Bikes and Scooters
Bikes and scooters are best suited for a 1 to 2 dog team.
Those that prefer scooters feel the lower center of gravity helps them stay on the deck even in muddy conditions and there ‘isn’t as far to fall’ when they do experience a crash.
A bike allows the driver to assist the dog more, and enables more trail exploration as scooter deck clearance doesn’t interfere with rough trails. However, bikes feel ‘less stable’ for someone inexperienced in mountain biking and have a sharper learning curve than riding on a scooter.
Attaching to the dog
Some individuals will attach the dog’s line directly to their scooter or bike, while others will use a mushing belt.
This is a matter of preference, and we recommend most beginners start with a belt attachment.
Attaching to the belt ensures that your dogs will never ‘get away’ from you, and many advocates for this method cite an enhanced ability to direct their team instead of being ‘dragged behind’ whatever course the dog is pulling the bike/scooter along.
Others choose to attach the dog’s line directly to the bike/scooter and claim this is a more direct pulling line for their dogs, resulting in more power overall making it from the dog to the bike/scooter. However, if you fall and your dog does not stop, they may seriously damage your equipment dragging it and can be injured when it eventually gets stuck on something.
While Ruffwear offers a belt system for canicross and skijoring, there are more affordable options through many mushing equipment sites. Pictured above is the Nooksack skijor belt.
Brakes!
What kind of brakes a scooter or bike comes with are important. Disc brakes are highly recommended for a driven dog or a dog that will ultimately be powerful once trained, such as malamutes and 2-dog teams of huskies. Linear pull brakes can be used for well-trained teams that are comfortable moseying instead of charging down the trail at full speed. The most important thing to ask yourself when choosing your brakes is, "Will these stop my dog(s) while we're running full speed down a hill and they see a squirrel?" For some dogs, a light pop of the brakes and an 'on by' will be enough, but others will take considerable braking power to keep the team safe!
Tire Size
The front tire on a scooter should be at least 20". This ensures you can get over bumps in the trails without the wheel getting stuck on a tree root and causing a crash. Competitive racing scooters can have wheels that are 26" or bigger, and this does translate to a smoother ride. Another thing to consider is what a 'standard' part may be for a bike. Specialty scooter parts can be hard to order in, but a 26" wheel size is standard for many mountain bikes which makes replacing a tire easier.
Scooter Deck
A scooter 'deck' (where you stand) that is higher will help you clear standing water on the trail but will make pushing with your foot an exaggerated and less natural movement which can be tiring. If you plan on pushing/kicking for most of your run, a lower deck that is smaller is preferable. If you would like to ride for most of the run, a higher deck that is longer will be fine.
Suspension
Full suspension scooters (and bikes) do translate to a smoother ride but a lot of power is lost on the hills while pedaling. The deck also typically rests higher to allow for the suspension, which means pushing/kicking takes more effort. Hardtail bikes and scooters with only a front suspension system are generally recommended for mushing.
Wear a Helmet!
A dog and human team can reach speeds over 20 mph, and if you are attached to your dog, you may keep going for a while after a crash occurs. Members have experienced serious bruises and broken ribs from accidents, and these injuries would have been far worse without a helmet. Wear a helmet every time! Your dog needs you to get off the trail safely. Next Adventure often has new helmets in their Bargain Basement - check it out next time you’re in Portland!
fAT tIRES?
While relatively new, fat tire bikes and scooters allow for the team to take to the beach, conquer muddy trails and even enter a fat-bike class on snow! While more expensive than a standard mountain bike or scooter, and much heavier, fat tires are popular with those in the Valley who encounter a lot of mud and often utilize the beach to get their runs in.
Scooter Brands
Mountain Scooters typically aren’t stocked at REI or the local bike shop. It’s important to attend meet ups so that you can try out different types of scooters before making the investment.
Some of the following brands can be found at most races.
A comparison between two of the more popular Pawtrekker options and a Gravity scooter is available to the right.
Sprocket Dog Scooters is the same creator as the often mentioned Diggler Dog Scooters.
Gravity Dog Scooters are frequently seen in racing circuits and sport a very large front wheel with fat-tire options.
Kickbike offers a wide range of options including a Fat Bike scooter.
Pawtrekker is also listed adjacent in the comparison chart.