Trystan Casey
Electric scooters are a fun and convenient mode of transportation, but they can also be dangerous if you don't take the proper precautions. Before riding an e-scooter for the first time, it's important to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and its controls in a safe, open space, such as an empty parking lot. Check that your scooter is in good condition, with no damage and that the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Learn where the accelerator, brakes, lights, and horn are located, and always wear a helmet and other protective gear, especially when riding at higher speeds. Keep both hands on the handlebars to maintain balance and control, and be aware of your surroundings, including pedestrians and road surfaces. Finally, make sure you know the e-scooter rules in your city before hitting the streets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Riding Gear | Wear a helmet, long-leg pants, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes, elbow and knee pads |
| Riding Posture | Adopt a conventional stance with one foot—typically the non-dominant—in front of the other |
| Riding Style | Keep both hands on the handlebars to maintain balance, stability, and control |
| Pre-flight Checks | Check tires, folding mechanisms, brakes, battery, etc. |
| Riding Space | Choose an empty parking lot or a flat, open space to practice |
| Riding Speed | Get the scooter up to ~3 mph for the motor to engage |
| Riding in Traffic | Be aware of your surroundings, look ahead, and be mindful of pedestrians and other riders |
| Riding and the Law | Understand the traffic laws and e-scooter rules in your city or state |
What You'll Learn
Wear a helmet and protective gear
When riding an electric scooter, it is important to wear a helmet and protective gear. Even a modestly powered e-scooter can reach speeds of 15 mph, so wearing a helmet is essential. In fact, it could be the difference between life and death. An CPSC-certified bike helmet is the minimum level of protection you should consider. For speeds under 20 mph, a bicycle helmet or half-face helmet is sufficient. However, when riding above 25 mph, it's recommended to upgrade to a full-face helmet with chin protection.
Your choice of clothing can also offer protection. For higher speeds or riding in traffic, consider wearing long-leg pants, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. If you want to maximise protection, you can add elbow and knee pads or even a full racing suit.
Before riding, it's important to familiarise yourself with your scooter. Make sure you know where the accelerator, brakes, lights, and horn are. If you're a first-time rider, it's a good idea to practice in a safe, open space, such as an empty parking lot, before taking to the roads.
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Learn your scooter's controls
Learning to ride an electric scooter is fairly quick and easy, especially if you've ridden a kick scooter before. However, it's still important to familiarise yourself with your scooter's controls before you start riding. Every scooter is different, from its weight to how it operates, so it's crucial to find a flat, open space to practice where it's safe to make mistakes.
First, get to know your scooter's controls and dashboard or interface. Learn what each button does, as well as where the accelerator, throttle, lights, and brakes are, and how they work. Some scooters are ""kick to start", meaning you have to manually push off before the motor engages. You'll typically have to get the scooter up to around 3 mph for the motor to engage, though scooters with zero start don't require kicking off.
Next, practice looking ahead and being aware of your surroundings while riding. Beginners tend to look at the handles, but it's good practice to keep your eyes on the road so you can see where you're going and quickly avoid obstacles with small, controlled movements. Keep both hands on the handlebars to maintain balance, stability, and control while in motion, allowing you to react quickly to any potential dangers. Be mindful of pedestrians and other riders and vehicles if you're near the street.
Finally, learn the e-scooter rules in your city. Don't ride in public if it's not allowed, and always wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear that matches your speed.
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Check your scooter's condition
Electric scooters are a fun, eco-friendly, and affordable mode of transportation. However, as with any vehicle, regular check-ups and maintenance are essential to ensure their proper functioning and safety. Here are some detailed instructions for checking your scooter's condition before riding:
Battery
The battery is one of the most crucial components of your electric scooter, and issues with it are one of the most common problems riders face. Before riding, check the battery charge by turning on the scooter. If the scooter doesn't turn on, the issue could be a low or dead battery. Check to see if the kill switch is on, and if so, turn it off and try restarting the scooter. If that doesn't work, the battery might need replacing or proper recharging. Perform a deep charge by charging the battery for 48 to 72 hours. If the battery has been left uncharged for over six months, it may not be able to charge anymore.
Tires
Tires are another component that requires regular maintenance. Check your tire pressure and ensure they are properly inflated according to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Maintaining proper air pressure can help prevent flats, extend range, and ensure a smooth ride. Also, look out for any damage to the tires, such as punctures from sharp objects or leaky valves. Under-inflated tires are more prone to punctures, so it's important to maintain correct pressure. Additionally, ensure that the tires are installed and fitted properly to avoid frequent flats.
Brakes
The brakes are essential for your safety. Before riding, pull the brake levers to ensure they are working correctly. Some scooters have a fender brake, but these may not be as effective as disc brakes, especially in rainy conditions. If you have a heavier scooter, disc brakes or hydraulic disc brakes are recommended. Practice using the brakes in a safe, open space to get a feel for their responsiveness and how much pressure to apply.
Folding Mechanism
If you have a foldable scooter, practice folding and unfolding it to ensure you know how to lock it into place securely before riding. This step is crucial for your safety and the scooter's stability.
General Condition
Before riding, do a pre-flight check to ensure there is no obvious damage to your scooter. Check for loose screws and tighten them if necessary. Also, ensure that your scooter is clean, as regular cleanings are good maintenance practice.
Remember, each scooter is unique, so familiarize yourself with your scooter's specific model, weight, and controls. Always refer to the manufacturer's guide for detailed instructions on maintenance and troubleshooting specific to your scooter.
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Practise in a safe space
Practising in a safe space is key to building your confidence and skills as a beginner electric scooter rider. Before you begin, make sure you have protective gear, especially a helmet, and check that your scooter is in good condition.
Find a flat, open space, away from traffic, cyclists and pedestrians. An empty car park is ideal. This gives you room to manoeuvre and make mistakes without serious consequences.
If you're a complete beginner, you can start by using your scooter as a standard kick scooter, without powering it on. This will help you get a sense of balance, steering and braking. You'll typically need to get the scooter up to 3 mph for the motor to engage, but some scooters with zero start don't require kicking off.
Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can power up your scooter and get a feel for the throttle and brakes. Practise looking ahead, maintaining eye contact with the road, and be aware of your surroundings. Keep both hands on the handlebars to help you maintain balance, stability and control. You can also try some small, controlled movements to learn how to avoid obstacles.
Remember, every scooter is different, so take time to familiarise yourself with your scooter's unique characteristics, controls and dashboard.
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Know the local laws
Electric scooters are regulated differently across the world. In the United States, for example, there is ambiguity at the state level, with several cities creating their own rules. In New York, for instance, electric scooters are allowed on some streets and highways, but not on sidewalks. In Anchorage, Alaska, electric scooters are classified as bicycles, whereas in Juneau, they fall under the "Micromobility Device and Scooters" category. In Tempe, Arizona, the minimum age requirement to ride an electric scooter is 16, while in most other localities, it is 18.
In the US, electric scooters do not need to be registered with the DMV or carry license plates. Riders are also generally not required to have separate insurance for their scooters. However, specific states and cities may have their own requirements, so it is essential to check the local laws in your area. For example, in New York, helmets are not required for adults but are mandatory for 16 and 17-year-olds.
If you are riding your electric scooter in a public place, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are complying with local laws. Failure to do so could result in fines or other penalties. For example, in New York, you may be arrested for operating an electric scooter on a sidewalk unless authorized by local law. Similarly, in Sweden, running a stop sign on a bicycle can result in a revoked driver's license.
To ensure that you are riding your electric scooter safely and legally, take the time to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations. Check for any speed limits, age restrictions, insurance requirements, and rules about where you can ride. It is also a good idea to inspect your scooter for any damage before each ride and always wear a helmet. By following these steps, you can help ensure that you are riding your electric scooter in a safe and responsible manner.
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Frequently asked questions
First, get to know your scooter and its controls. Find a safe, open space to practice, like an empty parking lot. Learn how to fold and unfold your scooter, and lock it into place. Check your scooter for any damage and ensure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
At a minimum, always wear a helmet. For speeds under 20 mph, a bicycle helmet or half-face helmet will do. For speeds over 20 mph, opt for a full-face helmet with chin protection. For higher speeds or riding in traffic, consider long-leg pants, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, and even elbow and knee pads.
Make sure you understand the traffic laws and e-scooter rules in your area. Practice looking ahead and being aware of your surroundings. Keep both hands on the handlebars to maintain balance and control. Avoid abrupt movements with the throttle, as this can cause the scooter to lurch forward.
Place one foot on the deck and kick off, then push down on the accelerator. You'll typically need to get the scooter up to around 3 mph for the motor to engage, though some scooters with zero start don't require kicking off.
Always do a pre-flight check before riding to ensure your scooter is in good condition and the battery is charged. Be physically and mentally prepared for the ride, and avoid riding under the influence.
