Purchasing, Maintenance &Care

A safe journey begins with purchasing the right electric scooter and gaining comprehensive knowledge before setting off. The possible factors that can influence your choice entail.

Factors for selecting an e-scooter

Purpose of Buying

It would be best to have absolute clarity on the purpose of buying or intended use. Is it thrill, commutation, or both?

Travel distance

Do you intend to ride the electric scooter for short distances or long commutations? Make a rough estimate on your frequent mile coverage. Of course, you can always travel the extra mile occasionally. A fair estimation of distance will lead to adult electric scooters with the relevant size and type of battery.

Top Speed

Some individuals are impulsive by nature. Top speed remains their primary concern. If you are one of them and pick the speediest scooter, ensure it complies with local riding laws.

Never ignore vehicle weight

Many individuals buy electric scooters to travel between local transport stations and their final destination. The reasons could vary. If you have backache or sciatica, vehicle weight becomes crucial. In such instances, DRIDER8 is a handy choice, weighing only 42lbs. This scooter is compact enough to store under the desk.

Look for build quality.

Concerns about the build quality of escooters are valid. The use of high-quality construction materials imparts strength to electric scooters. Thus, your electric scooter works well in all conditions.

Safety features are critical.

A braking system is immensely critical for any vehicle. However, for an electric scooter riding, it becomes even more crucial. The entire body of the rider is exposed to on-road conditions. Any mishap will injure the rider's body. You can choose between hydraulic and regenerative brakes. High-end electric scooters have ABS that retains a firm grip on the road. Additionally, this braking system prevents the locking of wheels on sudden application.

Pick body-friendly design

An upright posture is essential for our backbone health. Whether you pick a seated electric scooter or without a seat, consider the ergonomics of the scooter. The overall design and comfort aid in a pleasurable journey.

Tire according to terrain

You will either get a solid or pneumatic tire in escooters. Figure out the best tire choice as per your terrain. Similarly, tire size will also depend on your use.

Connectivity features

More or less, everyone wants to enjoy connectivity features like GPS, Bluetooth, and other mobile apps. Modern and sophisticated electric scooters provide such features by default. But there comes an additional price tag with it. You might have a lower price tag with conventional electric scooters, but you must compromise your connectivity. Work out on your preferences diligently.

Compliance with law

While buying an electric scooter, ensure your chosen product abides by State legislation pertinent to electric scooters.

Cost Effectiveness

Rigorous working on your preferences is necessary for a fruitful purchase. Remember, hitting a deal that encompasses all your requirements and yet fits your budget is impossible. You need to strike a balance between your budget and priorities. Once you shortlist the products, evaluate the pros and cons of each scooter. Pick the electric scooter that favors cost-benefit analysis.

Maintenance and care of electric scooter

Proper Maintenance and care can impart some longevity to your electric scooter. For optimum performance, here are a few suggestions.

• Cleaning in routine. Regardless of IPX rating, your scooter needs regular cleaning. Wipe of grime and dust. If you observe any moisture, use a dry cloth.
• Inspecting tires
• Check tires for wear and tear. Ensure tire pressure complies with the manufacturer's specifications.
• Check brake pads. If they are deteriorating, think of a replacement. Ensure brakes are functioning effectively.
• Follow the recommended charging protocol.
• Look for dangling handlebars, lights, nuts, or bolts. Screw them firmly for a safe ride.
• Moving components should have minimum friction for better moving and folding. Lubrication will help mitigate friction and extend the working life of the electric scooter.
• Replace faulty batteries and bulbs.
• Inspect all lights for nighttime riding.
• Ensure responsiveness of electric components like display, throttle, and brake sensors.
• Refrain from storing electric scooters in moist and humid places.
• To avoid short-circuiting, ensure all wires and cables are tightly wired. Frayed cables generously welcome electrical issues.
• Make a habit of reviewing Software updates to optimize battery performance.
• Inspect suspension components for any visible marks of wear and tear.
• Avoid hacks. For complex faults, always hire an expert technician.

Electric scooter riding is an exhilarating experience combined with convenience and affordability. However, riders should be mindful of safe riding practices and ride sensibly.

Know Common Riding Mistakes & ways to Avoid Them

To err is human. We are not robots at all, and we will make mistakes. However, we can curb the magnitude of mistakes by practicing mindful riding. Let's check frequently occurring mistakes and their prevention methods.

Compromising on safety gear

Riding an electric scooter casually taking your life foregranted is something you should pay attention to. Miscalculation of turning or overspeeding can topple down your vehicle. This can cause you head injury as well. A full-face helmet and other protective gear are necessary for your riding journey. The only way to avoid head-on collision, shoulder fractures, and bruises is to take care of safety gear.

Single-handed riding

Flaunting one arm in the air, feeling rain drops, or boosting your riding skill with single-hand riding can cost you a life. It is entirely different from one-hand bicycle riding. Since electric scooters have small tires, a firm balance is always needed to maintain the vehicle's stability. The moment you lift one hand from the handlebar, your vehicle will dangle, and you may end up banging your head. Placing both hands while riding does not involve rocket science; you can easily handle it.

Over turning is bad

Riding an electric scooter requires precision. Over-exertion of force or over-rotating handlebars can harm your well-being instead of providing the desired results. When you cross the 10mph mark, signal your brain to be more cautious while turning. Your electric scooter could probably jackknife if you overturn the handlebars. Doing so will cease the tire at 90 degrees to the chassis, and you may somersault.

Forget to shift body weight while braking.

Transitioning weight between front and rear wheels is an art. Braking abruptly without balancing weight on the posterior side of the vehicle is a frequently reported mistake. If you do so, expect your landing to be on handlebars. Coasting your vehicle and adjusting body weight are simple ways to avoid this problem.

Preferring the rear fender is a risky move.

Modern scooters feature various brakes like regenerative, ABS, and fender brakes. Some naive riders rely on Fender brakes for immediate braking. It is a very risky move. Doing so can easily skid your vehicle since it can freeze your rear brakes. The situation can become worse if your electric scooter has solid tires. Why? Sometimes, the tires can deform due to overheating. Stay watchful of your reflexes and pick the right brake according to the circumstances.

Right electric scooter on the wrong terrain

When picking an electric scooter, evaluating the vehicle's intended use is essential. It means to assess the terrain where you will be riding. Changing the terrains after purchase is a recipe for disaster. You can experience a rock and roll ride if you take the smooth-road eclectic scooter to an off-road ride. The bumps and jolts of rough terrain can seriously impact electric scooters' alignment. The sole solution is to make the right purchase after evaluating your frequent riding terrain.

Turning a deaf ear to the surroundings

Plugging in headphones right after kickstarting your electric scooter has reportedly caused many crashes. Audio warning alerts are as important as using indicators and turning lights. Try using hands-free instead of headphones. Plug your hands-free in one year to listen to music, yet stay aware of your surroundings. You can do the same with ear pods and earbuds. For headphones, turn the volume at half the voice level compared to regular listening. So you can listen to the horns of other vehicles and get alerts. Keeping your ear free is the safest course of action. Electric scooters are normally short commute vehicles. So, skipping listening for 20-30 minutes won't affect your well-being. Better safe than sorry.

Inappropriate foot placing

There is a misconception that if you place your feet side by side, you are stabilizing your vehicle. This is untrue. Correct foot positioning is the only thing you can do to have a safe ride. Always place the weaker foot in front and the stronger one at the back end.

Riding in the same pose

It is critical to understand that an electric scooter is a slim vehicle. You need to adjust your body weight constantly to keep it going smoothly. Let's discuss how we can use body weight as a tool to have safe and effortless turning and riding.

• You will lean forward, shifting your weight in the same direction to accelerate the electric scooter. Remember, you will not put weight on the handlebar. You will practice the same strategy for cruising purposes.
• Use gravity in your favor when making turns. Slightly move forward and bend lightly in the turning direction.
• It's time to shift your weight at the vehicle's rear end. You will be doing so during brake application. By doing this, you will have a controlled ride.

Overestimating the vehicle capacity

Promise us you will only test your scooter limits by mounting on hilly paths once you have suitable tires and sufficient ground clearance. Do you know that the deck is the storage place for batteries? If you overlook ground clearance, your deck and battery safety are at stake. Small tires will surely get serious hits while navigating through raised edges. Always take a ride according to the scooter's specifications.

Using an electric scooter as a prop

You do not use an electric scooter to impress your girlfriend by performing stunts. Sudden landing, jumping off, and single hand riding can bore you tears. Such practices not only cost you medical bills but additional vehicle repairs as well. Be a mindful rider to avoid such incidents.

Remember, short, safe, and eco-friendly commutes should remain the prime motive of electric scooters. A little patience, mindfulness and right technique are the only possible ways to avoid common riding mistakes.

Preparing to Ride

Now that you have made a mindful purchase of a scooter, are you ready to ride? Yes, you are if you have a checklist with the following points.

• Put on safety gear.
• Command on scooter controls
• Run pre-ride checks

Put on safety gear.

Getting a scooter license in the USA is no different than getting a motorcycle riding permit. Typically, the procedure is the same; however, some exceptions may depend on state law.

Common injuries from riding electric scooters are dislocation of elbow joints and shoulder fractures. Broken bones come next. Regardless of whether you are riding a speed scooter that can race with a car or a low-powered electric scooter that does not require a license, you can still hit rock bottom. Safety gear essentials are

Helmet

A helmet is a no-brainer. We suggest you order a helmet right after you order your electric scooter. You can order either.

Full face or integral helmet with visor

It provides absolute protection to the entire neck region and above. The exciting part is passersby can not recognize your face when your visor is down, and you can ride an electric scooter like a hero.

A helmet without a visor-

A safe option, too, yet your eyes and other facial features remain vulnerable. If you feel uncomfortable with visor suffocating, this option can work for you. However, enhance eye protection with goggles.

Tip

Always check Multi-directional Impact Protection (MIPS), a modern safety technology featured in motorcycle helmets, electric scooters, cycles, and equestrians. In a head-on collision, the rotational motion severely impacts our brain. This reduced friction layer of MIPS acts as a shock absorber, protecting the brain from severe damage. Regular bike helmets are unsuitable for electric scooters having a 30mph+ top speed. A bike helmet grants limited protection to your skull only. The rest of the facial parts are still susceptible to injuries. As a rule of thumb, your helmet should protect the neck and above region.

Gloves

It's hard to resist smartphones these days, do you agree? If so, you can't risk your hands on a scooter ride, whether summer or winter. A nice pair of full gloves will safeguard your palm and your digits. Padded gloves that cushion your knuckles are also available. Fingerless gloves are another option but not preferred as they still pose a risk of finger injuries.

Tip

Pick the full gloves embedded with sliders. The sliders greatly help in minimizing the risk of hyperextension.

Upper and Lower Body Protection

Wearing plenty of layers can be difficult in humid summers. However, avoiding protective gear is a risky move. Since we care about your well-being, we suggest you wear a padded motorcycle jacket. Individually wearing wrist, elbow, and shoulder pads is tedious, and nobody enjoys this drill. Wisely pick the one that has padding on these mentioned areas by default. Tada, you are ready to ride. God forbid your jacket will protect you from gravel and road burns if you fall. You can pick motorcycle trousers with hip and knee pads to protect your limbs.

Tip

If you want a separate wrist brace, elbow, and shoulder pad, you can buy them online. A wide variety of hip and knee pads is also available.

Command on scooter controls

Familiarizing yourself with the working mechanism of the scooter is very essential. Knowing your scooter boosts your confidence. You know precisely the machine's response on pressing any control button. If the question of how to start e scooter boggles your mind. Don't panic. Let us acquaint you with controls and their possible handling.

Start Mode

Familiarizing yourself with the working mechanism of the scooter is very essential. Knowing your scooter boosts your confidence. You know precisely the machine's response on pressing any control button. If the question of how to start e scooter boggles your mind. Don't panic. Let us acquaint you with controls and their possible handling.

Riding Mode

You will typically find three riding modes in each electric scooter, but an exception is possible.

Motor, Eco, and Turbo buttons

• You can choose between single or dual motors for every dual-motor electric scooter. Thus, you can control how much power you need.
• Eco button restricts motor capacity and speed as its primary function is battery conservation.
• Opposed to ECO, turbo mode will shoot your speed.

Tip

If you are riding speedier, never attempt to switch to a single motor; you will be out of your scooter in no time. Additionally, you can expect the damage. The expert tip is to slow down the electric scooter first. Once the speed limit lowers to 20mph, you can swiftly change the mode to a single motor.

Type of throttle

Types of throttle are diverse, including finger, thumb, or twist throttles. Every throttle has its pros and cons. Get sufficient hands-on experience dealing with throttle to adjust your grip.

Types of brakes

Make sure you know the exact braking mechanism of your electric scooter. Knowing the actual mechanics will reveal the responsiveness of the braking system. Front and rear hydraulic brakes commonly occur. Electric scooters with ABS are preferred because of added safety. Practice brake application in a safe zone as much as possible for a pro ride in the future.

Run Pre-Ride Checks

Putting on safety gear and gaining command of controls is for yourself. If you fail to run pre-ride checks, your scooter can still become inoperable at any time

Checking metallic structure

• The frame, levers, handlebar, and throttle should be firmly placed for a stable ride. Dangling components can put your ride at a halt.
• The folding mechanism should be intact.
• Portability is a highlighting feature of electric scooters that differentiates them from standard scooters. Ensure all clamps and securing pins are in contact so you can fold them anytime.

Inspecting tires

Tires are fundamental to your scooter's mobility. Tire installation requires accuracy. Follow the tread pattern. Incorrect tire installation results in stability and handling issues. It is easier to install a directional tire as the pattern identifies the mounting direction.

Correct Pressure

Reading the manual will help you in knowing the exact tire pressure. Typically, tire pressure remains between 40 and 50 PSI. Note that tire pressure varies according to the model of the electric scooter.

Tread condition is essential

The tire tread is a groovy pattern on the tire to give it better traction. Grooves have certain specifications like depths and patterns for adding stability to the vehicle. Analyzing tread conditions is critical. Worn-out treads won't hold a grip on the road, particularly in wet or slippery conditions, posing a potential threat.

Ensure brakes are working

Sudden brake failure can be disastrous. Checking brakes is undoubtedly a good idea before riding a scooter. It takes effort, but try to uplift your scooter so both wheels are in the air for a while. Twist the throttle to get the wheels moving. Now, individually check the functioning of the brakes.

Check the performance of motors

Just like checking brakes, inspect the motor while the wheels are still in the air. Twist the throttle to see the working of single or dual motors.

Monitoring battery levels

Last, the battery level determines how much you can travel on the charge. It is always a good practice to leave home only once you charge for 3-4 hours or as your scooter demands.

This piece of writing aims to enlighten our readers on safe riding practices. We agree it might look time-consuming to you, but safety checks are still better than midway troubles.

How to ride an e-scooter?

We have sorted the guide on how to ride an electric scooter in three essential sections comprising of 1. Basic Riding Techniques 2. Expert techniques 3. Common riding mistakes

Basic Riding Techniques

Learning how to ride an Escooter is a step-by-step process. You can get to the next riding level once you master the basics. Let's explore the steps.

No hopping

Seeing your favorite electric scooter could stimulate an adrenaline rush in you. Now that you have put on safety gear, tested controls, and run a pre-ride check, you want to hop on the floorboard. You might stumble with such a risky move. The floorboard of the scooter has precise measurements. The limited space prevents you from jumping around as it compromises the scooter's stability.

When mounting, you will place a single foot first from the side. If it's a push scooter, you will push the ground with a second. You will carefully put your second foot on the floorboard for button-press scooters without compromising stability.

You will mount and dismount only when the electric scooter is in the rest position.

Choosing the foot for the floorboard

Pushing ground requires foot strength. You will place your weak foot on the floorboard, using the other foot to push the ground.

Motors in action

As a beginner, you might be intrigued by the LED display panel. Resisting a turbo mode or a faster speed could be more challenging as you simply want to experience it. Acknowledging feelings is a better way to calm yourself down. Help yourself understand that as a beginner, the lowest setting with a single motor is the best setting. Pace up your speed while gaining better road confidence. You could easily transition from single to dual motors during the ride or vice versa. You can also experiment with Eco or Turbo mode only if you have practiced enough hours.

Tip: To avoid a somersault while riding, refrain from abruptly switching to a single motor from dual motors. Decelerate the speed before changing to a single motor.

Dealing with road turnings

Sooner or later, you will need to turn. Our riding speeds dictate our turning strategy.

At faster speeds, similar to motorbike style without turning handlebars leaning into the turn.

At slower speeds, handlebar rotation is good enough for you to make a safe turn, mainly if your speed is at most 7mph. After crossing 10mph, keeping the handlebar rotation minimal, lean toward the turn.

Rule of thumb: The handlebar rotation is inverse to your speed. Higher speeds mean very little or no handlebar rotation. This simple tip will save your scooter from jackknifing.

Swift brake application

The proper brake application technique is imperative to smooth riding. Proficient braking can quickly upscale your riding level. To maintain the overall stability of your vehicle, follow the appropriate braking mechanism. Be it a matter of deceleration or complete stopping of the car, you will always apply rear brakes first, a few moments earlier than front brake application.

When you apply front brakes initially, your vehicle will scoot over a few more inches. Until the frame resets to equilibrium, it will be harder to steer. The rear brake application settles down the chassis of the electric scooter. Now, the front brake application will pitch forward your scooter.

Use your weight as a balancing tool.

Do you know your body weight can contribute to effective braking? In emergencies where you need additional braking strength, slightly lowering your body and shifting body weight on the rear wheel boosts the braking capacity.

Advanced Riding Skills

We hope you have gained basic riding skills and a firm grip on scooter controls. Stay tuned with us for advanced tips on how to become a pro.

Carving

Once you know how to ride an e-scooter, you'll carve your Escooter automatically, whether you notice it or not. Typically, riders believe that handlebar rotation is the only correct way to turn. However, it limits the smoothness and speed. The other way is to alter the center of gravity of the electric scooter by changing your position. Practice leaning in the direction of turning to assess the body angle at which you should lean. Stable tires are fundamental to successful leaning and turning. Round tires are perfect for carving. Even at narrow cuts, the curvature of these circular tires can effortlessly sustain grip. Square tires are not good at carving. On encountering turns as you lean, tires tilt, too. Thus, you lose traction as the tires slide.

Whipping and Skidding

In this technique, the rider whips and skids the rear tires in a way that these tires spin rapidly, simultaneously sliding sideways. Whipping and skidding is achieved by sharply twisting handlebars and applying brakes during the ride.

Decide your confident stance, as you will make the rest of the move accordingly. Typically, individuals feel more strength in their right foot. So, the muscular foot will be placed at the rear end, while the weak foot will be in front. As a rule of thumb, you will lean toward the foot placed forward. To make a turn, the rider's body needs leverage to adjust body weight. Our stance and turning direction should be coherent. If the right leg is in front and you need to lean on the left side to make a turn, cross legs will pose difficulty in managing the control.

How to operate an e-scooter if you want to master an Endo

This maneuvering style is a traditional one. All you need to do is to keep your total weight at the center of the adult electric scooter. Now bend your knees and press the front brakes. However, don't try this stent at higher speeds.

Perfecting a Wheelie

Our expert techniques will only be complete with discussing a wheelie. There is no rocket science involved and a few practice sessions.

Your dominant foot will fit the kickplate. While leaning backward, you will simultaneously press the throttle, lifting the front wheel.

For stability, it's essential to maintain the center of gravity. To achieve this, body weight should remain fixed at a certain point.

Preload incorporation can adjust your body weight.

The BMI of every individual differs significantly from others. The USA is a hub of countless ethnicities. Electric scooters need a weight-stabilizing mechanism to cater to riders of varying weights. Minor adjustments in the scooter's suspension can deliver great riding results. Through preload incorporation, you can fine-tune the scooter's suspension in certain electric scooters for adults.

Suppose you are riding a DRIDER8 with a maximum weight-bearing capacity of 265 lbs. You are an obese buddy, and your weight is almost at the top limit of the vehicle. Add a preload, and your scooter will not bottom out. Preload resists suspension spring from compressing. More preload means more force is needed to press the suspension spring.

Adding a preload is very easy. Tighten the springs with the help of a C-Spanner.

Adjust the Power setting for an environment-friendly ride

Now that you are riding like a pro, you might be stepping further as an eco-friendly enthusiast. By now, you are pressing different controls to hit the buttons best suited to the environment.

Congratulations, your efforts will bear fruit as modern electric scooters feature P-settings. Since these are preconfigured settings, you have ample room for trivial adjustments like the intensity of acceleration and changing top speed.

Can you use an electric scooter like a standard scooter?

Electric scooters resemble and replace traditional scooters in many ways. Yet you cannot overlook the differences that involve:

• Electric scooters resemble and replace traditional scooters in many ways. Yet you cannot overlook the differences that involve:
• Kickstarting the scooter manually without battery interference
• Option to ride in non-electric mode. This feature becomes handy if electrical components malfunction.
• Electric scooters are more portable than standard scooters. Their folding mechanism makes them compact enough to be stored in any place.
• Though electric scooters can ride on shared paths and sidewalks like most two-wheelers, first-hand information is mandatory.
• No parking hassle as they are handy, and you can take them along anywhere you go

How to drive an e-scooter with etiquette.

Electric scooters are exciting, we agree, but maintaining your class should be part of the riding agenda. You can be a classy chic if you can drive an e-scooter with etiquette. What you can do is

• Give respect to pedestrians. If you notice pedestrians on the sidewalk, you'd better avoid going there. Be kind and give them a priority.
• Abide by traffic laws. Ride in dedicated lanes.
• Make visible hand gestures when you intend to turn or stop. Your riding intentions should be clear enough to others.
• While riding on shared paths, exercise the presence of mind. You can make verbal warnings to avoid any mishap. Make sure your voice is audible.
• Avoid parking in walkways and access points.
• Don't contribute to noise pollution. Try to curb the noise emitted from electric scooters, particularly in housing districts.

Be aware of legal considerations.

Overlooking legal considerations can put you in hot waters. Knowing local laws pertinent to electric scooters is essential. Make sure you are well aware of local regulations regarding.

• Use of helmet
• Restriction on age
• Maximum top speed
• Registration and licensing
• No-go areas
• Insurance coverage
• Reporting accidents