How To Do A Scooter Tailwhip – Beginner’s Guide

Learning how to do a scooter tailwhip is one of the biggest milestones for beginner riders in freestyle scootering. It looks impressive, feels amazing to land, and is often the first stunt riders want to master after nailing the basics.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about tailwhips: from what the trick actually is, the gear you’ll need, and safety tips, to a simple step-by-step tutorial. Whether you’re practicing at the skatepark or just starting out with stunt scootering, this guide will help you build confidence and land your first scooter tailwhip.

What Is A Tailwhip

A scooter tailwhip is one of the most popular freestyle tricks in stunt scootering. In this move, the rider spins the deck of the scooter (the flat platform you stand on) a full 360 degrees around the handlebars while staying balanced in the air. The trick is usually initiated by kicking the tail of the scooter to set the deck in motion, then catching it cleanly under your feet before landing.

Safety Guidelines Before Doing A Tailwhip on Your E-Scooter

Attempting tricks like a tailwhip on an e-scooter requires more than just skill, it also demands a strong focus on safety. E-scooters are heavier and faster than stunt scooters, so taking the right precautions is essential to prevent injuries and protect your scooter. Before you start practicing, follow these key safety guidelines:

1. Understand Your E-Scooter Controls - Most e-scooters come with built-in features such as cruise control, throttle sensitivity, and braking modes. Make sure you know exactly how your scooter operates, including how to enable and disable cruise control, before attempting any tricks. Having full control of your scooter is the first step in staying safe.

2. Always Wear Protective Gear - A helmet is non-negotiable when practicing tailwhips. Choose one that meets CE or UKCA safety standards and is designed for cycling or e-scooter use. For added protection, consider wearing knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and sturdy shoes with good grip. Proper gear not only reduces injury risks but also gives you the confidence to commit to the trick.

3. Maintain Balance and Stability - Avoid hanging bags, backpacks, or other items from your handlebars. Extra weight can throw off your balance, make the scooter harder to control, and increase the risk of falls during tricks. Keep your scooter as light and stable as possible for optimal performance.

4. Check Weather and Surface Conditions - Never attempt tricks on wet, icy, gravelly, or uneven surfaces. Slippery or loose terrain greatly increases the risk of losing traction and crashing. Instead, practice in a safe environment such as a dry, flat skatepark or smooth concrete surface designed for stunt riding.

5. Start Slow and Build Up - Don’t rush into attempting a full tailwhip right away. Begin with basic jumps and deck-whip practice before progressing to more advanced variations. If possible, use a foam pit or practice ramp to reduce impact while learning. Remember:  practice makes perfect, and patience is key.

How Long Does It Take To Learn A Tailwhip

The time it takes to learn a scooter tailwhip can vary greatly from rider to rider. Some beginners manage to land their first tailwhip within just a few practice sessions, while others may need several weeks or even months to get it right. The key factors that influence how quickly you’ll learn include your current skill level, consistency, training environment, and overall confidence on a scooter.

The most important factor is consistent, focused practice. Riders who dedicate short, regular sessions (15–30 minutes a day) often see progress much quicker than those who only practice occasionally. Practicing in a safe environment, like a skatepark, resi ramp, or foam pit, can also speed up the process since you’ll be able to commit to the motion without worrying about injuries.

In general, most riders can expect to learn a tailwhip in:

• A few days to weeks if they already have trick experience and practice consistently.
  
  

• One to three months if they are beginners building up scooter skills from scratch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Tailwhip Like A Pro 

Landing a scooter tailwhip takes practice, precision, and confidence. To help you progress faster, follow these step-by-step instructions designed for beginners who want to learn the right technique from day one.

1. Practice in a Safe Environment - Start your first attempts in a foam pit, airbag, or resi ramp if possible. These soft landing areas allow you to practice the motion without worrying about hard crashes, helping you build confidence before trying on concrete.

2. Find Your Stance - Stand on your scooter in a comfortable riding position. Most right-handed riders prefer a regular stance (left foot forward), while left-handed riders often ride goofy (right foot forward). Choose the stance that feels most natural to you.

3. Grip the Handlebars Correctly - Hold the handlebars firmly with both hands, keeping your grip around the center of the bars. This ensures maximum control during the jump and spin.

4. Gain a Smooth Roll-In - Push off with your back foot a few times to get moving. You don’t need a lot of speed, just enough momentum to perform a clean jump.

5. Jump High and Controlled - Bend your knees, then jump as high as you can while keeping the scooter close to your body. The higher you jump, the more time you’ll have to complete the tailwhip rotation.

6. Kick the Deck - Use your back foot to kick the tail of the scooter deck behind you. This motion starts the rotation. Make sure the kick is sharp but controlled, so the deck spins quickly without throwing you off balance.

7. Guide the Spin With Your Arms - Your hands and arms play a big role in controlling the whip. As the deck spins, use your arms to help guide and accelerate the rotation of the scooter underneath you.

8. Spot the Deck - Keep your eyes on the scooter deck throughout the spin. Watching the rotation helps you time your landing and ensures you’re ready to catch the scooter when it comes back around.

9. Catch the Deck With Both Feet - As the deck completes its 360° spin, bring both feet down firmly on top of it to stop its rotation. Landing with both feet centered helps keep your balance and prevents the scooter from slipping out.

10. Absorb the Impact - Bend your knees slightly upon landing to absorb the impact. This keeps the landing smooth and reduces strain on your legs and scooter.

11. Ride Away Cleanly - Maintain control, straighten up, and ride away smoothly. Landing a tailwhip cleanly is just as important as the trick itself.

Avoid These Mistakes When Doing A Tailwhip On Your Scooter

1. Weak Deck Spin - One of the biggest mistakes is not putting enough power into the kick. Without a strong, controlled whip from your back foot, the deck won’t complete a full 360-degree rotation. To fix this, focus on kicking sharply and using your arms to guide the spin. Remember: the faster the spin, the more time you’ll have to spot and catch the deck.

2. Poor Timing Between Jump and Whip - Many beginners try to whip the deck before they’re fully in the air. This throws off balance and reduces control. The correct sequence is: jump first, then whip while you’re airborne. Practicing this rhythm repeatedly will help you build muscle memory so the motion feels natural and smooth.

3. Botched Landings - Catching the deck too early or too late often results in slips, crashes, or rolled ankles. The key is to watch the deck during the spin and be ready to stomp both feet down as it completes its rotation. Landing with your feet evenly on the deck and bending your knees to absorb the impact makes for a clean, safe landing.

4. Looking Away From the Deck - Some riders look down or lose focus during the whip. If you’re not spotting the deck, your timing will always be off. Keep your eyes locked on the scooter until your feet are planted back on the deck.

5. Rushing Progression - Trying to learn advanced tricks before fully landing a basic tailwhip often leads to frustration and injuries. Take your time, master the fundamentals, and build consistency before moving on to combos like double tailwhips or barspins.

Best E-Scooters for Learning Tailwhips  

iScooter i8 – Lightweight & Beginner-Friendly E-Scooter

If you’re looking for an entry-level e-scooter that’s light enough to practice basic tricks like tailwhips, the iScooter i8 is an excellent choice. Weighing just 26.4 lbs (12 kg), it’s one of the lightest models in the iScooter range, making it easier to lift, spin, and control compared to heavier commuter scooters.

For safety, the i8 features a rear hub brake with a hidden electronic brake, giving you responsive stopping power. The 8.5-inch pneumatic tires help absorb small bumps, while the IP54 water resistance protects against light splashes and dust. Equipped with both a headlight and brake light, the i8 ensures visibility in low-light conditions.

With a load capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) and a compact design, this scooter is ideal for younger riders, beginners, or anyone who wants a portable and versatile e-scooter that can also handle the occasional stunt practice.

iScooter i9 – Compact Power with Extra Range

The iScooter i9 takes everything great about the i8 and adds more power, range, and braking performance, making it another solid option for riders experimenting with tricks like the tailwhip. Like the i8, it weighs only 26.4 lbs (12 kg), keeping it light enough for spins and jumps.

The i9 is equipped with front electronic brakes and a rear disc brake, offering stronger and more controlled stopping power compared to the i8. Its 8.5-inch honeycomb tires are puncture-proof and low-maintenance, making it a reliable everyday scooter as well as a good training model for beginner tricks.

Other highlights include IP54 water resistance, a load capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg), and smart connectivity through the Tuya App, where you can track rides, lock your scooter, and adjust settings. The bright headlight and brake light ensure safety at night, while the compact design keeps it portable for urban riders.

Other E-Scooter Models To Consider From iScooter

Conclusion

Learning how to do a scooter tailwhip is one of the most rewarding milestones for any beginner rider. While it may look challenging at first, breaking the trick down into simple steps makes it achievable with patience and consistency. Remember to always wear protective gear, choose the right scooter for practice, and start in a safe environment like a foam pit or smooth flat surface.

Whether you land it in a few days or take a couple of months, every attempt brings you closer to success. Once you master the tailwhip, you’ll not only impress your friends at the skatepark but also unlock the foundation for more advanced tricks like double tailwhips and barspin combinations.

FAQs

How to do a tailwhip on a scooter for beginners?

To do a tailwhip on a scooter, start by practicing in a safe spot with a helmet and pads. Begin with small jumps, then kick the deck of the scooter around with your back foot while keeping a firm grip on the handlebars. Use your arms to guide the spin, watch the deck closely, and land with both feet on the platform to ride away smoothly. Beginners will find it easier on a lightweight scooter, since heavier models are harder to whip. That’s why compact e-scooters like the iScooter i8 and iScooter i9 are excellent starter options, both are lightweight (12 kg), easy to control, and durable enough for practicing basic tricks while still perfect for everyday riding.

Why can't I tailwhip on a scooter?

There are a few common mistakes beginners make when learning how to do a scooter tailwhip. First, relying only on your hands, remember, the whip starts with your feet, not just your arms. Second, kicking the scooter too far away makes it impossible to catch the deck. Finally, poor foot placement can throw off your balance. The correct motion is to kick the deck across with one foot while guiding it with your hands, then catch it under both feet to land smoothly. Using a lightweight scooter like the iScooter i8 or i9 makes this much easier, since they’re designed to be compact, agile, and beginner-friendly for tricks like tailwhips.

How hard is it to do a tailwhip on a scooter?

A scooter tailwhip may look tricky, but most beginners can learn it quickly with the right technique and setup. If you can jump, you can start practicing tailwhips. The key is using both your feet and arms to spin the deck smoothly and land in control. Choosing a lightweight scooter makes the trick much easier, models like the iScooter i8 or iScooter i9 are perfect for beginners, offering easy handling for tricks while still being reliable for everyday rides.

What is the easiest scooter trick to learn?

Learning tricks is a fun way to improve your balance and control while riding. Here are five easy scooter tricks every beginner can try, perfect to practice on lightweight models like the iScooter i8 or i9.

1. Bunny Hop – The foundation of scooter tricks. Simply jump with your scooter while in motion to get both wheels off the ground.
2. Tailwhip – Once you’ve got the bunny hop down, try kicking the deck around 360° while keeping control of the handlebars.
3. Bar Spin – From a bunny hop, spin your handlebars mid-air and catch them before landing.
4. Riding Backwards – Practice rolling in reverse to improve balance and confidence.
5. Manual – Lift your front wheel slightly off the ground and ride balancing on the back wheel.