Scooters are being used by people of all ages now. Not only are scooters being utilized as modes of transportation, but they are also a fun activity for kids and grownups alike. Scooters have even reached competition level riding. Incorporating tricks and freestyle riding can involve some pretty hard moves which can lead to an emergency room visit if you’re not taking scooter safety seriously. The following is a guide to scooter safety. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

A Guide to Scooter Safety

Riding Surfaces & Speed

It’s always important to check out the riding surfaces when riding your scooter, especially if you’re going to try doing some tricks. It should go without saying that you should only ride when weather conditions are favorable; don’t ride in the rain or when riding areas are frozen. The ideal conditions for riding your scooter is when it is dry and on dry, even pavement. Try to steer clear of puddles, ice, cracks, pot holes, or anything that could make your front tire suddenly stop. This could lead to you being thrown over the handlebars!

Another thing you need to be aware of is the slope of the road. For beginners, especially, this can be dangerous when you’re not used to the speed or use of brakes. Hills and speed can be a lot of fun, but make sure you’re always under control. As you become more and more experienced as a rider, the faster you will be comfortable going. It’s still essential to stay aware of how fast you’re going and to maintain safe speeds at all times. Be sure that whatever speed you are going that you are still able to stop and turn as needed.

Riding Posture & Technique

Be sure to maintain good riding posture with a solid stance. Stand straight with your weight evenly distributed on the foot plate. Avoid standing too far forward. This can throw your balance off, increasing the risk of your being thrown forward if your front wheel stops suddenly.

Don’t ride sideways skateboard-style, unless doing a specific trick that needs this type of stance. This technique is a not a good habit to make and should be avoided. You aren’t riding a skateboard; you’re riding a scooter. It calls for a different stance.

Never try to ride with more than one person on your scooter. They are designed for only one person to use at a time. Riding with more can be dangerous and cause an accident.

Scooter Condition

Always make sure your scooter is in optimal riding condition, which helps to ensure your scooter safety as well. Even when buying top brand names, parts don’t last forever. All scooters should have routine checks for signs of wear and breakage, no matter their brand. Make sure to keep a check on your wheels and brakes for signs of wearing down. If your tires are inflatable, make sure they are inflated properly. Test the brakes, making sure they are in top working condition. Also make sure to check on locking mechanisms, clamps, and levers to be sure they are all secure and tightened properly.

Scooter safety begins with having your scooter in top condition and ready to ride at all times.Test the brakes, making sure they are in top working condition. Also make sure to check on locking mechanisms, clamps, and levers to be sure they are all secure and tightened properly. Scooter safety begins with having your scooter in top condition and ready to ride at all times.

Protective Gear

Helmet

You may be thinking that a helmet is not necessary for riding a scooter but think again. Scooters can go really fast and they do not have hard shells around them to protect you. Instead, their wheels spin and there are a lot of sharp edges. If you happen to fall off your scooter, the ground is going to do more damage to your head than if you were wearing a helmet.

Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Pads

The joys of riding a scooter are endless. You can zip around the city, pick up groceries, or even tackle tough trails with ease. But for those who love to mix it up and knock out an obstacle course in their free time, knee, elbow, and wrist pads are a must. Scootering is a lot of fun but can also be dangerous if you don’t take care of your body.

Shoes

You might not know it, but footwear is an important part of riding a scooter. While you can wear anything on your feet for this type of transportation, from sandals to boots, the best option is shoes. Shoes are so essential when riding a scooter because they provide protection to your feet and they will maximize your enjoyment when you’re traveling.

Clothes

When riding a scooter, it is important to wear clothing that is comfortable. Make sure to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothes according to the temperature. This will keep you warmer on cold days and cooler on hot days.

Conclusion

When you want to get serious about riding your scooter, you need to get serious about the safety part of riding first. Putting safety first can help you avoid possibly getting injured. Riding your scooter, doing tricks, and doing freestyle can all be fun as well as safe as long as your remain aware of these safety precautions. Be sure to check your scooter over each time you ride and wear the appropriate protective gear. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Have fun and be safe!