Riding electric scooters can be a fun experience, but you’re always at risk of getting injured – especially as you increase your speed. This is a real problem because hospitalizations due to electric scooter related incidents have been on the rise. In most cases, it is safe to assume that the riders were partially at fault.
Although you can’t control outside factors (such as lighting, traction, and other vehicles), there are certain things you can do to improve your safety profile.
We have compiled a list of safety tips everyone should know when riding electric scooters in New Castle.
Pay Attention to the Road
It may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many people don’t take stock of the situation on the road when riding their electric scooters. You owe it to yourself (as well as to the safety of others around you) to keep your eyes peeled for oncoming cars and pedestrians on the road.
It is also very important to keep track of any pot holes and bumps on the road that could throw you off balance. After all, you are travelling on smaller wheels that have limited suspension. A small bump on the road could make it difficult to stay balanced on the road.
Not to mention the fact that this could become more difficult on urban areas with more vehicles (and electric scooters) in the streets. Your vision will play an important role in keeping everyone safe. Many injuries can be avoided if you learn how to navigate the road.
Always Keep Your Hands on the Handlebars
Keep both hands on the handlebars at all time.
Don’t remove your hand to check updates on your phone. Your hands should not to be removed from the handlebar unless the coast is clear and you have verified that the road is safe. Do not answer the phone call unless you have safely parked the vehicle. You may think that it is easy to browse the phone as long as you have one hand on the throttle, but that is an accident waiting to happen.
Riding with one arm is dangerous on electric scooters we are at risk of crashing. It is obvious that the removal of one or both hands from the handlebars will make it difficult to maintain balance.
If you absolutely must answer the phone or check for updates, do yourself a favour and stop the electric scooter. Once you’re done with your business, put your phone on silent mode (highly recommended) and get back on the road when you’re ready.
Use a Helmet
While you can take full precautions on the road to minimize accidents, you can’t always control what other people do around you. Inattentive drivers on the road can contribute to a nasty accident.
This is why you should wear proper safety gear – starting with a helmet. A durable helmet could very well be the difference between life and death. In fact, you can minimize the impact of most accidents and injuries with the help of a helmet.
We highly recommend finding a full-face helmet that can provide adequate protection to your jaw, chin, and head. To this end, motorcycle helmets are very well designed (because they are built to handle serious crashes).
Also look for certifications such as Snell and CPSC.
Slow the Electric Scooter When Making a Turn
Most electric scooter accidents happen from other vehicles rear-ending them. For a car, this could result in a minor fender bender, but for riders on electric scooters, this can be fatal. The best thing you can do to prevent this situation is to be more aware of your surroundings. Whether you are slowing down or making a turn, slow down to see if there is an object that you should be aware of.
This will minimize your risk and will help you retain your balance.
Have Your E-Scooter Inspected Regularly
List any other electric powered vehicle and electric scooters require regular inspection because daily use can wear them down. Try to conduct regular inspections and get to know your vehicle before taking it out on the road.
Start with the following:
- Check the tire pressure
- Check the brakes
- Check for any loose screws or bolts
- Check to see that the brake discs haven’t bent
It is important to ensure that your electric scooter is properly functioning at all times. You should also read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with how the vehicle is built. Safety is something you should never compromise on.
Pro tip: Add front lights on your electric scooter to illuminate the path in front of you.
