“Are electric scooters easy to ride” is a commonly asked question by beginners that has a relatively simple answer, even though explaining how to ride an electric scooter is hard to do in detail.
Are electric scooters easy to ride?
Riding an electric scooter is not hard at all. It only takes a few minutes to learn the basics, and then riding is almost effortless. For most people, it’s even easier than riding a bike.
Why does riding an electric scooter look so hard?
For beginners, electric scooters might seem challenging compared to old-school kick-scooters, but they share similarities.
Some electric scooters require a kick start to save battery power, although they can accelerate without it as well.
What to know before riding an electric scooter?
If you plan on riding in the streets of your city, you will need to make sure that:
- electric scooters are allowed in your area (yes in the vast majority of places)
- your electric scooter is road-legal
- you fulfill the age requirements for riding an electric scooter in your area (often none, sometimes 16+)
- respect your local traffic laws
- you have all the proper documentation required to ride it (could be none but could also be license, registration, or insurance)
- you are familiar with the local laws that apply to riding a scooter, like areas where you should ride and speed limits
Comfort and Safety
Every time before you ride, go through the following checklist to ensure your comfort and safety:
- wear a proper helmet for your electric scooter
- put on all the safety gear you have
- don’t ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- never ride at great speeds, especially if you are a beginner
- check your tires and make sure they are inflated
- check your battery, make sure it has enough power left in it to get you where you’re going
- check your brakes and make sure that all mechanisms work
- avoid riding in the rain, snow, wet weather, or on slippery surfaces
- turn on your lights at night
These are the essential safety tips you must always follow.
For a deeper understanding, explore our electric scooter safety guide.
To become proficient, get familiar with your scooter by reading our guides on how electric scooters work and their key performance aspects.
These include concepts like:
- motor power, real vs peak power
- wattage
- energy storage capacity
- voltage
- top speed
- range
- load capacity
- climbing angle
- IP rating
How to ride an electric scooter for beginners
Even though it’s easy itself, riding electric scooters for the first time for the first time is not that easy to explain in words.
You will probably get a hang of it in less than a minute.
I still remember the first time I touched an electric scooter and it was one of the best days of my life even do I fell twice on the ground. After a couple of tries, I was going down the street like I was on a race track.
In simple terms, all you need to do is:
- power up the scooter or kickstart it
- practice moving
- learn to maintain balance
- turning and stopping
Power up the scooter or kickstart it
To power up the scooter, simply press the ignition button or turn the key to the “on” position.
Once it’s powered on, gently twist the throttle to start moving, or give it a kickstart by pushing off with your foot and engaging the throttle.
Practice moving
It’s crucial to push the accelerator gently toward your body to gradually increase your speed.
Take it slow initially to avoid sudden jumps in acceleration, focusing on short distances and gradually adjusting your speed as you become more comfortable.
Control is paramount during this phase, especially considering scooters have speed limits.
To ride on public roads safely, practice maintaining a consistent speed, respecting local regulations, and ensuring your ability to handle the scooter with precision.
Learn to maintain balance
This is a fundamental skill.
Focus on keeping your body upright, distributing your weight evenly, and using your core muscles to stay stable as you ride, especially when encountering uneven terrain or making turns.
Turning and stopping
When turning on an electric scooter, lean gently in the direction you want to go while keeping your body and arms relaxed.
To come to a smooth stop, gradually release the accelerator, apply the brakes evenly, and avoid sudden or harsh maneuvers, allowing yourself and the scooter to come to a controlled halt.
Congrats on your first electric scooter ride! While it’s simple, don’t get too comfortable at the start.
Mistakes new drivers make
All new drivers make some comment mistakes that are crucial to fix and to have a more fun ride and be safe.
Choosing incorrect stanceRisk: moderateIf you’re right-handed, choose the left-foot-forward stance for most cases. Choose the right-foot-forward (goofy) stance only if cars are parked by the side. If you’re left-handed, simply go with the opposite. Avoid side-by-side stance for increased stability during abrupt stops and acceleration. Maintain slightly bent knees for comfort, reducing injury risks on uneven terrain.
Braking incorrectlyRisk: severeShift your weight back. For shorter braking distance in emergencies, aim to nearly lock the tires without actually doing so.
Terrain impactRisk: lowWet pavement offers 85-90% traction. Sand, wet metal, dry leaves, and wet leaves reduce traction.
Cruise controlRisk: lowCruise control activation may lack clear indicators. This may lead to unintended acceleration and speed surges, particularly when you release the throttle downhill.
Not using both handsRisk: severeKeep both hands on the handlebars because scooter wheels wobble, causing instability and falls when hands are removed
Big jumpsRisk: moderateScooters aren’t meant for significant jumps over one foot and easily can break on landing
Are electric scooters safe?
Electric scooters are generally safe, with most rides ending injury-free.
To ensure your safety, follow the guidelines in this article, emphasizing the use of helmets and strict adherence to traffic laws, which are key in preventing accidents and injuries.
