6 Electric Scooter Safety Tips

Electric Scooter Safety Tips

Allied Driving Instructors would encourage the government to give serious consideration to safety when they write the legilation.

Electric scooters are no longer just a novelty and with upcoming legislation we can expect to
see them on Irish roads legally very soon. So take a read of our Electric Scooter Safety Tips.
Today’s modern electric scooters feature designs
and construction that offer speed, efficiency and convenience to modern professionals and
academics looking for an intelligent way to beat city traffic. As a matter of fact, electric
scooters are rapidly becoming a popular alternative mode of transportation for people of all
types across the globe and are having a positive effect on congestion in cities and carbon
emissions in the air.
Nevertheless, even though the scooter is a fun and convenient mode of conveyance, it is
also a safety risk if not used responsibly and cautiously. There is always the risk of the rider
falling off the scooter, but there are also a few others that any e-scooter user should be
aware of.
Whether you are buying an e-scooter for pleasure or for commuting, here are a few of the
most important pointers you should keep in mind to keep you safe on the roads and safe
during your commute.

Tip # 1: Check your scooter beforehand

Before you head out onto the roads, you will want to give your electric scooter a good
inspection. Here are a few of the things you will want to take a closer look at:
● Check that the brake, accelerator, and lights are functional.
● Check the conditions of the tires and make sure the pressure is just right
● Check that the stem latch is locked.
● Check all the charging caps, rubber seals and other caps are all properly closed
● Check how much charge your batteries have and how much mileage that means to
you.
● As a rule of thumb, you must make this inspection weekly, especially if you are using
your electric scooter every day. While an electric scooter will rarely need as much
care and maintenance as many other means of conveyance, care and awareness of
your scooter conditions will improve your experience and the longevity of your
scooter.

Tip # 2: Wear your helmet

Are you making sure to exercise utmost safety when you are riding your electric scooter? It
is the unfortunate truth that most people are not using proper safety gear when heading out
onto the roads with their electric scooter. It has been estimated that only 4.8% of all scooter
users will actually use their helmet when in transit. But don’t forget that this is a mandatory
law and it’s for your protection.

In addition to this, you should also consider wearing the appropriate protection for the entire
body, which can include elbow and knee protection, wrist-guards and proper footwear.
Reflectors improve visibility while on the roads in the dawn, dusk and night. While the helmet
is the most essential of all protective gear, it is only the first step to safe riding.

Tip # 3: Ride in the proper position

If you are not positioning your body properly on your scooter, you could be putting your body
structure and balance in a position to receive damage in case of a bad fall. You can avoid all
of this by following some helpful positioning practices.

Here is what you should keep in mind when you are riding your scooter:

● To begin riding, place your weak leg on the deck of your scooter and push it forward
with your strong leg.
● Once you have gotten in motion, place your back leg behind your front leg on the
deck to occupy the smallest space possible and achieve balance.
● Always keep both hands on your handle bars as one is adjusting the accelerator and
the other is controlling the braking mechanism. Never ride only using one hand.
● Never drive using one hand.
● Keep your back straight while you are riding, this allows for better balance and
stability. When you are moving up a hill, tilt forward; tilt backward while you are in
motion downhill.
● Always practice these safe and stable riding positions when in motion.

Tip # 4: Follow traffic rules and e-scooter regulations

Make sure you have familiarized yourself with local and state e-scooter laws. Because these
can be very different from state to state, it is important that you are fully aware of the
freedoms and restrictions that preside over road access, speeds and other particulars of the
use of e-scooters in your local area.

Tip # 5: Don’t travel on risky paths and rainy days

Even though there are some manufacturers that offer especially tough and durable e-
scooters that are reputed to have off-road capacity, it is not recommended that you take your
e-scooter off road or out in any risky conditions. Furthermore, it is always best to stay well
within the operation specs of your e-scooter and not push it to the limits as this will cause
undue strain on the mechanisms and power capacity of the e-scooter and hasten its
inevitable breakdown.

Tip # 6: Carry spare batteries

It is always a good idea to carry an extra set of batteries with you in case you find yourself
stranded with no power outlets. Make this an important part of your daily inspection before
heading out. These batteries don’t weigh very much and can fit inside your backpack offering
you the peace of mind to go anywhere and have power to get back.

Allied Driving Instructors and Irish School of Excellence can come to your school for more Electric Scooter Safety Tips.

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