If you think riding an electric scooter is nothing different from riding a kick scooter, think again. While having an electric scooter bike means you can spend longer time in bed and get to work faster, using it for commute presents many hazards. If you don’t know how to use it right, you run the risk of stumbling or worse, getting into a road accident!

In this guide from iScoot, we will walk you through your first scooter ride safe and sound. But before we dive into the steps, let’s discuss why you need to take extra precaution when using your new battery-powered vehicle.

Why wear your safety gear?

It may not look like it, but electric scooters are just as dangerous as bicycles. Just imagine how close you are to the ground when you ride a scooter!

Understandably, you need to wear your safety gear each time you go out with your new toy, which consists of your quality helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Well, the elbow and knee pads are not really a requirement if you’re an experienced electric scooter rider, but that’s not the case for protective helmets, which you should wear whether you’re a beginner or an experienced e-scooter rider. 

How do you ride an electric scooter?

In many ways, an e-scooter is just like an envy scooter, but they’re different in the sense that with an e-scooter, it’s the motor that does all the leg work. That makes it sound like riding an e-scooter is easy as pie, right? But don’t forget that you need to get the first steps right before you even think about enjoying your first ride. The first step is always the hardest, but it is crucial to your safety. The first step is always the hardest, but it is crucial to your safety. Just like you can buy an envy scooter online, e-scooters are also available at online stores.

Take a look at the following steps in riding an electric scooter:

1.   Make sure your scooter is placed on a flat surface

Since you’re a beginner, don’t attempt to have your first ride on a bumpy road. Place your e-scooter on a paved road or sidewalk where you can easily get a feeling for riding without worrying about bumps or other hurdles on your way.

2.   Lift the kickstand

Raise the kickstand with either of your feet. Depending on the model of e-scooter you are using, you can find it either under or beside your scooter. Hold onto it once it’s raised so it won’t tilt after.

3.   Get ready

The ideal position for riding an e-scooter is the same as when you ride a kick scooter, where you place your weak leg on the deck of your scooter and your body is leaning forward, with your hands holding the handlebars.

4.   Place your other leg onto your scooter’s deck

Once you are already moving, the next step would be to place your stronger leg on the deck, behind your weak leg. This position will help you maintain your balance while riding.

5.   Push the throttle steadily

When pushing the throttle, start with a slow, smooth motion before pressing it steadily to get your scooter moving. Let your stronger leg maintain your balance as you begin to move.

6.   Use the handlebars to turn

If you need to make a turn, simply rotate the handlebars of your scooter to your desired direction. Just as how you push your throttle, make sure that you move your handlebars slowly and steadily for a smooth turn.

7.   Pull the brakes

To slow your scooter, pull your brakes slowly. Make sure you pull it slowly enough so you don’t get thrown off your scooter!

So you see, electric scooters are relatively easy to use. As long as you follow these guidelines and wear your safety gear before your ride, rest assured that you can get to your destination unscathed.