Is it easier than bikejoring?
It is more stable and easier to control, because you can step off immediately. The physical effort for the human is greater, though, because you push with a foot on the sections where the dog is not pulling.
Speed and running
Scooterjoring
Like bikejoring, but on an off-road scooter with large wheels. You are lower down, you can step off instantly and you have better control - which is why many people start their wheeled pulling here.
About the discipline
What scooterjoring is
Scooterjoring uses an off-road scooter with bicycle wheels and a low frame. The dog is attached in front, by a bar or a bungee line.
Compared with a bicycle, the advantage is a lower centre of gravity and the ability to step off instantly, with a single stride. With a dog that still swerves occasionally, that matters enormously.
It can be run with one or two dogs. It is the natural transition between canicross and full teams.
How it works in practice
What it involves
- an off-road scooter with large wheels and good brakes
- a pulling bar or bungee line
- one or two dogs in front
- well-established directional commands
- dirt trails, free of traffic
- pushing with a foot on sections where the dog is not pulling
Which dogs it suits
- medium and large dogs with pulling drive
- teams coming from canicross
- handlers who want more control than on a bike
What you need
- an approved off-road scooter
- a pulling harness
- a helmet
- water for the dog, on every outing
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Scooterjoring
Does it work with a single dog?
Yes, that is the usual setup at the start. A second dog is added once the team is settled and the commands work without hesitation.
What kind of scooter do I need?
An off-road one, with bicycle wheels and disc brakes. Urban scooters with small wheels do not hold up and become dangerous at speed.
What speeds does it reach?
Lower than on a bike, generally between 15 and 25 km/h, because a scooter has more rolling resistance. That is precisely what makes it good for beginners: you have time to react, and if things get out of hand you step off with a single stride.
The rule figures on this page come from IFSS - International Federation of Sleddog Sports. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Skijoring
Cross-country skiing pulled by one or more dogs.
Sled Dog Racing
Racing with dog teams on snow.
Dryland Mushing
Team racing on dry ground.
Greyhound Racing
Speed racing on a track.
We do not run Scooterjoring
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.