Skatestopper

Skatestopper is a brand-name of skate-deterrent device emplaced on urban terrain features such as benches and hand rails to discourage skating on the surface where the devices have been installed. The name Skatestopper is a registered trademark of Intellicept of El Cajon, California, USA. Over one-million Skatestoppers have been installed worldwide at over 10,000 locations. Skatestoppers are designed to be used in conjunction with warning signs and are not intended to eliminate the sport of skateboarding, rollerblading, or in-line scooting. In some circles of skateboarding culture, Skatestopper has become a genericized trademark referring to any purpousely-installed device designed to discourage skateboarding.

Necessity

Property owners may install Skatestopers to prevent property damage resulting from skateboarders grininding on curbs, benches, and ledges.

Positive Reception

Skatestoppers can reduce costly repairs incurred by property owners. Repair costs resulting from skateboarding damage can sometimes reach tens-of-thousands of dollars.

Criticism

Skatestoppers have been described as a mantrap by some skateboarders. A skateboarder attempting to skate on a surface where Skatestoppers have been installed face a greater risk of injury than skating on a surface unencumbered by Skatestoppers, or may find skateboarding impossible. Skatestoppers are sometimes installed at previously unencumbered skate spots where skateboarders may be unaware of the presence of the devices, resulting in bodily injury.

The validity of any claimed hazard may be contentious, as Skatestoppers are not intended to be installed without signage alerting skaters to the presence of these deterrents.

Competition

Companies which produce a competing skate-deterrent device include GrinderMinders and Stopagrind .