In 1958, engineer and skier Ed Scott from Sun Valley, Idaho, invented a ski pole made of aluminium, which compared favorably with those made of bamboo or steel. On the basis of this success, the company started to produce many kinds of sports goods. In 1970, Scott sold their first protection goggles for motocross riders; further motocross wear followed.

Scott expanded to Europe in 1978, settling their headquarters in Fribourg, Switzerland.

In 1989, Scott introduced one of the most significant innovations in the history of cycling to mass market – the clip-on aerodynamic handlebar. The handlebar was strategically utilized by American Greg LeMond in his 1989 Tour de France win, when he beat Frenchman Laurent Fignon by nearly a minute in the 24.5 km final time trial. Previous to this event it was widely used in triathlon and Race Across America.

In 1991, Scott produced their first suspension fork named "Unishock" and a year later, their first full-suspension mountain bicycle was shown to the public.

The 2001 Team Issue road bike frame at 895 grams was the lightest frame available at the time.

In 2011, Scott launched E-Bike line E-Sub and E-Sportster. Next year they were replaced with E-Venture line models.

In 2015, the Korean Youngone Corporation took a 50.1% stake in the company, with the previous Swiss owner Beat Zaug retaining 49.9%