Scooter Riding Gear Essentials
As the old motorist saying goes, dress for the crash, not for the ride. Anytime you take a vehicle onto the road, after all, there is the possibility of an accident. Scooter riding gear is a necessity, just like it is for other types of powersports riding. If you are not sure what items to get, read on. We cover the basics of scooter riding gear below. If you have any questions or want to explore scooters for sale, head over to Revel 42 of Wilmington. Our dealership is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, and we proudly serve those in Leland and Carolina Beach.
The Importance Of Scooter Riding Gear
Many scooter riders assume that riding gear isn't necessary. After all, scooters offer much lower speed capacities than other powersports vehicles. They are also driven around quiet residential roads, not fast-paced freeways or unpredictable dirt trails. Scooters don't face the same safety risks as motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, or UTVs. So why would they need similar safety gear?
It's important to remember that there are still risks present with riding any motorized vehicle. Wildlife could dart into your path. A distracted driver could swerve into your lane. There are many situations that can occur, affecting scooter riders as well as other motorists. Sure, these situations won't be as severe if you are riding at a lower speed. But you are still in an open vehicle lacking a protective cage. A crash at a lower speed, without the proper protective gear, can still result in a hefty medical bill and a long road to recovery. Anytime you hit the road, you should be wearing the proper safety gear.
A Helmet
The most crucial piece of gear is a helmet, even if the state you are riding in does not legally require one. Helmets offer valuable protection (and sometimes life-saving protection) in the event of a crash.
But it's not enough to simply throw on a helmet. The helmet needs to meet certain criteria:
- not be too tight, which can cause headaches and other discomforts
- not be too loose, which reduces its protection effectiveness
- not be damaged or previously dropped, which can compromise the protection
- not be too old because the bindings break down over time, which reduces the effectiveness
We always recommend using a full face helmet, which offers the best coverage. Other styles, such as open face or half-helmet, are better than no helmet at all. If you are worried about comfort, seek out models with extra padding and ventilation features.
Full-Length Clothing
Another essential piece of gear is outerwear. Full-length clothing is ideal since it offers the best protection. It'll shield skin from the sun, kicked-up debris, and in the event of a crash.
Remember that visibility is also an important part of safe riding. A scooter can easily be missed by a distracted driver, so get outerwear that is easy to spot. Purchase clothing that is brightly colored or contains reflective elements (or throw on a vest with these features).
Gloves
Gloves help protect hands from the hazards of the road. They also provide valuable grip, which could otherwise be tough when hands get sweaty or wet from rain. The pair of gloves doesn’t need to be fancy, just offer protection and grip.
Proper Shoes
Never ride your scooter wearing open toed shoes, slip on shoes, or soft canvas shoes. Instead, choose shoes that offer plenty of grip and full coverage.
We hope you found this scooter riding gear guide useful! If you want more information or want to shop scooters for sale, visit Revel 42 of Wilmington. Our expert staff is happy to help with whatever you need, from answering questions to giving advice. Our dealership is based in Wilmington, North Carolina. We also proudly serve those in Leland and Carolina Beach, North Carolina.