There is no denying that riding an electric scooter is a lot of fun, but it’s important to be aware of the associated dangers so the fun doesn’t end. There has been recent debate about the safety of electric scooters and, like all activities in life, it is possible to injure yourself in the process. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect yourself from potential harm.
Read the Manual
Electric scooters are intuitive and don’t tend to need much explaining - and we appreciate that you just want to get going… but we strongly recommend reading the user manual before you begin. The manuals are generally only a few pages and they contain crucial pieces of info that will make your journeys safer. We ensure that all our e-scooters come complete with all the guidance (in English) you need to ride safely.
Protective Equipment
Prevention is better than cure… and you’re going to be moving at around 15mph or more so we advise all our customers to wear an e-scooter helmet. There are so many styles out there now and one is sure to compliment your style.
Ride with Lights
If your e-scooter doesn’t have inbuilt lights and there’s any chance you’ll be riding in low light (bear in mind winter daylight hours) we highly recommend that you get some lights. This will make those early morning and late night rides safer as you can see and be seen!
Check Road Conditions
If you are a skilled driver you will probably be able to handle slippery conditions but for beginners we would recommend not taking the risk. Again, be sure to check the user manual about riding in the rain or wet conditions.
Check before you Ride
Before embarking on your journey, double check all aspects of your e-scooter are working. It's a 5 point checklist that takes just minutes.
1. Tyres - if your tyres are air-filled, firstly check they are inflated correctly. For all tyres, ensure there's no visible damage or wear and they have sufficient tread depth
2. Brakes - check that they are are working properly
3. Battery - is there enough battery for you to complete your whole journey
4. Throttle - your e-scooter should have a smooth throttle with no sticking. Test this out in a safe space.
5. Damage - give your e-scooter a scan and check for no obvious damage or cracks in the frame or cabling.
It's that simple and then you’re good to go!
Stay Aware
It’s obvious really, but with e-scooters it’s especially tempting to relax and enjoy the view as you ride along- but you’ve got to keep an eye out for potholes, slippery drain covers, rogue dogs and children, bicycles, etc, etc. We know that you know this, but please stay safe!
Riding Solo
As tempting as it can be to show off your electric scooter, they’re not built for two people, so please no piggy backs. Let your friends ride on your e-scooter solo, and then they’ll want to buy their own and you can form an e-scooter squad with matching jackets.
Practice makes perfect!
Take it slow when getting to grips with your new e-scooter. The acceleration can be disarming and learning to turn and brake at different speeds and on different surfaces will help you become a better rider.
Be respectful of others around you - pedestrians, fellow scooter riders and cyclists alike. It will prevent injury to yourself and everyone else and mean you’ll enjoy the benefits of your electric scooter for years to come.