City Life on a Scooter

It can be frustrating trying to find the best driving routes with the least amount of traffic, but scooters are a great way to alleviate commuter stress. Scooters are very efficient thanks to their small size, so they can easily fit into narrow spaces and get you where you need to be rather quickly. You’ll want to make sure that you’re being safe when you’re out riding your scooter on busy city streets. Bear in mind that you’ll be up against bigger vehicles without the benefit of protective encasing that cars offer, so it’s important you take extra care to avoid accidents.

We want you to enjoy the city life on your new scooter while still being as safe as possible, so we’ve created a guide with helpful tips. If you’re interested in checking out our BMW scooters or KYMCO scooters, or you just need routine maintenance, visit us today at our Cross Country Cycle dealership in Metuchen, New Jersey near Staten Island and Manhattan, New York!

Ride Defensively

Accidents are always awful, but they can be especially severe when a scooter is involved. Rather than placing blame on another driver, prepare yourself to ride defensively and you should be just fine. Defensive riding tactics will prove tremendously helpful when riding your scooter in the city. Take your time and always be aware of your surroundings. You should never linger in a driver’s blind spot because this is an accident waiting to happen.

In the event that another driver cuts you off, you should always have at least two escape routes in mind. This will also be handy in case you need to escape a dangerous situation such as an obstacle or accident in your path. You’ll want to actively avoid vehicles that are driving dangerously or suspiciously. If you feel like another driver might do something unsafe, especially for you, then give them some extra space. If you really want to create space, you can sway your scooter from side to side a bit as you ride. As long as you do this carefully and correctly, it’s not dangerous to you or others.

Spot Dangerous Conditions

Pay special attention to the road conditions because they can be hazardous. For example, wet roads are dangerous for all vehicle types. If you’re on your scooter, you should slow down and avoid any sudden changes in your direction or speed. It’s more likely that you’ll lose traction when roads are wet, so you’ll need to be careful about avoiding situations that make you slide.

You can avoid sliding by riding in areas where water won’t accumulate. If you’re on an older road that is in need of paving, you’ll probably spot two dips where years of wear and tear from large vehicles has worn the pavement down. Water often gravitates toward these areas, so do your best to steer clear. The center of the lane tends to be higher and stays relatively dry, so this is a good area to stay in to avoid hydroplaning. Keep a nose out for antifreeze because if there’s any on the ground, it will make riding conditions slicker. It has a sweet smell, but it is also toxic, so use caution when you’re near it.

Choose the Right Gear

Wearing the right gear can make all the difference when it comes to a safe riding experience on your scooter. Your goal is to make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers. This could be as easy as wearing reflective or bright-colored clothing and using your scooter’s lights when appropriate.

In addition to wearing gear that makes you highly visible, you also need to be sure it’s going to offer protection. A helmet is easily the most important piece of gear for anyone riding a scooter. You should also consider wearing gloves, riding boots, and clothing that is durable for added protection. Even if you’ll be riding at fairly low speeds, road rash is never fun so take extra precautions to avoid it.

Safety is the number one priority when you’re riding your scooter, so take all the necessary steps to avoid accidents and injuries. If you’re still in the market for a new ride, then come to the best scooter dealer in town, Cross Country Cycle! We are located in Metuchen, New Jersey near Staten Island and Manhattan, New York.