So, say you are a scooter novice. You tried out a rental scooter for a few days, realized they are the best way to travel, and just purchased an electric scooter of your own. First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS. As scooter enthusiasts ourselves, we are excited to have you join us and many others in traveling economically and adventurously. 

Having acquired your very own electric scooter, you may find yourself wondering, "What now?" Fear not, for we’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll delve into the most critical aspects of riding your electric scooter, encompassing three key points:

1. The basics of riding an electric scooter
2. Rider's etiquette when riding around town
3. Fundamental safety equipment.

Riding Tips for Beginners

Riding an electric scooter may seem daunting at first, but fear not. These vehicles are designed for ease of use. Once you get started, they pretty much run themselves. However, to make the most of your experience, familiarize yourself with your scooter's user manual. Give yourself some time to get your scooter adjusted, locked, and safe. Here are some general tips to help you get started:

• Start Slow! Use the “Eco Mode” to gain confidence before switching to a higher gear
• Locate the accelerator, brake, and bell on the handlebars before turning on your scooter
• Before riding, remember to lift the kickstand off of the base of your scooter. Would hate to break that! 
• Check the scooter battery's power before embarking on a trip.
• If you're a beginner, practice in a controlled environment like a parking lot or park.

To get your scooter moving, give yourself a kickstart then press the accelerator to increase your speed. Make sure to always keep both hands on the handlebars to keep your balance, and have fun!

Scooter Etiquette: Navigating Urban Streets with Grace

Good riding habits not only enhance your safety but also contribute to a harmonious coexistence with other road users.

First and foremost, it is important to follow traffic rules. Scooters have the same jurisdiction on the road as bicycles. Stop at traffic lights, stop signs, and other road regulations. If your scooter is equipped with turn signals, use them! Always make sure you are yielding to pedestrians… no matter how unaware of you they seem to be. Be aware of your surroundings including parked cars, heavy traffic. Quick tip: If using map navigations on your phone, opt to use the Bike setting to keep you on safer roads.

Additionally, the following tips can help to keep you and others safe:

• Avoid crowded areas
• When possible, ride in a bike lane, but at least try to stay at least 3 feet away from parked cars to avoid getting “Doored”.
• Stay off of sidewalks unless necessary. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and kids under 16 on bicycles, not electric scooters flying at twenty miles per hour. 
• Keep in mind that scooter laws vary locally. Stay informed on the laws of your area and follow them. 

Overall, you should treat your scooter like any other vehicle on the road. Following these basic tips not allows for the safety of you and others while letting you focus on having fun. 

Do I Need to Buy Safety Gear?

Yes, yes you do. Safety equipment ensures you can ride another day, no matter how “uncool” it may seem. Make sure you have the essentials above anything else. For us, we see this as one, a helmet, and two, a pair of gloves. Start with these two safety accessories when buying your equipment. 

The most important piece of equipment is your helmet. You only have one brain, make sure to protect it! Wearing any helmet will protect you from brain injuries and fatal accidents. Wear a every time you step on a scooter, even before turning your scooter on. While any helmet is better than none, you will find the maximum protection if the helmet is properly fitted and secured on your head to prevent it from flying off. 

Gloves are another great piece of gear because they offer multiple functions to the rider. They can protect you from the elements, they offer a cushion in case of an accident, and they make sure you have a solid grip on your scooter as you whiz by at 20+ miles an hour. Since we couldn’t find the right gloves for scooter riders on the market, we decided to design our own! Pair our gloves with a helmet, and you have the perfect safety set for your next ride. 

Looking Ahead: A Glimpse into Your Scooter Journey

This guide serves as your initiation into the world of electric scooters, offering fundamental insights to ensure you ride with confidence. However, consider this only the beginning of your journey. The beautiful thing about vehicles like electric scooters is their spirit of adventure! Whether its your first ride or your sixtieth, you can find something exciting and new to explore… we sure do! As you grow from a novice to a riding professional, make sure to stay tuned to find more in-depth maintenance guides, advanced riding techniques, and ScooterTribe news. Happy Riding!