• Safety
Electric Scooter Safety
Most people think riding an electric scooter is easy—but are you making these common safety mistakes? Read on to find out!
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Written by
Edison Chen
Overview
CONGRATS!!! 🎉🎉🎉 You've built your own electric scooter and you're ready to full send it, but before starting you need to know how to safely ride in order to ensure the best experience. Riding an electric scooter may seem simple, but understanding the right techniques and safety measures will help prevent accidents and keep you in control. This guide covers topics from getting familiar with your scooter’s key components to avoiding common mistakes made by beginners.
Understanding Your Scooter
Before we get into how to ride your electric scooter, it's important to know what you're riding. Scooters have five key components: the throttle, electronic braking system, deck, handlebars, and wheels. Think of it like this: the throttle is your gas pedal—it makes you go. The electronic braking system slows you down or stops the scooter by controlling the motor itself, rather than using separate brakes. The deck
is your platform, where you keep your feet balanced while riding. The handlebars control your direction, helping you steer left or right. And finally, the wheels keep you rolling smoothly over different surfaces. These parts work together in harmony to guarantee a smooth ride. As an extra precaution, Lectec’s electric vehicle is equipped with a built-in fire extinguisher in the battery to ensure fire safety and prevent any battery fires.
Lectec's Electric Vehicle Battery Pack with Built in Fire Extinguisher
Safety Equipment
Now that you've gotten to know your scooter, it's time to learn about safety equipment. Having the right safety gear will make a significant difference in preventing injuries. A helmet is a must—according to the CDC, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, by up to 55%. Followed by knee and wrist pads to protect riders against scratches and bruises caused by falls. Luckily, Lectec offers a starter bundleoption for our DIY electric vehicle kit, which includes a helmet, wrist pads, and knee pads to ensure maximum protection while riding.
Safety Pack that comes with Lectec's Starter Bundle; Helmet, Wrist Pads, Knee Pads
Avoiding Common Mistakes
After equipping yourself with the proper safety gear, you need to know how to ride safely. Many riders make avoidable errors that can cause serious injuries. When starting, begin by pushing off gently before engaging the throttle for a gradual acceleration. Hold onto the handlebars steadily and avoid jerky movements that could cause instability. When you want to stop or slow down, it is important to brake smoothly and at a safe distance from any obstacles. It’s important to lightly pullback on the braking because if it’s too sudden, it may lead to injuries. Learning proper braking techniques will ensure a safe stop. Lastly, reduce distractions, such as using a phone while riding as it will take your attention away from the road. Need a visual? Click here to watch our video on riding safety!
Family walking near the beach while riding Lectec's Electric Scooter
Final Tips
You're almost fully ready to start riding, but there are just a few more things to know before you head out. It's good to perform a pre-ride safety check to ensure everything is in working order before heading out. Remember to always stay aware of your surroundings, anticipate movements of cars and pedestrians, and ride responsibly. Now that you are fully equipped with the proper gear and safety knowledge, go have fun riding!
Kids getting ready to ride their built Lectec Electric Skateboards
Why just ride when you can build? With Lectec’s DIY electric vehicle kit, you’ll learn STEM concepts while assembling your own electric scooter or skateboard. Building your own ride helps you understand how each component functions, making it easier to diagnose and fix issues while also improving overall safety. Our starter bundle comes with safety gear, so you’re ready to ride from day one!
Did you get a skateboard instead? Although the experience is similar, there are different things to keep in mind to have the safest experience. Click here for our article on skateboard safety.
