Ready to ride an electric scooter? Perhaps you've already tried
it and are ready to buy one. Or maybe you've never ridden one
but have received an electric scooter as a gift and must now
learn how. In either case, you need to learn how to operate an
electric scooter safely and responsibly. You don't want to take
your scooter out until you know what to do in most major
scenarios that could spell trouble.
When you buy your scooter, look over the accompanying booklet
or package directions that tell you how to operate it. You may
be able to find helpful information on battery maintenance, air
pressure for the tires, and other useful details. If not, visit
the manufacturer's website to see what type of guidelines are
offered there for new scooter owners. You also can check at the
store where your purchased the scooter to see if there are
brochures or verbal suggestions that can help you get used to
your new motorized equipment.
Always ride your scooter solo. Don't try to take along a
passenger, since the scooter isn't made to carry more than one
person at a time. Doing tricks like dragging an attached skate
boarder or someone in a wagon isn't a good idea, since the motor
isn't strong enough to handle this type of load and will most
likely soon give out. Don't try forcing a second or third person
on the scooter for fun or tricks, as this will cause the driver
to lose control and probably lead to an accident.
Follow prevailing scooter laws. If you don't know what these
are, get in touch with the Highway Patrol or Department of
Transportation for information. The driver's license bureau or
local Automobile Association also are good sources for road laws
and driving guidelines. You also might want to browse electric
scooter chat rooms or discussion boards on the Internet to learn
more about motorized scooter driving in general, along with
scooter care and driver safety.
Use any pertinent driver safety equipment, like a helmet, for
example, when you drive on public roads. Use the part of the
road or sidewalk that you're supposed to, and stay off the areas
that are prohibited for scooter use. Avoid congested traffic
areas if possible to prevent traffic snarls or increased risk.
Don't try to do show-off tricks like riding without hands to
impress others. Make sure your scooter is in road condition when
you take it out in public.
Electric scooters are just smaller versions of cars, in many
ways, so it's a good idea to become familiar with all the
electric workings that make it run, since any of these could go
wrong at any time. Keep the owner's manual with you when using
the scooter, along with personal identification information, and
an insurance card, if pertinent. Treat your scooter with the
care and respect it deserves to make sure you reach each
destination safely.
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