The bunny hop lifts both wheels off the ground without a ramp. It is the base for almost every other trick: getting up curbs and onto ledges, into grinds, and the pop for 180s, barspins and tailwhips.
What you need first
- A bike that fits you, with flat pedals and pumped-up tyres.
- Riding comfortably standing up, with your pedals level.
- Lifting the front wheel by shifting your weight back, the start of a manual.
In the video
Step by step
- Roll slowly. Walking pace, standing up, pedals level, knees and elbows slightly bent.
- Load the bike. Drop your weight down into the bike to compress the front.
- Lift the front. Shift your hips back over the rear wheel and pull the front up with straight arms.
- Jump and push. As the front comes up, spring up with your legs and push the bars forward to level the bike.
- Bring the back up. Tuck your knees towards the bars so the rear wheel follows. The lift comes from your jump, not from hooking the pedals with your feet (scooping).
- Land together. Level out and land on both wheels at once, knees bent to soak up the landing.
Common mistakes
- Pulling both wheels up at once with your arms. You only get a few centimetres. Front first, then the back.
- Jumping before the front is high enough. Get the front up, then jump.
- Pushing the bars forward too late. The back wheel stays down and you land rear wheel first.
- Landing front wheel first. Push the bars forward earlier so the bike levels out in the air.
Stay safe
- Wear a helmet, even for small hops.
- Practise on smooth, flat ground with no traffic.
- Start by hopping over a line on the ground, then something soft and low, before anything solid like a curb.
- If you feel yourself going too far back, step off the back of the bike and let it go.
More on gear and bailing on the safety page.
What’s next
Once you can hop over a small obstacle every time, try a 180 bunny hop, or use your hop to get onto a low ledge. More Foundations tricks →