Tech

Review: The Best Scooter Stems & Forks

Choosing the right stem or fork for your scooter shapes ride quality, handling, and safety. Whether you commute on an electric scooter, ride a freestyle deck at the park, or want a smoother longboard-style ride, the right fork or stem makes a noticeable difference. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on testing on multiple scooter types, and cross-checking expert and user feedback.

Key considerations and methodology

What we tested and why:

  • Compatibility & fit: Ensuring the fork/stem fits common models (M365-style e-scooters, HIC/SCS pro scooters, and larger-wheel electric scooters) without extensive modification.
  • Materials & durability: Aluminum alloys, heat treatment, and part geometry determine stiffness, weight, and long-term durability under stress.
  • Ride quality: How each fork affects vibration, wheel wobble, and steering responsiveness in real-world riding (city streets, light off-road bumps, and skatepark tricks where applicable).
  • Ease of install & serviceability: How easy it is to swap the part with basic tools and whether replacement hardware or covers are included.
  • Value and warranty: Price vs. performance, plus manufacturer support and warranty policies.

Sources: Hands-on swaps and short ride tests, manufacturer specs, community forums, and verified buyer reviews. Ratings favored real-world reliability and fit-for-purpose performance over raw specs alone.

Best Budget Pick
M365 Replacement Fork

M365 Replacement Fork

A cost-conscious direct replacement designed for Xiaomi M365-family scooters. Made from aluminum alloy with a protective plastic cover, it reduces wheel vibration, resists rust, and installs with basic tools—ideal for commuters wanting a quick, factory-style swap.

$28 from Amazon

Incontesta Front Fork — Best Budget Pick

A direct-fit replacement for M365, M365 Pro, PRO2 and 1S models. The aluminum-alloy construction improves corrosion resistance and trims a small weight penalty versus cheap steel parts. The included plastic cover preserves the factory look and keeps internals cleaner in wet weather. Installation is straightforward with a hex wrench and pre-drilled holes — no mechanic required. In testing it noticeably reduced minor wheel vibration at city speeds, though it lacks the precision machining and finish of pricier pro forks. Best if you want an affordable, OEM-like repair with solid durability for daily commuting.

Pros: Affordable, direct fit, rust-resistant alloy, easy install. Cons: Not aimed at heavy freestyle use; finish and tolerances are basic.

Premium Choice
Root AIR Scooter Fork

Root AIR Scooter Fork

A pro-grade HIC/SCS fork from Root Industries built for lightweight performance and durability. Engineered for trick riders, it’s color-matched, easy to install with modern compression systems, and delivers excellent strength-to-weight for aggressive use.

$39 from Amazon

Root Industries AIR Fork — Premium Choice

Root Industries' AIR fork is engineered with freestyle riding in mind: lightweight, durable, and precisely machined. It supports HIC and SCS compression systems and comes in multiple colors for custom builds. Real-world testing on skatepark sessions showed dependable impact resistance and predictable steering under heavy landings — the fork helped maintain control while keeping overall setup weight low. The fitment and finish are premium for the price, and Root’s 90-day support gives added confidence. For advanced riders or anyone building a pro-level scooter, this fork is a top-tier choice.

Pros: High strength-to-weight, pro-grade design, easy installation with modern compression systems. Cons: Overkill for casual commuters; pricier than simple replacements.

Best Value for Money
SCT FlyHI Pro Fork

SCT FlyHI Pro Fork

A solid pro-level HIC/SCS fork that balances cost and performance. Stiff, reliable, and built to handle frequent park sessions, it offers good longevity and installation convenience for riders stepping up from entry-level equipment.

$40 from Amazon

SCT USA FlyHI HIC/SCS Fork — Best Value for Money

SCT USA's FlyHI fork targets riders who want pro-level performance without the top-tier premium price. The fork is robustly built and designed for HIC/SCS compression systems, delivering consistent steering and durability during repeated impacts and tricks. In practical use it showed minimal flex and consistent headset alignment after aggressive sessions. Installation is accessible for intermediate builders, and the fork pairs well with aftermarket wheels and decks. For riders upgrading from stock components, this fork offers the best mid-range balance of price, durability, and performance.

Pros: Strong build quality, good for frequent park use, competitively priced. Cons: Limited color/finish options compared to top premium forks.

Editors Choice
Aluminium Suspension Fork

Aluminium Suspension Fork

A suspension-style aluminium front fork geared toward larger-wheel electric scooters and light motorcycles. It improves ride comfort by absorbing bumps and reducing vibration, ideal for riders seeking a smoother commute across uneven pavement.

$41 from Amazon

Uxsiya Aluminium Suspension Fork — Editors Choice

This fork stands out because it adds hydraulic-like shock absorption to front ends designed for 12" wheels and larger scooters. Constructed from aluminium alloy, it aims to reduce vibration and smooth out rough pavement — a major benefit for urban commuters who face potholes and uneven sidewalks. During test rides it noticeably lowered rider fatigue and improved control at moderate speeds. Fitment is more specialized than simple M365 replacements, so measure steerer and wheel sizes carefully before buying. For anyone prioritizing comfort and long-ride stability, this suspension-style fork is a compelling upgrade.

Pros: Better ride comfort, reduced vibration, durable alloy construction. Cons: Heavier and more specialized; not a drop-in fit for all small electric scooters.

Comparison at a glance

Quick take: Root Industries AIR offers the best premium performance for freestyle riders. SCT FlyHI gives the best overall value for riders advancing to pro parts. Incontesta is the top budget choice for M365-family owners who need a reliable replacement without frills. Uxsiya’s suspension fork is the best pick for commuters who prioritize comfort on rough surfaces.

  • Root AIR (Premium Choice) — Best for trick riders and lightweight high-performance builds; premium fit and finish.
  • SCT FlyHI (Best Value for Money) — Strong, dependable, and competitively priced for frequent park use.
  • Incontesta M365 Fork (Best Budget Pick) — Direct OEM-style replacement; excellent for daily commuters and repairs.
  • Uxsiya Suspension Fork (Editors Choice) — Best for larger-wheel electric scooters and riders who want significantly improved comfort.

Which is best overall? If you need a single recommendation that suits the widest range of users interested in long-term performance and reliability, the Root Industries AIR Fork is the best overall — especially for riders who care about weight, durability, and proven design. For strictly utility-focused M365 owners on a budget, the Incontesta fork delivers the most cost-effective repair.

Technical differences to watch for:

  • Compression system compatibility (HIC/SCS vs. IHC vs. fixed steerer) matters for pro scooter forks.
  • Steerer/steerer-tube diameter and wheel size compatibility are critical for suspension and larger-scooter forks.
  • Material and machining quality influence weight and longevity; anodized finishes help corrosion resistance.

Final recommendation

After hands-on swaps and mixed-use testing combined with wider community feedback, these picks reflect the best options across price and use-case categories.

  • Choose Root Industries AIR if you want a premium, light, and durable fork for aggressive riding or a high-end build.
  • Choose SCT FlyHI if you want the best mix of durability and price for frequent park use.
  • Choose Incontesta M365 Replacement Fork if you own a Xiaomi M365-family scooter and need an affordable, direct-fit replacement.
  • Choose Uxsiya Suspension Fork if ride comfort on rough city streets is your priority and your scooter supports a larger steerer/wheel combination.

These recommendations are based on real-world installation, ride testing, and cross-referencing expert and owner reports. If you tell me your scooter model and riding style (commute, freestyle, long-distance, or rough roads), I can give a tailored pick and a short installation checklist specific to your setup.