Is it easier than bikejoring?
It's steadier and easier to control, because you can step off right away. You work harder, though: wherever the dog isn't pulling, you're kicking.
Speed and running
Scooterjoring
Much like bikejoring, but you're on an off-road scooter with big wheels. You sit lower, you can hop off in an instant and you've got more control. That's why plenty of people start wheeled pulling here.
About the discipline
What scooterjoring is
Scooterjoring uses an off-road scooter with bicycle wheels and a low deck. The dog is hooked up in front, with a bar or a bungee line.
Compared with a bike, your centre of gravity is lower and you can step off straight away, in one stride. If your dog still veers off now and then, that makes a huge difference.
You can run one dog or two. For someone coming from canicross who wants a proper team later on, it's the natural step in between.
How it works in practice
What it involves
- an off-road scooter with big wheels and good brakes
- a pulling bar or a bungee line
- one or two dogs in front
- solid direction cues
- dirt trails with no traffic
- you kick along wherever the dog isn't pulling
Which dogs it suits
- medium and large dogs that like to pull
- teams moving up from canicross
- handlers who want more control than a bike gives them
What you need
- an approved off-road scooter
- a pulling harness
- a helmet
- water for the dog, every time you go out
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Scooterjoring
Does it work with a single dog?
Yes, that's how almost everyone starts. Add a second dog once you've gelled as a team and the cues work without any hesitation.
What kind of scooter do I need?
An off-road one, with bicycle wheels and disc brakes. City scooters with small wheels don't stand up to it and get dangerous at speed.
What speeds does it reach?
Slower than a bike, usually 15 to 25 km/h, because a scooter rolls less freely. That's exactly why it suits beginners: you've got time to react, and if things go wrong you step off in one stride instead of falling.
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 with one or more dogs pulling you.
Sled Dog Racing
Racing dog teams over snow.
Dryland Mushing
Dog 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.