Looking for a way to stay fit and burn off that holiday food without having to go to the gym? If so, kick scooting can be an excellent alternative. Kicking and pushing a simple scooter on the pavement on your way to school or work can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy some long-term benefits you might have never thought about.
As convenient and beneficial as riding a scooter can be, it’s important not to forget to emphasize safety from the beginning in order to avoid possible accidents or issues. Just like you’ve been taught to always put on your seat belt when getting into a car (like it’s second nature), the following kick scooter safety tips should be performed automatically every time you go for a ride.
Make Sure Your Scooter Is in Good Condition
Before you get on your scooter, you should always check that it’s in good condition. If you get into a broken or otherwise damaged scooter, the chances of you suffering injury or accidents get higher. Ensuring your scooter is in good condition means checking the levers to see if they are tight if the handlebar is secure and the brake is working smoothly. If everything looks all right, it’s good to go!
Always Wear Safety Equipment
I know what you’re thinking, safety equipment can totally cramp your style. However, wearing a scooter helmet and scooter pad for elbows and knees is one of the most protective precautions you can take to protect yourself from serious injury when riding.
Scooter Helmet
The purpose of wearing a scooter helmet is, of course, to prevent injuries in case you fall or encounter an accident. Can you wear bike helmet on scooter, you may ask? Scooter helmets are designed to cover the back of your head and are constructed to protect you even when falling backward, which you can experience commonly when riding a scooter. A bike helmet is not designed to offer this kind of protection.
Make sure the helmet you choose fits you snuggly – it shouldn’t be able to wiggle around on your head. To make it easier to remember, you can store your helmet next to your scooter, so you always see it before you ride. Consider getting a helmet in a vivid colour to make it easy for motorists and other riders to recognize you.
Scooter Pads
It’s also essential to have a suitable pad for elbows and knees to protect yourself. The main function of knee pads is to offer a protective barrier against abrasion and joint injuries. Note that not all protection pads available in the market are able to provide sufficient protection, hence the importance to know what to look for when shopping for a scooter pad for elbows and knees.
The first thing you’ll want to look for is a stronger outer shell. It is what fits into the shape of your knee to cover it from all aspects. Shells made from polyurethane provide a flexible yet rigid framework to the outer shell. The pads should also have a soft, pliable inner lining to absorb shocks and minimise the impact of force on the knees.
The pads you choose should also allow you to move freely and comfortably. The last thing you want is your range of motion to be restricted when riding your scooter. So, make sure your pads allow you to move quickly, change direction, and maintain complete control during the rides.
Proper Footwear
In addition to a helmet and scooter protection pads for elbows and knees, you should also wear footwear that is not slippery. Ideally, you should wear closed toe shoes to avoid an accident foot drag. Also, makes sure the laces are tied properly to avoid getting in the way of wheels. You may also want to consider using a backpack instead of a shoulder bag that could drop off your shoulder while riding.
Follow Local Traffic Laws
When you’re on a scooter, your city and state’s traffic laws still apply to you. Following these rules will ensure not only your safety but also the safety of others in your community. So, read up your local traffic laws and don’t break any rules when you’re zipping around. Remember to stop at stop signs, follow the traffic lights and walk your scooter across any street crossing. If there is a crossing guard around, you should always listen to their instructions.
Focus on Your Driving
No matter what you’re driving, you should always be focused. Survey has shown that the majority of road accidents are caused by a lack of attention by drivers. This also applies to scooter riders. In fact, riding a scooter requires a little more concentration as it’s a little unstable. Plus, to turn right or left, you need to use the handlebars.
Depending on how old your scooter is, the brakes can take a long time to stop it. So, if you don’t want to fall, make sure you don’t answer your phone while driving. It’s also advisable not to listen to music while you’re driving your scooter to avoid getting distracted.
