How to ride an e-scooter

A surprisingly earnest guide from a concerned onlooker.

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I once met a woman who had never sprinted. No hidden meanings, no caveats, she&#;d literally never run as fast as she could in her entire life. When she told me this some years ago, I said &#;oh wow, that&#;s incredible&#; and &#;how did you manage that&#; and any number of relevant follow-up questions, but I have thought about that woman consistently ever since. One thing that is guaranteed to bring her front of mind is when I see grown adults riding e-scooters incorrectly.

Never having sprinted in one&#;s life when you have the ability to run is quite a feat. But there are people everywhere who have never done things that others find second nature. Just last week I watched a video of a woman doing a box jump (jumping on a box at the gym) for the first time and honestly it looked like she&#;d never jumped before. And as has been demonstrated by at least two National Party politicians, many people have never ridden a scooter before. 

With the weather heating up and the cost of living rising, e-scooters are looking more and more attractive as a means of transportation around our cities. They&#;re scattered around the place and available for virtually everyone to use, but they&#;re also capable of causing serious injury when used incorrectly. So as someone who has loved riding on all sorts of wheeled devices for years, here&#;s a handy explainer I genuinely didn&#;t think was needed until now &#; how to ride a scooter. 

Find your strong side

Before you go anywhere, think about how you stand and what your &#;strong&#; side is. If you needed to use a foot to push or to steady yourself, would that be your right foot or your left foot? For most people it&#;s their right, which means the right foot goes at the back and is ready to be used if needed. A lot of e-scooter accidents occur because the rider assumes that once they&#;re moving they no longer need their legs. Always be ready to need your legs.

Stagger your feet

The fastest way to a chipped tooth on a scooter is to ride with your feet together and facing forward. I cry whenever I see this (which is a lot). Think about riding a scooter like you would think about standing up on the bus. Have you ever seen someone standing on the bus, facing straight ahead with their feet together? No, because they&#;d catapult through the windshield as soon as the bus stopped. Scooters do the same thing (move you forward) so stand facing a little to the side, feet apart if you can, to give your body a lower centre of gravity and yourself half a chance of survival if you hit a rock. 

Standing this way also helps keep the scooter itself balanced, as very much not demonstrated by Nicola Willis in . Note how it was impossible for her to stagger her feet with heels on? Note how her feet are straight ahead and her torso is almost twisted to the opposite side? Disaster waiting to happen (and it did happen).

Hold on with two hands

Seems self explanatory but sadly is not. Scooters feel like bikes in that they have two wheels and a straight handlebar, but their weighting makes them a lot harder to keep steady. So as much as you might remember riding around on a bike with one or no hands, don&#;t try it on a scooter. You will fall off, as demonstrated by Chris Bishop this morning.

But don&#;t hold on too tight

Despite what I just said, there is also a danger in holding on too much. You need your hands to keep the scooter steady and going in the right direction but other than that, a nice loose grip is the best approach. The harder you grip, the more of each bump you&#;ll absorb, the more likely your body is to jolt, the more likely you are to topple. By keeping a steady but loose grip, you&#;ll let the scooter absorb a lot of the little jitters and enjoy a much smoother ride.

Lean back

It&#;s genuinely concerning how many people I have seen absolutely cane themselves while trying to ride from the footpath to the road, either straight off the kerb or even down the lovely little ramp. And every time it&#;s because they inexplicably pulled a Sheryl Sandberg and leaned into it. If you&#;re going down, lean back. If you&#;re going up a slope, lean as forward as feels natural. But generally, if in doubt, it&#;s better to have your weight going back as it effectively removes weight from the front of scooter (which is good). Leaning in adds more weight, makes you top-heavy, and makes it incredibly easy to get stuck in even the smallest of cracks.

Stop accelerating, then brake

Again, seems self explanatory but worth reiterating. Much like an automatic car, do one thing at a time. Accelerate, stop accelerating, brake. Because of the smallness of all the levers, it&#;s easy to forget you&#;ve been accelerating when you go to brake, which causes sudden jolts of movement and, you guessed it, crashes. Most of the time on the rental scooters, simply not accelerating will do most of the work of slowing down.

If you choose to right a scooter in wet weather (not recommended), the safest thing you can do is brake as little or as gently as possible. Braking clamps your wheels and leads to skidding. Simply riding slower by accelerating less keeps the wheels moving and limits your risk. And on that note: wherever possible, don&#;t ride on painted lines.

Don&#;t bots it

Just don&#;t bots it. Unless you&#;re doing genuine tricks (and even then it&#;s debatable), it&#;s impossible to look cool on a scooter. So don&#;t try to get there by going faster than you&#;re comfortable with or taking a risk on a gap or sharp turn. No one cares and no one&#;s paying attention unless you crash. 

In a dream world, we&#;d have few cars on the road and lanes reserved all over the city for cycling and scootering. When that day comes, as I choose to believe it will, there will hopefully be a lot of capable riders, feet apart, a little to the side, holding on but not too tight.

Scooting isn't something you are born with. You have to learn it, and there are many ways to do so. One of the most common ways, yet also the most painful, is by trial and error. Commendable as it may seem, it's not worth the time and definitely not worth the pain. But, there is a solution. Just read on, and you will be able to avoid many unwelcome surprises. 

How to choose your first e-scooter

The first step to starting your adventure with e-scooters is to pick the right model that reflects your needs. But with so many options out there, it's easy to lose track of what matters:

Performance and range: Think carefully about how you'll use your electric scooter. Quick errands around the neighborhood need a different machine than longer weekend rides.

Built to last: You want an electric scooter that won't break down on you. Look for quality materials like aerospace-grade aluminum, good suspension for handling bumps and rough roads, and puncture guard tires that won't go flat every few blocks. 

Safety first: There are no compromises here. You need reliable brakes (dual brakes are a big plus), bright lights for nighttime visibility, turning lights for signaling, and a strong frame that won't buckle under your weight. For more tips on protective gear, read our article.

Strike a happy medium: Choosing an electric scooter is always a balancing act. If you go for power and longer battery life, you will have to forget about it being lightweight and the other way around. So, remember to pick a scooter tailored to your needs. 

Support and warranty: A good company stands behind its products and is there to help when you have questions or issues. Apollo is known for its customer service and warranty policies, ensuring you have support when you need it. 

By paying attention to these factors, you'll be able to find an electric scooter that's not just a mode of transport but an integral part of your daily life. Here, you can find our picks of e-scooters for beginners.

Proper safety gear and preparations

Alright, let's talk about safety tips every scooter rider should know. Think of this as the pre-flight checklist for pilots, but way cooler. Safety gear is your best defense against the unexpected. And looking good while being safe is a pretty sweet bonus. 

Protective gear &#; First things first, your noggin needs protection. Whether you're cruising on an Apollo or any other scooter, make sure your helmet fits snugly and comfortably. In addition to helmets, you might want to consider other types of protection, such as knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards.

Lights and Reflective Gear &#; Visibility is key, especially during those early morning rides or evening adventures. Most scooters, including Apollo models, come with built-in lights (both bright lights for visibility and turning lights for signaling), but adding some reflective gear to your outfit or helmet will help you avoid some nasty incidents. 

Check Your Ride &#; Give your e-scooter a quick once-over before every ride, just for good measure. Check the tires for air pressure, test the brakes, and make sure the lights are in working order. It's like giving your scooter a mini pep talk before a big game. 

The following should be on your takeoff checklist:

• No loose parts or wobbles

• No visible cracks or damage

• The tires have good tread and no visible damage

• The tire pressure is correct

• Brakes work effectively

  If you are looking for more details, kindly visit how electric scooter works.

• All lights are functional

• Throttle responds correctly

• The battery has enough charge for your journey

• No unusual noises coming from your e-scooter

Know Your Route &#; Have a game plan for where you're headed. Familiarize yourself with the route and any bike lanes or scooter-friendly paths you can take advantage of, especially in cities, where some zones may be off-limits to electric scooters.

Pack Smart &#; If you're carrying a backpack or bag, make sure it's secure and not too heavy. You want to maintain your balance and keep your hands free for steering and signaling. Think of it as packing for a day at the beach &#; only the essentials.

After a while, you'll be going through the checklist in a flash without even having to think about it. With your safety gear on point and your scooter checked, you're ready for the off. 

Basic techniques

Now that you're all geared up and your electric scooter is humming softly, begging for a spin, it's time to talk about the fun part &#; riding style. But hold your horses. Whether you're aboard an e-scooter you've chosen as your steed, mastering a few basics will make the ride smoother and way more enjoyable.

Starting off

First, find your balance. Place one foot on the scooter deck and use the other to push off gently. It's like the scooter version of taking the first step. Once you're moving, bring your other foot on board and stand with your knees slightly bent. This stance isn't just for looks; it helps you absorb bumps along the way, making for a smoother ride.

Steering and turning

Steering with an e-scooter is all about subtle movements and confidence. Lean into your turns rather than steering with just the handlebars. Imagine skiing down a gentle slope and letting your body guide the scooter around bends and corners. It's more graceful and, honestly, a lot more fun.

Speed control

Mastering the throttle is key. Start slow to get a feel for how your scooter responds. As you gain confidence, you can dial up the speed. Remember, it's not a race (unless you're actually racing, then by all means, go for it!). The real thrill lies in feeling the wind and controlling your vehicle's every movement. Apollo makes it easy by allowing you to set a maximum speed limit, so you never go beyond what is legal or comfortable for you.

Braking

Knowing how to stop gracefully is just as important as speeding up. Practice braking gently at first, using both the regenerative and mechanical brakes if your scooter has them.

Advanced moves

Once you have the basics, you might want to try a few advanced techniques. Learning to hop off curbs or perform a quick turn can add excitement to your rides. These moves require practice and a bit of bravado but always prioritize safety and wear your gear.

Mistakes to avoid

Riding an e-scooter takes a bit of practice! Here are some common beginner mistakes and how to sidestep them for a smoother, safer experience:

• Pushing the throttle too hard

  &#; Start gently! Accelerate gradually to avoid sudden jolts that could throw you off balance.

• Braking too hard

  &#; Apply the brakes smoothly and lean back slightly to prevent going over the handlebars.

• Leaning too far on turns

  &#; Lean into turns like you would on a bike, but avoid excessive shifts that could make you lose control.

• Over-rotating the handlebars

  &#; Steer gently by shifting your weight. Sharp turns can cause the scooter to stop abruptly.

• Riding one-handed

  &#; Keep both hands on the handlebars for maximum control and stability.

• Not shifting your weight

  &#; Distribute your weight correctly for better handling: lean slightly forward to accelerate, back to brake, and into the curve when turning.

• Incorrect posture

  &#; Stand with a relaxed, straight back and slightly bent knees. This helps absorb bumps and makes it easier to adjust your balance.

For more insights on common electric scooter mistakes, check out our article here: Top 5 Electric Scooter Mistakes.

Keeping your e-scooter in good nick

Alright, let's shift gears and talk about keeping your trusty e-scooter shipshape. Just like you wouldn't skip a spa day (because you deserve it), your e-scooter deserves regular check-ups and a little TLC. Here's how to keep your ride running smoothly, ensuring it's always up and running for your next ride.

Regular cleaning: First up, cleanliness is next to godliness, even for e-scooters. A quick wipe-down after rides keeps it looking sharp and prevents grime from building up. Use a damp cloth for the body and a soft brush for those hard-to-reach spots. Remember, water and electronics are not friends, so keep it surface-level and avoid deep-water dives. 

Tire pressure: Just like with bicycles, the right tire pressure can make or break your ride. Check it regularly and inflate your tires to ensure you're rolling smoothly and efficiently. It's like choosing the right shoes for a marathon; you want them to be just perfect.

Brake checks: Brakes are your best friend when it comes to safety, so giving them a little attention goes a long way. Test them out before you ride, and listen for any unusual sounds. If something feels off, it might be time for a tune-up. Think of it as rehearsing your brakes for their big performance every time you ride.

Battery care: Your e-scooter's battery is its heart, so treat it with care. Avoid leaving it to charge overnight or letting it drain completely. It's all about finding that sweet spot, like not overcharging your . Regular, mindful charging keeps the battery healthy and your rides long.

Bolt tightening: Now and then, give your scooter a once-over, checking for any loose bolts or parts. A quick tightening here and there can prevent rattles and ensure everything stays where it should. Consider it a quick fitness check-up for your scooter, keeping it in peak condition.

Storage smarts: When you're not out and about, store your scooter in a cool, dry place to keep it safe from the elements. Extreme temperatures and moisture can be tough on your scooter, so think of its storage spot as a cozy little home where it can rest and recharge.

For more tips on getting your electric scooter ready for the season, check out our comprehensive guide here: How to Get Your Electric Scooter Ready for the Season.

Maintaining your e-scooter might sound like a bit of work, but it's really about forming good habits. Plus, it's a great way to get to know your ride better. Treat your scooter well; it'll be your reliable partner for many years.

If you prefer to leave this task to professionals with hands-on experience, you can take your ride to one of our Apollo Certified Shops. As our network is growing steadily, there are more and more places where you can get proper Apollo TLC for your e-scooter. If there isn't one already, you can expect one any day now. Stay tuned! 

Local laws and regulations

Heads up about e-scooter laws &#; they can be a bit tricky. In some big cities, to combat injuries, there are speed limits in place, or e-scooters are outright banned. It's always a good idea to double-check the rules where you're headed before you hit the streets, so you don't run into any trouble! 

Here&#;s a guide that will help you to wrap your head around the laws and regulations of e-scooters in the USA. 

Wrapping up

It won't take you long to master your e-scooter with the tips and tricks above. Make sure you put them into practice and enjoy every minute of it. You're all set to go!

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