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Scooter Tips for Beginners

A scooter, or mini-motorcycle, as it is sometimes called, is good for getting around for practical and economical reasons. Scooters use less gas and are less expensive to purchase and maintain than a car. If you have just purchased a scooter and have all the basics down like obtaining necessary permits and understanding the scooter laws in your area, for a safe drive on the open road, follow a few tips.

Wear Your Protective Gear
- Always wear your protective gear no matter how far you plan to travel.
  
  Safety gear is designed to keep you safe. Helmets and other protective gear should be worn at all times when the scooter is in motion---even for a quick trip around the corner. Different styles and brands of each safety item are available. Be sure to purchase the ones that are most comfortable for you and have the proper fit. For practical purposes, purchase a lighter glove material for warmer seasons, or if you live in the tropics, and a heavier material for wintertime.
Watch The Road
- Always be aware of your surroundings when on the road.
  
  Be aware of debris in the road. In a car, you will barely feel the large branch you just rolled over. Because a scooter is lighter, riding over something this large may be devastating. Also, keep in mind that because a scooter's motor runs softly, pedestrians may not hear you coming. When in a high-pedestrian area, ride slowly and with extra care. Use your horn when necessary to warn pedestrians you are coming.
Practice Special Situations
- As a scooter novice, it's best to learn how to handle special emergency situations before they happen. You can read up on emergencies, but consider taking your scooter out to a deserted location and hitting the brakes so you know what it feels like to brake suddenly. If your scooter is equipped to handle another passenger, first master the scooter as an individual rider before considering a ride-along. Before you carry a passenger in high-traffic areas, be sure you are comfortable with it. Go to a deserted parking lot and test your driving-with-a-passenger skills.

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