Scooter-Riding Tips For City Dwellers

If you live in the city and use your scooter as your primary form of transportation, then you know how easy they are to ride and how much more enjoyable they can make your commutes and errands. However, riding a scooter can be more dangerous due to heavy car and truck traffic, in addition to being mindful of public transportation, pedestrians and even other scooter or motorcycle riders. That’s why it pays to have some strategies up your sleeve for riding your scooter safely even in the most crowded downtown areas.

1. Remain Visible

Scooters are smaller and more difficult to see than a car or truck, so you and your scooter need to be as visible and obvious as possible. Wear brightly colored and reflective riding gear that helps motorists to see you, particularly when it’s dark or rainy outside. Make sure you use the lights on your scooter and that they’re bright enough to keep you visible.

2. Ride Defensively

You can’t just relax and space out when you’re riding your scooter. There are simply too many obstacles and potential hazards in your path, and that includes distracted and inept motorists. Those driving around you may be careless, reckless or simply inattentive, so you have to step up your game and ride as defensively as possible. Watch the vehicles around you and try to anticipate their movements. Always look for potential escape routes. Be mindful of riding alongside parked cars, since someone may open a door at any time unexpectedly.

3. Maintain Your Scooter

Any vehicle that’s neglected is inherently unsafe to ride, and that includes your scooter. Just like your car or truck, you need to ensure that you’re keeping your scooter well-maintained by following the recommendations in your owner’s manual. Change the oil, check the engine, air up your tires and get any problems you find addressed promptly. If you discover an issue with your scooter that you can’t address yourself at home, contact the Revel 42 of Wilmington service department to make an appointment with our mechanics. We’ll have you all fixed up and back on the road in no time.

4. Watch the Road Ahead

You’ll need to be particularly mindful of the conditions of the road ahead of you when riding your scooter. Things that might not trouble a car driver could result in you sliding out or your front wheel wrenching to the side. These obstacles include steel plates in the road, light-rail tracks, potholes and puddles.

Take a look at our inventory of new and used scooters for sale when you visit our Wilmington, NC, dealership location. We’re also happy to assist you with financing options if you need them. Revel 42 of Wilmington serves the cities of Leland and Carolina Beach, NC.