Riding electric scooters is undeniably exhilarating. As with skateboarding or bicycling, however, the task comes with a great deal of responsibility. Riding electric scooters requires a fair bit of practice along with a healthy dose of common sense.
Nevertheless, electric scooters are indeed one the safest means to commute. Nonetheless, there are some electric scooter riding tips that can’t be overlooked. Below, we’ve discussed some proven electric scooter riding tips that’ll ensure you ride smart and safe.
1- Protect Yourself
Remember, precaution is your best friend when it comes to riding electric scooters. Therefore, you must always wear protective helmets, elbow and knee pads. Additionally, also wear a knee or elbow guard to protect the sensitive skin around those areas from scratches and scrapes. Wearing gloves is another great option as it provides a firmer grip on the handlebar.
2- Check Tires
Always check the tires before leaving to ride, especially the air pressure. Additionally, check for worn-out threads and replace them if needed.
3- Stay focused
It’s easy to get lost in the surroundings while you’re riding an e-scooter. Ensure you pay close attention to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and other barriers.
4- Be Mindful of Dangerous Barriers
Linked to the previous point, barriers like bumps, potholes, and crevices are one of the leading reasons for e-scooter accidents. Make sure you’re focused while riding electric scooters, and stop/slowdown is needed.
Ideally, the best practice is to remain calm and gradually decrease the speed till you come to a full halt. In case it isn’t possible to stop, head away from the traffic or towards less crowded areas.
Similarly, keep an eye open for puddles too. Seemingly they may look harmless. However, they could be hiding dangerous holes and other crevices, leading to severe injuries.
5- Avoid Slippery Terrains
Be extra careful while riding electric scooters on wet and/or slippery surfaces like wet streets, marble tiles, muddy sidewalks, metal surfaces, etc.
Water makes it more challenging for the tires to support the e-scooter, diminishes friction between the road and tires, and may potentially lead to injuries. Therefore, maintain low speed while cruising on wet, slippery terrains.
6- Read the Manual (ALWAYS)
E-scooter manuals are accurate, concise, and, more importantly, informative for users. The manuals contain information pertaining to e-scooter assembly, maintenance, usage, and more. Reading the manual is possibly the best way to get yourself familiarised with the e-scooters controls and other essentials.
7- Understand State & Local Laws
Riding an e-scooter depends entirely on the state and local laws of whoever you live. For instance, your state may permit e-scooter riding, but your city may not. Make sure you have done adequate search before buying an electric scooter for everyday transport. To know whether you can ride electric scooters in Canberra, be sure to get yourself familiarised with the local laws.
Apart from these seven electric scooter riding tips, you can also use hand gestures for safe navigation and avoid undesirable riding conditions such as poorly lit roads, steep hills, uneven pavements, etc. to save yourself from unforeseen accidents.
Conclusion
By following these seven tips, you can enjoy an e-scooter riding experience that’s stress-free for you as well as for everybody around you. Apart from these seven electric scooter riding tips, you can also use hand gestures for safe navigation and avoid undesirable riding conditions such as poorly lit roads, steep hills, uneven pavements, etc. to save yourself from unforeseen accidents.