Electric scooters have been a reliable, cost-effective, and ecologically conscious mode of micromobility for many years. However, they have only recently been a major means of transportation in the United States.
E-scooter riding is fun, but starting your first ride is challenging. Besides becoming commonplace in public spaces, scooters have also been linked to fatalities and severe injuries. When riding an electric scooter, the main question that probably comes to mind is safety.
To ensure your safety and that of other road users, we’ve compiled a thorough guide for beginners that includes all the riding advice you’ll need for electric scooters. This article covers the fundamentals of electric scooter safety and advice on how to ride safely.
1. Safety First
Wearing safety gear is necessary when operating an e-scooter. The possibility of falling or colliding never disappears, regardless of the terrain or weather. Therefore, protecting your face and head is the first step in riding e-scooters.
A scooter accident is not if but when it occurs, and most of those hurt while scootering do not have a helmet. There might be serious repercussions if you don’t wear a helmet in an accident.
If you hire scooters frequently enough, consider renting scooters that include helmets or buying a folding helmet for on-the-go protection. Some scooter rental providers offer helmets or safety gear rebates.
Purchase knee and elbow protection and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Don’t forget to wear strong, sturdy shoes. Lastly, invest in a decent pair of gloves to safeguard your hands. We often use our hands to break our falls when we lose equilibrium. Wearing well-made riding gloves with palm sliders might help prevent wrist fractures.
2. Know Your E-Scooter
Each scooter’s brand and model varies in terms of weight and functionality. Therefore, you must become comfortable with your scooter’s controls before riding. Find an open area to practice where making mistakes without facing severe repercussions is safe.
First, learn how to use the controls and dashboard on your scooter. Since every electric scooter is different, familiarize yourself with the functions of each button and the locations and functions of the brakes, lights, and throttle.
As you practice riding a scooter, feel how the vehicle accelerates and how responsive your brakes are. When stuck in traffic, you don’t want to discover that applying too much pressure to a delicate brake sends you sailing over the handlebars.
If your electric scooter is foldable, get used to folding and unfolding it. Know how to fold it for compact storage after riding and lock it into place before you go.
You should also give your scooter a pre-flight inspection before each ride. If the scooter is shared, ensure the battery will last the duration of your journey and that the brake and throttle controls, tires, and display are in good working order.
3. Mindful Riding
Know the road rules when riding an electric scooter, plan your route, and be aware of riding etiquette around other cyclists, and pedestrians.
Choose a route that will help you avoid potential problems before you get on the road. Avoid routes where you’ll deal with quickly moving automobiles on streets lacking bike lanes or sidewalks.
Getting behind the wheel of an electric scooter while intoxicated has the same risks as driving a car but without the physical barrier of a ton of metal.
Never use an e-scooter when inebriated or under the influence. Impaired refers to anything that would cause mental diversion and impair your capacity, such as emotions or exhaustion. It’s a better idea to walk or get a rideshare if you’re mentally stable than to go on your scooter.
4. Accelerate Slowly
A dual-motor electric scooter accelerates more quickly. Practice on the slowest riding mode at first, using just one motor, then increase the power as your confidence grows. You should always slow down before cutting power and never go from a dual motor to a single motor when moving quickly.
Spend time acquainted with every riding setting, working your way up to the quickest. Go into it with all your might, and when you lose control, you can find yourself flipping over the handlebars.
Lighten the load on your scooter during takeoff by transferring your weight forward and leaning next to, but not on, the handlebars as you accelerate. Use your feet to shift part of your weight and move your center of gravity forward instead of pulling on the handlebars.
5. Learn How To Brake
Familiarize yourself with your brakes and apply them properly before riding an electric scooter. Your safety depends on using your brakes correctly since there are no airbags or seatbelts to keep you from pitching forward. Practice how to brake in an emergency above all else.
When slowing down or stopping completely, the secret is to use the front brake after the rear brake. Since the handlebars generate most of the power, using the front brake first increases the likelihood that you may go over them. So, use the rear brake first, then immediately apply the front brake.
You can counteract the natural forward momentum while applying the brakes by bending your knees and shifting your body’s weight down and back. Improve your traction, balance, and braking power by applying more downward force over the back wheel.
When you’re leaning into a turn, try not to brake. Instead, straighten up before applying the brakes to avoid falling. Also, obey the posted speed limit and reduce your speed when going downhill.
Bottom Line
More newly licensed scooter riders are taking to the streets as micromobility choices gain popularity among urban commuters. Riding an e-scooter is a reasonably quick and simple skill, particularly if you have experience with kick scooters.
By studying what an electric scooter is capable of and riding within those boundaries, you can become comfortable with your riding skills. When there are no surprises, riding an e-scooter is simple and fun. Start slowly while gradually increasing your pace.