Tips & Tricks

Peter Warren csc is the creator of the shooter scooter and offers these great tips on inexpensive ways to get even more use out of your shooter scooter. It would be great to hear from you if you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us here at vfgadgets.

Maneuvering the shooter scooter

Although it is easy to maneuver the shooter scooter, it is important to understand that you have to start the free floating wheels in the direction that the wheels are in and then position them in the direction you want to make your move in. Here is a video demonstration to show you how it works

Going Around Corners with PVC

One of the great features of the shooter scooter in dolly mode is that you can use regular, store bought 1/2” metal conduit or 1/2” PVC. It’s very economical and if it gets damaged you can just go to the hardware store and get some more. They come in 10-foot lengths which will cover 95% of your dolly moves. If you want to extend that distance or make a curve, I have discovered a great way to join 1/2” PVC. All you need is a 5/8” set screw, about 3/4” long, and an allen key (also referred to as a hex key). These are both available at any hardware store.



Insert the set screw into one end of the PVC, using the allen key screw it in until it is just over half way in. Take the other length of PVC and screw it onto the set screw.



To curve the track take a wooden riser and place it across the top of the track at one end, drop a sandbag on it, now flex your track as you like and place a wooden riser at the other end and drop a sandbag on it as well. It will take a bit of adjusting to get it right but it will curve around.

Joining 1/2” Metal Conduit

To join 1/2” metal conduit, you can use longer 5/8” set screws. To join the two lengths just take a small nail and hammer, make a tiny indent into the conduit about 1/4” inch from the end, do not puncture. Insert your pinky into the pipe and you should feel a small pimple. Simply screw the set screw into the end of the conduit leaving half of it sticking out, make the same indent on the other piece of conduit and screw it onto the threaded rod. A little gaffer tape under the joint will also help, especially if you will be dollying back and forth over it.

Wooden Platform

The shooter scooter is designed so that when you convert it to the dolly, you simply raise the platform and attach the dolly wheels. With a little ingenuity, there are several ways to make a platform that can go on top of the shooter scooter. The one pictured is designed to fold using a piano hinge; it rests on spacers that line up with the frame and has two plugs, the same diameter as the holes for the handle, at one end; at the other I have cut two indents to fit around the handle. When the platform is folded I place it on the frame by inserting those plugs in the handle holes and then flip it open so that the indents go around the handle on the other side. The great thing about this design is that it folds for easy storage and you can place things like sandbags under. It will also be beneficial when transporting equipment; some cases are less than 24” wide. It is important not to extend the platform out over the frame. This is just one design you can custom make your own platform to suit your own application.

Dollying With Tripod

Some people have mentioned that there are only three holes for the tripod on the shooter scooter. Of course, this had to be done because the other end has to support the platform. If your shot requires you to shoot from the side, this is not a problem. However, if you need to shoot in a forward direction, this becomes a problem. Here’s the solution, take out the fifth bolt at the end and use this hole for the tripod leg (this should only be done in this circumstance). This will allow you to shoot forward, while your grip is pushing or pulling from the free-swiveling wheel end.

Silencing the Handles

The handles were designed for quick and easy assembly, however this means that they can make a little noise when operating; not a problem most of the time, but if this becomes an issue here’s a solution that I have found works. At the pharmacy you can get finger gloves, I think they are meant to protect a cut or something they look like mini condoms. Simply slide them over the handle ends and pull them as far down as you can then insert into the socket, it will snug up the fit and eliminate any noise. They can only be used once, but they are cheap and come on in packs of 10.

Transporting Gear

The shooter scooter is great for transporting gear. Those big wheels will get you anywhere, here’s a neat trick I came up with if you find that some of your cases are smaller than the width of the shooter scooter. Just get a piece of 2 X 2 and cut it to the interior length of the shooter scooter frame approximately 32 5/8” then attach an ‘L’ bracket at each end, I would tape it so that it doesn’t scratch the aluminum. It should now rest between the two ends of the frame and will help support the smaller cases.