Are electric scooters worth it?
That’s a question most people have when they first hear about them.
Electric Scooters – an Eco-Friendly Way to Travel
They sound like a great idea and even seem to be cheaper than owning a car, but before you buy one, think about the real cost of an electric scooter.
There are going to be ongoing costs, maintenance costs, and repairs that come with ownership, just as there would be with any vehicle purchase.
How to Get the Most out of Your Electric Scooter
The first question on everybody’s minds when they purchase a piaggio electric scooter, for example, is: how do I really get the most out of this thing?
Here are some tips to help you maximize your ride, whether you’re a long-time rider or a newbie.
All the Gear All the Time
Always remember to wear protective gear before hitting the road. Not all roads are smooth, so be sure to wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and gloves for at least your first few weeks of riding. Ideally, you should continue to wear protective equipment beyond the legal minimum throughout your riding life.
If you don’t have any protective gear handy, just make sure you’re in full clothing before getting on the scooter, but you legally must wear a helmet at a minimum.
Know the Road
If you’re new to riding, start small and take it slow. Head to an empty parking lot or a trail and practice for at least a few weeks before hitting the streets.
You run into an increasing number of obstacles as the weight of your cargo (read: yourself) goes up – sand, mud, potholes, pebbles, cracks, bridges.
Keep in mind that electric scooters can’t usually go faster than cars but certainly faster than pedestrians and joggers. Never ride faster than you’re comfortable with.
Plan Your Route
Take some time to familiarize yourself with potential routes around your area before you go riding so you don’t get lost (or stuck).
The last thing you want to do is get stuck somewhere and not know how to get home. Most electric scooter manufacturers sell their sat-nav products with a free map that shows streets with good scooter riding conditions.
Read up on your local parking requirements and laws as well, so you don’t get ticketed or towed. You can also check maps and routes before you go – but keep in mind that these will usually be slower than busy roads.
Choose Your Gear
Wear lightweight clothing that will move well with your body as you ride.
You can’t wear pants with a belt, for example, unless you want to risk an accident. Avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch the wind. Heavy jeans and jackets are good safety precautions but not ideal for cycling.
For the same reason, you’ll want to tie back long hair before riding and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from debris or bugs. You can also invest in a cheap bandana to cover your face to protect you from pollution.
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