It’s a good feeling to be one with the rest of the ‘freewheeling’ uninhibited riders. Especially that you’re now a proud owner of your new commuter Mearth S Pro top performing electric scooter.
But, wait! There’s more to the exhilarating feeling of riding. You’ve got to learn to do it right. Right? As you know, haste makes waste. You need to know the common electric scooter riding mistakes and avoid them. Prevention is always better than getting the cure. The reward too, is that you’ll get to enjoy an unimpeded ride, happy and free.
Knowing and following road rules aren’t meant to tie you down, but to help you enjoy an energizing ride that’s safe as well.
Mearth offers these practical tips to help you avoid mishaps as well. There could be some trip-ups, but this can be avoided actually. Just be sure to follow the city’s traffic rules and regulations, and soon, you’ll learn to be a pro at scooting in no time at all.
So let’s dive in.
- The throttle. Slowly press the throttle and do it evenly so you can remain in control of the scooter. If you push the throttle too hard and suddenly with a lot of pressure, it can make the scooter go forward fast. So, just push using moderate pressure. You wouldn’t want to experience the worst case scenario – falling and losing control of the scooter.
- Brakes. It is important that you know the correct braking technique. Gradually increase pressure on the brakes as you feel the scooter slowing down. Lean back while you’re braking, as if you’re about to sit down. Don’t lean too far on your e-scooter while during a turn as you might end with a fall.
To brake, you need to use your body weight well. Mental note – never make sudden brakes. It is dangerous. If you hit the brakes too hard you can lose control of the scooter and suddenly fall.
- Handlebars. If you turn the handlebars too far, or too suddenly during a turn it will be difficult for you to shift your body weight while turning. Avoid suddenly turning the handlebars when going fast.Better to go slow and steady. That’s it!
- Balancing. Few know it is a lot easier to balance one’s self on a scooter compared to a bicycle. Constant practice will make you feel at ease and comfortable. Soon you will gain confidence, so that when you start riding a lightweight scooter within a couple of days at the maximum, you’re more relaxed, good and ready.
In Australia, the age requirement for one to be allowed to ride an e-scooter differs is 18 years old and up.
- Avoid the rain. If you’re thinking of riding your electric scooter in the rain, don’t. Heed this stern advice, for your own good. E-scooter manuals do not at all recommend riding in the rain or going in a puddle. It is not safe. Aside from the fact that there are parts in an e-scooter that can get damaged when exposed to water, your personal safety is at risk too. Roads are mostly slippery when wet, and pudddles, potholes are not quite visible from afar, yet can be dangerous and unsafe for the rider.
This, you must be familiar with at all times — the sensitivity of your electric scooter’s acceleration and brakes. Never grab, lean, and pull on the handlebar as it can damage your folding electric scooter’s mechanism.
What else? The Don’ts.
- Do practice emergency braking so you will be alert and instinctively ready to engage your brakes anytime.
- Do not forget basic maintenance – general, tires, brakes, and battery.
- Do not overestimate your commuter electric scooter’s capability; it is not an off-terrain machine.
- Do not drink and ride. You will be an accident waiting to happen.
- Do not text, do not check your mobile phone, nor use your display while in motion. In other words, don’t get distracted.
- Do not forget to wear a helmet, riding gear and appropriate clothes when riding your electric scooter.
- Do not stand with your feet parallel to the deck. Use a “skateboard” style positioning for your feet.
- Do not attempt to jump off of curbs. It is dangerous.
- Do not do stunts or wheelies. Again, it is dangerous and hazardous. You will be an accident waiting to happen.
- Don’t go at full speed unless you are very familiar with the terrain.
- Do not be reckless when using regenerative brakes downhill. Some riders have reported that their electric scooters got blocked doing this.
- Do not ever forget to brake properly.
Oh, and remember the other things, like– the Do’s.
- Do position your body properly once you get up the e-scooter.
- Do use your feet and body weight to steer your electric scooter.
- Do use the handlebar to turn the front wheel only. As tires are small, it helps when you steer thee-scooter using the handlebar.
- Do keep a low stance and bend your knees slightly when going over any barrier like humps or bumps on the road.
- Do stand near the back of the deck.
- Do turn cautiously. Look to your left and to your right always.
- Do lean your body with the electric scooter as you turn.
- Do use motorcycle cornering techniques — brake before a turn, release, then accelerate through the turn.
- Do lean back when braking.
- Do use your hips to lean back and down — especially for emergency brakes.
- Do use counter-steering maneuvers, especially if you’re familiar with counter-steering.
- Do an emergency brake – only if you can’t stop in time, before hitting a curb or obstacle.
- Do watch for anything that can make your front tires slip – gravel, grass, pebbles, wet spots, uneven road surfaces, etc.
Now, you know. Before heading out to begin your ‘ride to freedom’, watch the news to keep yourself updated and alert on the latest news concerning e-scooter riding laws.
Mearth electric scooters are Australia’s well-loved homegrown brand of top-tier, premium and excellent performing, outstanding electric scooters – from entry level, commuter, to ultimate long-range and on-and-off-road, heavy-duty electric scooters and the futuristic Mearth Cyber, they’ve got it all.
Riding your Mearth S Pro or RS premium e-scooter brings an invigorating and enjoyable experience. Assuredly, they’re the future of transport. Mearth e-scooters are climate-friendly and an affordable way to get around the city – and even more.
Practice, practice, practice constantly. As an owner of your precious be a responsible rider, and learn by heart these electric scooter riding tips and you’ll have a safe, smooth and enjoyable ride — wherever you go. Wearing your helmet, ride sensibly. It’s always, always safety over speed.