It is generally accepted that driving a scooter is the prerogative of exclusively young motorcyclists and older people. This opinion was formed due to the relative simplicity of the device and, as a consequence, the control of this two-wheeled vehicle. It is difficult to argue to what extent such a statement is true, but, as qualified experts advise, you should never take riding a scooter lightly. The latter is most often the sin of those who get behind the wheel of a scooter after long-term use of two-wheeled units with a large number of cubes.
It’s not difficult to guess what the consequences of such a frivolous attitude are. This is an increased danger on the road, not only for the most careless driver, but also for those around him. Typically, such a biker is capable of causing no less harm than a young beginner. In any case, regardless of the experience and number of years in the saddle of other two-wheeled vehicles, a novice scooter driver must follow a number of basic recommendations.
General information
The question of how to ride a scooter includes many aspects. The position of the driver's body when starting to move is important. The center of gravity should be located closer to the steering wheel or lie down on it so that when accelerating the vehicle does not stand on its rear wheel. This usually happens when a tall driver sits on the edge of the seat farthest from the steering wheel. After reaching a speed of 30 km/h, you can straighten your body and position yourself to your liking.
Beginning scooter drivers should slowly and gradually turn on the gas and release it after the vehicle begins to accelerate, applying gas afterwards when the engine slows down. This will lead to the formation of the skill of correct gas dosage.
You should not make sudden movements or jerk to the sides when operating the scooter, especially when moving at high speed.
It is important to learn how to stop correctly by combining the forces of the front and rear brakes. This is the basis of driver safety. It should be remembered that an attempt to urgently stop a vehicle moving at high speed may result in the wheels completely blocking and the scooter skidding. For beginners, it is advisable to use exclusively the rear brake at first. The front one should be studied only after sufficient mastery of the back one. Enabling it allows you to maintain control over the movement during a turn, while the brake of the front wheel impairs the traction of the rear wheel and the effectiveness of its braking.
WE DRIVE A MOTORCYCLE FROM DAY ONE
Yes, yes, exactly, we drive. First of all, you need to learn how to drive a motorcycle, in the sense that you will walk next to him and drive him. Only in this way will you clearly feel its weight and understand where its center of gravity is. It's not as simple as it seems. They won't teach you this in a driving school. Recently I was invited to test drive the new EXO Neutrino scooter, which was released for European markets, and I got acquainted with the new scooter exactly as I am describing to you here. This is a base for everyone, professionals or beginners. By the way, don’t forget to watch the video about my “acquaintance” with EXO Neutrino – it will tell you even more than the article. Well, I'll continue.
You need to start getting acquainted with a motorcycle like this: take it off the stand (more on that a little later), take it by the horns, tilt it slightly towards you and push it forward. Hard? That's it. That's not so bad, but now try to walk a small circle with him counterclockwise. It will be easier this way, because the moth will fall on you and it will be easier for you to catch it.
Let's complicate the task. We go around the circle clockwise. This is more difficult, because the motorcycle tends to escape from your hands and crash in the opposite direction from you. When you feel like you are in complete control of the bike's balance and only control it with a little effort and the front brake, the job is done. Your muscles begin to remember the efforts that you transfer and the load from the motorcycle, which means that in the future it will become automatic and will not cause any problems, regardless of the weight of the bike and its height.
Now a few words about the footrest or stand, whatever you like. It will be difficult to remove the motorcycle from the stand and put it down at first for the same reason that forced us to cut circles with the steering wheel in our hands - a clear sense of weight distribution, center of gravity. When removing and installing the motorcycle on the stand, try to lean it slightly towards you, not too much, but if the bike outweighs you and leans in the opposite direction, you will not be able to do anything. He will fall. It's a pity.
How to learn to ride a scooter
Either by training yourself or by using the services of a professional instructor, you can master all the intricacies of the trip. Those who have successfully completed the training stage themselves advise beginners to remember and at the first start not to hold the right throttle too tightly, turning it slowly.
When the scooter starts moving, you must be ready to release it immediately. If the vehicle takes off too quickly, this is very important. The stop will occur immediately after releasing the throttle.
When choosing a site for training, you should prefer uncrowded places away from the roadway.
Rules for changing engine oil during break-in
During break-in, a new engine grinds its parts, resulting in metal shavings. It accumulates in the engine crankcase and can easily damage the inside of the engine.
After a run of 100 km, I recommend changing the engine oil to a new one. Then this can be done after 500 km. It is not recommended to skimp on high-quality oil, because with timely maintenance, the moped will last much longer without repair.
A little about age
How long can you start riding a scooter? This is important information, any deviation from which will result in heavy fines. The current version of the Road Traffic Rules equates this transport to mopeds and provides the same requirements for their drivers. Including the question of what license one can have to ride a scooter. The right to drive is ensured by a valid driver's license with an authorized category M and reaching the age of 16 years. Having documents with any other driving category makes it possible to drive a scooter without opening the specified M category.
WHERE IS WHAT HANDLE AND WHERE TO POUR GASOLINE
I didn’t particularly want to spread this question across a blank sheet of paper, since every normal person knows where the throttle is on a motorcycle, where the handbrake is, where the clutch lever is and what needs to be done with your feet. Let's assume that you already know all this, you even know where to pour gasoline and even oil, and sometimes, in two-stroke bikes, mix both in a certain proportion. They talk about this in driving school and treat this information like news on a wire radio. And if you want to not only know, but also ride a motorcycle, and also “glide” like me on my supermotard, for example, here in the video, or jump on motocross motorcycles, which is even more interesting and fun - read on, practice and be patient ! You can do it!
Of course, you can read books and instruction manuals, but it’s better to get acquainted with the motorcycle for the first time by touch.
The controls of the bike are also not particularly complicated, so even changing motorcycles like gloves, you will always feel at ease. Of course, each model has its own characteristics, but only a rare talent can confuse a kick starter with a foot brake or gear shift lever, and you, of course, are not one of them. Of course, you can read books and instruction manuals, but it’s better to get acquainted with your motorcycle for the first time by touch. And then, which is not clear, ask a smart book. This way you’ll quickly remember the placement of all the toggle switches and levers, as well as their purpose. Go?
Important to remember!
It’s impossible not to talk about what it takes to ride a scooter. When getting behind the wheel, the scooter rider must always have in his pocket a driver’s license (a temporary permit that similarly confirms the rider’s right to operate a scooter) and an insurance policy.
The Traffic Rules also require you to wear a special helmet while driving. There is no legal requirement for a scooter passenger to have one.
Registration conditions
We would like to remind you that a scooter up to 50cc belongs to the category of mopeds, has restrictions on movement on the road and does not require state registration. And if the engine capacity is from 50 to 125 cubic meters, then it already belongs to the category of motorcycles. And then all the rights and responsibilities of a motorcyclist apply to the owner of a powerful scooter. In this case, registration of the vehicle and obtaining a state license are required. numbers.
Interesting points
The topic of how to ride a scooter correctly is very multifaceted. In particular, drivers will find this information useful. Road traffic rules oblige scooter riders to move on the right edge of the roadway or in a special lane for cyclists. There is no prohibition on driving on the side of the road when this does not create obstacles for pedestrians. It should be noted that by establishing the order of scooters moving in one row on the right side of the roadway, this transport was allowed to go around obstacles, for example, in the form of a bus standing at a stop.
For scooters, as well as for other types of transport, it is mandatory to turn on the headlights during the daytime.
Passengers
Transporting passengers is possible, but a scooter has its own characteristics:
- A transport driver must have at least 2 years of driving experience.
- Children under 7 years old can be passengers on a scooter if there is a specially equipped seat.
- The scooter must be designed to carry passengers.
Prohibitions for scooter drivers:
- Transportation of large cargo with dimensions exceeding the length or width of the vehicle by more than 0.5 meters.
- Crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing.
- No hands on the steering wheel (at least one hand).
- It is prohibited to turn around or make a left turn on a road with tram tracks or where there are several lanes for traffic in one direction. It does not matter whether the location of the tram tracks is in the middle or on the side of the road. The ban applies in any case.
- Towing of vehicles.
Scooter drivers moving on a bicycle path are subject to a priority rule, according to which they are obliged to give way to vehicles traveling on the road at the intersection of the bicycle path with the highway if there is no intersection there.
Cornering
An equally important point is how to drive the scooter when cornering. There are many myths and misconceptions about this, while experts are more clear.
You should first visually calculate the entry trajectory and adjust the speed limit to the required level. At increased speeds, there is a high probability of a decrease in adhesion characteristics with the road surface, therefore, it is necessary to start the maneuver moderately. Compliance with this rule will ensure controllability during the turn. There are two ways to enter a turn:
- tilting the body in unison with the tilt of the scooter;
- Tilt of the vehicle only (applicable at low speeds).
The first method is the most common and universal. Experienced riders of both small and large motorcycles describe it as safe and comfortable. The second one requires more skill and is used to enter a turn with a reduced radius.
It is not recommended for beginners to use it for the first time. It’s also worth remembering that before starting this maneuver, you should definitely finish braking.
Following these simple but important rules will not only make driving a scooter easier and safer, but will also make any trip pleasant and comfortable.
Where to ride a scooter
Due to its small size and weight, efficiency and accessibility, a scooter is a convenient and popular form of transport in any area. At the same time, questions about how to ride a scooter in rural areas do not arise. But in the presence of heavy traffic, for example, within the city, it is important for the scooter rider to exercise increased caution on the road.
When driving within the city, the driver should adhere to certain rules:
- Be sure to always drive with low or high beam headlights on.
- At the level of the rear door of the car there is a dead zone of visibility for the driver of the car. It is dangerous to drive a scooter in it; a motorist may not be able to see the two-wheeled vehicle on his side.
- When driving alongside cars in a parking lot, you need to be careful for fear of doors suddenly opening or a parked car starting to move.
- Don't be shy about honking frequently. Also, the sound of the doodle should be loud enough for car drivers to notice the moving scooter in time.
- It is better to drive through intersections when the traffic light is green, while carefully monitoring the road conditions on different sides and in the mirrors. A scooter rider should avoid rushing traffic at a yellow light, as there is a great danger that you will not be noticed and will be hit.
- It is best to store the key fob for an alarm installed on a scooter in a place that is further away from the ignition key, in a convenient pocket or with a spare ignition key. This is done to prevent accidental operation of the system.
- Good technical condition of a vehicle when driving in the city is one of the decisive factors for driver safety. When driving out onto the road, you should be sure that the scooter’s transmission is in perfect condition. If one of the wheels jams at speed, you may fall with serious consequences. It is better not to skimp on the condition of rubber, shock absorbers, bushings, pads and other important parts of the mechanism; the life and health of the driver may depend on this.
Management Basics
Sergey is the author of a travel blog. Many are interested not only in the principles of driving, but also in the specifics of Asian countries, where it is almost impossible to do without two-wheeled transport. While in Asia, Sergey decided to make a video tutorial on how to master it from scratch. Viewers will find out whether a license is needed, how much the rent costs, where the gas tank is located, and what “magic” word can be used to fill it up. Next comes practical information: maintaining an upright position, the sequence of manipulations for the correct start, competent turn, braking, parking.
Additional Tips
When driving around the city, vehicles must be equipped with two mirrors. Otherwise, you will have to turn your head often, and this is quite annoying when you are required to wear a special helmet. When adjusting the mirrors, it is necessary to take into account that the left one should capture the corresponding part of the road lane as much as possible, and the right one should view the situation behind the driver. This allows you to use them most effectively. Reduced monitoring of the situation on the right is due to the fact that, according to traffic rules, a scooter is only allowed to ride in the right lane.
After reading the above information, you will never wonder about how to ride a scooter again.
FAIR WIND!
Actually, everything else is in your hands. There are a lot of subtleties that relate to maneuvering, throttle changes, braking and engine deceleration. First, on a not-too-busy section of the highway, try to click through the gears from first to last, as many as you have, switch to neutral gear on the fly and catch the correspondence of the engine speed to the speed of movement. Don't get carried away with speed. Only an idiot can fly around the city at a speed of over a hundred, and especially without ten years of driving experience behind him. With speed, you need to be “you” and whisper until you have accumulated sufficient driving experience - upstarts don’t like speed.
In general, if someone ever tells you that they know how to drive a motorcycle, don’t believe it. You can learn the art of riding a bike endlessly, there is no limit to perfection, and once you have mastered the basic skills you just read about, you will only begin to understand how wonderful it is that you have a motorcycle. And there are still years ahead of mastering various techniques, emergency situations and unforeseen accidents, a lot of pleasant moments, a tank of adrenaline and volumes of memories of motorcycle trips and rallies. So you will never get bored with a motorcycle.
