Beginner's Guide To Riding Electric Scooters: Tips And Tricks For First-Timers

Looking for quick ways to commute? Would you love to be able to save money and avoid traffic jams? Electric scooters might be just what you're looking for.

They're much safer than motorbikes and easier to carry and store than e-bikes but still allow you to cruise through the city with the wind on your face.

There are so many benefits of e-scooters, but they can be daunting if you're new to them. As long as you know how to stay safe and get the most out of your experience, you'll soon find that your scooter is your new best friend.

We've put together this beginner's guide to riding electric scooters, full of tips and tricks for first-timers, helping you navigate your scooter and get the most out of it.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready for the ride of your life.

Getting Started

Before getting to grips with city or off-road riding, you should focus on getting to grips with the e-scooter world, so you can have confidence when you finally get out and about.

The following tips will help you get started and make the most out of your new way of life.

Choose the right scooter

If you want to reap the rewards of e-scooter ownership, the first step is to get a starter. Our first tip is a no-brainer — get a reliable electric scooter that suits your needs.

For example, if you love extreme sports and want a thrill ride, you'll need to find an electric scooter suitable for off-roading.

These scooters usually have impressive speeds and powerful designs, but they're unsuitable for commuting or city riding.

Unagi is a world leader in designing commuter and urban scooters that align with the USA's legal requirements and offer users the perfect combination of sleek design elements, powerful features, and superior portability.

Better still, you can take advantage of our monthly scooter subscription, which comes with unlimited usage and insurance and zero upfront costs.

Get to grips with your new scooter

Before stepping onto your new scooter, you should take time to get to grips with it and understand the different components. Scooters are generally relatively easy to navigate, but getting to know yours is always good.

Read the user manual

User manuals are invaluable sources of information because they tell you everything you need to know about your scooter. Take some time to read through the manual and familiarise yourself with the different components.

The manual will also help you set your e-scooter up and learn how to charge it. Everything you'll find in the manual is worth reading because the way you treat your scooter could also void your warranty.

Check the electric scooter's components

Before riding, inspect the electric scooter's brakes, tires, lights, and battery. Your manual should explain how to perform these checks and have information about how much you should charge the battery and the ideal tire air pressure.

Make sure everything is in good working condition, and if you find any issues, have them repaired or replaced before using the electric scooter.

Adjust the handlebars and seat

Electric scooters come with adjustable handlebars and seats to accommodate riders of different heights. Adjust these components to ensure that you're comfortable and in a safe position while riding.

When riding electric scooters, the key to success is getting started. Whether you're a beginner or not, there are some important tips and tricks to know before you hit the road. To help you out, here's a beginner's guide for riding electric scooters.

Ride in a safe area

Once everything is ready, it's time to start learning how to ride your electric scooter. Start by doing basic turns and practice moving safely through turns before attempting advanced maneuvers like wheelies or drift turns.

Make sure you're always aware of your surroundings and never underestimate the power of an electric scooter - they can go very fast.

You should also learn proper braking techniques, as this will help you come to a stop quickly when needed. It's vital to practice braking often while on your electric scooter so that you become comfortable with stopping quickly.

Now that you know some tricks for setting up electric scooters, it's time to reveal some basic riding techniques to keep you safe.

Basic Electric Scooter Riding Tips

If you're new to electric scooters, riding one can be intimidating. But don't worry – with a few basic riding techniques; you'll be zipping around in no time.

Most people would agree that e-scooters are very safe - but misuse and a lack of understanding about how to ride them on public roads can cause accidents.

You've already tested your scooter, but just like learning how to drive, the first time on public roads can be nerve-wracking.

Following these guidelines will allow you to ride electric scooters safely.

Learn how to balance

Another key skill is learning how to balance correctly on your electric scooter. To do this, you should practice shifting your body forward or backward when turning corners or going up and down hills.

When you ride an electric scooter, you have to keep your balance - and many beginners stand on the scooter's deck with their feet side by side. One foot should always be in front of the other to prevent falls.

Take it nice and slow

Scooters have varying speeds, but the Unagi can go up to 20 miles an hour, which is ideal for commuting.

Before cruising around, taking it slow and learning how to navigate the scooter is essential.

Once you have the balance right and know how to increase your speed and deaccelerate smoothly, you can experience faster speeds.

Know your state's laws

The USA is a big country; your state will set its own laws on what you can and can't do when using an e-scooter. Before setting off, you need to see if your state has the following regulations in place:

• Do you need insurance?
• The maximum speed limit.
• Whether you need to use safety gear.
• If you can use the scooter on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks.
• The minimum age limit for e-scooter riding.

If you're unsure of your state's laws, check out our comprehensive guide on electric scooter regulations in each state.

Remember, the laws are subject to change, so check them regularly.

Think about other road users

It's also important to be aware of other road users when riding an electric scooter. You'll have your safety in mind, but any mistakes or minor lapses in attention can injure others.

Obey traffic laws, such as staying within speed limits and yielding way for pedestrians and cyclists where necessary, as this will prevent legal problems.

You can also familiarize yourself with the recommended routes for electric scooters in your area and avoid areas that could increase the risk of collisions.

Safety Tips

Safety should always be paramount when it comes to riding electric scooters. Many first-timers may not realize the potential dangers involved, so brushing up on some safety tips is essential.

Following these safety tips will prevent serious injuries and ensure an enjoyable ride.

Wear a helmet & other protective gear

According to the CDC, head injuries count for half of all injuries caused by electric scooter incidents. The worrying this is, despite these statistics, lots of states still don't require riders to wear a helmet.

Helmets protect your head from serious injuries, including concussions and permanent damage. Without them, you rely solely on luck - because it's impossible to ensure every road user behaves appropriately.

There are plenty of modern helmets that look good and keep you safe, so you won't need to worry about looking ridiculous.

Wear the right clothing

Treat your scooter as you would a bike. Avoid loose clothing and heels because they can get caught in the scooter wheels, causing accidents.

You should wear tight trousers and tops and a protective vest or jacket to protect yourself if you fall.

Elbow and knee pads are also great because they protect scooter riders from painful fractures.

Get to grips with the folding mechanism

Some scooters have folding abilities, which allow you to make them more compact and carry them around. However, the folding mechanisms differ, with some offering a one-click solution that makes the scooter more portable.

Advanced Riding Techniques

Riding an electric scooter can be exhilarating, but it does require some skills and practice to ensure safety.

If you plan to ride it every day or want to switch between the electric mode and using it as a traditional kick scooter, you'll need to ensure you know how to operate your chosen model properly.

These tips will help you go from a scooter-riding beginner to an absolute pro - ready to take on whatever the weather and roads throw at you.

Braking skills

Choosing an e-scooter with superior braking power is important - especially if you're using it on roads. You want to smoothly transition from riding at speed to braking without making the scooter jump forward.

Most e-scooters have two brakes (a rear disc brake and an electronic front brake), and getting used to using both of them together is essential for controlling speed and stopping quickly and safely.

When braking, apply equal pressure to both brakes while keeping your body balanced over the scooter handlebars; this will give you better control and stability while slowing down or coming to a stop.

Find the perfect speed

It's generally a good idea to go at a moderate speed when using an e-scooter for commuting. Going too fast can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, both to yourself and others - but traveling slowly on public roads can also increase your risk of collisions with cars.

When using an e-scooter for commuting, you should also consider factors such as the weather, traffic, and road conditions. Switching riding modes, such as going at a slow speed in the rain, will prevent accidents.

Practice makes perfect

Last but not least - practice, practice, practice. It's one of the most important electric scooter tips we can give you. Everyone knows you don't just get into a car and suddenly cruise along the freeway - because building your skills and confidence takes time.

Scooter riding might be much easier to learn than driving a car, but you'll still need to get a lot of practice.

With the appropriate safety gear, durable riding gloves, and the right standing position, you can navigate any slippery road surface and enjoy the experience - even in wet conditions.

Maintaining Your Electric Scooter

Scooter maintenance is an essential part of ownership and something everyone should do. By regularly checking and cleaning your scooter, you'll stay safe, enjoy your ride, and save money.

Here's how to keep your electric scooter in top condition.

Preserve your battery

The battery is one of the most integral components of any e-scooter - but we often see users failing to look after theirs properly. Never let the battery life drain before charging it again because it will lead to you needing a new replacement.

Instead, it's best to keep your battery capacity at a minimum of 20%. Most electric scooters rely on the battery to ensure they have enough motor power, so not looking after yours can impact performance and lead to costly repairs.

Clean your scooter

Riding scooters regularly means they're more susceptible to dirt and debris. If you don't clean the scooter, the grime and dirt could sneak into the internal components and cause the mechanisms to rust over.

Wipe down any dirt or grime from the scooter's body after each ride, and ensure all screws are tight regularly.

Doing this will help keep dust, moisture, and other debris from building up inside the device and prevent it from malfunctioning or causing injury when you're out riding.

Don't leave repairs to the last minute

Finally, pay attention to any unusual noises or vibrations from your electric scooter while riding. These could be signs of a problem with the motor or battery, so make sure you take note of them and address any issues as soon as possible.

For example, if your rear wheel has low air pressure, it can impact your ability to turn and increase the risk of punctures.

Regularly checking for any signs of wear and tear can save money by fixing the problem before you need to replace everything.

The bottom line

Electric kick scooters will continue to be vital for commuters and people who don't want to use cars or public transport as society fights for our planet.

Once you perfect your riding style and know how to protect your scooter, you can set off on each journey with absolute peace of mind.

The future is bright for e-scooters, and Unagi plans to be at the forefront of new technology, designing scooters that continue to outperform other brands.

Both beginner and advanced riders can enjoy our Model One or the latest Model One Voyager, so what are you waiting for? It's time to reap the benefits of completely controlling how - and when - you travel.