How to Ride a Scooter Safely

Riding a scooter is a great and fun way to travel short distances. Compared to a car or a high-end motorcycle, they are very economical even in today's tough economy. These two-wheeled machines are also affordable in terms of fuel, maintenance and insurance costs, making them the fastest selling vehicle in the two-wheeled market today. But if you're thinking of hitting the road on a scooter, there are some safety precautions that you have to consider.

Riding a scooter is not always as easy as sitting on a bike and twisting one of the handles. The truth is it can be difficult to steer and challenging to brake. Balancing is also another issue that could sometimes get very tricky. So, before you ride a scooter make sure that you equip yourself with the following safety tips to have a fun but safe scooter riding experience.

Wear Proper Safety Gear

The first rule in safe scooter riding is wearing proper safety gears which include helmets, leather jackets, elbow pads, kneepads, and footwear that give proper and adequate protection. When wearing safety gears, just remember that you are dressing for the fall and not the ride.

Ride Defensively

Scooters can become practically invisible to some motorists especially to those who are in a hurry. Thus, to be safe on the road you need to have a defensive approach. Keep your hands on the handle bar and put your feet on their proper position. Constantly scan the road and check your rearview mirror every 5-7 seconds. You should also know your blind spots and be very cautious when driving at intersections, driveways, parking lot entries and exit points.

Focus

Whatever you are riding, whether it is a 4-wheeled or two-wheeled vehicle it is important to keep your eyes on the road. Focus on your driving and steer clear of the many distractions that you may find on the road such as big billboards, attractive passers-by or inviting shop windows. The earlier you spot a potential hazard, the more likely you can avoid it and possibly save yourself from a fatal accident.

Keep a smooth throttle

Because scooters are short and lightweight, they are very agile. However, any sudden movement can easily unsettle the vehicle and result to a crash. Thus, it is important to be as smooth and gentle as possible with your throttle and cornering to keep the scooter steady and yourself relaxed.

Ride in good road condition

Scooters have small and narrow wheels compared to motorcycles and running over any road irregularity such as pot holes or pavement cracks with such small wheels can be really dangerous. Weight is another issue that you have to consider. Because scooters are so lightweight, hitting a small bump on the road could flip you right off your vehicle. To avoid the possible risks, you should only ride a scooter in good lighting conditions and on smooth surfaces. Avoid riding during night-time or in dark areas and uneven or wet surfaces.

Whether you're a first time rider or a seasoned scooter enthusiast, it is important to take professional scooter training in Rockingham City to ensure that you make the most out of your riding experience.