Electric scooters have been seen on the rise due to the efficient mobility and user-friendly experience it provides you. There’s no age restriction for this mode of conveyance, and it can e used by almost all age groups.
While Children use it for their enjoyment, teens and adults use it to travel to high school and the workplace. A frequently asked question regarding electric scooters is, “are these safe.”
Since the majority of electric scooter riders are children, it is the responsibility of parents to know if what they’re buying their children is safe. If you’re someone searching for the answer to this question, worry not; I’ve got you covered.
9 proven safety tips That you must follow
I know you won’t be able to contain the excitement of riding your electric scooter for the first time. Everyone gets excited for the first time, and it makes sense, but make sure to follow these safety tips to ensure your and the safety of others.
Speeding up without following any of these tips might have detrimental effects. This makes it imperative that you follow these tips discussed below.
1. Abide by the law and rules
First and foremost, before you go for that ride, you must know the rules and laws you’re required to follow. You’re good to go as long as you follow the rules. These laws are made for your safety, so one should abide by them.
These laws are implemented by your local government and vary from region to region. An example of such a rule can be riding below a specific speed limit.
2. Wear protective gear
Protective gear is necessary and must be worn because it secures you against any injuries that might occur if you trip over or fall. Although there are many advanced protective gears available, the most basic ones are:
- Helmet
- Paddings
Wearing a helmet
I cannot emphasize more on this point but wearing a helmet is an absolute necessity. Your head is one of the most vital organs in your body and is vital for proper functioning. Head injuries can prove to be fatal; therefore, this needs to be protected at all times.
While looking for helmets, make sure that you buy a good quality helmet that protects your head from the outside and is also cushioned from the inside to prevent any injuries.
Paddings
This is another essential protective gear. Paddings come for different body parts like knee, wrist, or elbow paddings. Falling on a road or a street can prove dangerous as there is a high probability of getting your joints injured.
These are sensitive points and hence should be taken care of. Wearing paddings ensure that these stay safe from any damage.
3. Taking care in the rain
Riding in the rain should be avoided as it makes it difficult to control your ride, and visibility is decreased. Moreover, not all scooters are waterproof. Therefore, you must check if your ride is waterproof and then go out for a ride in the rain.
Puddles should be avoided in the rain as they can be deep, and it’s really hard to check their deepness.
4. Wearing neon jackets
We are all aware that visibility is significantly decreased at night. This makes it very difficult to spot anyone on the streets, especially on poorly lit roads. This makes it imperative that you wear neon jackets while going out for a ride at night.
You must’ve seen construction workers or police officers wearing these jackets. Light bounces off from these jackets to the driver, indicating the presence of people.
5. Installing lights on your scooter
Although most scooters come pre-equipped with lights, some exceptions exist where lights aren’t installed. In this case, you should get them installed immediately.
Installing lights on your electric scooter is a great way to increase your visibility while riding, it also helps you to be seen by other drivers at night. There are a few things you need to consider when installing lights on your scooter.
The first thing to think about is the type of lights you want to use. There are several options available, including headlights, tail lights, and brake lights. You’ll also need to decide where you want to install the lights.
It’s advisable to use both headlights and taillights, as one enables you to see clearly while the other allows other drivers to see you clearly.
6. Ride carefully
Always ride carefully and avoid reckless driving. Driving recklessly puts your as well as the safety of others at risk.
Make sure you practice and gain control on your ride. You must’ve heard the phrase “practice makes a man perfect” that applies here. Go into an empty space or an empty parking lot and practice there.
There’s no need to rush things up; practice at normal speed and increase it gradually as you get the hold of things.
Be patient and remember the phrase, “Good things take time.” Don’t ride on a busy street or road unless you’re sure that you’ve mastered your ride.
Moreover, always look ahead while riding. Looking sideways, or getting distracted can lead to any mishap. Using a mobile phone or riding with headphones on should also be avoided.
7. Keep your scooter well maintained.
To ensure smooth functioning, make sure to take care of your scooter. Keeping your scooter clean by washing it is a good idea if it is waterproof. If it isn’t, use a damp cloth to wipe clean all the dusty parts, and you’re good to go.
Another important step is to ensure that your scooter’s tires are inflated. Deflated tires make it difficult for the scooter to bear your weight, decreasing the speed.
While you’re at it, it is a good idea to check for any damages that might’ve occurred due to constant usage. If your scooter is equipped with drum or disc brakes, you should look for signs of wear.
Taking care of your scooter is your responsibility and should be done every couple of weeks to ensure the long-lasting life of the scooter.
8. Know your limits
As mentioned before, you must know the speed limit and abide by it. The majority of accidents occur when riders tend to over speed. While overspeeding, you’re not only risking your safety but also the safety of those around you.
Moreover, try staying away from areas with heavy traffic as it makes it more likely to get into an accident. Follow your lane and be attentive at all times.
Moreover, it is the responsibility of parents to be always present for the supervision of their children. Kids often make mistakes and should be kept under adult guidance at all times.
9. Knowing the brakes
Having an efficient braking system is a massive advantage. You should know when to press brakes and how to use them. Pressing the brakes at the very last moment can prove dangerous as there is a high chance of the scooter slipping, resulting in injuries.
Therefore, riders should press their brakes a while before the point where they want to stop. Moreover, you should know that roads and streets get slippery in rainy weather, thereby decreasing the road grip of tires. In that case, braking abruptly might cause the ride to slip.
Final Thoughts – In a Nutshell
This discussion makes it evident that riding a scooter requires patience, effort, and responsibility. Follow all these tips mentioned above, and you’re good to go. Act as a responsible member of the community and follow all the speed limit laws.
Riding a scooter is fun, but it must not be forgotten that responsibility rests on your shoulders to follow all the safety guidelines. Never forget that safety comes first and thrill comes second. Risking your safety just for that brief moment of a thrill is not worth it.
