How to Safely Ride Your Scooter in the City
Electric scooters are becoming increasingly more popular among today’s city dwellers. They’re small and inexpensive and they offer you a quick way to get around in convenience and style. Here are a few quick and easy tips for safely riding your scooter in a modern urban environment. If you have any other questions, call or come see us at Mission City Indian Motorcycle® in Boerne, Texas, serving San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi, Texas.
Gear up
Just like any other type of bike, you’ll need protective gear appropriate for the weather and riding conditions. You’ll need a CPSC-certified bike helmet or something heavier if you’re going to regularly travel at higher speeds on your scooter. You won’t need full motorcycle riding gear, but you will definitely want to wear gloves and long pants. You shouldn’t wear sandals or flip flops on a scooter or any motorized bike.
Learn Your Scooter’s Controls
Learn where your accelerator, brakes, lights and horn are located on your scooter and try it out in an empty parking lot before you get into traffic. You can ride it just like the kick scooter you had as a kid to get used to the weight and balance, and then turn it on and test the way the brakes feel.
If your scooter includes any additional safety features, be sure to understand how they work and read your owner’s manual for more information.
“Kick the Tires”
Before each ride, make sure your tires are inflated, all of your locking mechanisms are secured and your batteries are charged. Look for any new scratches or damage and secure your gear before you step on. Start out slow and listen for any unusual noises.
Learn the Lean
Your handlebars are mainly for steering, and most of the balance should be between your feet. You shouldn’t have to grip the handle with a lot of pressure or use it to support your weight. If you twist too hard you risk damaging your handlebars’ folding mechanism or causing other damage. You will steer more actively at lower speeds, but most maneuvering should come from redistributing your weight throughout your legs and lower body.
Brake With Your Body
If you need to brake suddenly, you should shift as much wight as you can to your rear leg in order to slow your momentum. Try not to turn your handlebars or lock out your brakes, and keep your center of gravity as low as you can. Knowing how to brake safely can make a big difference if you have to make an unexpected stop
For more information and to see our current inventory visit Mission City Indian Motorcycle® in Boerne, Texas, serving San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi, Texas.