Scooter Clamp Buying Guide

Scooter clamps might seem like simple components, but choosing the right one can dramatically impact your scooter's performance, safety, and lifespan. This guide will clearly explain scooter clamp types, compatibility, and fitting so you can confidently select the ideal clamp for your scooter.

What Does a Scooter Clamp Do?

Simply put, a scooter clamp secures your handlebars to the scooter fork. It stabilises the handlebar and ensures your scooter remains safe, responsive, and durable, especially when performing tricks and jumps.

The Dare Warlord 4 Bolt Oversized SCS Stunt Scooter Clamp in Black, designed by Dare, is a stylish and durable accessory made from 6061 aluminium. It features a prominent vertical "DARE SPORTS CO." logo in white and offers multiple holes for versatile screw adjustment to ensure secure fastening of scooter components.

Scooter Clamp Types: Double, Triple, Quad, and SCS

Double Clamps:

  • Most commonly used with HIC, IHC, and ICS compression systems.
  • Typically feature two bolts.
  • Designed for handlebars with a slit at the bottom.

Triple and Quad Clamps:

  • Typically found in setups needing extra strength.
  • More bolts distribute pressure more evenly.
  • Ideal for frequent skate park use, offering added stability for tricks.

SCS Clamps:

  • Serve as both a clamp and a compression system.
  • Usually have four bolts, occasionally three.
  • Upper bolts hold the handlebars, lower bolts secure the fork.
  • Popular with experienced riders despite being slightly heavier.

Clamp Sizes and Compatibility: Standard vs Oversized

Scooter clamps primarily come in two sizes based on their internal diameter:

Shims:

  • Oversized clamps often include a removable shim, allowing compatibility with standard-sized bars.
  • Shims are particularly common with SCS clamps, making them versatile for various handlebar sizes.

Compatibility Quick Reference

Clamp Type Bar Size Compression System
Standard Clamp Standard bars (32mm) HIC, IHC, ICS
Oversized Clamp Oversized bars (35mm) or Standard bars (with shim) HIC, IHC, ICS
SCS Clamp Oversized or Standard bars (shim included) SCS

Choosing the Right Clamp for Your Scooter

Consider these important factors when picking your scooter clamp:

  • Compression System: Ensure your clamp matches your scooter's compression system (SCS, HIC, IHC, ICS).
  • Handlebar Diameter: Verify if your bars are standard or oversized.
  • Riding Style: More aggressive or frequent skate park riders benefit from triple, quad, or SCS clamps.
  • Clamp Height: Your clamp height must be compatible with the slit length at the bottom of your bars. If the clamp is taller than the slit, it could cause loosening.

How to Fit a Scooter Clamp Correctly

Proper fitting is crucial for scooter performance and rider safety:

  1. Prepare Your Compression System: Ensure your compression system is correctly tightened before attaching the clamp.
  2. Align Bars and Wheels: Position your handlebar so it aligns straight with your front wheel.
  3. Clamp Installation:
  • HIC/IHC/ICS Clamps: Slide the bar into the clamp, making sure it covers the slit fully, then evenly tighten bolts in a cross-pattern for uniform pressure.
  • SCS Clamps: Tighten the compression bolt first, then insert the bars fully into the clamp, again tightening clamp bolts evenly in a cross-pattern.
Close-up of the Blunt Envy Twin Slit 2 Bolt Oversized Scooter Clamp in green, showcasing a small cutout and an engraved geometric logo. This lightweight, cylindrical aluminum clamp with two hex screws is designed for securing components, possibly for stunt scooters or bicycles.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

  • Regularly check your clamp bolts and compression for tightness.
  • Avoid over-tightening bolts, which can damage clamps or bars.
  • Periodically inspect clamps for cracks or signs of wear, replacing immediately if found.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use an oversized clamp on standard bars?
A: Yes, if your oversized clamp includes a shim, it can be adapted to fit standard-sized bars.

Q: How tight should I tighten my scooter clamp bolts?
A: Bolts should be tightened firmly but avoid over-tightening, as this can damage the clamp or bars. Aim for even, consistent pressure.

Q: Do I need an SCS clamp for skate park riding?
A: While not mandatory, an SCS clamp is recommended for aggressive or frequent skate park use because of its strength and stability.

Q: Why does my scooter clamp keep loosening?
A: This could be due to incorrect clamp height, uneven tightening, or the clamp not fully covering the handlebar slit. Check these areas carefully.