How to Ride an Electric Scooter: A Beginner's Guide

Introduction

Electric scooters are an easy-to-use, safe, and convenient means of transportation. It is a perfect commute if you are a frequent traveler looking for an eco-friendly option to travel short distances. Not only it helps you skip traffic jams owing to its size, but it also aids in providing mobility to people dealing with health issues. 

Electric scooters are gaining popularity recently because of the qualities mentioned earlier. Along with this, its sales are seeing a rise as it does not require any license or permit unless you are riding the scooter in an area with special rules for electric vehicles. The government has levied special regulations that the riders must follow to avoid accidents. Electric vehicle riders are asked to wear helmets and other safety gear, along with regular testing of brakes. Plus, they are prohibited on major highways wherein heavy traffic is allowed. 

Choosing the Right Electric Scooter

Certain factors are required to consider while settling for an electric scooter. These are discussed as follows;

1. Range and Battery Life

The distance an electric scooter can cover after charging it denotes its range. Your traveling range depends upon the space you intend to cover in one go, and accordingly, you have to keep recharging your e-scooter. So you must look for an electric vehicle with a higher range than you need.

For this, you must find how much an e-scooter can run on flat terrains and whether it can hold a full charge for maximum time. An e-scooter with a good battery life tends to go a long way, but it also depends on the different terrains you travel regularly. E.g., if you cover an inclined surface, the battery will face immense pressure due to inclination so it may wear out faster.

2. Speed and Power

The speed of an e-scooter also plays a significant role in making decisions for its buying. After all, it will help you to cover daily distances, and you will be able to monitor your time and schedule your work accordingly. The speed of an e-scooter may range between 20 to 30 miles per hour. Additionally, if you have a fixed route for your daily commute, your speed will have more consistency, and your e-scooter's performance will not be hampered. 

Plus, different models of e-scooters are meant for riding different terrains like uphill, straight, rocky, or otherwise. Likewise, additional motor power is needed to ride e-bikes on different terrains. Most e-scooters come with wheels with brushless DC motors attached. If you want more energy, a dual motor with at least 250 watts assists you well. They can easily ride small hills and straight roads. But it is preferred to have a motor capacity of up to 500 watts if the steep inclination is to be covered. You can also opt for 1000 watts or higher motor variants for an e-bike with immense power.

3. Weight and Portability

If you are considering a specific electric bike model, keep a note of its weight along with the capacity of the rider's weight it can carry. On average, most e-scooters can take somewhere around 230-275 pounds. The e-scooter weight also affects its speed drastically. 

Similarly, heavier e-bikes offer less portability and practicality. Also, they are pretty hard to turn; however, they provide more stability on roads and rugged terrains. But if, while traveling, their battery wears off, it is better to have your hands on a model that is foldable and lighter in weight, and takes less space.

4. Safety Features

Apart from the above mentioned points, looking for safety features in e-bikes is also feasible. The e -scooters with big wheel sizes have a better grip on roads offering perfect power for quickly riding them. 

It would be best to focus on whether the bike has air-filled or airless tires. With air-filled tires, you get a better grip on uneven roads, making the ride smoother and more cushioned. But you must note their maintenance, air pressure, and other wear and tear. You can travel long distances with airless tires, and it may have a suspension system with a hydraulic and spring combination.

An excellent electric bike comes with a top-notch quality brake. It may have electric, disc, foot, or drum brakes. Out of all these, disc brakes offer more reliability and do not need maintenance. Along with this, other safety features like design, nighttime visibility, and IP rating are responsible for indicating resistance against dust and water.

Getting Started with Electric Scooter Riding

After you have chosen the right electric scooter for yourself by checking out the above parameters, now is the time to initiate riding one. For this, you must note the significant components of the e-scooter and what they assist in. Let's make you familiar with these components in brief.   

Familiarizing Yourself with the Scooter's Components

Let us ponder upon various components of an electric scooter and familiarize how they work.

1. Handlebars, Accelerator, and Brakes

The most important part of an e-bike is a handlebar that levies proper control of directions to the rider. Depending upon your e-vehicle variant, you can have your hands on a foldable handlebar with an excellent grip. You can also notice controls on the brakes and the accelerator to change the vehicle's speed while moving.

2. Lights, Horn, and Display Panel

While settling on an excellent e-scooter, you may search for one with a LED headlight that comes as a built-in. The tail light is also present in the e-vehicle to give you better night trackability. You may also notice LED lights in multicolor to get added visibility. The e-scooter also has a horn that aids in moving swiftly during a traffic jam. You can monitor speed, speed settings, and the battery left to use by looking at the display screen of your electric vehicle.

3. Folding Mechanisms (if applicable)

Some electric vehicles come with folding mechanisms. It provides extra space and compactness to the rider when the bike is not in use. It also makes the vehicle easier to store and practical for daily commutes.

Understanding Electric Scooter Safety Measures

Now that you know all about the significant parts of an e-bike let us understand some safety measures related to an e-scooter.

1. Wearing Proper Safety Gear

When riding an e-bike, you must wear a DOT or CPSC-certified helmet that covers most parts or the entire face while riding the e-bike. It will prevent any injury to delicate features of your face, such as your chin, jaw, nose, etc., apart from just preventing your head. Additionally, wearing knee or elbow pads while riding the e-scooter also aids in protecting the rider.

2. Following Traffic Laws and Regulations

Each state, province, or place has specific traffic laws and regulations levied on e-bikes. E.g., Texas has imposed particular rules. There are certain age restrictions along with speed limits that you need to follow as an e-bike rider. Usually, certain highways or pathways with heavy traffic do not allow e-bikes owing to the rider's safety. 

3. Avoiding Common Riding Mistakes

Sometimes riders of e-bikes make a few common mistakes like avoiding the use of safety gears, being unable to judge the terrain, riding the e-scooter using one hand, riding with earphones on, not tightening the bolts of the vehicle, etc. Additionally, pushing the throttle harder, pulling the brake lever harder, or turning the handlebars way too much may lead to uneventful events and accidents. These mistakes must be avoided to enjoy a smooth ride.

How to Ride an Electric Scooter Step by Step

Although e-scooters are easy-to-ride vehicles, there are specific steps that you can follow to ride them properly. Here are the steps to follow;

Step 1: Opt for a flat paved road or sidewalk for placing the scooter

It will help you keep a good balance and make a comfortable start.

Step 2: Lift the kickstand

Use your feet to raise the kickstand beside or under the scooter. Make sure not to hold it.

Step 3: Opt for using the stance of a kick scooter

Start by using your non-dominant leg to place on the scooter's deck, and your foot must face in the forward direction. Then by leaning forward, make your grip on the handlebars.

Step 4: Use your dominant leg to place on the scooter deck

Use your dominant leg followed by your non-dominant leg to keep a good balance on the vehicle.

Step 5: Tap on the throttle

As per your e-scooter, your throttle may differ; however, all use the exact mechanism. Starting slowly using your dominant leg to balance the vehicle would be best. 

Step 6: For turning the scooter rotate the handlebars

If you want to take a turn, you can turn the handlebars. Use slow movements to keep your ride smooth.

Step 7: Opt for brakes

You can use brakes by pulling them to slow down the scooter's speed. You can opt for using the back brake for a gradual slow down.

Wrapping Up

Electric scooters have become an advanced means of commuting to travel shorter to long distances. With our helpful guide, you will be able to understand all the different components of an e-scooter in detail. Additionally, one must follow some safety guidelines to avoid accidents or hurtful events while riding an e-bike. If you are a beginner, take the lead by following the given steps related to riding an e-scooter.

FAQs

After gathering the necessary information about e-scooters, now is the time to check out some helpful FAQs.