How to ride a scooter

Remember that this is a vehicle for short distances. Take gentle curves at low speed. Alternate feet. Give way to cars. Watch out for potholes and ruts.

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how to ride a scooter

HOW TO RIDE A SCOOTER

A serious accident every three days . This statistic alone is enough to realize that scooters are a double waste. If this continues, we will have squandered the opportunities this specific means of transportation offers, and in the meantime we will have combined it with frequent damage to our safety. Yet it takes little to ride a scooter safely : here are 10 essential tips on how to use and ride it.

IT IS USED FOR SHORT JOURNEYS

When to use a scooter . It's not a suitable means of transport for long journeys. This is due to its poor stability, especially on bumpy surfaces, and also because it shouldn't be confused with a bicycle. A scooter is perfect, for example, when we need to get to a subway station or bus stop. They're close, but not close enough to walk.

DON'T BE ACROBATS

Don't be an acrobat. The bike is easy to use, as long as you don't become a circus acrobat. Place one foot on the footboard, with the entire sole of your foot; your body should be slightly leaned forward; grip the handlebars firmly, without leaning too much on your arms to avoid tiring quickly. Keep your front end straight. It's important to alternate between using both legs, also to avoid concentrating the strain on one side of your body. And only when you feel very stable should you place both feet on the footboard.

NOT SUITABLE FOR CLIMBS

Uphill routes. If you really need to tackle them, knowing that the scooter is designed for flat terrain, use short, frequent, and continuous pushes. Alternate legs more often, even after just two or three pushes.

HOW TO USE IT DOWNHILL

Downhill trails. These can become dangerous if you're distracted or careless. Your body, especially your back, should be bent further forward than usual, and your handlebars should be tighter to allow you to brake as needed. A little trick is to always keep the brake lightly pressed to prevent the scooter from gaining speed. And if you're unsure, avoid the adventure; grab your scooter and proceed on foot.

NEVER GO AGAINST TRAFFIC

Take gentle turns and never go against traffic. Turns should be taken slowly, without sudden acceleration or braking. You must lean the handlebars slightly according to the direction you're going, otherwise you risk falling. Another bad habit to avoid, besides speeding on turns, is riding against traffic. It's not allowed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Hoverboard, the electric two-wheeler that has won over adults and children alike

RULES TO BE FOLLOWED

The basic rules to follow. They are being updated, also based on the number of people now using this means of transportation, the frequency of accidents, and the need to reduce risks. You must be informed and up-to-date: on speed limits, on routes you can and cannot take, and on the right of way you must give. Ignorance is not an option, and each municipality has the right to apply its own specific rules.

BEWARE OF CARS

Beware of cars. You don't have to do a crunch and risk crashing into a car. Your agility doesn't give you any special rights, but rather the responsibility to be more careful. Any collision with a car, or worse, a truck or bus, happens at full speed for the scooter and will result in you losing out for obvious reasons. Therefore: when the road is busy, always yield to cars and buses, and if they're coming from behind, pull over to let them pass.

HOW TO DEAL WITH POTS

Potholes and ruts. City roads, even when they appear to be in good condition, are actually full of dangers that aren't always easy to spot while riding a scooter. Two in particular: potholes and ruts. The former are deadly, and if you hit them at full speed, you risk serious injury. When ruts happen, you need to be especially careful after a rainy day. They become slippery and can cause you to lose control of your scooter.

WHAT TO DO WITH PEDESTRIANS

What to do with pedestrians. First, you must respect them, so don't run on the sidewalks. That space isn't yours. Second, don't treat them like bowling pins. If you're coming up behind them, don't assume a pedestrian can't make a sudden move and completely move aside. If you're moving at a minimum speed, almost zero, nothing will happen; otherwise, you risk causing serious damage.

THE HELMET

Helmet and extreme cases . A helmet is not mandatory, but if you're a frequent scooter rider, it's a good idea to have one. When you realize you're about to hit an obstacle, there's only one thing you can do to avoid injury: jump off the scooter. Simply slide it between your legs and let go of the handlebars.

HOW TO MOVE AND TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY:

 

 

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