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In front of you is in-depth guide created for people like you! For people who are concerned about their safety in traffic and for those who want to do something about it.
Lately, there is an impression that all hell is breaking loose on the streets.
But what is the real story?
Well, as something relatively new on the streets, we can expect e-scooters to be put under fire. We have to be honest and admit that we (riders) play big role in all that mess as well.
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What to Expect from This Post on Electric Scooter Safety
This post is going to open your eyes. So, stay tuned if you want to know how to be safe on an electric scooter.
Park your escooter properly - Be safe on e-scooter
We are going to help you understand how things are going. Here are some things that can change your perception of traffic and commuting, not only when it comes to riding an e-scooter, but in life in general.
This post is going to open the most incredible doors that you didn't know existed when it comes to safer commuting.
You'll look at other traffic participants through totally different eyes. And what’s even more important, you'll become a better rider and if you apply all these pieces of advice, you might develop a sixth sense, which can be really handy in everyday traffic.
As the matter of fact, after seeing the mess that is everyday commuting, we can easily say that developing a sixth sense can be a life-saving skill.
Wondering How to Be Safe on Electric Scooter?
Well, I want you to be aware of the fact that there are three aspects of electric scooter safety.
The three aspects you need to focus on:
- Rider (You)
- E-scooter
- Surrounding conditions
I hate wasting time blaming other people and my belief is that griping about riding conditions is childish. Besides, it will only hold you back.
So, the weather, the state of the road and temperature and all that is given.
Although they have a huge impact, those are things we can’t change.
However, WE CAN CHANGE our behavior in those kinds of conditions. If we are not willing to adjust our riding style, we’ll have problems.
Bad Weather - How to Be Safe on Electric Scooter
For example, if the weather is bad, a road is wet, and our e-scooter is in poor condition. All that can cause quite an unpleasant experience.
Sometimes riding conditions can be pretty challenging
The ultimate misfortune that could follow would be that after all this, we don’t adjust our riding style and behavior to these circumstances.
If all three aspects are bad, it’s a recipe for disaster. So, we can’t change everything, but we can change two things…
And guess what? That is more than enough.
We have to focus on the first two aspects (rider & e-scooter) and that’s exactly what we are going to do in this post...
...so, stay focused.
I hope that you are with me on that. Just go through following points and see what you can do about them.
Act and Learn How to Be Safe on an Electric Scooter
I’m sure that there are some things you can do easily and by doing so, you will improve your e-scooter safety.
Electric scooter safety tips
And the best part is, none of these points are as hard as complaining about the weather and things which we don’t have control over.
The things on this list, we do have control over, so what we have to do is take action!
So, be thorough and implement everything you have control over.
LET'S START.
1. Riding Technique and General Behavior - What to Do & What to Avoid
As you are aware, if you see thousands of people, you can conclude that there are thousands totally different personalities.
When we are talking about riding styles, it’s the same story. Literally. There are numerous examples of mistakes that everybody makes and it is a great wonder that those people get away without damage, injuries or something even worse.
What we do in traffic has an enormous impact on electric scooter safety in general.
Riding Style – How to Be Safe on an Electric Scooter
Here are things you should be aware if you want to be better commuter, rider, traffic participant and person in general.
I have a theory about all this traffic stuff. How you behave in traffic toward other people reflects the type of person you are and how you behave in every other aspect of life.
So, what’s the real story?
I intend to write a list of few things you can begin practicing in order to be much safer on the road and stop wondering how to be safe on an electric scooter.
The only thing that is certain is that it will improve your riding and behaving in everyday traffic.
- Observe everything (not just the road)
- Be careful when braking (use both brakes if you have to)
- Ride defensively
Now, don’t get me wrong.
This isn’t something you can do only on your electric scooter. Being able to apply this to every other method of transportation (bike, car) is the winning formula.
That is smart to do, if you are concerned about safety, and if you care about other people, which I’m sure you do.
Let's Elaborate on the First Point - Observe Everything (Not Just the Road)
The surface on which you are moving can be tricky as hell. And there are potholes, maybe rocks, shattered glass or something similar. Use your imagination or memory and I am sure that you can think of other things. Due to this, focus and observation is crucial.
However, it’s not just the road or path you need to pay attention to. You have to look at other people as well, especially those who are trying to cut off your route without realizing it. While you are looking ahead, observe a few meters left and right at the same time.
In that way, by the time you are at that possible crossing point, you will have enough time to adjust by braking or overtaking. Avoid fixing your eye on the road, because when doing so, lots of things can surprise you.
Let's Elaborate on the Second Point – Be Careful When Braking
Some of us have an aggressive nature, some of us have a mild one. Either way, there are things you should do. When it comes to braking, you have to be sturdy, but gentle.
Don’t just hit the brakes and expect to stop immediately.
That won’t happen. Even in your car. Instead, what will happen is a crash or simply not stopping on time.
What you should do is a gently squeeze both brakes and lean backwards. Another thing that might seem wrong is using the front brake slightly more and leaning back. That is actually recommended. But do not lock it!
If you apply every piece of advice, you will experience a huge difference. Try it out.
You can use that technique on your bicycle and motorbike as well.
Let's Elaborate on the Third Point - Ride Defensively
Thirdly, a defensive ride is a golden one.
In my opinion, being able to predict and feel someone’s mistake can be described as a superpower. In places where you can’t see everything (around a house or a corner), slow down and expect someone to appear.
Maybe that someone will turn up quickly and recklessly. Or they might appear normally. Either way, you will have enough time to react.
Watch others carefully and observe their actions. Those participants are moving in their own way, but they can easily cut you off without looking. If you observe the situation properly, things like sudden braking and crashes can be significantly reduced.
I can assure you that after a while, you will develop a sixth sense and be one of the greatest participants in traffic.
You can predict, avoid, and at the same time, protect lots of people.
Of course, nobody will see that and you won’t get a medal. Not even simple “thank you”. But you shouldn’t care about that.
You should be aware of the fact that this can be handy, practical and it can save you from unpleasant situations. And what's more, often, you can save time and money.
And all that is good for you. Put that way, it may sound like something selfish, it isn’t. It is for a greater good.
Being able to ride in that way really made me feel special.
Because at the end of the day, everybody can ride recklessly, but riding smart is tough.
Avoid Doing These Things
Here’s something you have to let go of if you want to learn how to be safe on an electric scooter. If e-scooter safety is the number one thing for you, this is the list for you.
And remember, with this list, there are no compromises.
The best part is that these habits are easy to eliminate because it doesn’t require any special training or skills. Letting go will be fine.
So let’s start with the list:
- Ride alone without passengers
- Without doing tricks
- Without tailgating
- Do not lay hands on other vehicles
- Do not go through the red light
- Don’t block pedestrian paths when you park
- Do not ride under the influence (alcohol & drugs)
Well, this matter has been cleared up and there shouldn’t be any misunderstanding. Learn more about E-scooter DUI where you can get into more details.
However, I want to say a few words about two points.
The first thing is this: Tricks. I don’t see anything bad about trick, of course, but if you are looking for safety IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC, there is no room for doing tricks.
Secondly, tailgating is dangerous. In every shape and form. Avoid that, in your car, on your bike and on your electric scooter as well. Even when you are walking and texting, for example, you are all familiar with that how nasty it can be if you hit a person in front of you.
We have all been there and it is our decision to let go.
Being safe mainly depends on us.
Remember that. Take your fate in your hands.
2. Basic Setup for the Beginning – Checking and Securing Everything
We have to adjust everything.
The good news is that there aren’t a lot of parts.
Some basic adjustment will be enough. If we want to steer and manage our e-scooter safely and confidently, it is crucial to do so.
Check Your Tires
Here are the basic things you have to implement in order to ride safely.
- If you have inflatable tires, check pressure and for possible damage
- If you have solid tires, look out for damage and loose screws
Riding on a damaged tire or a tire low pressure can be dangerous. If that tire blows out, losing control is guaranteed.
Handlebar Setup
The first thing you do when you get into your car is adjusting the seat, right? You want to easily reach everything you need in your car, especially the steering wheel.
It has to be easily reachable in order to maneuver safely and effortlessly. Same story here. You don’t want to have your handlebars too low or too high.
Why Handlebar Setup Is Super Important?
It’s not time-consuming and it will provide you far more stable ride.
If you don’t have that option and that height isn’t comfortable, you made a mistake buying that scooter.
I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. Sell it and buy another one.
Take a look at the post where we are talking about how to choose the right electric scooter for you to get info about all aspects you need to know before buying one. It will literally save you time and money.
General Check
All screws on the deck, in handlebars and wheels need to be checked before the ride. Checking before every ride is ideal, but if that is too demanding for you, keep checking at least once a week or so.
Currently, you are only checking battery level before every ride, right?
There you go. That is a habit as well.
Now.
All you have to do is expand that habit to a few other things. What you will do by implementing that habit reduces or even eliminate the possibility of malfunction.
And you will get a much safer ride as a result, of course.
3. Getting to Know with Your Electric Scooter – in Detail and Precisely
This is one of the main steps for sure.
It doesn’t matter whether you have just bought one or you already own e-scooter, this is what it needs to be done.
Look What the Features Are
Observation and reading through a manual are necessary steps. Without doubt.
Maybe you have spent two-three grand on scooter or two hundred bucks.
Either way, there will be a list of features at your disposal.
And you know what?
If you've spent some serious bucks on it, that doesn’t mean that you will have everything you need. It’s the same but opposite story if you invested less money in your e-scooter. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have what you need.
For example, suppose you spend almost two grand and you don’t see the speedometer. Yeah, nothing surprising.
Just observe and inform yourself by reading through the manual.
Ask Yourself What You Need
Through this step, you will just glide. Probably the easiest way of doing this is just eliminating what you don’t need.
Here’s what I mean: I know that some people never go to ride if it is a dark outside.
They think it is too dangerous, and we can’t blame them.
When it is dark, they drive their car. Simple as that.
For someone like this, the most irrelevant thing for them is the presence of taillight and front light. That is, something they have a “whatever” attitude towards.
It is irrelevant whether their scooter has lights or not when it comes to the most important topic for us — how to be safe on an electric scooter. And that is only true for this example, of course.
It’s about elimination… you get it?
They focus on the things they do need.
Find out What Is Missing – According to You
First of all, I want to point out that you can spend a fortune on accessories for your e-scooter.
Nowadays, when I enter the shop with e-scooter accessories, I get sick. Suddenly, I see everything I need everything at that moment. I just pray that I haven’t brought money with me.
And that’s not all.
All of a sudden, I realize that I need all of the sorts of baskets, bells, lights, pumps, locks, electric scooter phone mounts and multi-tools.
Well, what happens is that in a short time, I get out and go bankrupt at the same time. However, the biggest regret is the fact that half these things will collect dust on my shelf.
So, to prevent all that, think carefully about what you need and what you don’t need before you go shopping.
4. Necessary Electric Scooter Safety Accessories – Basic Things
We’ve cleared up the matter about the necessity of e-scooter accessories in the last section. Now, I want to show you what you have at your disposal.
Look.
You will have two choices.
First is the basic level of things you need to be safe and sound. The other is much less crucial, in my opinion, but it can take your safety to a higher level.
This is how to be safe on electric scooter with small investments.
A MUST List for Most People - Get These
Depending on your needs, this is more or less the list of things you must have if you want to be safe in traffic.
Take a look at the short list:
These are all crucial to being safe in everyday traffic. No doubt about it. Even the lock, if you don’t have a foldable electric scooter and you can't take it with you...
Onward.
Here’s one tip that is super important as well.
Find a helmet that has a rear light, or get a taillight that you can put on your back or backpack. We are not very visible if we only have that fender taillight. It is too low.
But remember, we can always do something to make things right.
Some Extra Features – as You Wish (Practical & Cool Ones)
Be careful with these.
As I said earlier, half of these things you might not need.
However, they can be really useful for some of us.
Go through this and if you can’t think of a situation in which these can help, I suggest saving your money.
Cool features and electric scooter accessories you might need for improving electric scooter safety:
If you are a more extreme rider, knee and elbow pads are necessary and all these other things can bring your e-scooter safety to a much higher level.
So, at the end of the day...think twice and choose wisely.
5. Art of Maintenance – Golden Rules
You may be struggling to maintain your e-scooter. I understand that was a problem for most riders at first. But eventually, you get familiar with the machine and come to realize that it will work better if you do so.
One of the main answers on how to be safe on electric scooter is the regular electric scooter maintenance. You will reduce the risk of malfunctions significantly.
Have You Ever Heard Any of This?
”My scooter is breaking down all the time, it has become so annoying!”
Or
“It goes really terrible! Again! I don’t know what the problem with it is anymore!”
And after that, that person continue to ride if as nothing is wrong. So, what happens after a while is this comment…
“And now it is dead! It is garbage, I knew that I shouldn’t have bought it in the first place!”
...
IN OTHER WORDS...
You could say instead, “I actually know nothing about maintenance.”
Or
“I bought this hoping that there would be no requirement to maintain it at all. That commercial told that maintenance wasn’t necessary”
Or something like this:
“In spite of the fact that there were some indications that something was wrong, I kept riding because I didn’t give a damn. And now I regret it…”
Stop Making Rookies Mistakes
And, to make an obvious point, I will say that they don’t know what they should do.
There are things you should do in order to prevent all this.
Onward.
A word "regular" maintenance is something debatable. What does that actually mean?
For example, when you say I run regularly and brush my teeth. That means that you are brushing your teeth three times a day and that you are running three times a week. Right? It could be something like that…
But some folks brush their teeth twice a day and run six days a week. And that is regular for them. Got it?
And notice the word maintaining. That could be tricky to define as well. So, I will try to clear your sun visor.
Steps After Every Ride
Here are things you can do after every ride.
Some e-scooter safety tips, notes and some pieces of advice as well. These are things you can’t make a mistake with.
So, pay attention to following points:
- If you hit a curb or pothole, check your tires
- If you are caught in the rain, dry out every electrical part (dry with a cloth, not a hairdryer)
- If you are caught in the rain, wash the chain and oil it
- Quick eye-check on other parts
- If it is cold outside, put the battery in a warmer place
Nothing else.
You won’t be surprised next time you decide to ride your e-scooter and realize that there is a flat tire, because of that pothole or your chain is corroded because of rain.
I bet you don’t want to see your battery, controllers or some other electric parts dead after you let everything get wet or too cold.
That’s all when it comes to day-to-day maintenance if you want to be safe on your electric scooter.
Check out popular, affordable & safe e-scooters:
Periodical Maintenance of Your Electric Scooter
The things you will see here are considered something you do weekly if you ride your e-scooter every day.
Also, some checks and replacement jobs if necessary.
All you really have to do is pay attention to these parts weekly:
- Chain/belt (if there is one)
- Tires (pressure, tire condition)
- Batteries
- Brakes
- Grips
- Speed controller
As a general rule, most people are not experts and they aren’t interested in replacing parts and taking care of electric components.
That’s clear as day.
But you have to analyze everything and notice when it is the time for a repair.
Regular e-scooter service can save you money and give you satisfaction as well.
Paying Attention to Details
Well, if you notice that your brakes are mushy after a while, check pads and cables.
If you have electric brakes, take it to a repair shop.
Some problems with achieving greater speed might be caused by an overused battery OR empty tires.
Check tires first. You don’t want to go to the repair shop and complain about range (suggesting the battery) and learn that the real reason is that your tires have low air pressure.
If you went there, two things could happen...
Scenario #1
The repairman won’t tell you that, he can sell you brand new battery and make money on your ignorance.
Scenario #2
And the second one is that guy can make fun of you and your ignorance about inflating to the right pressure.
Either way, you don’t want to lose your time and money. And pride in some cases.
That can be even more painful…
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6. Practice Makes It Perfect
Riding in traffic might be a bad idea if you have just started to ride an electric scooter. Some e-scooters have a little bit of reactive throttle, some of those are tricky to ride at first.
Give yourself some time to get used to it. Because if you jump right into the crowd, all that tension can really ruin your first impression of your scooter.
At first, everything might seem a bit too complicated. But one thing is for sure, it isn’t that hard. This is one of the simplest vehicles you can find.
Where to Practice Riding Electric Scooter?
Practice riding e-scooter
Just practice in some less stressful areas at first and give yourself enough time to get to know the basics.
Here're some places you can start:
- Your backyard
- Quiet streets
- Side streets
- Parking lot
Your yard can be an excellent start. I am sure there are some obstacles and some flat surface and it’s perfect. Curbs or other obstacles can be considered a real traffic simulation.
If you are nimble and skilled after a while in that tight space with a bunch of obstacles, that’s great. Pets or members of your family who run around trying to annoy and disturb you is great exercise as well.
The simulation is real and you can actually thank them!
Side streets are the second step. That might be an awesome way to learn how to get along with other traffic participants. Fewer cars, pedestrians and cyclist will be enough.
React and be cautious. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not ready for busy traffic yet.
Avoid Roads with Cars (At the Beginning)
Streets that are too crowded can be too much for beginners. Stick to less crowded roads for now. I know that If you have been a driver or cyclist your whole life, you can feel confident enough to enter traffic because it should be a piece of the cake.
However, underestimating is the first step towards failure. These machines provide you a totally different feel and some time is needed in order to properly cope with the controls and master them.
That time is minimal, but it is there…
The next place that might be a smart choice is a parking lot.
But not always…This is what I mean…
It can be great if it’s not a parking lot in front of a big shopping center where there are hundreds of cars at any given moment. If that is the case, that could be even more frustrating for beginners than regular traffic.
For that reason, I believe that some people will agree with me when I say from my experience that: In parking lots, there are no rules!
(most people behave as if this is a fact)
Parking lots and rules don’t have anything in common.
Some people behave as if they are in their backyard and because of that, it can be nasty and dangerous.
So, avoid parking lots if that is the case.
In conclusion, some time for practice is a must in my opinion and I recommended several places you can use as a starting point. This is how to be safe on electric scooter and look out for others.
Here's what CNet has to say about electric scooter safety.
FAQs
Where can I ride an electric scooter?
If you are learning to ride, begin in your backyard or some quiet side streets. Do not try to learn in busy traffic with lots of people and cars. If you know what you are doing, you can ride it on cycling paths. Check the rules and laws in your area beforehand.
How safe are electric scooters?
Depending on how you ride, these it can be safe or dangerous. Ride it carefully and respect rules like when you’re riding a bike and everything is going to be OK. People who ride their scooters like clowns make us look bad when we are riding in a normal fashion.
What is the safest electric scooter for adults?
Actually, the golden rule is to choose the one that makes you feel comfortable and like you are in control. If you’re a beginner, try some basic scooters like Ninebot, Gotrax or Xioami e-scooter. And if you’re a highly experienced rider, you can try beasts like Dualtron, Nanrobot.
How do you stop a scooter safely?
Hit the brakes sturdily, but never lock them. It takes some practice, of course. And lean back a little bit and bring the weight back.
How do you ride an electric scooter safely?
Choose an e-scooter that makes you feel like you’re in control (avoid excessively powerful scooters if you are not skillful). Respect regular traffic rules and ride defensively. You can learn all the details in my in-depth guide above.
Final Thoughts
You have to ask yourself only one question: What kind of rider am I?
And then observe yourself. Also, you should be ready for bad news in some areas.
Being perfect isn’t possible, but striving for it is.
Different accessories for safer riding can help you on that road as well. However, your riding style is much more important and you should align yourself that way.
Striving for self-improvement is the smartest decision you can make.
I hope this post has helped you and you have become aware of what it takes to be safer on your electric scooter. And I really hope that you will start using all these pieces of advice right away. I wish I knew all this when I was younger, but that is water under the bridge.
I've showed you everything I know about how to be safe on an electric scooter.
