Trystan Casey
Electric scooters are a fun and easy way to get around, and they're becoming an increasingly popular choice for commuters. Learning to ride an electric scooter is relatively simple, but there are some key things to keep in mind to ensure your safety. Before you start riding, it's important to familiarize yourself with your scooter and its controls. You should also be wearing appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, and consider the type of clothing you should wear depending on your speed. Once you're ready to ride, you'll need to know how to balance, accelerate, and brake safely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Learning to ride | Relatively easy to learn, but safely commuting in traffic is learned through experience |
| Riding stance | One foot in front of the other (conventional stance) or a "goofy stance" with the dominant foot in front |
| Foot position | Side-by-side is less stable and makes it harder to balance and turn |
| Handlebars | Help with balance, but your feet and legs should be doing most of the work |
| Steering | At low speeds, you'll need to rotate the handlebars more; at higher speeds, you'll need to lean into the turn |
| Braking | Learn how to brake safely before you head out |
| Protective gear | Always wear a helmet; for speeds over 15 mph, a bike helmet is sufficient, but for speeds over 25 mph, consider a full-face helmet |
| Clothing | Should match the speeds and type of trip you are taking; for higher speeds or riding in traffic, wear long-leg pants, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes |
| Folding scooter | Practice folding and unfolding your scooter and make sure you know how to lock it into place |
| Pre-flight checks | Check for damage, tire inflation, and brake function; check the battery charge and for errors; test the throttle response |
| Wet weather | Wipe down the scooter and park it inside to dry |
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What You'll Learn
How to stand and balance on an electric scooter
Balancing on an electric scooter can be tricky and intimidating for beginners, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Before you start, ensure you are wearing a helmet and other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, to stay safe while you learn.
To begin, stand beside your scooter with both feet on the ground. Place your dominant foot on the scooter deck, and keep your other foot on the ground to support and stabilise yourself. Gently push off with your supporting foot to gain some momentum, and as you start to move, bring your other foot onto the deck.
Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centred over the scooter to maintain balance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this may cause you to lose your balance. Use your core muscles to help maintain balance, and hold the handlebars lightly to manage your balance.
If you are a beginner, you can try scooting along unpowered, with one foot on the scooter, to get used to balancing. Practice in a safe, level, and open area, like a parking lot or quiet street, until you feel comfortable with your balance.
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How to steer and turn
To steer an electric scooter, you must first place both feet on the scooter, one on each side of the stem. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to provide a stable base. Place your dominant foot slightly forward, this will help with balance and control.
Next, you need to adjust your body position. Face forward, looking straight ahead, and slightly lean into the direction you want to turn. Keep your body relaxed and loose, this will help you manoeuvre the scooter more easily. Your arms should be bent with your elbows down and your hands placed firmly on the handlebars.
Now, to make a turn, simply move the handlebar in the desired direction. You can do this by pushing or pulling the handlebar gently with your hands, or by twisting it from side to side. For example, to turn right, move the right handlebar forward or twist it clockwise. To turn left, move the left handlebar forward or twist it anti-clockwise. Always ensure that you maintain a firm grip on the handlebars to keep control of the scooter.
Remember to turn slowly and gently at first, especially if you are a beginner. It is important to develop a feel for the scooter and how it responds to your steering. With practice, you will be able to make sharper turns and navigate more confidently. Keep in mind that different scooter models may have varying sensitivity and turning mechanisms, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific details.
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How to brake
Braking is the most important skill to learn when riding an electric scooter. It is a vital safety mechanism that can save your life in an accident and keep those around you safe. Before riding, it is important to understand how your brakes work and to check that they are functioning properly.
There are several types of braking systems, including foot, regenerative, and electronic brakes. Foot brakes are mechanically controlled, but they are not as effective as disc or drum brakes. Disc brakes are the best and safest type of electric scooter brake. They are strong in both wet and dry conditions, lightweight, reliable, and easy to adjust and maintain. Mechanical drum brakes are reliable, but they have reduced stopping power and require a longer braking distance in wet conditions unless combined with other reliable braking systems. Electronic brakes are activated by a switch that creates resistance to motor rotation by shorting the terminals to the motor. They are lightweight and require no maintenance, but they have lacklustre braking performance and are not very sophisticated.
To brake effectively, you should bend your knees, extend your arms slightly, and lean back to keep the balance of the scooter as level as possible. This will prevent you from flying over the handlebar. When riding, never ride with your feet parallel—stand with one foot in front of the other, like you would on a snowboard. This is the proper and safest riding stance.
If you are in a slippery area, such as a gravel-filled road, use the rear brakes more than the front brakes and apply them gently to avoid locking them up and falling. If you have drum brakes, press both and hold on tightly. If you have disc brakes, press them lightly. If your scooter has a combined ABS, you can press the brakes as hard as you like. If you are riding at high speeds, you have no choice but to use the front brakes. All new scooters have combi braking systems, so pulling either brake lever will apply both brakes. However, more pressure should be applied to the front brake for maximum braking efficiency.
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How to lock and fold your scooter
To lock your scooter, you should first identify secure locking points. These are sturdy structural parts of the scooter or attachments that cannot be easily unscrewed or broken off. The best locks are those that fit around the scooter's frame and are made from sturdy material that cannot be easily cut or broken with tools. You should also consider the portability of the lock, as you will need to carry it with you. Some of the best locations on your scooter for locking are:
- Around the stem.
- Through the folding mechanism.
- Through a carrying handle.
- Through the front wheel.
- Around the front neck.
- Around the steering column.
You should avoid locking through the wheels, around the handlebars, or through removable or weak points, such as fenders or bolted-on accessories. If your scooter has gotten wet, be sure to dry it off before the next ride.
To fold your scooter, you should first locate its folding mechanism. Most scooters will have a folding stem, and possibly folding handlebars. Some scooters have a single folding mechanism near the base of the stem, while others have a folding hinge on the deck. Familiarise yourself with the mechanism and any safety features, which are designed to prevent the scooter from folding while riding. Some mechanisms will make an audible click when they are properly locked into place. Consult your instruction manual if you are unsure.
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What safety gear to wear
Electric scooters are a fun, convenient, and cheap mode of transport, but safety should always be a priority. The most important piece of safety gear is a helmet, and in many places, it is illegal to ride without one. Helmets protect your head, brain, face, and teeth in the event of an accident. Full-face helmets offer the highest level of protection, but open-face helmets are also a popular choice due to their lightweight design.
In addition to a helmet, wrist guards are highly recommended. When falling off a scooter, it is natural to put your hands out to break the fall, which can result in grazing and broken wrists. Wrist guards and gloves can help minimize the damage and provide support. Gloves with reinforced plastic can offer optimal protection.
To protect the rest of your body, it is important to wear the correct clothing. Reflective clothing or high-visibility jackets are essential to help other road users see you, especially when riding at night. Sturdy closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or boots, are also crucial for maintaining balance and control, and they provide better grip and protection for your feet.
For more comprehensive protection, you can consider investing in a set of full-body armour. This includes jackets, pants, gloves, and boots specifically designed for riding, made from durable, abrasion-resistant materials. While this may be excessive for casual riders, it is always better to be over-prepared, especially if you plan to ride off-road or at high speeds.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to wear protective gear such as a helmet, long-sleeved shirts, long-leg pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. You should also check that the scooter is in good condition, with special attention to the battery, handlebars, and tires.
You should avoid riding in the rain or at night, and on rough terrain such as bumpy bike paths, roads with potholes, roads under construction, or sharp inclines. It is also important to note that riding an electric scooter is illegal in some places, such as Toronto, and age restrictions may apply.
Electric scooters typically have two braking methods: an electrical brake located on the left handlebar and a mechanical stomp brake on the back wheel. You can use either of these to slow down or stop the scooter.
