In case you are the proud owner of a new folding electric scooter, but you are still rather new to using it, then you should know that going for a ride is always more fun when you have everything you need to remain safe at all times. This brings us to this article’s main topic, namely talking about what accessories are a must-have.
We know that, among many other things, riding is a very cool activity but it’s not always about changing parts with upgraded ones or trying to enhance performance. Since this type of transportation means that you are more exposed to risks in everyday traffic, your safety needs to come first.
While some people always associate electric scooters and other similar modes of transportation with accidents, the truth is that most of these situations can be avoided if you are careful and use the necessary safety gear. You might think that this is more important for novice riders, but it’s not true. Any e-scooter rider needs to wear the right gear at any given point.
Head safety
Helmets are one of the most (if not the most) important pieces of gear that you need to buy before you take your scooter for the first spin around the block. It’s crucial to wear sturdy protective head gear since any kind of accident can prove to be very serious if head injuries are sustained.
There are several options you can choose from when it comes to this, and of course, the many models available on the market can make it rather confusing. Full-face helmets ensure overall better protection, while half ones are generally bought for extra comfort.
However, if you plan on riding your scooter in crowded urban areas, then the full-face alternative should be the preferred one. Moreover, the helmet should fit your head snugly and include a proper chin-guard, as this element is paramount when it comes to your safety.
There are also quality standards that need to be met, so when buying the helmet make sure that you get all the information you need about it and that you see the signs or stickers indicating that it’s compliant.
If a certain model seems to be rather pricey but you know that it’s the one you need, go ahead and buy it, since you should never put a price tag on your own safety.
Eye protection
Either goggles or sunglasses are an excellent idea. When you are riding at higher speeds, your eyes get exposed to dust, wind, pouring sweat, or other elements, so you need to protect them as much as possible. Besides, you don’t want to ride with a blurred vision at any given point.
In fact, if something does get in one of your eyes and you temporarily have difficulty seeing around you, you should stop the scooter and take your time to become comfortable again. A good pair of goggles or sunglasses can help you prevent such situations.
Keep in mind that while you might ride the e-scooter for a while, you need your vision for life, so don’t jeopardize your health by not using the right equipment. Plus, if speeding is your cup of tea, then goggles are a more suitable alternative, as they ensure wider protection around your eyes.
Gloves
A scooter needs to be controlled, which means that your hands have to be in top shape at any given moment when you are riding. Furthermore, in case of an accident, the hands are actually the first line of defense, which means gloves are an excellent idea. Some might think that they are necessary only during the colder seasons, but this is not true.
No matter the weather conditions, you need to protect your hands. However, it’s true that you can choose from many different types of materials and models, so having various pairs adapted to different seasons is the right way to go. You do want to be comfortable when you ride your scooter, so thick warm gloves during the summer months are not a great choice.
On the other hand, once winter comes, if you still plan on using the scooter, gloves with extra insulation and padding around the knuckles are recommended to get the job done.
Jackets
If you are going to use the scooter just for fun, during weekends, then you’ll probably avoid rough weather conditions. On the other hand, for those who plan on using it for the daily commute, a jacket that protects from sudden rain or direct sunlight is advisable to have.
Some prefer leather jackets since they are highly versatile and ensure the necessary protection in many conditions. However, this is a matter of personal choice as well, so you can opt for anything that you know works for you. If you are not sure what model to choose, going to a local specialized store will surely clear things out.
The important part is to have such an accessory since your body might otherwise get exposed to wind, cold temperatures, scratches, or other injuries as you are making your way through the city.
Locks
We know that we’ve talked about protecting yourself, but this is not the only safety measure you need to have in mind. Keeping your scooter securely locked is an essential aspect of using these vehicles, especially in a large city where not everyone has the best intentions at heart.
There are two main types of locks that you can use, namely a cable model or a disc brake one. The latter alternative is more common, but the former one allows you to attach the ride to any type of post or corner within your area. The disc brake lock works well when you need to leave the scooter somewhere for a longer period or overnight.
A good cover is, in fact, one of the least expensive accessories you can use. Out of all the elements mentioned up until this point, this is the only one that you could live without if you can store your scooter inside the house. However, for those times when you do need to leave it outside, a cover can be useful.
Some safety tips
Remember that your safety is and always should be a priority, no matter the type of vehicle you are driving, or for what distance. Don’t consider these accessories some unnecessary additional expenses, since this is most definitely not the case. In case of an accident, even at a low speed, they can save your life.
Once you do decide to ride a scooter, you can try out various gear to see which one keeps you safe as well as comfortable. Furthermore, any of the scooter’s elements, such as the brakes and the battery, need to work well. If you haven’t ridden for a while, test them out before leaving the house.
The same goes for the frame, the motor, and all the other pieces that make the vehicle. Before venturing onto the roads, you need to know the safety and traffic rules. In fact, you should check with the local authorities, because there’s a very high chance that you need a valid driver’s license in order to take your scooter out for a spin.
