As electric scooters are becoming more popular, new scooter riders are appearing out and about. It may look just like a kick scooter, but it is a little bit different. They can be fun and very convenient, but you need to know how to ride one safely.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about how to ride an electric scooter.
What Kind of Safety Gear Do You Need?
Before you get started, you will need safety gear to ride your e-scooter. Electric scooters carry the same risks as bicycles, but you are closer to the ground and travel at a slower speed. Despite this, you will want to have some of the same safety gear you use for bicycles. This includes the following:
- A helmet
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Gloves
- Wristguards
You will want the knee pads and elbow pads when you start, but they may no longer be necessary once you have some experience. You should always wear a helmet to protect your head. One of the biggest risk factors in riding an electric scooter is a head injury, and wearing a helmet will help to minimise your risks.
What Kind of Clothing Should You Wear?
You can pretty much wear anything from your casual clothes or even your work gear; however, you can buy some clothing made for electric scooters to provide you with extra safety and protection. For example, you can get an armoured hoodie. This will protect your body if you have a fall. It would be best if you considered the following:
- Protection
- Size
- Looks
- Comfort
- Price
You will also want to consider gloves and wrist guards. When you choose your gloves, consider the following features:
- Protection level
- Comfort
- Size and fit
- Material
- Style
- Price
Other equipment to consider include lights for your helmet, an LED vest, and an LED armband, especially if you plan to ride your scooter at night. When you ride your scooter, always consider your safety first so that you can enjoy it.
We also recommend getting a good quality lock if you plan on leaving your pride and joy unattended anywhere.
How Long Should You Charge Your Scooter?
Generally speaking, your electric scooter will be fully charged after you charge it for three to six hours, depending on the brand. Although there is some variation between different models, the general process is the same.
Some models have the battery built-in, so you will charge it by plugging the charger directly into the scooter. However, many models have removable batteries that you can place on a charger. You will remove the battery from the scooter, and then you can plug it in to charge it.
They will usually have an LED charging light indicator that can change from red to green. It will be red until the battery is charged, but it will turn green when fully charged. As mentioned earlier, this will usually take between three and six hours, but there are a few e-scooters that take up to 12 hours.
Tips for Charging Your Scooter Battery
Unlike some other types of batteries, you do not need to wait until your battery is completely dead to charge it. You can charge it any time you are near an outlet which will help if you have a scooter that doesn’t last long because you can always top up the charge.
One tip is to remember to plug the charger into the battery before you plug it into the outlet. It would be best if you also unplugged the plug from the wall before you unplug it from the battery. This will help to ensure that your battery lasts longer.
If you store your electric scooter for a longer period of time, you should fully charge it first, and then charge it once a month. This will help your battery stay healthy longer. If you take care when you charge your battery, it will last longer and continue to hold a charge.
How Long Does a Battery Last on One Charge?
One of the features that people consider is the range of the scooter. The range will tell you how far your scooter can go before you need to charge it again. This will vary depending on the brand you choose. Generally speaking, electric scooters can go between 7 and 70 miles on one charge.
When you choose your scooter, it will tell you the maximum range and the average range. How far you can travel will also depend on factors, including the following:
- Your weight
- The incline
- The weather
- The type of road
You can increase the range by upgrading your battery or the controllers. You will also have a greater range if you ride your scooter on flat, paved surfaces. Make sure that you consider the range capabilities when you are choosing the right electric scooter for you.
Practice Riding the Scooter and Pace Yourself
When you start riding your electric scooter, you should practice before you go out on the road. Most accidents occur because people head straight out without having a feel for how to ride the e-scooter yet. Start on a flat surface, and raise the kickboard. Start with a kick scooter stance, where you have one foot on the deck and the other on the ground.
Video guide on Riding an Electric Scooter for the First time >
You will have a throttle on the handlebars, and you should turn it to start moving. Once you get going, take your foot on the ground and place it behind your other foot. When you are moving, practice turning. It would help if you also practised using the brakes. Take it for a ride several times so that you develop a feeling for how to start, stop, and turn safely.
Final Words
Using an electric scooter is a lot of fun, and it is a very convenient way to travel. If you take the time to practice and ensure that you have the correct safety protection, it can be a safe and enjoyable way to get around.
