Scooter Safety Tips
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Scooter Safety Tips
So, you’ve spotted a snazzy scooter and you have to admit, you’re tempted. It looks so easy, surely there’s nothing to it. All you have to do is to pay your money, hop on, twist the throttle and ride off into the sunset/college/shopping arcade. Short skirts are no problem, you don’t have to put your leg over and can retain your dignity while whizzing about on your new hot pink creation. You could even get matching shoes and lipstick!
Now hold on just a cotton picking minute – there’s a lot more to riding a scooter than meets the eye, well, riding one safely anyway, so before you get all gooey eyed, read on . . .
Wear a Helmet While Riding Your Scooter
Never mind if you don’t want “helmet hair” – it’s better to have a squished hairstyle than a squished skull don’t you think. You only get one head, so make sure that you protect it with a well fitted helmet every single time you ride your scooter, whether it’s around the block or to the other side of town. A brightly colored helmet will help you to be seen, and make sure that it’s fastened securely before you set off. Match it in with your lipstick if it’s bothering you.
Wear Protective Gear While Riding Your Scooter
Sorry honey, short skirts are out. Okay, you might be able to ride the scooter with your knees together, but what about if you do have an accident, think about the mess your legs will be in after scraping down the road at 20 mph. You need to protect your whole body while riding your scooter – helmet, goggles (or visor), jacket and pants – you’ll be glad you did if you are involved in an accident.
Be Safe Be Seen on Your Scooter
Wearing protective gear doesn’t mean that you have to look drab, exactly the opposite is the best way to go. You see, scooters are smaller than many other vehicles and are not always easy to spot, so really, the brighter colors you have in your riding ensemble the better it is. Reflective clothing is best, or try adding reflective strips to your helmet and gear at the very least.
Signal Clearly on Your Scooter
Mind reading is a talent which, unfortunately, has by-passed the majority of drivers, so be sure to signal and tell other road users where you are going. You need to signal clearly and in plenty of time whenever you are going to change lanes or make a turn.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be “Horny” on Your Scooter
Beep beep – your scooter has a horn to warn people that you are there. If it looks like somebody hasn’t seen you (not your ex across the street) and is about to do something which is potentially unsafe – beep that horn and let them know you’re there.
Step Out of the Blind Spot
Most larger vehicles have blind spots, particularly for something small like a motorcycle or a scooter, so make sure that you are as visible as possible while riding your scooter – stay alert and remember that other drivers can’t always see you.
Licensed to Thrill with Your Scooter
Before you so much as cross the highway on your scooter, make sure that you know all about the specific licensing laws and regulations for the state where you live. Whether you only have the horsepower to max out at 20 mph or can speed along at 60 mph – you still need to check the legalities.
Dealing with Tailgaters – They’re Behind You
If someone is following behind a little too close for comfort, you do need to take extra precautions. It’s no good speeding up to try and get rid of them, the chances are that they’ll be able to go much faster than you and it will only exaggerate the situation. Give yourself plenty of room to the vehicle in front of you for extra stopping time, and if you need to stop try flashing your braking light a couple of times to show that you are going to slow down. Keep your scooter close to the center of your lane too, if you move over they might take it as an invitation to share lanes or pass.
Fading Daylight
The most dangerous time to be on your scooter is early in the morning before the sun is up, and late in the evening as the sun is setting. Vision is more difficult at these times and it makes scooter riders even more vulnerable than usual. If you do need to drive your scooter in a “half light” situation, be extra vigilant and always keep your headlight on, in fact, keep your headlight on at all times to be on the safe side.
Slippery When Wet – Scooter Alert
Rain, ice, wind and poor surface conditions make driving more difficult for everybody, but particularly for the poor scooter rider. Maintaining control can be quite tricky, so unless you’re very experienced you might want to take the bus if possible, until you’ve had the chance to take some extra classes and learn a few techniques.
Other Scooter Riding Tips
Scooter: Riding Tips – Part II
Scooter: Riding Tips – Part III
Scooter: Riding Tips – Part IV
