Trystan Casey
Electric scooters are a fun and easy mode of transportation that most people can quickly get the hang of. Before you start riding, it's important to prioritise safety by wearing a helmet and protective gear, especially if you're riding at high speeds or in traffic. You should also familiarise yourself with your scooter's features, such as the accelerator, brakes, lights, and horn, and refer to the manual to understand its unique specifications. Additionally, be sure to check local laws and riding rules to ensure you're complying with any specific regulations, such as the need for a driver's license. When it comes to stance, there are a few options to consider. Some riders prefer a side-by-side stance, similar to a skateboard or snowboard, while others opt for a front-back stance with one foot forward, allowing for weight shift during acceleration or braking. Ultimately, the stance you choose may depend on your scooter model, terrain, speed, and personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stance | Feet side by side, one foot forward, or with legs apart (front/back) |
| Foot positioning | Left leg slightly in front, right foot forward, left foot backward at 45 degrees |
| Terrain | Adapt stance depending on terrain, speed, and nature of the ride |
| Safety gear | Wear a helmet, long-leg pants, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, elbow and knee pads, or a full racing suit |
| Practice area | Practice in a protected outside area like a parking lot |
| Learning | Refer to the scooter's manual and practice to gain confidence |
| Maintenance | Check tire pressure and battery charge before riding |
| Locking | Use a high-quality U-lock to secure the scooter when parked |
| Water protection | Wipe down the scooter if it gets wet and park it inside to dry |
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What You'll Learn
Wear a helmet and protective gear
When riding an electric scooter, wearing a helmet and protective gear is crucial for your safety. Here are some essential considerations for your helmet and protective gear:
Helmet Selection:
- Always wear a helmet: Protecting your head should be your top priority when riding an electric scooter. In many places, it is mandatory by law to wear a helmet, but even where it is not, it is highly recommended for your safety.
- Helmet type: Depending on your riding conditions, choose an appropriate helmet type. If you ride at slower speeds and avoid car traffic, a folding electric scooter helmet or a high-quality skateboard or bike helmet may suffice. However, if you ride at higher speeds, off-road, or frequently around cars, invest in a high-quality downhill or full-face helmet for maximum protection.
- Safety standards: Ensure your helmet meets safety standards and is certified. All helmets sold in the US must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard. Look for ventilation, weight, and size that suit your needs.
- Fit and purchase: Your helmet should fit properly to function effectively. It is recommended to get a helmet fitted at a reputable retailer, such as a skate shop, bike shop, or motorcycle dealer, to ensure a good fit and quality product.
Protective Gear:
- Reflective clothing: Wear reflective clothing or gear to increase your visibility to other road users. This can include reflective jackets, vests, or simple high-visibility safety vests with reflective strips.
- Gloves: Gloves are essential for protecting your hands in the event of a fall, keeping them warm, and improving your grip on the handlebars.
- Wrist guards: Wrist injuries are common, so consider wrist guards as they provide solid protection against wrist breaks.
- Knee and elbow pads: In addition to protecting your head, consider protecting other vulnerable areas like your knees and elbows with pads.
- Armored jackets: While they can be expensive and warm, armored jackets can protect against skin damage in the event of a fall.
Remember, wearing a helmet and protective gear significantly reduces your risk of injury when riding an electric scooter. Always prioritize your safety and ensure you are familiar with the local laws and requirements regarding protective equipment.
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Know the scooter's features
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular, and there are several things to consider before choosing one. Firstly, the weight and rider capacity are critical factors when selecting an e-scooter. Heavier scooters offer more stability but are harder to turn, whereas lighter models are more portable and foldable but have less carrying capacity. Most e-scooters have weight capacities between 180 and 275 pounds, with adult scooters typically accommodating around 220 lbs and children's scooters accommodating 100 kg.
The range of an e-scooter, or the maximum distance it can cover before running out of battery power, is another important consideration. The range is influenced by factors such as weight, speed, and motor power, as well as the rider's weight and weather conditions. Manufacturers often quote ideal conditions, so it's unlikely your scooter will run for the rated range. If you plan to ride at top speed for extended periods, the actual range could be roughly half of the stated maximum.
The design of an e-scooter encompasses not just aesthetics but also build quality and convenience features. Key design considerations include wheel size, tyre type, suspension, and brakes. Larger wheels, typically 10 inches or more in diameter, offer a smoother ride and better grip, and often feature integrated hub motors for additional power. Smaller wheels, ranging from 5 to 8 inches, are more common on entry-level and mid-range scooters. Tyres should be puncture-proof or puncture-resistant to prevent flats and reduce maintenance.
Regarding suspension, some scooters offer front suspension only, while others have both front and rear suspension for paved roads. For challenging terrain, look for advanced suspension setups like triple or quadruple spring suspension systems, which provide improved shock absorption and stability. Brakes are essential for safety, with foot brakes being the most basic type found on entry-level scooters. Adult scooters feature drum, disc (mechanical or hydraulic), or electric brakes, either individually or in combination, for increased stopping power.
Motor power is another critical feature, impacting speed, acceleration, weight capacity, and hill-climbing ability. Motor power is measured in watts, and a minimum of 250 watts is recommended for adult scooters to navigate flat ground and small hills comfortably. If you plan to ride on steep inclines, consider motors with 400-500 watts. Single motor scooters require less maintenance and are quieter, while dual motor scooters offer increased acceleration, traction, and hill-climbing ability but are heavier and more expensive.
Lastly, safety features like front and rear lights for night-time visibility and ingress protection (IP) ratings for water and dust resistance are crucial. Indicators, or signals, also enhance safety by allowing communication with other drivers, reducing accident risks. When choosing an e-scooter, consider your budget, intended use, and specific needs to find the right balance of features and performance.
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Stance: feet side by side
When riding an electric scooter, it is important to choose a foot stance that allows you to feel balanced and comfortable. One such stance is the side-by-side stance, where you place both feet next to each other, facing forward in the middle of the deck. This stance is not as stable as the conventional stance, where you place your non-dominant foot in front and your dominant foot at the back, or the goofy stance, which is the same but with the dominant foot in front. The side-by-side stance may also make it harder to react in an emergency, so it is recommended that you try the conventional or goofy stances first.
If you do choose to adopt the side-by-side stance, it is important to be aware of its limitations and take steps to ensure your safety. Make sure to always wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, and wear reflective clothing when riding at night so that others can see you. It is also a good idea to practice riding your scooter in a safe area, such as an empty parking lot or quiet street, before venturing onto public streets.
When riding an electric scooter, it is crucial to maintain proper posture and distribute your weight evenly to maximize stability and control. Keep your knees slightly bent and your body centred, and avoid leaning too far forward or backward to maintain optimal control. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and adhere to local traffic rules and guidelines.
While the side-by-side stance may not be the most stable option, it can be a comfortable and efficient way to ride an electric scooter for some people. By following the above tips and staying aware of your limitations, you can safely enjoy the benefits of this stance.
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Stance: one foot forward
The stance you choose while riding an electric scooter is crucial for ensuring a safe, comfortable, and efficient ride. The "one foot forward" stance is a conventional riding stance where you place your non-dominant foot in front of the other. This stance provides stability and balance, especially when manoeuvring through turns or over uneven surfaces.
To begin, adjust your electric scooter's handlebar height to a comfortable level, typically around waist level, for proper control and balance. Find a smooth, paved, flat surface to practice on, ideally in a low-traffic area. Place your non-dominant foot in the centre of the deck, pointing forward, and keep your dominant foot, which is usually the foot you kick with, firmly on the ground.
Once you're ready to start moving, push off the ground with your dominant foot. As you gain momentum, slowly transfer your weight onto the scooter deck, keeping your knees slightly bent for shock absorption and maintaining your centre of gravity over the middle of the scooter. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward to maintain optimal control.
The "one foot forward" stance allows you to shift your weight backward and forward, helping with acceleration and braking, and side to side, aiding in steering. This stance provides superior stability, especially when turning, and is also useful for performing tricks like jumps and wheelies.
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Check local laws
Electric scooter laws vary across different states and cities in the US. Before stepping on your electric scooter, it is crucial to check the local laws in your area to ensure you are riding legally and safely. Here are some key considerations:
State and City-Specific Regulations:
The legal landscape for electric scooters in the US is complex and rapidly evolving. While some states have clear laws governing electric scooters, others may have a legal grey area or leave it to local cities and municipalities to regulate. For example, Alabama cities largely operate in a legal grey area, while cities in Alaska, such as Anchorage, Juneau, and Ketchikan, have their own specific rules. In states like California, electric scooters are a popular mode of transportation, and riders must abide by specific regulations, including age and licensing requirements.
Speed Limits and Power Restrictions:
Federal legislation restricts the power and speed of electric scooters. Electric scooters should not exceed a maximum speed of 20 mph and are allowed on roads if they have an electric motor of 750 Watts or lower. However, state and local regulations may impose different speed limits. For instance, Minnesota sets a maximum speed of 15 mph, while California enforces a speed limit of 15 mph for its riders.
Age and Licensing Requirements:
While there may not be specific age or licensing requirements at the state level, local municipalities often enforce age restrictions. For example, Minnesota requires riders to be at least 12 years old, while New Hampshire mandates a minimum age of 16 years. Additionally, most states require riders under 18 to wear helmets, and some states, like California, extend this requirement to riders under 18.
Road Usage and Right of Way:
Electric scooters may be allowed on bike paths, trails, and streets, depending on local regulations. However, riding on sidewalks is often prohibited or restricted to specific circumstances. In some states, electric scooters have the same rights and responsibilities as bicycles, while others categorize them differently. Always check the local laws to understand where you can legally ride your electric scooter and yield to pedestrians when required.
Safety Gear and Lighting:
Rider safety is a crucial aspect of electric scooter regulations. In addition to age restrictions and helmet requirements, local laws may mandate the use of proper safety gear, such as reflective clothing or lighting for visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Ensure you are familiar with the lighting requirements, such as front headlights and rear reflectors or tail lights, to enhance your visibility to other road users.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few different stances you can take when riding an electric scooter, and the best one for you will depend on factors such as terrain, speed, and the nature of the ride. One common stance is to have your legs apart with one foot forward and the other back, which allows you to shift your weight when accelerating or braking. This will give you better control over the scooter and help you relax your hands. You can also try having both feet facing forward with your legs almost parallel to each other, which can be comfortable for long, calm rides, especially if you have a seat mounted.
It is important to always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter, as this can reduce your risk of a critical head injury by up to 88%. You should also wear other protective gear, especially if you are riding at high speeds or in traffic. This can include long-leg pants, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, and elbow and knee pads. Before riding, you should also familiarize yourself with your scooter and check that your battery is charged and your tires are pumped.
Electric scooters are legally required to follow the same rules as other vehicles. This means stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, yielding to pedestrians, and sticking to the speed limit. You should also look up the specific laws in your city, such as whether you need a driver's license to ride an electric scooter.
