Learning how to ride an electric scooter is relatively straightforward. If you have used a manual scooter during your childhood, you will already be familiar with the fundamentals of riding an electric scooter. The experience and the instructions are pretty much the same. As long as basic principles are understood and followed, you should have no issues putting the pedal to the metal.
If you are a relative beginner, learning how to ride an electric scooter may be a little trickier. Even if you have experience riding a bike in the past, you may not get used to riding a scooter right away. An electric scooter is an entirely new vehicle with different ways to grip, control, and navigate than what you are accustomed to.
However, it just takes a little patience and practice to learn how to ride an electric scooter. Once you master the techniques, you can easily pedal away on your electric scooter, feeling the current of the wind on your face.
Below are seven tips that will teach you how to ride an electric scooter for the first time:
1. Practice how to ride an electric scooter
Like bike riding, you should always aim to practice when learning how to ride an electric scooter for the first time. You are bound to make mistakes, but, the more you develop your capacity for pedaling, the more proficient you will become.
For riding an electric scooter, it comes down to finding the most suitable location first. Find an area that is relatively large to begin with. This space shouldn’t be impeded by large volumes of traffic, so that you have free reign in your riding trials. Empty parking lots are generally regarded as a great place to get started. Once you have found an appropriate place, it’s time to get started.
When you are familiarizing yourself with an electric scooter, always make the time to practice. The last position you want to be in is one that has you doubting your abilities. Return to that empty parking lot for further training if you feel the need to!
2. Rent an electric scooter for your first time
Of course, learning a new skill doesn’t become second nature without consistent practice, so you want to learn how to ride an electric scooter as much as possible. However, buying an electric scooter can be expensive. In a likely scenario, the high price tag may put you off from riding an electric scooter in the first place.
If you are not sure about whether electric scooters are right for you, why not try renting them first? Scooter sharing is becoming a worldwide phenomenon that allows you to rent the vehicle for a few hours as a test run. If you discover that you have a natural talent in riding an electric scooter, you could consider a more long-term investment in the future. Otherwise, you can always rely on these scooter sharing programs to help you practice how to ride an electric scooter.
3. How to ride an electric scooter properly
The first step to gaining traction on your electric scooter is to unlock the scooter itself. Do this by flipping the latch at its base. Then, power up the vehicle by pressing the switch to an “on” position. It is very important that, when first handling the handbrake, you do so in a very gentle manner.
Use your throttle to then increase or decrease power accordingly. Depending on how skilled you are at this point, you’ll be able to strike the right balance with enough repetition. When you want to stop riding, use your hand or foot brake!
4. How to balance on your electric scooter
Once you have become familiar with the basics of how to ride an electric scooter, learning how to maintain balance is key. When you are attempting turns, always ensure you do it in a slower pace. Once you gradually develop more confidence in your ability to maneuver the electric scooter, you can start turning left and right much quicker!
5. How to ride an electric scooter safely
Of course, traversing on the road means you have to follow the various rules in place. This can be in accordance with the law, but also resides in the fact that you have to be safe. Before you even begin riding, it is critical to have the right safety equipment on hand first.
Your basics, as it pertains to riding an electric scooter, will include your go-to helmet. Most helmets will come in various designs, so make sure the one you choose is equipped to handle electric scooter travel. For the most part, one that is durable and absorbs moisture from sweat will work best!
6. Wearing the right clothing & equipment
Safety doesn’t necessarily stop at the helmet. The apparel you wear before venturing out on the road with your electric scooter is also paramount. For the most part, ensure the clothing protects your arms and legs. If it is a colder season, the clothing worn should be comforting, but also breathable.
You may also opt to wear knee and elbow pads, if you are a relative beginner as well. When riding the electric scooter for the first time, falls are bound to happen. In the event of a big fall, these pads will protect the most vulnerable areas on your body, in order to minimize impact and damage.
7. Check the scooter mileage & battery life
When you become more accustomed of how to ride an electric scooter, it is critical to keep an eye on several factors. The increasing mileage would be one of those things to consider. Should your electric scooter near its limit, you’ll usually get an indicator notifying you of this near-maximized threshold.
Always keep an eye on your battery life and mileage. If the former begins to run low, or if the latter reaches its maximum, it may be time to stop riding. You don’t want to risk your electric scooter becoming obsolete, so always remain cognizant of these two, important factors.