Complete Scooter vs Custom Scooter: Which Should You Buy?

If you're looking to get into stunt scootering, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy a complete scooter or build a custom scooter from individual parts.

Both are great options, but they're designed for different types of riders and budgets. For beginners, a complete scooter is usually the easiest way to get started. For more experienced riders, building a custom scooter gives you much more control over the way your scooter looks and performs.

So, which one is right for you?

What Is a Complete Scooter?

A complete scooter comes fully assembled with all the major components already selected by the manufacturer. This typically includes the deck, fork, handlebars, wheels, headset, clamp, grips and compression system.

The biggest advantage is simple: you can buy it, put it together if necessary, and start riding.

Complete scooters are designed to make choosing a scooter easier because the manufacturer has already made sure the components work together.

Why Choose a Complete Scooter?

It's usually more affordable

Buying a complete scooter is generally less expensive than buying all of the components individually. Manufacturers can bundle the parts together, making completes a great option for riders who don't want to spend a large amount of money on their first scooter.

It's easier

If you're new to stunt scooters, figuring out which deck, fork, bars, wheels and compression system work together can be confusing.

With a complete scooter, those decisions have already been made for you.

It's ready to ride

You don't need to research every individual component before you can get started. A complete scooter is designed as one package.

It's great for beginners

If you're just learning tricks and aren't sure what type of scooter setup you prefer yet, a complete is a great place to start.

What Is a Custom Scooter?

A custom scooter is built by selecting individual components yourself.

Instead of purchasing one complete package, you choose your own deck, fork, bars, wheels, clamp, headset, grips and other components.

This allows you to create a scooter specifically around your preferred riding style, size and appearance.

Why Build a Custom Scooter?

You choose every component

You can select exactly what you want instead of using the parts chosen by a manufacturer.

You can choose the right size

Bar height, deck length and deck width can all change how a scooter feels. Experienced riders often have specific preferences based on their riding style.

You can build around your riding style

A rider who spends most of their time riding street may want a different setup from someone who primarily rides a skatepark.

You can customize the look

Building a custom scooter gives you the freedom to mix colours, brands and components to create a setup that's unique to you.

Complete Scooter vs Custom Scooter

	Complete Scooter	Custom Scooter
Cost	Usually less expensive	Usually more expensive
Setup	Simple	More complicated
Customization	Limited	Extensive
Best for	Beginners	Experienced riders
Parts	Pre-selected	You choose them
Compatibility	Already matched	Must be checked
Upgrades	Can upgrade over time	Built around your preferences

Which Is Best for a Beginner?

For most new riders, we recommend starting with a complete scooter.

When you're learning, you probably don't know exactly what deck size, bar height or wheel setup you'll eventually prefer.

A complete scooter lets you start riding without spending a lot of money on individual components.

As you ride more, you'll start to learn what you like and don't like about your setup.

Maybe you want taller bars. Maybe you prefer a wider deck. Maybe you want lighter wheels or a different compression system.

That's when upgrading individual parts starts to make more sense.

Can You Turn a Complete Scooter Into a Custom Scooter?

Absolutely.

You don't have to go from a complete scooter straight to buying an entirely new custom scooter.

One of the best things about starting with a complete is that you can upgrade it over time.

For example, you could start by upgrading your:

Wheels

Different wheels can change the weight, feel and appearance of your scooter.

Grips

Grips are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the feel and look of your scooter.

Handlebars

If your bars aren't the right height for you, changing them can make a noticeable difference in how your scooter feels.

Deck

As your riding progresses, you may decide that you want a longer or wider deck, particularly if you move toward street riding.

Eventually, you could replace most of the components and end up with a completely custom scooter.

When Should You Build a Custom Scooter?

A custom scooter makes the most sense when you already have some experience riding and know what you're looking for.

You might want a custom build if:

• You already know your preferred bar height.

• You want a specific deck size.

• You have a preferred wheel size.

• You want a lighter or stronger setup.

• You primarily ride street or park.

• You have specific brands or components you prefer.

• You want a particular colour combination.

• You're ready to invest more money into your scooter.

At this point, building a custom scooter can be a lot of fun because you're able to choose every part.

Street vs Park: Does It Matter?

Yes.

Your riding style should influence the parts you choose.

Park riders often prioritize a lighter scooter and may prefer a smaller or more compact setup that makes tricks and spins easier.

Street riders may prefer a larger, more durable setup with a wider and longer deck and taller handlebars.

There's no single setup that's perfect for everyone. The right scooter is the one that matches the way you ride.

How Much Should You Spend?

You don't necessarily need to spend a huge amount of money to get a good stunt scooter.

For someone just starting out, a quality complete scooter can provide everything you need to learn the basics and progress.

Once you've developed your riding style, you can start putting money into the components that will make the biggest difference for you.

That's one reason we recommend starting with a complete scooter and upgrading as you progress rather than immediately spending hundreds of dollars building a custom scooter.

Our Complete Scooter Recommendation

At Harvester, we carry complete scooters from brands such as North, giving riders an easy way to get into stunt scootering without having to figure out every component individually.

The North Orbit is a great example of why complete scooters make sense for riders who want a quality setup without building one from scratch.

If you're looking for something more compact, the North Satisfact is another complete option worth checking out.

Once you're ready to start changing components, we also carry scooter decks, wheels, forks, bars, grips, clamps and other parts so you can upgrade your setup as your riding progresses.

Complete or Custom: Which Should You Buy?

If you're buying your first stunt scooter, we'd recommend starting with a complete.

It's easier, generally more affordable and lets you learn what you actually like before investing in individual parts.

If you've been riding for a while and already know exactly what you want, a custom scooter gives you the freedom to build something around your own riding style.

The simple answer:

New rider? Start with a complete.

Experienced rider? Consider going custom.

And if you start with a complete, remember that you don't have to keep it exactly the way it came. One of the best parts of scootering is upgrading your setup and making it your own.

Shop Complete Scooters & Scooter Parts in Canada

Whether you're looking for your first complete stunt scooter or you're ready to build your own custom setup, Harvester has complete scooters and scooter parts available for riders across Ontario and Canada.

Start with a complete, learn what you like, and upgrade when you're ready.

Your perfect scooter doesn't have to be built all at once.