Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of urban transportation. They provide a fun, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to get around. However, safety should always be the number one priority for any rider. This beginner’s guide covers all the key tips for how to ride an electric scooty safely.
How to Be Safe on an Electric Scooter
Wear Protective Gear
A helmet approved for bicycling or skateboarding use is an absolute must while riding a scooter. Head injuries are the most common and severe injuries resulting from scooter accidents, but properly wearing a helmet can reduce the risk by up to 85%.
Follow Traffic Laws
Electric scooters are considered vehicles in most places, so they comply with all applicable traffic laws, just like a car. Ride in the same direction on the proper side of the road and obey all signs, signals, right-of-way rules and speed limits. Yield to pedestrians by always giving them the right of way on sidewalks.
Avoid Distractions
Never use a cell phone or wear headphones while operating your scooter, as this causes distracted riding, which greatly increases all risks. Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times for proper control.
Stay Sober
Riding under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs that slow reaction times or impair judgment, vision, and coordination creates hazardous conditions for scooter drivers. Intoxication plays a role in many e-scooter-related ER visits and fatalities since normal rider abilities required to balance and navigate safely are dangerously altered.
Avoid Common Mistakes While Riding
Sudden Braking or Turning
Stopping on the brake without properly signalling or looking behind you startles both vehicles and pedestrians around you. Swerving sharply or turning abruptly also increases the risks of losing control or balance, resulting in falls. Always ride in a predictable straight path and brake gradually over longer distances while signalling all turning intentions well in advance.
Speeding
While thrill-seeking adrenaline rushes may tempt you to push limits, they also push safety margins. Observe and never exceed posted speed limits, but also consider weather and surface conditions in determining safe, top speeds even when not legally mandated lower.
Crowds and Congestion
Avoid group rides on one scooter or riding double with a passenger at first. Until mastering balance and braking capabilities on your own, having to account for another person’s weight severely compromises control, especially amid crowds.
Ignoring Safety Gear
All riders should wear helmets plus protective pads and gloves to protect against both common and serious risks posed by falls. However, safety gear becomes increasingly vital for high risk groups like children and seniors.
Sharing with Uncertified Riders
Well-intentioned generosity that allows friends to test drive your new scooter still requires you to confirm they indeed know how to ride properly. Never let intoxicated individuals mount your vehicle under faulty assumptions.
Operating Damaged Scooters
Pre-ride inspections noticing loose components like rattling handlebars or kicking tyres signal damaged parts, compromising safety if left unaddressed. Severely underinflated tyres also pose blowout risks at high speeds. Drivetrain issues could fail brakes completely mid-route.
Conclusion
Riding an electric scooter offers an awesomely liberating rush of adventure, perfect for boosting moods after stressful days or injecting your routine commutes with renewed thrill. However, properly educating yourself on vital safety knowledge prepares your mindset to ride as safely as such exhilaration will allow across future journeys ahead.