The Dos And Don'ts Of Electric Scooter Riding: Safety Tips For Urban Commuting

Electric scooters are the best way to commute to the office; with their reliability, portability, and convenience providing a welcome alternative to cars and public transport.

There's no doubt that the popularity will continue to grow, and in the US, we're paving the way in integrating this cost-effective mode of transportation into daily life and on public roads.

However, with the newfound popularity of e-scooters comes the responsibility of riding safely and responsibly. But if you follow the safety guidelines, you can enjoy all of the benefits e-scooters offer.

In this article, we'll discuss the dos and don'ts of electric scooter riding, offering up essential safety tips for urban commuters. By the end, you'll know how to protect yourself and others on the road and - most importantly - enjoy a safe ride.

Let's get straight to it and look and the comprehensive list of do's and don'ts for electric scooter riders.

The Do's of electric scooter riding

Before even getting on an e-scooter, you'll need to understand your responsibilities on public roads and bike paths and the laws in place for your state.

It's also essential to look after your safety and maintain your scooter. Here are the things you should do for a safe riding experience.

Wear a helmet

Surprisingly, only 10 US states make wearing a helmet a legal requirement - but we recommend you always use one. When you wear a helmet, you have an insurance policy against accidents and protect yourself from major brain injuries.

While there aren't many studies about wearing helmets on electric scooters, UK newspaper The Guardian states that helmets reduce the risks of severe head injuries by up to 70%.

The fact is, helmets might seem unfashionable, but they could be the difference between life and death.

What to look for when choosing a helmet

With so many types of helmets available, knowing which is right for you is challenging. As you'll use the scooter for commuting, you don't need a motorcycle helmet, but it should fit you well and provide adequate protection.

The helmet should also meet CPSC 1203 safety standards and be lightweight enough to make your ride comfortable. Our signature Unagi helmet offers protection and looks great too.

Know your state's laws

Each state sets laws on where you can use your e-scooter and the maximum speeds you can reach. We cannot emphasize knowing your state's laws enough because it will keep you out of trouble and prevent accidents.

Your state might have a minimum age or require you to have insurance, and there are also distinct differences when it comes to where you can use the scooter.

For example, California will allow riders on public roads as long as they stick to the maximum speed limit of 15mph and stay away from sidewalks.

Some states don't restrict scooters on sidewalks, including Montana, New York, and Oklahoma, so knowing what you can and can't do is essential.

If you need clarification on your state's laws, check out our comprehensive 2022 guide here.

Take your responsibilities seriously

Riders should also take responsibility and prioritize the safety of other road users. For example, you should always look out for pedestrians crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk and give them plenty of room when passing by.

Even the slightest lapse in attention could result in a serious accident - but you can keep safe using some common sense.

Ride clean

Treat riding your electric scooter as you would driving a car. Don't drink or use illicit substances before riding, and ensure your head's in the right place.

Electric scooter accidents happen due to minor mistakes, and alcohol can compromise your ability to react and restrict your balance.

Signal and brake

Not all electric scooters have adequate brake lights, so we recommend buying a powerful light separately. You can also purchase clip-on signals, letting other road users know when you plan to turn.

Wear safety gear

Aside from using a helmet, you should also wear other protective gear on your scooter. Remember, you can use your electric scooter safely, but that doesn't mean other road users will be responsible.

Knee pads and elbow pads will prevent fractures, and wearing protective vests or jackets is also a good idea. You don't need heavy duty for commuting, but even an extra layer will make a big difference if you're in an accident.

Check your tire pressure before each ride

Checking your tire pressure before each electric scooter ride is an important safety measure that can prevent accidents and ensure a smooth ride. Under-inflated tires won't handle bumps in the road properly and can impact even the most experienced rider.

Tires can also impact your overall experience, but performing a quick check before e-scooter riding ensures you can fix any issues.

Better performance

Tires are central to your scooter's performance. You can navigate any surface and enjoy a smoother ride if they're appropriately inflated.

Longer battery life

A flat tire or poor pressure will reduce battery life because the motor must work harder. Regularly checking and fixing the pressure gives you more miles per charge, saving money.

Look after your scooter

If you want a reliable scooter that will make your commute a breeze, you'll need to spend around $900-1500. It is an investment, but worthy - as long as you take care of the scooter and perform regular maintenance.

Leaving your scooter to gather dirt and debris will only result in more maintenance - and even expensive repairs further down the line.

Here's why maintenance should be an integral part of your monthly routine.

Lifespan

Regular maintenance and upkeep can extend your electric scooter's life, reducing the need for repairs or replacements and saving money.

Performance

Regular maintenance and upkeep can ensure your electric scooter operates at peak performance. You'll enjoy improved speed, range, handling, and a better riding experience.

Safety

Regular maintenance and upkeep can ensure your electric scooter is safe to ride. It can prevent accidents caused by faulty parts or components and improve your scooter's braking, steering, and stability.

The Don'ts

Now we've covered the most important do's, it's time to move on to the don'ts. In general, e-scooters are safe - but everyone needs to behave responsibly when using them.

By taking responsibility for your behavior and prioritizing safety, you'll reduce the negative perceptions surrounding scooters and ensure people can continue to enjoy them.

The following don'ts are a matter of common sense and knowing your limits. They don't require much effort or compromise, but taking responsibility ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

Ride on sidewalks

OK, some states haven't made riding on the sidewalk illegal - but does that mean you should go ahead and do it? It might seem safer than public roads, but it's often more dangerous and a fast way to cause accidents.

Pedestrians use the sidewalk, and navigating an e-scooter in condensed spaces is harder. You could easily collide with someone, causing injuries to them - and yourself.

Luckily, most states have strict laws restricting riders to roads and bike paths, and you incur a penalty if you ignore them.

Remember that signs, storefronts, and trash cans are serious obstacles that can result in accidents. Roads are safer because they're free of obstructions.

Use your phone or headphones when riding

We all know how dangerous mobile phones are, and there are legal restrictions on using them when driving and riding bikes or scooters - but what about headphones?

Wearing headphones when using an electric scooter isn't the best idea. A huge part of road safety is being aware of your surroundings, which means using your eyes and ears.

Headphones mask the sounds of oncoming traffic, which means you won't hear sirens and horns, increasing your risk of an accident.

If you're vibing away to music, you might also lose concentration and forget to signal. Some states also have laws on listening to music, resulting in potential legal consequences.

In any case, headphones are dangerous, and your best chance of staying safe is to be alert.

Forget to clean your e-scooter regularly

Keeping your scooter clean doesn't just keep it looking fantastic - it's also essential to prevent accidents. For a start, dirty lights mean other vehicles won't be able to see you brake, and that could cause accidents.

Also, dirt and debris can impact the internal components of your scooter, and rust will affect its performance.

While cleaning the scooter regularly might seem like a headache, it's one of the most important safety precautions. A simple wipe-down after each ride is sufficient to protect you on the road and maintain the scooter's performance.

Neglect your battery

Lithium-ion batteries are standard in modern scooters, known for their rapid charging times and high capacities. The batteries are durable and will last - but you'll have to perform regular maintenance.

Failing to care for your battery could mean replacing it or risking damage to the scooter. Here are our top tips for e-scooter battery care:

• Don't leave the battery charging for a long time.
• Try maintaining a 50% capacity - even when not using the scooter.
• Store the scooter or battery in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures.
• Always use a manufacturer-recommended charger.
• Check the battery and replace it if needed.

Ignore your legal obligations

You should never ignore your legal responsibilities when using an e-scooter because they are considered motor vehicles and are subject to laws and regulations that apply to other vehicles on the road.

It's your duty to stay in line with your state's rules and regulations, including getting insurance, adhering to maximum speeds, and wearing a helmet.

Bring off-road, on road

Taking your off-road scooter on public roads might seem fun, but you should never do it. These scooters are known for their power and speed, with some models reaching an impressive 60 miles an hour.

They're great for thrill-seekers but have no place on public roads, as off-road models don't meet the speed limitations. If you use one on a bike path or public road and have an accident, the consequences could be fatal.

Luckily, there are plenty of legal scooters available for commuters, including the Unagi Model One Voyager, which is the latest in our range and perfect for cruising around the city.

If you're on a low budget or want a convenient payment plan, choosing our scooter subscription gives you access to a premium scooter and insurance for a low price each month.

Electric scooters can only have a place if scooter riders are responsible

Electric scooters are ideal for urban commuting, and their convenience, compact design, and cost means they'll continue to grow in popularity.

Following the do's and don'ts in this post ensures you enjoy your scooter responsibly and protect other road users.

The laws and safety guidelines aren't in place to be an inconvenience; they save lives and ensure scooters can have a place among other modes of transportation.

If everyone works together, we can continue enjoying everything these commuting devices offer. Who wouldn't want that?