Scooters are a convenient means of transportation today. These vehicles are becoming more popular due to renewed emphasis on eco-friendly transportation. They also get you to places faster than walking. These benefits make them a great vehicle to own.
If you want to learn how to ride a scooter, this article is for you. We will discuss all you need to know about riding one.
Choosing the Right Scooter
Choosing the right scooter is critical. Each scooter has its own method of operation. Also, these vehicles come with different road rules and regulations. Let’s now see some of the different types of scooters.
Types of Scooters Available
There are different types of scooters. They include manual, gas, and electric-powered scooters. Each one has its unique features.
Electric scooter: This uses a battery to operate. It also comes with a seat for added comfort. They are eco-friendly and last for long.
Manual scooter: This is also called a kick scooter. You ride it by pushing it with your legs. They are also eco-friendly.
Gas-powered scooter: This uses gas as fuel to operate. It comes with a seat for comfort. It is swift and can last a long time.
Factors to Consider
Before buying any type of scooter, you need to consider some factors. Some of these factors include:
Weight: Keep your weight and the load you are carrying in mind. Many scooters have a maximum load capacity. Check this before buying.
Speed: Not all scooters can travel very fast. Gas-powered and electric scooters move faster than manual scooters. You can choose the one that meets your speed and needs the most.
Purpose: You will buy a scooter for a reason. It could be for transportation or fun. Make sure you buy a scooter that meets your needs.
Recommendations to Beginners
As a beginner, you must check your scooter’s manual before use. This guide will show you how to ride the scooter. You also need to keep safety first and obey scooter driving rules.
Safety Gear and Preparations
When riding a scooter, there are several things to know. Like other vehicles, accidents happen on scooters. What can you do to prevent them? Check out some helpful tips.
Essential Safety Gear
A scooter safety gear is essential. Safety gear ensures you’re well-protected when riding the scooter. For proper protection, always wear all-body protective gear. Some safety gears include:
Helmets: Injuries on the head are possible. You could fall off from a scooter and get injured. A helmet protects you from harm in the event of an accident. You can order our Smart Helmet product for additional cool features.
Knee pads: These pads protect your knees from scratches, scrapes, and serious injuries.
Elbow pads: These will protect your elbow from scrapes and scratches.
Pre-ride Safety Checks
Before you ride your scooter, always do a pre-ride safety check. Here are some things to do:
- Tires: Always check your tire pressure.
- Brakes: Make sure it is not loose and is working well.
- Battery: If it’s an electric scooter, check for enough charge for your ride.
- Lights: Also check if the lights are working well.
Importance of Weather Considerations
Keep the weather conditions in mind before driving your scooter. Here are some weather considerations to know:
- Don’t ride after a rain shower. Wet roads are more accident-prone than usual.
- Don’t ride in the dark. If you are riding a manual scooter, it can be hard to see in the dark.
- Wear protective gear that shields you from elements like rain, wind, and snow.
Basic Riding Techniques
As a beginner, here are some basic riding techniques to know:
Balancing and Starting Off
Before you start riding a manual scooter, keep the kickstand up. As a beginner, you can decide to keep a simple stance. This pose involves having one of your feet - the non-dominant one in front of the other.
To keep your balance on the scooter, use the handlebars. Your feet help to keep your balance. You don't have a good balance if you feel like you are pushing too hard on the handlebars.
Steering and Turning
Your scooter’s handlebars allow you to steer the scooter. You should do so at very low speeds. You will also need to adjust your weight for balance. At an average speed, keep the handlebars straight, shift, and lean to turn your scooter.
Speed Control and Braking
Controlling your speed is necessary when riding a scooter. You should not ride too fast so you don’t lose balance. You should apply brakes when in a straight line and not when you are turning. This will help you avoid losing balance and crashing. To brake hard, bend your knees and bring your weight back using your rear leg.
Riding Etiquettes and Laws
Scooters, like every other vehicle, have rules. Here are some you should know:
Understanding local traffic laws and regulations
Always check the local traffic rules of your location. This way, you avoid entering into problems. Some of the traffic rules include:
- Traffic lights
- Traffic signs
- Pedestrian markings and crossings
You need to obey these regulations. They will save your life and that of others.
Sharing the road with other vehicles and pedestrians
Scooters have their lanes. Riding in it is safer as it prevents accidents. However, some countries do not provide such lanes. In these places, follow traffic rules at all times. Share the road with other vehicles wisely. Don’t be in haste, and check for pedestrians always.
Parking and securing your scooter
Parking in the right place saves you and others. When parked wrongly, a scooter can be an issue for others. It could block important roads. It could also cause accidents. Here are some parking rules you should know:
- Park in designated areas
- Park on flat surfaces
- Refrain from blocking important routes and access areas
- Do not trespass on a private property
When you reach your destination, it is vital to secure your scooter until you are ready to leave. Your safest option is to bring the scooter in with you. But this is not always possible. You need to lock your scooter with a high-quality lock system. This way, no one steals it.
Advanced Tips for Experienced Riders
As an experienced rider, you still need to keep improving. Here are some tips that can help:
Enhancing riding skills
You need to keep improving your riding skills. When making sharp turns, skillfully lean in your weight on the handlebar, maneuver, and turn. Check your surroundings for vehicles before doing so.
Riding on different terrains can be a challenge. Some are smooth, and others contain obstacles. Remember, obstacles are not avoidable. You will need to pass them. You need to check the road surface. Failure to do so may stop your front wheel and send you flying out of the scooter. Shift your weight back to pass obstacles and hop the front wheel on the obstacle by slowly tugging the handlebars.
Upgrades and customization
What makes your ride fun as an experienced driver is the upgrades. Customizing your scooter also gives it a beautifying touch. Check out some significant upgrades and customization to make:
- Change your handlebar grips to be more comfortable when riding.
- Install a phone mount if you must use your smartphone when riding.
- Add lights for added visibility and safety of the scooter
- Install a horn for more safety.
Joining scooter communities and events
Join a scooter community and attend events regularly. You can meet people with interests similar to yours. These communities and events are great ways to build meaningful connections.
Conclusion
Do you want to learn how to ride a scooter? The above guide has shown the different types of scooters. We’ve also revealed the different techniques to follow when riding. We’ve explored the riding rules and safety tips to adhere to. Finally, we discussed how you can improve your skills as a beginner.
Do you enjoy riding a scooter? Check out our website for other helpful tips and resources on scooters. Also, you can order our most advanced scooter yet: the LEXGO L30 MAX electric scooter!
