Next to the bicycle, two-wheeled electric scooters can easily be considered one of the most popular ways to get around town. Across the globe, over 6 million scooters hit the streets every day. From high-tech countries like China and Japan to the most remote third-world countries, the scooter is a practical way to get somewhere quickly, safely, and affordably.
The scooter craze has even made headway in the United States as Millennials enter the workforce and the economy twists and turns. Many Americans find themselves drawn to the affordability of scooters in addition to their nostalgic appeal. Long heralded as a trendy and glamorous ride, it’s now considered a smart investment given rising fuel costs and an environmentally conscious community. Today you’ll find scooters for sale on almost every car or motorcycle lot in the city.
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Scooters require new rules
Scooters require some extra safety precautions. Riding a scooter isn’t as simple as hopping on a bicycle, and beginners may find it more challenging than they’d think. There are specific rules and techniques for enjoying your ride while maximizing your security on the road. If you’ve made up your mind to join the scooter craze, it’s time to make the purchase and learn how to ride.
One of the first scooter safety tips is to make sure you pick a scooter that lends itself to your body shape and size as well as your personal riding preferences. You may find a new scooter for sale that looks perfect on the exterior but just doesn’t feel right when you sit down. Many scooters are designed specifically for men, women, and children, and they’re proportioned in this way as well. Similar to a bicycle, picking a scooter that fits just right is the first step towards feeling confident on the road.
You’ll also want to consider your riding style and preference. Many scooters for sale come in a variety of style options. From automatic rides to twist and go features, test riding a variety of options is a good idea before making your purchase.
One of the first things you’ll learn as a new scooter rider involves how to sit and balance while on the scooter. As a first-time rider, it can be a little intimidating to figure out the techniques for balancing, turning corners, and switching lanes. These are highly involved maneuvers, and one wrong move could be disastrous. However, this scooter safety skill is required to get you where you’re going effectively, so it’s best to practice your balance techniques in a safe zone.
Proper riding position is generally dictated by the position of your elbows. Your forearms should remain parallel to the ground while your biceps sit at a ninety-degree angle. You should also pay close attention to your feet and legs. While you’re learning to balance, it can be tempting to use your feet to stabilize, but this is a bad idea. Keep your feet securely on the floorboards and tucked away from the road. With a little posture practice, you’ll feel comfortable in no time!
This safety tip can’t be emphasized enough. Proper safety equipment is one of the best investments you’ll make when it comes to your new scooter. Some of the more obvious safety equipment includes a helmet, highly visible clothing, proper shoes, and protective eyewear. On a scooter, you’re much more exposed than when riding in a car, so these protective measures are key. Many dealerships sell all the necessary equipment on-site, so there’s no excuse not to have these items on hand.
If you want to enhance your scooter safety skills even further, you can also upgrade the equipment on your bike. Investing in items like better handlebars, customized seating, or reflective lighting lets you tailor your new scooter to your needs, enhancing your comfort and confidence on the road.
Operating a scooter comes with a specialized set of traffic laws. When you’ve found the perfect new scooter for sale, it’s not as easy as making the purchase and hitting the road. Similar to a bicycle, there are specific hand signals and rules you’ll need to memorize before you hit the streets. You’ll also need a special license to operate your scooter on the road. You can purchase the most recent driver’s guide to prepare for the exam, and keep it handy with you for any incidents that come up. Lastly, making sure your new scooter is properly insured is a protective measure you won’t want to overlook!
Once you’ve checked all of these boxes, it’s a good idea to work in a little practice before hitting the streets. Choosing a location that’s free of cars and other distractions is a great place to start. You’ll want to make sure you can master basic skills like braking, navigating a corner turn, engaging the clutch, and shifting gears.
These practice sessions are also a good time to get familiar with the various parts of your scooter. You should have a working knowledge of how all the parts interact so you can accurately diagnose and handle any issues that occur on the road. You should also practice what to do in emergencies like coping with uneven surfaces, safely avoiding collisions, or maneuvering on slick roads. Lots of practice will ensure that you’re ready for whatever you encounter on the road.
If you’re ready to browse scooters for sale in your area, look no further than MotoMax. Serving the major metros of Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Knightdale, Oxford, Wake Forest, Henderson, and Youngsville, MotoMax is North Carolina’s #1 used motorsports dealer. They have a great selection of new and used scooters for sale. Stop in and check them out. You’re bound to find one that fits just right!
