Here are some characteristics that set Pro scooters apart:
Rigid handlebars are designed for strength and durability. Otherwise any joins will be weakened by constant impacts from landing tricks or jumping off kerbs.
Handlebars come in different widths and heights.
Here's an approximate sizing guide for rider height vs. bar width vs. bar height:
Handlebar Width:
Riders 106cm - 137cm suggested width = 457mm - 510mm
Riders 129cm - 155cm suggested width = 483mm - 560mm
Riders 137cm - 165cm suggested width = 483mm - 584mm
Riders over 165cm suggested width = 600mm+
Handlebar Height:
Riders 106cm - 137cm suggested height = 457mm - 508mm
Riders 129cm - 155cm suggested height = 508mm - 584mm
Riders 137cm - 165cm suggested height = 560mm - 610mm
Riders over 165cm suggested width = 600mm+
Pro scooters have smaller diameter wheels. This makes them feel lighter, easier to change directions and manoeuvre through the air.
Mid-range Pro scooters will use aluminium alloy rims and spokes compared to resin/plastic. Higher-grade precision bearings will also be used with better quality seals to protect against dirt and water contamination.
The Deck is probably the most important area.
The deck is the platform where the rider's feet rest but it's also the area that gets hammered with tricks like grinds and impact from hard landings.
So it's gotta be tough.
Decks are made from metal (instead of composites/plastic like kids scooters).
There are channels (hollow sections) built into the deck to reduce weight and increase rigidity. If decks were solid, it would make the scooter really heavy to do anything with.
The neck section is on entry and mid-range Pro scooters can be solid. As the price goes up, brands machine out sections of the neck to reduce weight and increase rigidity.
Next, the neck is welded onto the head tube. This is the tube the handlebar slides into.
There are 2 types of head tubes.
Type #1 is used on entry-level scooters. It has the bearings sitting on top of the tube.
Type #2 has the bearings sitting inside the tube. This integrated design allows the head tube's diameter (and the bearings) to be larger.
This means they can support more impact or load.