Riding an e-scooter does not exempt you from following traffic rules. Safety precautions must always be observed, regardless of whether you are driving a car, riding an electric bike, or cruising on an e-scooter.
This article aims to provide you with an overview of what you need to know about safely riding an e-scooter. But, there could be a different set of rules for e-scooters depending on where you are located. Here, we offer general safety tips for new and experienced e-scooter riders.
Regularly Inspect your E-Scooter Before Every Ride
Things will only function as they should if they are properly taken care of. The same thing applies to your e-scooter. Going through each of its components is the only way you can ensure you will be safe once you start riding.
Like when checking the car oil, lights, and wipers, several parts of your e-scooter must be properly checked to make sure no accidents will happen. We recommend doing the following before every ride:
- Check the tire pressure
- Check the brakes
- Check if the folding mechanism is in place
Apart from this inspection, your e-scooter also needs regular assessment. It needs a more thorough assessment. Your must-do list must include looking over its bolts or screws and ensuring its brake discs are not bent.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road and Hands on the Handlebar
Driver distraction is slowly increasing as the reason for road accidents. The solution? Keeping your focus on the road.
While it may seem that this recommendation is a no-brainer, various factors could impact your focus while riding. It could be the constant glimpses on your e-scooter’s screen display, like the one found in the NANROBOT D6+ Electric Scooter, or marveling at the scenery.
But why do I need to maintain my focus? Well, there are several reasons. But the most significant explanation is that most drivers are yet to be familiar with e-scooters. Keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the handlebar can let you easily maneuver when there’s a speeding car or a child who suddenly crosses the road.
Wear a Helmet and Other Safety Accessories
Investing in safety accessories is another must-do if you own an e-scooter. But, you must not just spend your cash on just any helmet or other safety accessories.
In the US, e-scooter riders are required to use at least a US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-approved bicycle helmet. However, we recommend getting one that provides extra protection, especially if you like riding fast.
A motorcycle helmet or a downhill mountain biking helmet is your best choice if you want the next level of protection. Most e-scooter riders prefer the latter. The helmet being lightweight and offering the most ventilation among other options are what’s driving its popularity. But, you must also invest in an eye protection accessory as the downhill mountain biking helmet does not come with a flip-down visor.
Hand and eye protectors are other accessories that every e-scooter rider should have. A glove not only helps keep your hands warm during cold days, but it also protect you in case you fall. In terms of eye protection, it is a must to keep debris away from your eyes during windy days and other factors that could cause eye trauma.
Observe Traffic Rules
With thousands using the road, you have a responsibility to make the roads safer for everyone. It means knowing and observing traffic rules. You are also expected to have knowledge of speed limits and where you can ride your e-scooter, especially in places where there’s no provision for bike lanes.
Besides knowing traffic rules, you can also make the most out of your e-scooter if you plan your ride. You can get faster to your destination if you opt to go on roads where there are fewer cars and other vehicles. It is also a great practice to ensure you are maxing out the battery juice of your e-scooter.
Additionally, hand-signaling is the best way to let other drivers know when you are turning. As mentioned, car drivers are still new to the idea of e-scooters on the streets. By knowing the hand signaling conventions, it will be easier for them to predicate your next move.
Conclusion
Whatever e-scooter you have, it is a must to know traffic rules and other safety regulations in your area. When you hit the road, you are no longer responsible for your safety. You are also influencing the safety of other road users.
E-scooters are designed to make our lives comfortable. But we also need to do our part in making roads safer for everyone.
We hope that, with this e-scooter safety guide, we can help lessen the chances of your encountering an accident while riding your e-scooter!
