How Hard is it to Ride an Electric Scooter

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written By:

Updated March 23, 2023

Electric scooters are all the rage these days, and it’s easy to see why. They are fun and the perfect tool for running daily errands or conducting that morning commute. Consumers may be wondering, however, just how difficult it is to ride modern electric scooters. Here is the good news: Modern electric scooters are ergonomically designed and, as such, are fairly easy to ride. There will be something of a learning curve, but we are here to work you through it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Modern electric scooters are fairly easy to ride, making them a good choice for kids and adults.
  • You should take plenty of time to practice before taking your scooter out to run errands or for a commute.
  • Always wear protective gear when riding an electric scooter, such as a helmet, knee pads, and arm pads.

How Hard is it to Ride an Electric Scooter?

With that said, that doesn’t mean electric scooters are always dangerous. They can be dangerous if you don’t know how to start an electric scooter, more if you’re not even the right age to be riding one. That’s why age requirements, average speed, and speed limits for electric scooters are important to consider. Many cities have age restrictions, so check your local laws before operating an electric scooter.

Insider Tip

Popular pieces of safety gear include helmets, knee pads, arm pads, and more.

A Beginner’s Guide to Learning

Each electric scooter is different, as there are several different competing technologies. Some of these technologies involve strong battery power and quality disc brakes, which are heavily dependent upon the type of scooter.

We have assembled a universal beginner’s guide to help you get started, no matter which e-scooter you have purchased. Even if you’ve purchased an Uberscoot 1600W or a top-notch 50cc scooter, it’s very easy to learn how to use an eScooter.

Wear Safety Gear

We strongly recommend that you wear protective gear while you are learning how to ride an electric scooter and afterward. You will fall often as you learn the ins and outs of an e-scooter, so you may as well be protected. Electric scooters also have safety features that you need to be aware of. Most e-scooters have a center-of-balance feature that keeps the average person from flipping over or falling off, as well as safety brakes for added safety.

This is especially true if you’re riding a speedy 1000W scooter. Popular pieces of safety gear include helmets, knee pads, arm pads, and more. Some states and cities require that scooter riders wear protective gear, so be sure to check on your local rules and regulations before setting out.

Insider Tip

For practicing, we recommend that you place the scooter on a smooth and flat surface, such as a sidewalk.

Practice Makes Perfect

No matter what style of electric scooter you choose, practice will be key to perfecting the learning process. Even if you fall down several times as you learn, you will make progress. Stick with it and celebrate the little victories along the way. For practicing, we recommend that you place the scooter on a smooth and flat surface, such as a sidewalk. Try to avoid difficult terrain types and steep inclines until you have the hang of riding an electric scooter. That may also extend the lifespan of your scooter.

Basic Steps to Riding an Electric Scooter

Here are the basic steps to riding an electric scooter. These may vary slightly depending on your make and model.

  1. Place the scooter on a flat surface, such as a sidewalk.
  2. Use a kick-scooter stance. This can be achieved by placing your weak leg on the scooter’s deck facing forward.
  3. Lean forward and hold the handlebar with both hands.
  4. Place your dominant leg on the scooter deck and maintain balance.
  5. Press the throttle slowly and steadily, keeping track of your momentum.
  6. That’s it. Have fun.

Warning

Some states and cities require that scooter riders wear protective gear, so be sure to check on your local rules and regulations before setting out.

F.A.Q.

Is it hard to learn to ride an electric scooter if you can’t ride a bike?

Not necessarily. Electric scooters and bicycles use different mechanisms to move, though you will need balance to operate either device. Give an electric scooter a try even if you do not know how to ride a bike.


How long does it take and how hard is it to learn to ride an electric scooter?

Some riders have said that they fully learned how to ride an electric scooter in just ten minutes, though this chronological metric will differ depending on the rider and the make and model of their scooter.


How do I prepare to learn how to ride an electric scooter?

We recommend that you gather up all of your safety gear ahead of time, including helmets, knee pads, and arm pads. This will speed up the preparation process.



STAT: 29% of all e-scooter accidents happen to inexperienced riders. (source)

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