In the scooter world things are always evolving, brands keep inventing, improving and experimenting, but they also revisit old ideas that once seemed out of reach. One of those long-maturing concepts is BPM.
What is BPM?
BPM, short for Balance Point Modulation, was first conceived 13 years ago. Today it returns as a fully refined system ready to revolutionize the riding experience. That’s how Kevin Demay, owner of ETHIC DTC, describes it.
How does BPM work?
BPM is a set of precision weights that can be mounted in three key spots on a scooter: inside the handlebar, on the deck, and near the fork. These strategically placed elements let you change the scooter’s balance without swapping major components.
Unlike simply “adding weight,” BPM adjusts the balance point. You can tailor the scooter to your style, more stability for whips, quicker response for barspins, you decide.
Types of BPM weights
- Handlebar, 75 g or 150 g (pair), mounted inside the bar ends.
- Deck, 75 g or 150 g, mounted near the brake or fender.
- Fork, 150 g or 300 g, mounted between the fork and the wheel.
Why add weight at all?
Most riders chase every lost gram, but an ultralight scooter can feel twitchy and unpredictable. BPM lets you place weight exactly where it matters, at the ends of the scooter, for extra stability, control and feel.
Handlebar ballast
The handlebar is where even a small weight change makes a huge difference. With BPM you can fit 75 g or 150 g weights in the bar ends (compatible with bars like Tenacity V2 and Deildegast V2). Just 75 g can feel like adding 300 g, giving more control and stability in spins without making the rest of the scooter heavy.
Deck ballast
Rear deck weights, 75 g or 150 g, fit Ethic decks such as Pandemonium V2 or Vulcain V2. They create the feel of a heavier deck without increasing the scooter’s total mass.
Fork ballast
The final piece mounts near the fork, 150 g or 300 g, currently compatible with 12 STD forks like Legion V2. It shifts the center of gravity forward for a ride more like a BMX.
Why it works
Physics isn’t only about mass, it’s about where the mass sits. Placing weight at the ends of the scooter creates the biggest effect with the smallest grams, letting you craft a setup that’s steadier, smoother or more aggressive.
Trick advantages
- Barspins, 75 g in the bars adds rotational inertia for smoother spins.
- Whips, heavier deck ballast gives a more predictable whip.
- Fingerwhips & grabs, keep the bars light for quick hand movements.
- Big ramps, combine 150 g fork + 150 g deck for stable landings and airtime confidence.
- Technical manuals & balance grinds, fine tune the balance point to match the trick.
Who is BPM for?
It’s not a casual gadget. BPM is for riders who notice the difference between 30 g and 140 g grips, who care how a few centimeters of balance shift affect their style.
Full BPM kit
Ethic offers a complete set, six weights (two for each component) plus a Torx tool, allowing 27 different scooter configurations.
Compatibility
- Handlebars must be BPM Ready (e.g. Tenacity V2, Deildegast V2).
- Decks: most Ethic models such as Pandemonium V2, Vulcain V2, Pandora (75 g ballast only).
- Forks: 12 STD models such as Legion V2.
Installation
- Handlebar: screw in like a bar end.
- Deck: mount where the brake or fender attaches.
- Fork: insert between fork legs with the wheel axle.
Does BPM really change the ride?
- Two 75 g bar weights can feel like adding 300 g to the bars.
- Front only or rear only ballast shifts the rotation point, closer to BMX or classic street scooter feel.
- You can make a deck feel like it weighs 2 kg while adding only a few hundred grams.
Bottom line
BPM isn’t essential, but it’s a powerful tool. Used well, it gives unmatched control, precision and personalization, turning your scooter into a ride that fits you perfectly.
