and ideas at the time, I get down to the serious stuff. Finally, I film my sessions to share them on social networks."
As for his favorite spots, he mentions classics such as Lyon, Paris, Corbi and Woodward, while regretting not having had the opportunity to discover new places recently.
On the subject of safety, he says: "Now I'm more and more careful. If I feel I can't do it, I don't force myself and wait until the next time to try! For fear of hurting myself, I'd rather put it off until tomorrow than take the risk." He emphasizes the paramount importance of helmet use for safety. "I always wear a helmet, it's an essential part of my safety."
As for the future of freestyle scootering, our rider remains optimistic: "Freestyle scootering is becoming increasingly popular! Admittedly, it's still a young sport, but its image and audience are growing fast! More and more young people are getting into it, and events too are becoming more frequent and bigger!"
His short-term goals include a full recovery from his broken wrist, followed by the production of a major video that fully reflects his style. And speaking of style, his favorite rider in France, Jonathan Perroni, remains a constant source of inspiration for him. "He manages to do technical things with simplicity and flow, which is really fun to watch!"
For Théo, freestyle scootering is much more than just a sport. It's a way of life, a way of pushing one's limits, and a way of blossoming in a community that shares the same passion.
