These days, people are considering two-wheelers as a viable mode of transportation — one of which is the scooter.
Scooters and motorcycles are both excellent, and each has its pros and cons; of these two, however, scooters are lighter, cheaper, and more convenient to use.
They’re great for short rides without any of a car’s gas, parking, and pollution issues. Plus, they’ve got no manual clutches, making riding a scooter for beginners and experts alike incredibly easy.
However, something to keep in mind is that while scooters are fun to drive, proper protection shouldn’t be neglected. Fun and safety are not mutually exclusive, and it’s always better to maximize both.
Why Are Scooters Better for Commuting?
Commuting on public transport daily is a hassle. With a scooter, you can cover the same distance and still obtain a host of benefits to boot:
1. Saves Energy
Scooters require less energy to use than a bike and are more comfortable to use. They are also lightweight, making maneuvering, balancing, and slowing down hassle-free.
2. Saves Money
Scooters are more affordable than other vehicles and more convenient than public transport. Unlike a car, they require less maintenance, allowing you to pocket more cash on repairs and routine checks.
3. Saves Time
By riding along the scooter lane, you can skip traffic jams altogether. Its small size also allows you to park just about anywhere.
4. Saves the Environment
By not emitting as much pollution, you’ll be doing your part in improving the air quality and alleviating the environment from a car’s share of greenhouse gases.
With every advantage a scooter holds, the question to be asked is: are scooters safe?
While scooters cannot mirror the speed of a motorcycle, it doesn’t make them any less risky. Scooter safety should always be a top priority while on the road.
Easy-to-Follow Scooter Riding Tips for Beginners:
1. Be Visible
Use bright-colored clothes when driving to always make your presence known while on the road. It’s easy to disappear in a current of cars due to the smaller real estate a scooter has, especially at night. Safety hazards, such as puddles and potholes, are nearly invisible in the dark. Make sure your scooter safety lights are working. For an extra layer of safety, use hand signals when turning.
2. Avoid Blind Spots
Keep out of other motorists’ blind spots. While most drivers exercise caution in avoiding unwanted collisions, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. In the same vein, always drive somewhere safe, and know where every other vehicle around you is by keeping your ears open. Avoid listening to music while driving on a scooter.
3. Don’t Tailgate
Maintain a comfortable distance between you and other vehicles on the road. Scooters don’t take up much space, so it can be difficult for other drivers to gauge how much space they have if they don’t see you.
4. Refrain From Speeding and Know Local Laws
Be a responsible driver, and always be mindful of your speed. Every district and city has its rules and regulations regarding how fast a vehicle can go, even for something as casual as a scooter. Stick to the designated scooter lane, if available.
5. Invest in Scooter Safety Gear
- Helmet – Always wear a helmet, and avoid half-helmets.
- Gloves – Wearing gloves protects your hands from chafing and friction burns while maneuvering and in case of accidents.
- Pants – Pants prevent your knees and lower legs from being exposed to the elements.
- Boots – Tight shoes that don’t come off or slip at the slightest movement are crucial to maintaining balance on a scooter.
- Waterproof Clothing – Clothes that don’t absorb water are always a boon to have, especially when rain can occur at the most inconvenient and unexpected times.
Keeping these scooter safety tips in mind is essential on the road, especially when you’re on vacation and tend to loosen up.
Don’t have a scooter? If you’re in the Madeira Beach area, hire one! Island Marine Rentals is a trusted scooter, kayak, and boat rental service in Madeira Beach, FL. We offer a wide variety of packages to choose from. We have versatile and functional Yamaha 49cc and Scoot Coupe 49cc scooters that will allow you and a partner to ride anywhere together. Island Marine Rentals guarantees your safety with protective helmets included with all our standard packages.
Cruise around the scenic streets of Florida with Island Marine Rentals’ scooters! You don’t even need a license to get behind the wheel. Call us at 727-595-0000, or visit our website for more details.
