From children's toy to extreme sport
At its beginnings, the scooter was just a simple means of transport for children, but over the decades, it evolved to become an instrument of artistic expression and a competition vehicle in the world of extreme sports. The scooter first appeared in the 1950s as a children's toy, but it quickly gained popularity as a practical way to get around cities. However, it was not until the 1990s that the first signs of what would become freestyle scootering emerged.
In the 1990s, daring riders began to push the limits of what was possible on a scooter. Inspired by other extreme sports like skateboarding and BMX, they started experimenting 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 among a new generation of passionate riders. Specialized parks and skateparks started to appear in cities worldwide, 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 recognition worldwide.
Today, freestyle scootering is considered a dynamic and exciting extreme sport. Renowned competitions such as the X Games and the Scooter World Championships gather many spectators and showcase the talents of the best riders in the world.
The pioneers of freestyle scootering
The world of freestyle scootering includes several big names who have marked the history of this sport with their impressive performances and their influence on the community. Here are some of the most iconic riders in this field:
Dakota Schuetz (Dakota "Kota" Schuetz) : Originally from the United States, Dakota Schuetz is one of the pioneers of freestyle scootering. He has won numerous major titles in competitions such as the X Games and the Scooter World Championships. His smooth 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 boldness on a scooter. He was the first rider to perform revolutionary tricks like the "Frontflip Bikeflip" and the "Frontflip Flair." His presence on social media and viral videos have helped popularize freestyle scootering worldwide.
Dante Hutchinson: Originally from the United Kingdom, Dante Hutchinson is another renowned rider in the world of freestyle scootering. He has won several medals at the X Games and the Scooter World Championships, thanks to his technical style and his ability to perform complex tricks with precision.
Jamie Hull: Also from the United Kingdom, Jamie Hull is a talented rider who has stood out with his impressive performances in international competitions. His versatile style has earned him many successes, and he is recognized 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.
The Freestyle Scooter: A Passion in Motion
The freestyle scooter, a world where boldness and creativity merge on two wheels, is much more than just a sport for many enthusiasts. For some, it is an obsession; for others, a consuming passion. To learn more about what drives freestyle scooter enthusiasts and the challenges they face, we spoke with Théo Olivier, Hawaii Surf rider, 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, particularly marked me!"
For him, the most rewarding aspects of freestyle scootering are multiple: "Meeting new people, staying in shape, having great times laughing and riding!"
However, this path to fulfillment is not without obstacles. "I think the biggest challenge I had was learning the backflip / flair! I worked on it for 1 year before having a bad fall into a pit that completely stopped me for 3 years. Then I had the chance to try again and I finally managed to land it."
Despite his non-professional practice of this sport, he maintains a regular training schedule. "I practice at least twice a week! When I arrive at the skate park, I start with a few small tricks to warm up my muscles. Then, depending on my motivation and ideas at the moment, I move on to the serious stuff. Finally, I film my sessions to share them on social media."
As for his favorite spots, he mentions classics like Lyon, Paris, Corbi, Woodward, while regretting not having had the chance to discover new places recently.
Regarding safety, he states: "Now, I am more and more careful. If I feel that I won't be able to make it, I don't force myself and wait for another time to try! Out of fear of getting hurt, I prefer to postpone rather than take the risk." He emphasizes the paramount importance of wearing a helmet for safety. "I always wear a helmet, it is an essential element for my safety."
Regarding the future of freestyle scootering, our rider remains optimistic: "Freestyle scootering is becoming more popular! Admittedly, it's still a young sport, but its image and audience are growing rapidly! More and more young people are getting into it, and events are also becoming more frequent and larger!"
His short-term goals include a full recovery from his wrist fracture, 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 enjoyable to watch!"
For Théo, freestyle scootering is much more than just a sport. It's a way of life, pushing his limits and thriving in a community that shares the same passion.
