Whether cruising the picturesque countryside of Italy or commuting through your city, a scooter can be a fun, fuel-efficient and practical mode of transportation. While you’re working on upgrading your ride and finding the best gear, don’t forget to brush up on some safety tips to avoid any unnecessary accidents.
Stay Visible
This isn’t your massive, lane-hogging motorcycle. A scooter trades some of the noise, power and size of a motorcycle for a more practical and minimal look and sound. This means that it’s even easier for drivers to miss you. For night riders, skip your classic black leather look and opt for some high-visibility motorcycle riding gear.
Follow Traffic Laws
Some riders think that a small scooter should act more like a bicycle. While bicyclists may get away with flying through stop signs or hopping on the sidewalk, remember to treat your scooter like a motorcycle. This means using your turn signals, following traffic signs and avoiding the urge to weave in and out of traffic.
Practice
A scooter rides somewhere between a bicycle and a motorcycle. Whether you’ve ridden your motorcycle for years or have never ridden on anything with two wheels, it’s important to take your scooter for a spin before hitting a busy road. Don’t assume your scooter will turn, stop or handle exactly how you expect. This is especially important for scooter rentals.
Use Your Head
Finally, even the best laid plans can end in an accident. To help minimize the danger of a scooter accident and, in some states, stay within the law, be sure to shop for the best head protection before you hop on your scooter.
From protective gear to defensive driving, there’s plenty of ways you can make your scooter more safe. As you enjoy cruising along side streets or taking a road trip on your compact ride, a few safety preparations can keep you on your scooter and avoid accidents with other drivers.