Are electric scooters easy to ride?

It might be a little bit of a generalization, but for most people, electric scooters are very easy to ride. They’re lightweight, have a low center of gravity, and usually feature some form of suspension, making them comfortable and fun to ride.

Riding an e scooter is an efficient and enjoyable way to get around town. They're super fun to ride and can be used on the road and in some cases on trails. They're easy to learn how to operate, and are easy on your wallet compared to the costs that come with cars and public transport.

The only thing you need to do is learn the basics of how they work and you'll be whizzing around on the road in no time. Pick somewhere open, flat, and unobstructed to learn, like an empty parking lot, or maybe even in your backyard to get started.

The main drawback compared to a car is that e scooters don't have any storage space, but this won't be an issue if you use them mainly for short trips around town or at work.

How to ride an electric scooter - tips for inexperienced riders

Depending on the manufacturer, the first step to powering up an electric scooter is to press the power button on the handlebars or console.

To start riding, place one foot on the scooter deck and the other foot on the ground. Which foot you decide to put where is a matter of preference, but most adults will put their weak leg on the deck. Then, push off with your foot on the ground while simultaneously gripping the handlebar to move forward.

The more you twist the accelerator towards yourself, the faster you'll start to move. Make sure to accelerate slowly, and practice riding your scooter over very small distances at first until you get more used to it and gain an understanding of the speed at which it speeds up.

To stop, let the electric scooter roll slowly and pull gently on the handbrake (if you have one), or push down with your back foot gently on the rear brake if that's what your scooter has. If the scooter has multiple speed settings, start in the slowest mode and keep at low speeds to start with, whilst you get a feel for the accelerator and the brakes.

Turning is a matter of leaning slightly in the direction you’d like to go. Similar to electric bicycles and motorcycles, to increase speed, twist the throttle until you reach your desired speed, and stay at that level until you have gained some experience riding.

Electric scooters are a great way to get around town, especially if you don’t want to deal with the traffic. They are also a great alternative for people who cannot ride a bicycle or motorcycle because of physical limitations.

That's all there is to it. Electric scooters are really easy to ride and once you get used to the basics, you'll no doubt quickly start to enjoy riding, and then there'll be stopping you from becoming a pro at it!

How long does it take to learn to ride an electric scooter

The vast majority of electric scooter riders only take about 30 minutes to learn how to ride them. If you ever rode a kick scooter, cast your mind back to think how long it took you to learn that. This will most likely be the same.

If you have never ridden a two-wheeled vehicle before, it will probably take you a little longer than 30 minutes to get the hang of it. Try not to lean forward by staying in an upright position to help you maintain balance, and make sure you have all the safety gear on before you start.

However, if you’re used to riding a bicycle or motorcycle, then you should be able to learn within an hour. The first thing you should do is read the owner’s manual, which should give you a better indication of how long it might take.

Best safety practices for riding electric scooters

There are some fairly easy things you can do to make sure you ride safely. First of all get familiar with the components of the scooter, such as the scooter's deck and whether the braking is done with the rear wheel or on the handlebars. Get used to your protective gear and the braking power too, and when you're ready to get on two wheels, here are some tips:

Wear safety gear

The fact of the matter is e scooter accidents happen, just like with any other mode of transport. Make sure to wear a helmet, and consider protective gloves and knee pads as well. This is the best and most effective way to protect yourself when riding an electric scooter.

These days you can get really high quality and lightweight protective gear for affordable prices, so kit yourself out to avoid getting hurt down the line.

Observe local traffic laws

As a general rule of thumb, ride in the street and not on the sidewalk. In the vast majority of states (and even other countries) it's illegal to ride an electric scooter on sidewalks or other pedestrian paths, and it's dangerous for other people. If your city permits e-scooters, stick to the street and follow all traffic laws for cars!

E scooters can move at high speeds, and the top speed for each model will vary. You can move around at great speeds whilst making minimal noise, which can make you hard to notice sometimes for pedestrians crossing the road.

So if you want to ride your electric scooter safely, make sure to observe speed limits for the safety of yourself and others on the roads.

Be extra careful riding an electric scooter in wet weather

When possible, stay off of slippery surfaces like wet grass—you don't want your wheels spinning out from under you! Even wet roads can be tricky to navigate until you're a confident rider, so just be aware of your surroundings and know the route dry before you try it wet.

Most e scooter decks will have some form of grip on them to help you maintain balance and stance, but it's advisable to wear comfortable, tight-fitting trainers with grip on too, until you get the hang of it.

Be aware of any stairs or curbs; these could cause damage if struck by an e-scooter in motion (which could be bad news for you, the scooter and the stairs!). This tip isn't specific to just wet weather, but riding in the wet can make your stopping speed slower, so it's something to be extra aware of.

Are scooters suitable for people of all ages

Because of their small size, most electric scooters are suitable for older children as well as adults. As long as you are of legal driving age for your state and have the necessary amount of balance and coordination to participate in activities such as bicycling or skateboarding, then an electric scooter should work well for you.

However, if you're just starting to learn how to ride an electric scooter, it can be helpful to start with a smaller model until your skills improve enough that you feel comfortable trying something more challenging.

So long as you make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions, which should be straightforward and easy to follow, an electric scooter should be okay for you to drive.

Rideshare companies generally have how-to sections that you are required to read through before starting out on your scooter ride. However, if your model is privately owned and you bought it second-hand, you should be able to find the instructions online by speaking to the manufacturer.

So, are electric scooters easy to ride?

Electric scooters are definitely easy to ride and are an affordable way to get around town, commute to work, or just for recreational trips. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions and get hold of all the proper documentation and safety gear before starting out.

It's just as easy and nearly as eco-friendly as riding a manual bike, but with much less effort. Remember that scooters come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your needs, but all are simple enough for you to learn how to operate them within minutes.

If you're considering getting on two wheels and you think an electric scooter might be the way to go, have a look at why Unagi might be a great option for you.