Every person who lives in a big city knows how difficult commuting is. We have all spent hours stuck in traffic, and we’ve all been late to work, or missed an important family dinner because we weren’t able to get there on time. Luckily, as technology advances, we are getting different devices that help us go from one place to another, avoid traffic, and take care of the environment at the same time. Electric scooters are said to be the transportation mean of the future, and millions of people around the world have already chosen to use them instead of traditional vehicles.
Even though they are the best and safest way to travel, there are also some risks that come with riding these units. In this article, we are going to help you understand the risks of riding an e-scooter, and we will help you learn how to protect yourself and always be safe when using them for commuting. Continue reading to help yourself learn how to use them better, and to help your loved ones stay safe whenever they are on one of these devices.
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1. Not knowing how to ride or handle them
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One of the biggest risks is not taking the time to learn how to ride the unit. You need to take enough time to get used to it, to learn how to balance it, and how to be comfortable while doing it. Know that even though most roads will be good enough to provide you the best experience, there are still potholes and possible debris you will have to learn how to quickly avoid without losing your balance. You will need to learn how to ride the unit at higher and slower speeds, and how to be safe when doing that.
Take your time to get used to it, and always learn what features you have. Know that your lights must be on at all times so that people and vehicles can easily notice you no matter the weather conditions.
2. The behavior of other people around you
The next thing we are going to talk about is not something that you can change, but you can definitely learn how to avoid injuries and falls. People, other scooters, bikes, and pets may not pay attention to you, and they might try to cut you off.
The worst thing that can happen is you falling because you were trying to avoid someone, or crashing into them. Because of this, you need to always be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t just watch the road, try to notice people and animals and see where they are going and what they are doing. If someone seems distracted, or if they have their earbuds on, chances are, they will not see you coming. Take your time and adjust your speed, and if needed, stop or speed up to safely pass them.
3. Maintenance
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If you don’t maintain your device regularly, it may break while you are using it. One of the worst things that can happen is you having to carry your device in your hands because it is not working anymore. If you check this, you can see that there are a lot of different types of e-scooters, and they all require different maintenance. Depending on the model you choose, you can avoid spending too much time and money replacing all the parts.
Know that things, including the brakes and the battery, need to be checked, fixed, and in some cases replaced, and if you do this on regular basis, you will be able to avoid any problems or issues.
4. Most common injuries
Some of the most common injuries that come with the falling of an electric scooter include head injuries, concussions, head fractures, internal bleeding, lacerations, and in extreme cases, paralysis.
Because of this, you need to wear all the protective equipment, and you should always have your helmet on. The helmet will protect your head, face, and your skull, and even if you fall, you won’t sustain serious injuries.
No matter how experienced you are, you should never get on the unit without putting the safety gadgets on. Take time to choose the right ones depending on your needs and riding behavior.
5. How to protect yourself
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If you want to protect yourself and if you want to make sure that every time you go out for a ride you are safe, you need to minimize the risks. The first thing you need to do is choose a good unit that will last you for a long time. Know that there are a lot of different types of devices available nowadays, that come with different speed range, brakes, and additional features. If you want to use it daily, then it is better to invest in something better. Know that you can choose an e-scooter that is great for riding it in the city, and there are types that are great for off-road. Find one depending on your preferences and desires.
You also need to maintain it regularly, and to make sure it won’t break while you are on the road. Most of the things you can easily fix on your own, so you won’t need to contact a service. However, if you are unsure what you need to do, or how, then it is better to talk to the professionals than risking causing more damage on your own.
Always be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to the road, the other vehicles, and try to predict the behavior of people around you. Be safe, take your time to learn how to balance it, and never rush riding it in traffic if you are not sure you can do it. Even though e-scooters are easy to master, you will still need to practice. Be comfortable, never squeeze the handles too tight, and you will have no issues going from one place to the next without any injuries.
These are some of the risks that come with riding an electric scooter, and some of the ways you can protect yourself. Don’t forget that protective gear is a must, and you should wear it no matter how experienced you are. Take your time choosing the right unit, learn how to use it, and if you are new to this, try to use it only when it is sunny and dry outside. These units will change your life, and they will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. However, if you are not sure you can invest your time in learning how to stay safe, it is better to postpone this purchase and rent units until you are comfortable with them.
