Being a fan of electric scooters is great, but if you really want to enjoy them, you need to learn how to ride electric scooter. You’ll experience the thrill of balancing, turning those handlebars, and shifting your weight just right. You want to feel free and independent, with a dash of cool included in the mix!
Riding electric scooters can be exhilarating. They zip and zoom around busy city streets like jaybirds, but you must know what you’re doing to avoid eating the pavement. Safety comes first! So, strap on that helmet, grab those riding gloves, and let’s get up to speed with this guide on how to ride electric scooter safety and effectively!
Key Takeaways
Learning how to ride electric scooter is the key to a safe and fun experience. Get to know your scooter’s controls, handling, and features before you hit the streets!
Don’t skimp on the protective gear. Helmets, gloves, elbow and knee pads can save you from pain and injury.
Follow e-scooter laws to avoid unwanted fines or accidents. Stay vigilant and respect the safety and rights of others on the road.
Avoid common riding errors like over-acceleration, one-handed riding, or needless stunting. These can lead to unnecessary risks and accidents.
Important parts of the electric scooter, like the handlebar, brakes, tires, and folding mechanisms, should be in perfect working condition to ensure a clean, smooth ride.
Getting Started with Pre-ride Checks: How to Prepare for Your Ride
So you’re all set to test the waters. Good, but know this! You can’t just hop on and expect to become an electric scooter whiz in no time. Just like you wouldn’t just grab a bull by the horns, chill out a bit, and spend some time getting to know your ride.
Read the scooter manual, assess the controls, and understand how the brakes and motor work. It’s like meeting a new friend. Spend some time, gain trust, and you’re ready to roll. So, in the spirit of getting to know how to ride electric scooter, let’s break down the major parts of an electric scooter.
Handlebar
Handlebars are like the steering wheel of your scooter, and we hope you know what that does. Understand how they work, and you’re a step closer to a smooth ride.
Turning the handlebars is a bit like a dance. You must be smooth and controlled and avoid sudden, jerky movements. Go overboard, and you’ll be hugging the floor before you can say, “Whoops!”. Do it right, and you’re gliding like a bird in flight. Like my granny used to say, “Slow and steady wins the race!”
Stem
Now, the stem is pretty crucial to the overall stability of your ride. Look for a firm yet flexible stem to absorb small bumps on the path. Remember, a well-adjusted stem can make your ride smoother than a baby’s bottom, while a shaky one can make you bumpier than a pick-up truck on a gravel road.
Deck
Next on the docket is the deck, where your feet are parked during the ride. The deck’s size and grip can greatly affect your comfort and safety. A nice wide deck can give your feet plenty of room to hang loose, while a textured or rubberized surface can provide a good grip.
It’s like the difference between dancing on a crowded dance floor or having the whole stage yourself – you know which one you’d prefer, right?
Tires
The only part of your scooter getting down and dirty with the road is the tires. Big, meaty tires can provide a more comfortable ride, especially on rough roads. They’re like the sneakers of your scooter – the better they can grip, the safer your ride
Tires also play an essential role when you lean into turns. A good set of tires will stick to the road like peanut butter on bread, providing stability even when turning quickly.
Brakes/Suspension
Let’s not forget the brakes and suspension. The brakes are your scooter’s stop sign, ensuring you don’t overshoot that turn or end up in someone’s bushes. Proper brakes reduce the scooter’s speed gradually and safely. And the suspension? It’s like your scooter’s personal pothole shield, softening the ride when you hit a bump. Remember, a good scooter should stop on a dime and ride like a dream.
Motors
The motor is the heart of your electric scooter. It dictates how fast your scooter can run and how steep a hill can tackle. Remember, revving the throttle while playing around with the different motor modes will give you a good idea of their working status. A scooter with a well-maintained motor can go from zero to hero faster than you can say, ‘Hold on tight!’
Battery
Before hopping on your electric scooter, make sure the battery is charged. You don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere because your battery ran dry.
This might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to check their battery level before taking a spin. Remember to have a full battery before every ride to avoid any inconvenience.
Why Wear Protective Gear?
When it comes to learning how to ride electric scooter, you must remember that wearing protective gear.
Well, here’s a no-brainer, folks. Protective gear is essential when you’re buzzing around on your electric scooter. Now, this isn’t about just a bike helmet here. For all the greenhorns out there, listen – you need the works – gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, and some good closed-toe shoes.
The point is simple – each piece of gear is like a shield, protecting you from injury should you take a spill. And yes, even the most experienced riders can taste the pavement without being careful. So, let’s break down each piece of gear before you learn how to ride electric scooter. See why it’s essential for your safety below:
Helmets
The first item on your gear list should be a helmet. You don’t put a foot on that scooter without one. It’s non-negotiable. Now, you have options here. A CPSC-certified bike helmet is a good start, but you might want something sturdier for higher speeds.
Experienced riders may even go for a full-face helmet, but that depends on where and how fast you ride. Just don’t forget: You’re donning your lid for protection, not style.
Gloves
Think about it: what’s the first thing you do when you fall? You put your hands out, right? Now imagine doing that at high speed without gloves. It’s not a pretty picture, is it? So get your mitts some decent protection.
Elbow Pads
This probably seems like overkill, but when riding at a high speed, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Look, your arms are like shock absorbers. They can take the brunt of an impact should you take a tumble. The least you can do is arm them with some good elbow pads. It just makes sense.
Knee Pads
Imagine gliding around a city park, the electric scooter’s hum barely audible over the sounds of playful children and chirping birds. Suddenly, a pebble! Before you know it, you’re heading for an unexpected meeting with the ground. Would you rather your knees meet concrete or soft padding at that moment?
Knee pads, folks, are your friends when riding an electric scooter. They protect your knees from severe injuries and let you glide confidently, knowing you have some cushioning if the unexpected happens.
Closed-Toe Shoes
You’re probably thinking, “I’ll just throw on my flip-flops and hit the road.” Not so fast, speed racer. This isn’t a stroll on the beach; it’s a ride on an electric scooter. Closed-toe shoes are the way to go, offering feet protection against bumps, bruises, and scrapes.
Broken glass, stray pebbles, or even an unfortunate crash can lead to serious foot injuries. So, swap those flip-flops for sturdy shoes that will give your feet the protection they rightly deserve.
Upper-Body Protection
Once you hit that magic number, 20 mph, on an electric scooter, there’s nothing quite like it. The wind whipping against your chest, the thrill of speed and freedom. But remember, thrill and protection should go hand in hand. Upper body protection is non-negotiable at these speeds. It helps protect your spine, chest, and crucial organs if, by some misfortune, you meet with an accident. A quality jacket with reinforced padding might not be as cool as the breeze on the open road, but it sure beats road rash and hospital bills.
Lower-Body Protection
Speaking of protection, let’s not forget the importance of safeguarding our legs and hips. A pair of padded shorts or trousers can significantly protect your lower body during an unfortunate fall from your electric scooter. They can help reduce the impact, prevent broken bones, and save you from some serious mobility woes. After all, we’re not just talking about riding here but also what comes after. You know, things like walking, running, and doing that victory dance when your favorite team wins. So, let’s keep those legs and hips safe and sound.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Ride Electric Scooter
You’ve got the gear, charged up your scooter, and you’re ready to conquer the world one paved sidewalk at a time. But before you zoom off, let’s now discover how to ride electric scooter safely and effectively below:
Find an Open and Leveled Ground
Here’s a safety nugget: Always find open and level ground for your maiden ride. An empty parking lot or an unfrequented street is perfect. Why? It’s simple – no distractions, no obstacles. This way, you avoid accidents and focus on figuring out the puzzle of riding an electric scooter.
Place your scooter on a flat, sturdy surface, lift the kickstand, and stand with one foot on the deck and the other on the ground.
Power on Your Scooter
Moving on from the ground, it’s time to power on your scooter. Now, don’t go pushing all the buttons like an excited five-year-old. Start it up in the slowest riding mode; don’t speed.
As you gain confidence and become more familiar with its functions, you can switch between different riding modes, stepping up the motor power. But remember, don’t go speeding like someone without self-control. I mean, unless you fancy somersaulting over the handlebars.
Put both hands on the handlebar and one on the throttle, now gently push off with one leg while the other stays on the scooter.
Position Correctly
There is a right way of positioning oneself on a scooter. Start by placing one leg on the deck and keeping both your mitts firmly on the handlebar. Your legs should provide most of your balance, and your hands just aid in maintaining it.
Here’s a pro tip – avoid pulling on the handlebars. That’s a rookie mistake. And if you’re riding a dual motor scooter, ensure that your weight is properly distributed to prevent the front wheel from skidding while accelerating.
Stand square, bend your knees a little, and put both hands on the handlebars to steer. Continue to accelerate slowly up to your comfortable speed, and always apply the brakes gradually to avoid losing control.
Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly Without Turning Abruptly
Now that you’re all set, let’s roll! But hold your horses- don’t go all “Fast and Furious” on the scooter just yet. Start at a modest pace and accelerate slowly.
As you get comfortable, you can gradually increase your speed. Remember to decelerate slowly and never turn while doing so, as destabilizing yourself is a recipe for a wreck. Safety first, folks!
Don’t go accelerating like you’re in a drag race. This is electric scooting, folks, not a Fast & Furious sequel. Accelerate slowly and get a feel for the scooter at around 3 mph. Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to bring in the other foot.
Steering Essentials: How to Turn Safely
Let’s talk about turning – an inescapable part of riding. Turning, you see, is like asking a girl out – you need to time it right. It’s all about knowing when and how.
Your speed and the angle at which you make the turn greatly impact whether you stay upright or take a dirt nap. And the last thing you want is to eat concrete, trust me. So, always take turns slowly and steadily for a smooth, crash-free ride. Below are some tips:
Slow down before turning
Lean your body gently in the direction of the turn.
Keep a firm grip on the handlebars.
Gradually apply the throttle after the turn.
Practice turning in an open area before riding in traffic.
Avoid sharp turns at high speeds. Instead, lean in the direction
Be cautious of slippery or wet surfaces when turning.
Signal your intention to turn with hand signals if riding in traffic.
Understanding How to Brake Effectively and Safely
If you’re a newcomer to learning how to ride electric scooter – the brake is your best pal. Why, you ask? It’s because the brake’s got your back. It holds the power to halt your scooter in times of emergencies.
In the roller-coaster world of scooter riding, your safety lies in your ability to effectively apply the rear brake first. Unlike cars where you might consider using airbags, properly using the rear brake matters here. It controls the braking power and prevents you from being skittled over the handlebars.
What’s more, bending your knees while braking helps you maintain balance. It creates a downward force that keeps you grounded and contributes to safer braking. Remember, practice is key. So, familiarize yourself with your brake, learn about its pressure, and get comfortable with its response. That’s how you master the tricks of how to ride electric scooter safely with braking.
Common Riding Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Making riding mistakes when you’re just starting to learn how to ride electric scooter. It’s all part of the learning curve. So, let’s pin down some common errors beginners make and see how we can avoid them.
Riding One-Handed: Uncontrolled front wheel wobbling at speed? Well, that’s a recipe for disaster right there. Remember, it’s all about control and being aware of your surroundings. So, keep both hands on the handlebars.
Over-Rotating the Handlebars: If you ride above 10 mph and turn those handlebars too much, you might see stars. Instead, at those higher speeds, shift your body weight and let your scooter do the work.
Incorrectly Distributing Your Weight: Whether you’re picking up speed (acceleration), cruising, braking, or taking sharp turns, distributing your weight correctly makes a world of difference. When accelerating, you must shift your weight forward and lean into those handlebars. Not on top of them, okay, but into them. For making a turn, you want to lean in the direction you’re going. And then, when you brake, you have to shift your weight back and down over the rear wheel.
Excessive Acceleration or Deceleration: Pushing that little button too abruptly, causing your scooter to speed up or slow down quickly, is risky. The sudden jump in speed could lead to an accident or even a nasty split.
Needless Stunting: Don’t flip an electric scooter like it’s some toy. Pulling stunts on your scooter is downright dangerous, especially for beginners. Understand your scooter, learn its limits, and know how it moves and reacts. Leave the daredevil antics for when you’re a pro.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it–that’s how to ride electric scooter. There are just a few things to keep in mind after each ride. It’s not rocket science, just common sense and a bit of elbow grease. Trust me, your scooter will thank you for it. Happy scootering!
Tags: how to ride electric scooter, ride electric scooter, riding electric scooters, electric scooter riding, learn how to ride electric scooter
Hi! My name is Johnathan, and I am the creator of ScooterAdvice360.com. Having been riding motor scooters and bikes for over 20 years, I have picked up a few things! I ran my own scooter store in Florida, selling all manner of motor scooters, mobility scooters, hoverboards, e-scooters and accessories, from Forzas to Vipers, Hellcats to Vespas.
Here, at ScooterAdvice360.com, I want to ensure everyone has access to the information that they need to enjoy their bikes and scooters for longer.
