How to ride an e-scooter

How to Ride an E-Scooter

A surprisingly earnest guide from a concerned onlooker.

KingChe supplies professional and honest service.

I once met a woman who had never sprinted. No hidden meanings, no caveats; she had literally never run as fast as she could in her entire life. When she told me this some years ago, I was astonished, asking, "Oh wow, that's incredible! How did you manage that?" I have thought about her consistently ever since. One thing that brings her to mind is when I see grown adults riding e-scooters incorrectly.

Never having sprinted in one's life while having the ability to run is quite a feat. However, many people have never done things that others find second nature. Just last week, I watched a video of a woman doing a box jump (jumping onto a box at the gym) for the first time, and it honestly looked like she had never jumped before. As demonstrated by at least two National Party politicians, many adults have never ridden a scooter.

With the weather warming up and the cost of living rising, e-scooters are becoming increasingly attractive as a means of transportation in our cities. They are scattered everywhere and available for almost everyone to use, but they can cause serious injuries when used incorrectly. As someone who enjoys riding various wheeled devices, here’s a handy guide on how to ride a scooter properly.

Find Your Strong Side

Before you begin, consider how you stand and what your "strong" side is. If you need to use a foot to push or steady yourself, would that be your right foot or your left? For most, it's their right foot, which means the right foot should go at the back and be ready for use. Many e-scooter accidents occur because the rider assumes that once they’re moving, their legs are no longer necessary. Always be ready to use your legs.

Stagger Your Feet

The quickest way to a chipped tooth on a scooter is to ride with your feet together and facing forward. This stance is a recipe for disaster. Think of riding a scooter as you would think of standing on a bus. Have you ever seen someone standing on the bus with their feet together and facing straight ahead? No, because they would catapult through the windshield as soon as the bus stopped. Scooters propel you forward similarly, so stand facing slightly to the side with feet apart to maintain a low center of gravity, giving you a better chance of stability if you hit an obstacle.

This stance also helps keep the scooter balanced. For instance, consider how Nicola Willis failed to stagger her feet while wearing heels. Her feet were straight ahead, and her torso was twisted; that’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Another tip: Don’t hang bags from the handlebars.

Hold On with Two Hands

This seems self-explanatory, but sadly it is not. Scooters feel like bicycles with two wheels and a straight handlebar, but their design makes them much harder to keep steady. Remember riding a bicycle with one hand? Don’t try it on a scooter; you will fall off!

But Don’t Hold On Too Tight

While you need to hold on securely to keep the scooter steady, there’s a danger in holding on too tightly. A loose grip is preferable, as a tighter grip means you absorb more bumps, increasing the likelihood you will jolt and possibly topple. A steady but loose grip will allow the scooter to absorb minor jitters, resulting in a smoother ride.

Lean Back

It is concerning how many people I have seen hurt themselves while trying to transition from the footpath to the road. Every time I notice it’s because they leaned forward excessively. If you’re going down, lean back; if you’re climbing, lean forward as feels natural. But if in doubt, leaning back is safer since it reduces the weight on the front of the scooter. Leaning in adds weight, making you top-heavy, and increasing the chances of getting stuck in small cracks.

Stop Accelerating, Then Brake

Again, this seems self-explanatory but is worth emphasizing. Similar to an automatic car, you should do one action at a time: accelerate, stop accelerating, then brake. It's easy to overlook that you’ve been accelerating when applying brakes, leading to sudden jolts and possible crashes. Usually, on rental scooters, simply releasing the acceleration will slow you down significantly.

If you choose to ride in wet weather (not recommended), minimize braking. Braking can lead to skidding, so riding slower by easing off the acceleration is prudent. Avoid painted lines whenever possible, as they can be slippery.

Don't Bots It

Just don’t attempt crazy stunts. Unless you’re performing genuine tricks (which is debatable), it’s impossible to appear cool on a scooter. Avoid going faster than you’re comfortable with or attempting risky maneuvers. No one is paying attention until you crash.

Practical Tips and Tricks for First-Time E-Scooter Riders

Scooting isn’t something you're born knowing how to do; you must learn. A common (yet painful) method to learn is through trial and error. However, there is an easier way. Read on to avoid many unwelcome surprises.

How to Choose Your First E-Scooter

The first step in your e-scooter journey is to select the right model for your needs. With many options available, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters:

• Performance and Range: Consider how you will use your electric scooter. Quick errands require a different machine than longer rides.
• Built to Last: Ensure the scooter is made from quality materials such as aerospace-grade aluminum with good suspension for bumps, plus puncture-proof tires.
• Safety First: Reliable brakes, bright lights for visibility, turning signals, and a strong frame are essential.
• Strike a Happy Medium: Balance power and battery life with weight—choose a scooter suited for your needs.
• Support and Warranty: Look for a company that provides assistance, like Apollo, known for good customer service.

Focusing on these factors will help you find an electric scooter that becomes an integral part of your daily life. Check out our picks of e-scooters for beginners.

Proper Safety Gear and Preparations

Safety gear is crucial for unexpected situations. Wearing the right gear not only protects you but also makes you look good while staying safe.

• Protective Gear: Your head needs protection! Make sure your helmet fits snugly. Additionally, consider knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards.
• Lights and Reflective Gear: Visibility is vital, especially during early or late rides. Most scooters have built-in lights, but reflective gear will enhance visibility.
• Check Your Ride: Before every ride, perform a quick inspection. Ensure tires are inflated, brakes work, and lights are functional.

Your pre-ride checklist should include:

• No loose parts or wobbles
• No visible cracks or damage
• Good tire tread and no visible damage
• Correct tire pressure
• Effective brakes
• All lights operational
• Throttle responsiveness
• Charged battery
• No unusual noises

For more details, visit how electric scooter works.

Know Your Route: Familiarize yourself with your route including bicycle lanes or scooter-friendly paths, especially in cities.

Pack Smart: Ensure any bag you carry is secure and not too heavy to maintain balance.

Basic Techniques

With your scooter ready to go, let’s talk about riding style. Mastering a few basics will enhance your experience.

Starting Off:

Begin by finding your balance. Place one foot on the scooter and use the other to push off gently. When you’re moving, stand with knees slightly bent.

Steering and Turning:

Steering involves subtle movements. Lean into your turns for a more graceful ride.

Speed Control:

Mastering the throttle is essential. Start slow and increase speed as you gain confidence. Set a maximum speed limit to ensure comfort.

Braking:

Practice gentle braking using both brakes if available.

Advanced Moves:

Once confident, try hopping off curbs or making quick turns. Always prioritize safety.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common beginner mistakes:

• Pushing the throttle too hard: Start gently to maintain balance.
• Braking too hard: Brake smoothly to prevent falling.
• Leaning too far on turns: Avoid excessive leaning to maintain control.
• Over-rotating the handlebars: Steer gently to avoid abrupt stops.
• Riding one-handed: Keep both hands on the handlebars for control.
• Not shifting your weight: Distribute your weight properly for better handling.
• Incorrect posture: Stand with a relaxed back and slightly bent knees.

For more insights, check out our article on common electric scooter mistakes.

Keeping Your E-Scooter in Good Condition

Just like a spa day for yourself, your e-scooter needs regular maintenance. Here’s how to keep it running smoothly:

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your scooter after rides to prevent grime build-up.
• Tire Pressure: Regularly check and inflate your tires for a smooth ride.
• Brake Checks: Test brakes before riding; if something feels off, inspect them.
• Battery Care: Avoid overcharging or fully draining your battery for longevity.
• Bolt Tightening: Occasionally check for loose bolts; a quick tightening can prevent issues.
• Storage Smarts: Store your scooter in a cool, dry place to protect it from extreme temperatures.

For more tips on preparing your electric scooter for the season, check out our comprehensive guide.

Regular maintenance is about forming good habits and knowing your ride better.

Local Laws and Regulations

Be aware of local e-scooter laws; some areas may prohibit their use or impose speed limits. Always check the regulations of your location before riding.

Here’s a guide to understanding e-scooter laws in the USA.

Wrapping Up

It won’t take long to master riding your e-scooter with these tips. Practice and enjoy your rides!

For more information on the best electric scooter for adults street legal, feel free to contact us.