What Are the Precautions for Beginners Riding Electric Scooters?

As an essential tool for short-distance travel in modern urban life, electric scooters have attracted increasing admiration for their flexibility and convenience. However, for beginners, riding an electric scooter is not only a fun skill but also a safety challenge that requires serious attention. Inexperienced riders often overlook key details, thereby increasing the risks of riding. To help beginners adapt more quickly and safely enjoy the fun of riding, I will introduce the precautions to take when riding an electric scooter.

Preparations Before Riding

Thorough preparation before riding is the foundation of safety. Beginners are often eager to hit the road but neglect necessary safety checks.

1. Vehicle Inspection
   Before each ride, take a few minutes to check the key components of the electric scooter:

• Braking System: Test whether the electronic and mechanical brakes are responsive to ensure effective braking in emergencies.
• Tire Condition: Check if the tire pressure is sufficient (for pneumatic tires) and whether there is wear or cracks.
• Battery Level: Ensure the battery is sufficiently charged to avoid loss of control or being stranded due to power failure midway.
• Lights and Reflectors: Ensure the headlights, taillights, and side reflectors are working properly, especially in low-light conditions or at night.

2. Personal Equipment
   Safety gear can significantly reduce the risk of accidental injuries:

• Helmet: Always wear a safety-standard-compliant helmet to protect your head from impact.
• Protective Gear: It is recommended for beginners to wear knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves to reduce the risk of abrasions and fractures in case of a fall.
• Clothing: Choose brightly colored clothing to enhance visibility; avoid loose clothing to prevent it from getting caught in the wheels.

3. Environmental Assessment
   Choosing a suitable riding environment is crucial for beginners:

• Initial practice should be conducted in open, flat areas (such as parks or parking lots), avoiding areas with heavy pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
• Check road conditions to avoid slippery, uneven, or obstructed sections.

Safety Techniques During Riding

After mastering the basic preparations, beginners need to develop correct habits and reaction skills during riding.

1. Basic Operation Proficiency

• Starting and Balancing: Start by pushing off with one foot and accelerate only after the vehicle stabilizes. Keep your body重心 centered and arms slightly bent to absorb shocks.
• Speed Control: Limit speed to low or medium levels (e.g., 10-15 km/h) during the initial stage, and gradually increase speed as you adapt.
• Turning Techniques: Slow down before turning, and achieve smooth turns by shifting your body重心 rather than turning the handlebars sharply.

2. Traffic Rules and Awareness
   Although electric scooters are flexible, they must still comply with traffic rules:

• Ride in non-motorized vehicle lanes or designated areas, and strictly avoid entering motor vehicle lanes.
• Adhere to the principle of pedestrian priority, especially on sidewalks or mixed roads, where减速 and yielding are necessary.
• Use hand signals (such as extending a hand to indicate a turn) to enhance predictability.

3. Handling Emergencies
   Beginners should anticipate potential risks and learn how to respond:

• Emergency Braking: Practice using both electronic and mechanical brakes simultaneously to avoid skidding caused by using only one brake.
• Avoiding Obstacles: Keep your视线 focused ahead, identify road obstacles (such as manhole covers or gravel) in advance, and make slight detours rather than sharp turns.
• Riding in Rainy Conditions: Avoid slippery roads whenever possible. If riding is necessary, reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.

Maintenance and Reflection After Riding

Post-ride maintenance is often overlooked by beginners but is an important aspect of ensuring long-term safety.

1. Vehicle Maintenance

• Clean the scooter body and check for loose screws or worn parts.
• Charge the battery regularly to avoid over-discharging and extend battery life.
• Professionally inspect the brakes and tires every 1-2 months.

2. Self-Reflection
   Beginners should develop a habit of summarizing their experiences:

• Record the experiences and issues encountered during each ride (such as difficulty balancing or slow brake response).
• Improve skills by watching videos or tutorials to gradually enhance proficiency.

Conclusion

Riding an electric scooter is a fun activity, but safety must always be the top priority. For beginners, maintaining safety awareness throughout the entire process—from preparation to operation and maintenance—can not only reduce the risk of accidents but also make the riding experience more confident and enjoyable. Remember, proficiency comes from practice, but safety lies in the details. May every beginner enjoy the joy of riding freely while gradually embracing a riding culture that values responsibility for oneself and others.