Getting To Grips With Riding An Electric BikeWriten by Dave Wyness
There can be little argument that zipping around on your scooter is far preferable to trudging around on foot and is a much more fun way to travel than driving a car. It is important before you get started that you at least have the first idea of how to ride a scooter, unless you want to wrap yourself round a lamp-post!
Riding a scooter is surprisingly easy to get the hang of :
First of all, start your engine - you'll only get so far with a head-wind! Many engines are started by pulling at a cord attached to the engine - the same as you would start a lawn mower. Electric engines have to be push-started, by first riding the scooter as you would a kick scooter.
Get a firm grip on the handlebars and place one foot on the deck of the scooter, leaving your other foot on the ground so that you get comfortable and remain balanced. Once you are ready to move off hit the throttle to accelerate, if you have a gas engine, then bring your foot off the ground when you begin to pick up speed. Be sure to accelerate gradually in order that yourself and the scooter remain as one, don't accelerate too hard as it will fly off into the road ahead leaving you looking miserable on the deck!
It is important that your posture on the scooter is correct, avoid keeping your feet and body up front near the handlebars so that your weight is distributed across the length of the scooter. You also should have one foot slightly ahead of the other, both facing forward.
Steering your scooter is very similar to that of a push-bike, steer by turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go, and lean slightly into each turn. When riding your scooter treat the brake handles carefully, being careful not to grip them too strongly which might cause you to flip. Apply a steady and subtle squeeze to slow or stop the scooter. There's no need to use the scooter's brakes at all to slow down, just take your hand off the scooter's throttle.
In order to get some practice in before taking to the streets it is a good idea to take your scooter into a big empty space to master turning, braking, etc. Get the feel of your scooter to build up your confidence.
Visit Millimart for more information about electric bikes and scooters