There’s few experiences as exciting as taking your first electric scooter for a ride. However, if you’re a less-experienced rider, there are some key riding rules, guidelines, and functions you’ll want to know before you set out for adventure. To help you avoid common mistakes that first-time riders sometimes make, we’ll be going over some tips and tricks for achieving the ideal eScooter riding experience.
Ride Safe
No matter where you’re riding, the most important thing to keep in mind is safety. There are plenty of reasons why you might take a fall while riding, even if you’re careful: obstacles can come into your path at any time, through no fault of your own. While you can’t always control the road, you can control your prep. Whether your destination is two minutes or two miles away, it’s vital that you always wear a helmet whenever you ride - and that’s the bare minimum. Knee and elbow pads are also great pieces of gear to pick up, since they help protect the main points of contact you’ll have with the ground if you fall while riding. While some riders skip out on protective gear because they don’t like how it looks, this is a dangerous practice - safety is more important than anything else on a ride, so it’s vital to gear up properly when you’re heading out on your next journey.
Use Kick to Start
Ever had trouble getting the throttle on your scooter to activate? You may not have been activating your scooter’s kick-to-start properly. Many GOTRAX adult electric scooters feature a kick-to-start activation mechanism that helps ensure your safety as you start riding. In order to activate the scooter’s throttle, you first have to gain some acceleration manually. For our adult eScooters, we recommend using your non-dominant foot to push off 2-3 times, then placing both feet securely on the deckboard. While you’re placing your foot down, press on the throttle, and the motor should engage.
DO NOT press the throttle while pushing off or the motor will not engage. Make sure you reach a speed of about 2-3 miles per hour before hitting the throttle.
The kick-to-start feature on our kids' electric scooters works in the same way, except that some models have our two-button activation system. After your child pushes off, they just have to place their second foot on the button at the rear of the deckboard to engage the motor.
Learn Cruise Control
Many of our adult electric scooters, as well as a few of our kids’ eScooters, feature a cruise control function. The cruise control activates after you hold the throttle at the same speed for 10 seconds or more. All you have to do to deactivate the Cruise Control is tap on your brake line handle. Some riders might not realize that they’ve entered cruise control mode, which can lead to some last-minute braking. Because of this, it’s important to have both hands on the handlebars at all times. Once you master cruise control, it’ll make joyrides through the city more convenient than ever, so it’s worth getting the hang of.
Communicate With Other Riders
For many, eScooter rides are a social activity. Awesome journeys are always better when you’re able to share them with a friend. However, traffic and other outside noise can lead to some miscommunication. It’s best to discuss a pre-set route ahead of time and to come to a stop if you need to talk. While some riders try using headphones or hand signals, these communication methods can also distract you from the road ahead, which can put your safety at risk. If you need to talk with the people you’re riding with, wait until you reach a stop sign or come to a stop wherever it’s safest.
Follow Rules and Laws
Electric scooter and eBike laws change state by state. We recommend checking your state and local laws regarding personal electric vehicles, or PEVs. Disregarding the rules of the road can lead to fines or tickets, so it’s important to do your research before you set out. Typically, PEVs are allowed in bike lanes and must follow standard biking laws and regulations, but this isn’t the case for every area, so be sure to track down the rules for your riding locale of choice.
Ride Responsibly
At the end of the day, the best tip we can give is to ride responsibly. Don't run red lights or stop signs. Be respectful towards other riders, commuters, cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. And avoid reckless riding that puts others at risk. This builds a positive image for PEV riders everywhere while inspiring others to try an electric ride of their own. If you follow these tips and tricks, you'll be a regular electric scooter rider in no time. Just remember to ride safe, and don't forget that helmet!
