If you’re new to scooter riding, there are a few safety tips you need to follow in order to remain safe on the road. It’s important that you know how to operate your scooter before you venture out onto the road. When you buy an electric scooter, find a quiet parking lot and practice there. Be sure to read the user’s manual and any other safety information that’s provided by the manufacturer. Always obey traffic rules for pedestrians because a person riding an electric scooter is still classified as a pedestrian.

Important Safety and Maintenance Tips for your Electric Scooter

When operating your scooter on the road you’ll need to obey the same rules for pedestrians including using sidewalks whenever possible. If there aren’t any sidewalks travel on the far left side of the road, facing traffic. Make sure you cross at designated crosswalks. Obey all traffic devices and control signs.

You should also ensure your scooter is running properly. Make sure that all the electrical components are securely in place and be sure to check and secure all of the fasteners prior to each ride. There shouldn’t be any unusual sounds or rattles from broken components or loose parts. If you do hear an unusual noise and aren’t sure of the source take your scooter to an experienced mechanic and have it checked out. The chain on the model should be taunt but not piano wire tight. Careful not to adjust the chain too tightly as this can severely damage the chain.

Take a look at the brake system. When you press the brake, the brakes should provide the proper response. If you press the brake with the speed control still on, the cut-off switch should stop the motor.

Check the scooter for any broken connections and cracks. A broken frame is pretty rare but can occur after a serious crash. Try to get in the habit of inspecting your scooter regularly, especially before a long journey.

Pay attention to the tires of your scooter and look for excess wear. You should also check out the tire pressure and inflate if necessary. If you get a flat you can purchase a replacement from the manufacturer’s website or from your local bike supply store. We recommend always keeping a spare in your garage. Air compressors that are found at gas stations are designed to air up high volume car tires so be careful when using. If you use this type of air supply with your electric scooter make sure the gauge is working correctly, then inflate using short bursts of air. If you accidentally over inflate the tires you’ll need to remove the excess air immediately in order to avoid popping a tire.

Protective Gear for Escooter Riding

Always wear protective gear when riding your scooter. This includes elbow and knee pads and a helmet. You can also purchase a bell which works to alert drivers or pedestrians as you fly down the road, potentially preventing an accident. Wear athletic shoes and never ride your scooter wearing sandals or without shoes.

If you don’t fit comfortably on your scooter you shouldn’t ride it. Don’t attempt to modify your model because each scooter is designed for a specific type of performance and is only compatible with certain parts. Never try to use an unapproved battery. Using unapproved parts including batteries can void the product warranty.  Replacement parts are available through the manufacturer. This does not include upgrade kits.

Most manufacturers recommend that users practice applying the brakes at a variety of speeds, in an open area before riding with others.

Tricking and performing stunts with an electric model can reduce the scooter’s ability to be controlled or its maneuverability.

Don’t take your scooter out on uncultivated terrain, especially models that aren’t equipped with shocks. Instead, ride on smooth paved surfaces, away from vehicles. Avoid surfaces and streets with dirt, water, leaves, gravel, sand or other types of debris. If the street is wet it can affect the scooter’s traction and braking system. Try to avoid anything that causes the front wheel to stop including potholes and bumps.

If your scooter isn’t equipped with both a headlight and a backlight avoid riding at night.

Because the brakes can get hot after a long commute do not touch them after braking.

Never gun the motor during a downhill ride in order to avoid flipping the scooter over or affecting the brake’s stopping ability.

If you’re purchasing a scooter for a child, you’ll need to assist them with adjusting the scooter to the proper height, including the handlebars.

Driving Requirements for Electric Scooters by State

Driving restrictions and licensing for electric scooters can vary from state to state and will depend on a number of factors including the weight of the scooter and the maximum speed. In California and Oregon, the rider must have a learners permit or license to ride an electric scooter that goes thirty miles per hour or faster. No license plates, registration or insurance is required. The rider must wear a bicycle helmet at all times. On the road, the driver is not allowed to operate their scooter over twenty-five miles per hour unless they’re riding in the bike lane. When possible the driver will need to ride on the right side of the road next to the curb. A driver can never ride their scooter on a sidewalk and must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

When driving at night a headlight and backlight are required. The size of the handlebars cannot exceed the shoulder height of the rider. When using the scooter you cannot carry any passengers. The scooter should also be equipped with an engine kill switch that works when the brakes are applied. Working front and rear brakes are also a necessity.

Be sure to check with your state regarding specific electric scooter riding laws, especially for slower, lightweight models that are designed for children. These models often have a top speed of ten to twelve miles an hour, however, most states will usually enforce the helmet law for any type of electric bike or scooter.

Green transport is a term frequently used these days. As issues continue to arise concerning the environment, doing your part to live a greener lifestyle can make you feel better and allows you to save money on repairs and maintenance costs, including the high price of gasoline. Riding an electric scooter is currently the most affordable method of green transportation. Most models are pretty standard and not equipped with a ton of features. But certain features such as a high powered motor, extra wide deck or shock absorbers can have a major impact on how enjoyable your daily commute is. Because scooters are all electric, they’re much more environmentally friendly, making them a great option for people who want to minimize their carbon footprint.

Benefits of Switching to an Electric Scooter as your Daily Commuter

Obviously, the biggest benefit of using a scooter is that fact that you’re eliminating harmful emissions that come with using a car or truck. Since the scooter is powered by electricity there’s no burning of fuels. Using a scooter will cost only a fraction of what it costs to drive a car. The cost of charging your scooter is about five cents per charge.

Scooters are very low maintenance. Most models use a twelve-volt battery which takes about twelve hours to charge and provides forty to sixty minutes of ride time per charge.

Because most models are fairly lightweight and compact, weighing anywhere from twenty to sixty pounds, riding around town or navigating through heavy traffic is simple because these models are so easy to maneuver.

The low cost of using and repairing a scooter is among one of the many advantages to relying on a scooter as a daily commuter.

After you have used your scooter as a daily commuter for several months you may need to purchase new parts such as a new battery or handlebar grips. The cost of replacement parts and general upkeep is much lower than what you’d pay for a car or SUV. While replacing certain parts may be necessary at times, for the most part, electric scooters are pretty durable and designed to take a beating.

Electric Scooter Buying Tips

If you have decided to get yourself a scooter, you’ll find there are many options out there. In terms of the features to look for, look at the scooter’s mileage per charge, the charge time, weight limit, and deck size. Scooters also have a wide range of engine sizes and the smaller the motor the slower it’ll go. If you’re unsure whether a particular model is right for you, take a look at some consumer reviews. These reviews will contain information from users who have experience with these products. This way you can learn if a model has any quirks and what to expect in terms of charge and a smooth riding experience.

Before you purchase a scooter you’ll need to look closely at the specs and features in order to determine which model is the right size for you. If you’re over six feet in height then you’ll want to find a model that features adjustable handlebars and a wide deck. You’ll also need to look at the model’s weight limit. Many of these scooters have a weight limit of two hundred pounds, but the limit can be as high as three hundred or as low as a hundred and twenty pounds.

If you’re purchasing a scooter for your child, you’ll want to check out the top speed. Some models can go as slow as ten miles per hour and as fast as thirty miles an hour. Read the recommended age use for each model that’s listed by the manufacturer.

Finding an affordable model that works with your budget is also important. You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $600 for your standard electric model. Keep in mind the more features, such as shock absorbers, the higher the price tag.

Must-Have Extra Features for Electric Scooters

The brake system is usually overlooked by consumers interested in purchasing an electric scooter. An electric scooter can be pretty heavy, requiring a well-designed brake system. The type of brakes that tend to lock up the wheels instead of slowing them down are known as band brakes. These brakes can wear out the tires, resulting in an accident. A front band brake can be particularly dangerous because the front wheel can lock up and cause the rider to fly over the handlebars. Models that are equipped with both rear and front disc brakes offer the best braking performance. Scooters that are equipped with only one brake aren’t able to stop as fast as a model with two brakes.

Another important detail when choosing a scooter is the frame and fork design. Models made from tubular steel feature a thick plate steel construction and have been proven to be the strongest and most reliable scooter design when compared to models made from thin steel sheets.

If you plan on transporting your scooter in your SUV, Van or car then you need to measure the space in your trunk or the back of your vehicle and determine if there’s enough room.

If you live in an apartment, you might want to choose a lightweight model that’s easy transport or choose a foldable model that’s easy to store.

Tire size will also be an important feature to keep an eye out for. The wider the tire the more stability you can expect. Look for a model that’s equipped with ten-inch pneumatic tires.

Shock absorbers are a must-have feature but, unfortunately, you won’t commonly find them on electric scooters. A model that’s equipped with shocks will provide a significantly smoother ride especially if you ride over bumpy or uneven terrain.

Many manufacturers also produce upgrade kits for specific scooter models. This kits can range from a motor upgrade to brake light kits. These upgrades can be installed for you if you purchase them at the same time you purchase the scooter. Average upgrade costs will vary depending on type but can range from $50 to $150.

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