How To Ride An Electric Scooter: A First-Timer's Guide
How to ride an electric scooter?
Check your electric scooter’s part and wear protective gear
Move the electric scooter on a flat surface
Unfold the scooter
Practice balancing on the scooter and kick to launch forward
Slowly accelerate
Learn how to steer your scooter properly
Learn to brake properly
Fix your eyes on the road while riding
Buying an electric scooter in the Philippines is rising in popularity because of the vehicle’s ability to cut down travel time while keeping costs down. There are more benefits of owning an electric scooter, including being safe to ride. If it’s your first time riding this alternative personal transportation choice, this guide will walk you through how to ride an electric scooter. There are a few tips and tricks for beginners to explore all the top capabilities of their electric scooter with delight and proper caution.
Learning how to ride an electric scooter is relatively easier, even than riding a bike. If you had the chance to ride a manual scooter during your childhood, you will already know the fundamentals of riding its electric version. However, it’s worth noting that the grip of an electric scooter is different. Read on to learn more.
Check Your Electric Scooter’s Parts and Wear Protective Gear
Safety should always be a priority when riding any type of vehicle, even an electric scooter. Check your electric scooter’s parts such as the tires, brakes, and battery. Make sure there are no obvious signs of damage or unusual noises coming from the scooter. Afterward, wear protective gear. Electric scooter riders, especially first-time riders, are encouraged to wear a helmet, knee pads, and gloves for protection in case of falling or collision.
Move The Electric Scooter On A Flat Surface
It is recommended to practice riding an electric scooter on a flat surface. This will help you get a feel of riding the scooter while avoiding any major accidents.
Unfold The Scooter
Most electric scooters today are equipped with a convenient folding mechanism. This allows riders to easily bring their scooters inside public transportation like trains, or any other place for that matter. If your e-scooter has a folding mechanism, unfold it and put it in an upright position.
Practice Balancing On The Scooter and Kick To Launch Forward
Balancing is one of the most important things to do when learning to ride an electric scooter. The first step in balancing is to tightly grip both of the scooter’s handlebars. Then, identify your dominant foot. This should be placed on a flat surface while the other foot should be placed on the deck. Lock your stance and hold a little weight towards the side of the deck. Lean forward.
When you are ready, kick your dominant foot from the surface to launch the electric scooter forward. Immediately place it behind your other foot on the deck to stabilize your standing position. After doing all these, you can expect to start your electric scooter correctly. If you notice that you are pushing too hard on the handlebars, this is a sign that you need to fix your balance.
Slowly Accelerate
Most electric scooters have a twist throttle that can be used to accelerate forward. Be careful not to twist it too much to avoid speeding off and getting into an accident. Start off slowly and steady. Electric scooters have different riding modes, so make sure to choose the one with the lowest speed if you're a beginner.
Learn How To Steer Your Scooter Properly
If you ride slowly, you will have to use your handlebars to steer your scooter. But if you are riding at a normal speed (around 8 km/hr), learn to shift your weight to turn. When turning, remember to keep both your hands on the handlebars, as they are designed to provide support.
Learn How To Brake Properly
Before going out and riding far, familiarize yourself with the electric scooter’s braking mechanism. This way you will know how to execute a stable and safe brake when the need arises. Knowing how to brake properly can also prevent you from jerking too hard and falling off when stopping the scooter.
When braking, bend your knees and shift your weight back to the rear. Practice this stance. Avoid braking hard while turning as this will likely cause a crash. If possible, try straightening up before making an emergency brake while turning.
Fix Your Eyes On The Road While Riding
Once you learn to ride your electric scooter, make sure to always look ahead. Some first-timers tend to lock their eyes on the deck, on their foot, or on the handles while riding, but this is a dangerous practice. Being aware of your surroundings and keeping your eyes on the road are crucial steps in avoiding any unwanted accidents.
Pay attention to crossing pedestrians and give way to them. Be mindful of other riders as well. Check the road surface so you can prepare to brake if there is an obstacle.
Key Takeaway
Riding an electric scooter is a convenient, fun, safe, cost-effective way to get to and from places. Whether you plan on buying an adult electric scooter r a kid’s electric scooter in the Philippines, you should have the knowledge needed to start riding one after reading this guide.
Knowing how to ride an electric scooter is not difficult as most people can feel confident riding in as soon as ten minutes. Just make sure to always wear protective gear for a safe ride.