Before You Start Riding Your Electric Scooter
We will go through some of the things that are essential to know and do before you venture off on your electric vehicle.
Safety first!
This is a topic very close to my heart and honestly, one that can raise my pulse rapidly when I watch other scooter riders.
It is unbelievable to me, how people can ride electric scooters without any protective gear. And especially...the most important one...THE HELMET!
Think about it, the same people, would never ever consider riding a skateboard without a helmet. Or snowboard or ski down a mountain with their head bare and exposed.
Even a modestly powered e scooter will reach a top speed of 15 mph (24 kph). Imagine jumping out of a car at that speed without any protection. Volunteers anyone?
There are simply no excuses for not wearing a helmet.It can be the difference between life and death. Is it really worth not considering? Get a helmet and make sure to never ever ride without one.
Most likely, it will be mandatory by law once the lawmakers catch up as they will. Scooter riding is here to stay and will only ever grow in popularity. With that, laws will most likely follow dictating how and where one can ride.
And safety for the rider will be on the agenda. Get used to the helmet. Elbow pads and knee pads are also recommended. Especially for kids and younger riders. They tend to play around a bit more and the likelihood of falling is quite high. It might be a good idea to also think about some type of protective clothing. Even if you live in a very warm climate. Even a small tumble can scrape you up badly if you are riding in t-shirts and shorts. Long sleeves and trousers, proper shoes (not flip flops) are all a smart choice.
Gloves are also recommended. A pair of MTB gloves will do the trick. Should you have even a small fall, the gloves will be great for protecting your hands from getting all scraped up as we tend to try to protect ourselves with our hands when we lose our balance.
Read more about electric scooter safety
Find an Open and Safe Place
The first time out on your e scooter should be somewhere with no traffic and no cars or other cyclists/pedestrians to consider. An empty parking lot is ideal. This way you can focus on learning about your new friend and how to ride it in a safe environment.
Much like first time riding a bike, or more accurately learning how to drive on the parking lot to get a feel for how the scooter operates. Remember, just like with any vehicle, one electric scooter is not comparable to another. If you have had a chance to try and learn how to ride an electric scooter that's relatively small and lightweight and move to purchase a 2000w model that's 3 times as heavy and much more powerful we still recommend you take it somewhere open and safe to get a feel for the model, even if you are an experienced rider.
Know your scooter
Getting to know your kick scooter and how it behaves is crucial. The first thing will be the acceleration and getting used to it. Some scooters are "kick to start", meaning you have to manually push off before the motor engages.
Each e scooter behaves differently and the acceleration can be smooth or more of a kick. Some almost yank forward, and holding on to the handlebars is crucial.
Throttle sensitivity varies. Index finger trigger style throttle, thumb throttle, or handlebar twist throttle, like on a motorcycle, are the ones in use. Getting used to your specific e scooters version is best done in a controlled environment.
The next thing will be the brakes. They also vary in bite and power and brake levers might need to be adjusted to your preference. Most have a handbrake system and some have a foot brake as well. Either on the rear fender as a step on version or it might even be a mechanical one. If you have a rear fender step on brake, you will probably want to practice a couple of times before commuting to work at full tilt.
Regardless of which, you do want to know your brakes and what they are capable of since being able to stop effectively is more important than anything else.
Getting acquainted with your dashboard and what info you might get from it will make sure you are up to date on your battery life and where to quickly turn on your lights if you need to etc.
How To Ride An Electric Scooter - The Steps
Riding an e scooter is not complicated, but there are some steps to go through.
Unscrew or unbolt the latch to get the stem up.
Start it up. It might be a key or a button.
Make sure it's fully charged.
Raise the kickstand if it has one.
Step on it and get a feel for the weight and balance of it. Length of stem and handlebars vary so you will want to find your optimal riding position.
One foot in front of the other on the deck, snowboard style, not parallel. It gives maximum balance and control. Your strongest foot in front of the other. The same as you would step on a skateboard.
Easy on the throttle and get to know the power range and how fast it accelerates.
Easy on the brakes. The first time you brake, get to know your brake levers and where the "bite" is.
Get to know the wheels and tires' behaviors. And if you have a suspension system. Get a feel for the travel and stiffness of the suspension as well. This will help to know what kind of imperfections in the road you can ride over without getting a wobble.
Tires can be air filled or solid ones. The grip will be better with air filled tires whereas solid ones will tend to slide more. Best to get to know the limits on an empty parking lot instead of in a panicky red light stop situation in mid traffic.
Try some smaller turns to see what the turning ratio is and how it feels to maneuver at low speeds.
Pro Tip 1: Go Slow First, And Take it Easy
Sure... we get it...it is tempting to go flat out and scoot of as fast as possible. But for the beginner, we recommend another method.
Build up to speed. This is a mantra and advice used by some of the best race car drivers on the planet. If it is good enough for them, it is good enough for us.
What it means is this; they don't throw themselves out on the track and go full tilt all guns blazing from the first second. Getting a feel for the equipment, riding conditions, and track surface to then slowly go faster once comfortable, is the modus operandi of the pros.
If you have bought a more powerful e scooter as your first venture, it might be a good idea to try a less powered rental one before you hop on your own.
If you want to work your way up with your own e scooters, the Cityrider would be a good choice as a first step. Once comfortable with that, the WideWheel is a brilliant option for intermediate riders. And for the more advanced riders, the Mantis will be enough. All these are available on FluidFreeRides website.
Pro Tip 2: Ride with a Partner
A fun way of getting to know what riding an e scooter is all about, is to have a more experienced friend guiding you through the process. Like we said before.
It is not complicated to ride them but...there is always something to be learned that is new and that can save you from a lot of hassle and maybe even pain. Even on such an uncomplicated vehicle.
Read more about the best electric scooters for commuting
Know The General Road Rules
Make sure you find out the traffic laws in your specific area. They vary from state to state and country to country.
If you don't have a driver's license, it is important to understand the general rules or it might be costly. In Sweden for instance, as a bicyclist, running a stop sign can render in a revoked car driver's license.
Imagine the tears if that happens and you didn't know and thought you were safe because you were riding a bike.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
There is no denying that part of the electric scooters overall success has been how easy they are to use and how quickly you can learn to use them properly - especially the rental ones which are limited both when it comes to power, speed, and features.
However, here are some common mistakes you can avoid as a potential electric scooter buyer that will help you manage a more powerful scooter and some tips that will make your scooter last longer and have less wear and tear over time.
Twisting Throttle Too Hard
Twisting or yanking the throttle too hard. A battery driven vehicle has a lot of torque from basically zero. It takes some time to get used to and if you are not careful, you might lose your balance and tip backward. The WideWheel Pro f.e. spins its front wheel easily if you go full power too fast.
It is quite unnerving the first time it happens. Leaning forward and again, knowing your specific e scooters behavior is adamant. Smooth adjustments are the key.
Braking Too Hard
Braking too hard or in a panic. Many e scooters have small wheels but still quite powerful disc brakes. This is an interesting combination. If you don't want to fly over the handlebars, it is a very good idea therefore to be smooth on the brakes.
Apply more pressure gradually as it slows down and lean slightly backward. The small wheels might lock up very quickly and you don't want to drift out onto a busy road with locked up wheels to the tune of Jon Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory" in your head.
Leaning The Scooter
Leaning the e scooter in turns will feel natural in the same way as it does on a bike. The same principle for cornering on two wheels applies here, even though the lower center of gravity makes falling less of a risk.
Lean too much though, and you might catch some gravel, or lose overall grip and take a spill.
Turning Handlebars Too Far
Because of the small wheels, it is easy to turn the handlebars. Too quick and violent might result in a dead stop though, as the front wheel will be acting as an instant brake. Careful with violent steering movements.
On a Bad Day...
Motorcycle riders have a saying: "There are two types of motorcycle riders in the world, the ones who have fallen, and the ones who have not fallen yet". If you ride anything on two wheels, be it a bicycle, or an electric scooter, there is a chance you will eventually fall.
The question is how bad it will be and how prepared you are for it. Riding responsibly and using protective gear will minimize the risk, but....even the best ones get caught out. Or maybe someone else will hit you. A pedestrian steps out in your way, or a bike or car, and so on.If the accident happens, make sure you are ok first. Check for damages. Don't worry about your scooter. They can be replaced. Head injuries are the biggest worry. If there are any signs of even the smallest injury to the head, better to get checked out asap.
Wrap up
In short. E scooters are fun and easy to ride. If you follow our "checklist" here, you will be a much safer commuter than if you don't.
Riding with a helmet and other protective gear is the most important factor.
Riding within your limits and knowing your e scooters behavior will make sure you are not unpleasantly surprised and get caught out.Build up to speed.
Resist the temptation to "fly" immediately even if you have a fast one.
Ready to learn more about what type of scooter is best for you?
Find out here on our summary of the best electric scooters for adults.$399
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One primary reason electric scooters outperform other forms of transportation is the simple learning curve for beginners. In fact, most new riders can get into the flow within a few hours. However, there are a few neat tips and tricks that experienced e-scooter riders pick up along the way.
If you're an electric scooter beginner, you can ride safely from the start by following these electric scooter safety tips. Doing so will reduce your chances of falling and have you cruising the streets with ease.
Below, we'll break down how to ride an electric scooter step-by-step.
Before we dive into any riding techniques, it's important to hammer home the necessity of wearing a helmet. Many new riders think they can forgo this essential piece of riding equipment. According to some user reports, over 90% of riders don't wear a helmet at all.
Despite this dangerous trend, wearing a helmet is essential for safety and legally required in some cities. Helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of a critical head injury by up to 88%. Full-face helmets also offer eye protection, which can keep the wind and bugs out of your eyes as you ride.
Every electric scooter is a little different. Before you take yours out for a spin, you may want to flip through its manual.
The manual will provide you with detailed information about your electric scooter’s:
When you know the basic features of how your e-scooter operates, you can embark on your first ride with confidence. You’ll also know what to do if something goes awry on the road.
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What's more, it effortlessly cruises at a remarkable top speed of up to 44 mph. Elevate your ride today with the Apollo Pro 2023 – already available on our store! Pre-order now!
Look up the Laws in Your City
In addition to knowing how your electric scooter works, you should brush up on the e-scooter laws in your city. Like most vehicles, electric scooters are legally required to stop at stop signs and traffic lights, yield to pedestrians, and stick to the speed limit of the street they're riding on.
You should also look up your city's specific laws in regard to the following questions:
Do you need a driver's license to ride an electric scooter?
Can you ride on sidewalks?
Can you ride in bike lanes?
What is the e-scooter speed limit?
Knowing the riding rules in your city can help you ride without the risk of incurring a ticket. It will also help you assimilate with the flow of traffic safely.
Check the Battery
Anytime you want to take your electric scooter out for a ride, you should always ensure that your battery has an adequate charge. The last thing you want is to end up stuck on the side of the road with a dead battery.
Check Your Tire Pressure
In addition to the battery, it’s also a good idea to check your tire pressure before you hit the road. If it’s low, you can top it up with a portable air pump.
Find an Open Space to Practice
While riding an electric scooter for the first time isn’t as complicated as other forms of transportation, it’s still helpful to practice somewhere that’s free of obstacles or distractions.
This way, you can focus on getting the hang of riding without the additional pressure of evading motorists, pedestrians, and other roadside obstructions.
An empty parking lot or quiet street are two great places you can go for your first ride.
Kick Off From the Ground
Once you’ve done all of the preparation mentioned above, you can finally hop on your electric scooter and see how it rides.
As soon as you’re ready to go, all you have to do is push up the kickstand and kick off the ground to launch your electric scooter into motion, just like you would if you were riding a non-electric scooter.
After you’re in motion, you can start revving the throttle gently to engage the motor and get some speed.
Position Your Feet Comfortably
When you ride your electric scooter, it’s important to choose a foot position that allows you to feel balanced and comfortable. There are three main positions you can place your feet:
– The most popular position for riding an e-scooter is to place your non-dominant foot in the front of the deck and your dominant foot in the back. You may need to angle both feet slightly to fit them onto the deck as if you were riding a snowboard or skateboard.
– Goofy stance is the same as conventional, just with your dominant foot in the front instead.
– A side-by-side stance is just what it sounds like—you place both feet side by side, facing forward. While some riders prefer this stance, it’s not as stable as the other two options. It may also make it harder to react to an emergency quickly. For these reasons, you may want to give the conventional or goofy stances a try first.
Once you’ve determined your preferred riding stance, make sure to keep a slight bend in your knees and use your legs to maintain your balance, rather than leaning on the handlebars.
Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
During your first few e-scooter trips, you’ll want to ride at a modest pace. However, you can gradually pick up speed as you become more comfortable with your riding skills.
Whenever you accelerate or decelerate, do so slowly and gradually. Every electric scooter’s throttle varies in terms of sensitivity. By going slow, you can get familiar with your model and see how quickly it revs up its speed.
If you want to turn on your electric scooter, you don’t need to move the handlebars as much as you may think. Since e-scooter wheels are so small, even slight adjustments to your handlebars can result in sharp turns, especially when you ride at fast speeds.
If you’re going five mph (eight kph) or faster, all you need to do is shift your weight slightly to the side that you want to turn, as if you were riding a bike.
As you execute the turn, make sure you look in the direction of where you want to go.
Once you’ve practiced riding and gotten comfortable with the basics, you can venture onto public streets.
At this point, you’ll be sharing the road with other motorists, bikers, and pedestrians. Part of sharing the road with others involves signaling your turning intentions.
Here are the most common turn signals electric scooter riders use:
– Extend your left arm straight out to the side.
– Extend your right arm straight out to the side.
– Extend your left arm and bend it down at your elbow.
Remember: When using turn signals, you’ll only have one hand on the scooter. For that reason, you’ll want to slow down or come to a complete stop before signaling. Additionally, you can give the right of way to cars and other vehicles to add an extra layer of safety.
Don’t Try to Brake and Turn at the Same Time
Braking while turning is a tricky maneuver. If you’re new to riding, you’d be better off sticking to braking in a straight line whenever possible.
If you have to stop suddenly for an emergency, try your best to straighten up first. If you have time, it’s also better to decelerate gradually before you come to a hard stop.
When you brake abruptly on an electric scooter, your body still has a large amount of momentum pushing you forward. To stay safe, the secret is shifting your weight over the back wheel. You can achieve this by bending your knees and squatting slightly as if you were about to sit on a chair.
By moving your weight over the back wheel, you can prevent any awkward movements with your e-scooter.
No matter what type of vehicle you’re operating, it’s important to focus on the road. Multi-tasking and riding an electric scooter don’t mix.
You can stay alert to what’s ahead of you by:
– Texting and riding is not safe. You need to keep both of your hands on the handlebars to maintain your balance and steering abilities. If you have to use your phone for GPS directions, you can secure it to your e-scooter with a mounted phone holder instead.
– Riding an electric scooter with the wind in your hair and your favorite song blasting from your headphones may sound like a lot of fun. However, it’s safer to ditch the music while you ride. You can save your curated playlists for another time. You need all five senses to map out your surroundings and steer clear of traffic.
– From potholes to pedestrians, there are many obstacles you’ll need to maneuver around as you ride your electric scooter. To do so effectively, you need to spot barriers before they’re in your way. In turn, you should always look in the direction that you’re riding and stay focused on the road.
While some electric scooter models are made to ride on rougher terrain, you should always do your best to avoid slippery surfaces. Puddles of water can dramatically reduce the traction between your wheels and the street. Similarly, piles of loose leaves can have a similar effect.
If you have no other choice but to plow over some suboptimal surfaces, go slow and avoid making sharp turns or stops until you’re on more stable land.
Electric scooters are incredibly versatile vehicles. However, they’re not designed to brave all the elements. Riding in heavy rain or thunderstorms is especially dangerous.
Some electric scooters are water-resistant enough to handle a light drizzle, but a heavy downpour of rain is another story. Throw in thunder and lightning and you could be dealing with a dangerous situation.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you head out for a long ride.
When you start taking longer, faster journeys on your electric scooter, you may want to wear some extra safety gear. A good rule of thumb is to match your gear to your speed—the faster you plan to ride, the more protection you need.
Some items you can add to your e-scooter riding apparel include:
– If you fall while riding an electric scooter, your knees and elbows are the most vulnerable spots for scrapes and scratches. As a result, you may want to wear some padded protection in these areas.
– Even if you don’t wear any special padding, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and close-toed shoes can provide a buffer between you and the cold, hard streets.
– Thick riding gloves can protect your hands during a fall. They can also keep them from catching a chill if you ride in cold weather.
– In addition to protecting your eyes from the sun, sunglasses serve as a convenient shield from wind, debris, and bugs. Any of these irritants can cause you to lose your sight temporarily.
– Lastly, you may want to wear bright, light-reflective clothing during night rides. This type of apparel can help other motorists see you on the road.
A few other things to keep in mind
Forewarned is always forearmed; here are some other useful tips whenever you want to ride on electric scooters! And if you prefer a more action-filled source of information on the same topic, you can click the link below.
Maintenance and Appearance
Keeping your scooter clean is essential. Regular cleaning ensures proper functioning and extends your range. Plus, a freshly cleaned scooter is sure to bedazzle your friends.
Avoid Tricks and Jumps
Scooters are not built for hardcore jumps like mountain bikes. Their suspension is designed for road bumps, not for stunt-like jumping over buses. Respect the limitations to avoid breaking your scooter or, in the worst-case scenario, yourself.
Mind the Curbs
Even small curbs can be risky, depending on various factors. Such usage might void your warranty, so keeping both wheels on the ground is best.
Battery Management
Lithium-ion batteries in modern scooters offer impressive capabilities, with some reaching up to 50 miles (80 km) of range or 55 mph (88 km/h). However, faster riding reduces efficiency, so always monitor your remaining battery levels. Some scooters, like Apollo's Phantom, provide estimated remaining mileage, and official apps can help you plan efficient routes.
Understand the Differences Between Bicycles and Scooters
Scooters have longer stems and smaller tires, making them less stable than bicycles. It's important to be cautious since scooters can reach higher speeds. And as they're scooters that we associate with the kick scooters of the past, we tend to downplay their present-day capabilities, in which case the risk of injury is higher.
So, remember that e-scooters are not toys anymore, and you should treat them accordingly. Of course, we don't want to be wet blankets; fun is also a big part of the e-scooter's appeal. We just want you to have a lot of fun for a long time!
As you can see, riding an electric scooter isn’t too complicated. If you adhere to these instructions on how to ride an electric scooter, you should be zipping around town in no time. The more you practice, the more these steps will become second nature.
If you’re looking for a high-quality electric scooter to take for your first spin, Apollo Scooters can deliver. We have models for every type of rider at a variety of price points. We also have several e-scooter accessories, such as phone mounts, super-fast chargers, and much more.
Explore our selection of high-performance e-scooters today.
Sources:
Consumer Reports. Electric Scooter Injuries on the Rise as Riders Go Without Helmets.
https://www.consumerreports.org/product-safety/electric-scooter-injuries-rise-as-riders-go-without-helmets/
Brainline. Bicycle Safety.
https://www.brainline.org/article/bicycle-safety