Dog scootering is a dryland mushing discipline in which dogs pull a person riding a large-wheeled kick scooter along trails, dirt roads, or packed paths. The scooter is typically a purpose-built model with oversized tires, sturdy brakes, and a low deck designed to handle off-road terrain and the forward pull of the dogs.
The dogs wear a pulling harness and are connected to the scooter via a bungee towline, often routed through a bike antenna or nosepiece to keep the line from tangling with the front wheel. Teams usually consist of one to four dogs depending on the scooter design and the rider’s experience level.
Scootering is popular among mushers as both a training tool and a competitive sport. It closely mirrors the feel of driving a dogsled — the rider stands on the deck much like standing on sled runners — making it excellent off-season preparation. Competitive scootering races follow formats similar to bikejoring events. The sport is considered one of the most beginner-friendly dryland disciplines because the low center of gravity and kick-assist make balance easier than on a bicycle.