MOPEDS AND SCOOTER TIPS
Scooters and mopeds are the best! They're fast, fuel-efficient, easy-to-use machines that speed you around town in fun and style. Scooters allow you to zip around town and get the best parking spots! It’s no wonder moped scooters have been able to pry young teenagers and adults off the TV and into the fresh air. Scooters can make you come alive and be physically active again.
Now, with the ever increasing rate mopeds and scooters on the road comes the increased need to be safe. Here are some easy-to-follow scooter tips that every scooter rider should observe:
____________________________________
#1. No Headphones
Head phones take away a lot of your ability to understand what’s going on around you. When music is blasting in your ears, you miss out on: the sounds of cars around you, the honking of horns, the police sirens and the hot date potential that is calling out for your number because you look so stylin’. Turn off your music when riding your moped or scooter, it’s much safer.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#2. Always wear protective clothing, a helmet, and eye protection
This is a very small investment and it can eliminate up to two-thirds of possible moped scooter injuries. Remember, more clothes means more padding, and long sleeves shirts and pants means less road rash - especially if you’re wearing leather. Also, consider boots and gloves to be even more protected from injuries. And remember to make sure your helmet is DOT approved.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#3. Do not wear loose clothing or items that could catch on control levers, foot rests, or tires
You can always take off style items, put them under your seat or in your scooter trunk, and put them back on when you stop.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#4. Always observe and obey the rules of the road
Riding moped scooters can sometimes feel like you’re on a toy and road rules do not apply to you. Well, they do and you can cause a lot of damage to you and someone else with the amount of power under your seat. A police officer will treat you just like a car - so act like one and follow the rules of the road.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#5. Avoid nighttime riding
Although your moped is designed to ride in the dark, it’s much safer to ride in the daytime. You are seen a lot easier by other drivers and random bumps and dips will not be as likely to catch you off guard and cause injury.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#6. Never ride under the influence
Riding mopeds and scooters requires you to have balance - being drunk eliminates that balance. Also, a quick response is needed at all times. Remember, a police officer can and will most likely punish you to the full extent if you are riding under the influence.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#7. Complete a written and riding test
Many accidents involve inexperienced riders. Most states require a special riding test or license to ride your scooter or moped. Make sure you are qualified before you ride. NEVER lend your scooter to an inexperienced rider.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#8. Always be visible to other drivers
Many scooter and moped accidents happen because the automobile driver does not “see” the rider. This is your responsibility to be “see”able at all times to avoid crashes. You can do this by:
• Wearing bright and reflective gear
• Never ride in someone else’s blind spots
• When a driver is pulling out in front of you make sure they look at you (if they do not notice you, slow down and let them pass and feel free to give them a hand gesture of your choice - the bird is appropriate in this example).
• Obey all federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding moped scooters.
Remember, all scooters and mopeds must be legally registered to operate on a public street or highway. Also, all moped scooters operated on the streets and highways must have liability insurance.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#9. Be conscious of traffic from behind
Because of the likely speed difference between the other traffic and your moped, use caution and check your mirrors frequently: every 5-7 seconds. Remember, mirrors allow only a partial view to your rear. There are blind spots. Be aware of where they are, and check them frequently.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#10. Always signal when turning
Because it’s harder for a driver to see if you are turning, you should signal with your electric turn signal and with your hands when possible. When making a right turn on your scooter, switch the right turning signal on your scooter and stick out your left hand with a 90 degree bend at the elbow (so your hand is pointed straight up). When making a left turn, switch the left turning signal on your moped and stick your left arm straight out (like you are pointing to the left.) Indicate you are turning 3-5 seconds before turning.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#11. Keep both hand on the handle bars and both feet on the floor
This position keeps you balanced. Anything different can cause you to lose control of your scooter and crash.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#12. Reduce your speed over bumps and holes in the road
These hazards can cause loss of control or damage to you and your moped.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#13. Do not drive onto interstate freeways
Your moped scooter is not built to handle freeway conditions and the danger is to high for you to risk it.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#14. Only ride in the left traffic lane when you are passing, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding a hazard, animal, or pedestrian in your way
The left traffic lane is known to have the most unsafe drivers and it’s where a lot of speeding occurs. Keep your scooter and yourself out of the left traffic lane as much as you can. Pull back over to the right lane as soon as you safely can.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#15. Make sure your second rider and/or the cargo you are carrying stay centered and balanced at all times
Some scooter companies say their scooters can carry a second person, but they are really not built to do that. Look for these indications. Before taking a passenger on your moped, make sure it has a back rest and foot pegs for a second rider. If your scooter is equipped to carry two, make sure your passenger stays centered and is not shifting back and forth while you are riding. This shifting back and forth can cause the driver to loose control and crash. Remember to keep any cargo stable, centered, and balanced. Use your scooter trunk whenever possible.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#16. Watch out for gravel on the road and avoid if possible
Gravel on the road causes moped scooters to loose control. It’s much like trying to walk on a bunch of marbles. Keep your eye open for gravel on the road. Do your best to avoid turns and stops in gravel areas.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#17. Never speed
It might be tempting to put the pedal to the metal but you are taking a big risk because other drivers and pedestrians will have a harder time seeing you and gauging how fast you are going if you are speeding. Also, never drive your scooter over a speed you don’t feel comfortable with.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#18. Never leave your engine running unattended
This will make your scooter very tempting to steal by people walking by.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#19. Never ride dehydrated or tired
If you drive your scooter dehydrated, you are more likely to have more accidents.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
#20. Make sure your scooter is in safe condition
From time to time check and make sure your bolts, hinges and joints are nice and tight. Stop using your moped immediately if any joint, hinges or bolts are not working properly. Correct the problem and then continue having fun. Give it oil changes frequently and make sure the brakes are always tight.
back to scooter tips
____________________________________
Download the moped scooters tips
Simply right click or option-click the pdf image above and choose "Save As..." to download the moped scooters tips
back to scooter tips