How to learn to ride a scooter from scratch

How to drive a scooter

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.

Scooter driving: getting started

To start using the scooter, you need to start it, of course. Most often, this is done by unlocking with a key and pressing the “start” button. Afterwards, you need to remove the scooter from the stand. Next, you should sit on the saddle, holding the steering wheel for convenience. In this case, the driver’s left foot should be on the road surface. Do not forget that the rear brake lever must be held until you are completely ready to move .

When the driver has fully taken control, you should make sure that there are no obstacles and that the scooter rider himself will not become a potential threat to active road users. If the situation is safe, you should turn on the turn signal and start driving. To do this, you need to release the brake lever and smoothly turn the throttle just enough to move off.

A very important nuance: under no circumstances should the speed control be pulled . This is fraught not only with slipping, but also with the scooter turning over, which can lead to disastrous consequences for both the equipment and the driver. Separately, it is worth assessing the condition of the road surface. Wet asphalt, crushed stone or gravel under the wheels require special care when starting.

Proper braking is the key to health

Stopping correctly may seem like a no-brainer, but the slightest mistake can result in injury and danger to others. In order to avoid such cases, you should simply memorize the following points:

• it is necessary to start the braking process in advance, calculating the final stopping point;
• to stop without negative consequences, it is recommended to use both the rear and front brakes at the same time;
• do not make sudden braking, creating a danger for other road users;
• It is imperative to take weather conditions into account. The braking distance and the effectiveness of the braking system as a whole depend on this;
• carefully monitor the technical condition of the brake system, in particular the pads. Faulty or wet they distort the final effect of their use;
• On low-quality road surfaces, calculating the trajectory becomes more difficult and the braking distance changes.

Failure to comply with these recommendations leads to impacts on curbs, collisions with other road users, slipping, skidding, and even falls of the scooter rider. Under no circumstances should the ignition be turned off until it comes to a complete stop, as this may lead to an open circuit . The latter is fraught not only with vehicle breakdown, but also with emergency situations.

After successful completion of the movement, turn off the engine. You should also pay attention to the parking location. It is not recommended to leave the scooter on a slope or uneven road surface.

Controlling a scooter on the road

After the beginner has tried the newly purchased scooter in safe conditions and figured out the intricacies of control, a trip to the city streets inevitably follows. The first impression of a novice motorcyclist will most likely remain a shock.

Saturated and intense traffic, proximity to noisy and fast-moving vehicles can simply discourage a scooter rider. In addition to monitoring balance and instrument indicators, it is necessary to carefully monitor the situation on the road.

Traffic regulations regulate that the movement of mopeds and scooters must be carried out with maximum safe proximity to the right edge of the road. However, in reality it is not always possible or safe to comply with these instructions. The quality of the road surface on domestic roads leaves much to be desired, as a result, the scooter driver will have to avoid road defects closer to the middle of the lane.

When moving according to the rules (at the right edge of the road), experienced scooter owners do not advise getting too close to large, slow-moving equipment such as trucks, excavators, tractors and others. This should not be done, as visibility is seriously reduced, the risk of not noticing a road defect increases, and the noise emitted by such vehicles reduces the driver’s attentiveness.

Another useful tip for those who understand the issue of how to learn to ride a moped or scooter is to still follow the traffic rules. The situation on city roads changes at lightning speed and there is often a desire to overtake on the left side.

It is strongly discouraged to do this, even if there are no visible obstacles and the maneuver seems safe. It is worth remembering: each paragraph of the traffic rules is drawn up on the basis of many years of traffic practice and is actually inscribed in blood into the general code.

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:

1. tilting the body in unison with the tilt of the scooter;
2. 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.

Scooter - tips for beginners

You need to be able to drive any transport. But in addition to direct control, there are a lot of little things that can be unexpected for a beginner, or even completely baffle. If you have no experience with a scooter, this article will help you gain the knowledge you need to get started with one.

Bicycle - still the same principle

If you know how to ride a bicycle, then riding a scooter will not cause any trouble. The same two wheels, a steering wheel, but the wheels are smaller, the center of gravity is lower, there are no pedals, but there are turn signals, a gas handle and a speedometer. The abundance of controls may confuse you at first, but after a couple of dozen kilometers traveled they will be perceived at the level of reflexes.

Scooter Controls

The following diagram shows the main controls of the Keeway Country scooter.

1. Low/high beam.
2. Light off/dimensions/full.
3. Turn indicator.
4. Sound signal.
5. Electric starter.
6. Accelerator (gas handle).

In addition to these controls, the front and rear brake handles are located directly on the right and left sides of the steering wheel in the direction of travel. This is the basic set included in all modern scooters.

Gasoline level in the tank

Any new scooter should be fueled. Even if there is something splashing in the tank, there is no guarantee that the amount of fuel poured will be enough for the scooter to reach its destination.

If there is a gas station near your place of purchase, you can try to refuel there. Otherwise, you need to stock up on a can of gasoline in advance, as well as a funnel, so as not to miss the filler hole.

How not to overfill fuel

Some novice motorcyclists are afraid of overfilling their fuel. This definitely won’t happen when refueling at a gas station, since the gas nozzles automatically stop supplying gasoline when it gets close to the edge.

It is also easy to avoid overfilling by refueling the scooter from a canister, since the fuel container always has a maximum volume. You can choose a canister that does not exceed the volume of the tank, or fill the tank with only part of the fuel from the canister if the canister is too large. The surest way is to periodically check the level of filled fuel visually by removing the funnel from the neck of the tank. However, no one forbids using the scooter’s built-in capabilities for this, namely the fuel level indicator. To activate it, it is enough to turn the ignition key one notch to supply energy to the devices.

Safety precautions when refueling

Remember safety precautions when refueling - there should be no open flame near an open gas tank. You also need to remember the need to close the filler hole at the end of the procedure, so as not to smell of gasoline through and through during the trip.

How to start a scooter

Despite the fact that all modern scooters are equipped with an electric starter, the use of its mechanical counterpart, the kickstarter , may be justified if there are doubts about the installed battery.

It may not be possible to start the engine the first time if, during storage or transportation on its side, all the fuel leaked from the fuel line into the tank, forming an air lock. Even full refueling will not help solve this problem, only repeated attempts to start.

Before you start the scooter, you should place it on the kickstand. After this, you need to turn on the ignition and, if the battery is well charged, try to start the engine by holding the brake handle and the electric start button for several seconds.

If the battery is dead

If the battery is exhausted, the kickstarter will save you. This method requires some physical effort, but it always helps, if, of course, the scooter is fueled and the engine is working properly. In some particularly advanced cases, it may take up to several dozen jumps on kickstarter, so there is no need to give up after a couple of unsuccessful attempts.

How to get moving

After starting the engine, let it idle for a minute or two. Then lift the scooter off the stand by balancing it with both hands and pushing it forward.

To start moving, you need to sit on the scooter and smoothly turn the accelerator handle counterclockwise (towards you, straightening your wrist), lifting your legs from the ground as you gain speed.

An increase in speed is achieved by rotating the accelerator; changing gears is not required, since the gearbox on the scooters is continuously variable.

How to brake

Cycling experience, if you have one, will also come in handy here. If it is not available, then you should simply remember the basic postulates:

• In most cases, it is correct to brake with both the rear and front brakes, distributing the forces equally.
• The front brake is more effective, but braking too sharply can result in you tumbling over the steering wheel.
• The rear brake is the safest, but in an extreme situation it alone may not be enough. In addition, braking with the rear brake alone can cause skidding and loss of control.

Test rides

As noted above, it takes very little time to get used to the scooter. Key points to consider on your first trips:

• acceleration control,
• correct braking
• and selection of cornering speed.

Simple rules for beginners

• You should not immediately go onto public roads and try to move at the speed of the flow.
• It is better to exchange the first ten kilometers on the odometer in safe, deserted roads or special areas.
• The speed for the first time should be limited to twenty kilometers per hour.

We hope these tips will help you in mastering the scooter. We wish you good luck and smooth roads!

Manual: how to learn to drive a scooter

I decided to write down my Indian experience, otherwise I feel like I’m quickly forgetting.

When people told me that it was easy, I didn’t believe it.

But this is actually true. There is only one little trick: the main thing is not to get killed in the first five minutes. The first meters and kilometers are the most dangerous. And all because it seems that the controls are simple, but the skills and reaction to this control are not enough at first. Therefore, first you need to ride it a little. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
1. Sit on the scooter, put it in a vertical position, remove the parking stand.
I forgot several times, people on the road shouted and waved their hands at me, indicating, “Take it away.”
And all because when you stop to take a photo of something, you don’t get off the scooter, but you expose the step. I took a photo and drove off, but forgot about the step. But the locals look out for us tourists. 2. Squeeze the handbrake with your left hand (otherwise it won’t start).
3.Insert the key into the ignition and turn it.
4.Press the starter button (that’s what I think it’s called).
It is located under the thumb of the right hand, on the steering wheel. The scooter started. 5.Slowly release the left brake, slightly turn the throttle (it’s under your right palm).
The scooter rides slowly, the legs do back-back-back on both sides. Gas is added, the scooter goes faster, the legs are placed inward. 6. We begin to slow down.
We press the fingers of our left hand on the brake lever, the scooter stops. We put our legs on both sides so that the scooter does not fall on its side. One time I wore a long skirt on a trip.
It turned out that the hem width was not enough to place two legs on the sides of the scooter. I had to lift my skirt up to my knees. And at speed, the wind blows it up like a bell... In short, you need to be more careful with skirts on a scooter. 7. If you have finished riding, turn the key in the ignition, put the scooter on the parking stand, having first turned the steering wheel all the way (with the wheel in the direction of the tilt, but you don’t need to remember this, this becomes immediately clear), remove the key.
All. Very simple. But! Point 5, and especially 6, must be repeated at low speed several times (several is not two). Needless to say, for this you need to choose a flat, deserted piece of road without the traffic of people, cows and vehicles.

And now the useful ones.
Gas handle.
On an unstarted scooter, try turning the throttle and see what kind of movement it has.
It immediately becomes clear how you need to position your hand so that with medium throttle the hand does not turn out. Fingers.
We need to figure out who will hold what with our fingers.
I drove 3 to 7: three fingers constantly on the brakes (two on the left, one on the right), seven on the steering wheel (three on the left, four on the right). Sometimes I took my right index finger off the brake, but my two left ones were always on the brake. I don’t know what the gurus say about this, but I came to this combination through experience. Firstly, with seven fingers, the steering wheel is under sufficient control and steers well (especially when you drive along gullies and the scooter constantly jumps). Secondly, when I need to brake quickly, I can quickly engage the rest of my fingers (my left hand first). Maybe on new scooters the brakes are sharper and you don’t need to use as many fingers, but I had a moped on which I had to squeeze the brake so hard. Braking.
Braking is the most important thing in safe driving.
And this is the first thing you need to learn on a scooter. And actually learn, i.e. drive and brake. Why is it important to study? 1.
My first braking went like this.
I was driving at low speed and decided to slow down. The thought “What to slow down?” — while I was thinking, I drove 2 meters (what? I’m used to braking the car with my feet). "Leverage!"
- another 1 meter. “My right hand is uncomfortable, I’m starting to accelerate!”
- 3 meters. “We need the left!”
- 1 meter. “Something is slowing down!”
- 1 meter. “We need to squeeze harder.”
Ugh! I stopped. The first few times you brake with your head, i.e.
I have to think. Every tenth time you find a comfortable position for your fingers on the steering wheel, and automaticity begins to kick in. 2.
When you get behind the wheel, you switch from the pedestrian mode “speed 5 km/h” to, for example, “30 km/h”.
But the reactions remain in pedestrian mode! You simply don’t have time to react. A hole, stones, sand, a speed bump, a dog, a cow... Therefore, you need to gradually increase your speed. I think 20 km/h is good for the first time. There are two brakes.
Important point.
There are two levers on the steering wheel - both brakes :))) But! The left lever brakes the rear wheel, and the right lever brakes the front wheel. Therefore, the first thing I always did was press the left (rear) brake, and press the right one if I needed to stop quickly. I think that if you press the right (front) brake sharply at speed, you can put the scooter vertically on the front wheel and fly off it. I haven't tried it, I'm speaking theoretically. U-turn.
First try without gas, push with your feet to understand the radius.
Then on low gas. Gas can give unexpected results. Either turn the scooter around, almost on the spot, or, conversely, increase the turning radius. Not sure about the result? Then legs, back-back-back. Heavy? But it's safe. Landing.
Proper landing is a great thing.
With the wrong one, even after 10 km it’s hard for the body, but with the right one, I did 200 easy. There are two tricks: 1.
Hold the steering wheel with relaxed hands.
Don't hold onto it! The steering wheel should be under control, but not in a rigid fixation. This makes your hands very tired. When driving in a straight line, the motorcycle goes straight even without hands, and muscle strength is not particularly needed for steering. It’s clear that if you’re driving over rough terrain, you won’t be able to relax your hands. Well, in normal mode on a straight road you need to learn to relax your hands. 2.
The back should be round, as if slightly stooped.
A straight back, or even worse - with a beautiful arch, quickly leads to muscle fatigue. I have a suspicion that when sitting upright, something is compressed and the blood supply to the limbs is disrupted. And with a round back, the load is distributed differently, more humanely for the body. Again, I don’t know what science says about this. I got to this point by experience. Cloth.
I already wrote about the skirt.
All that remains is to write about the sun. Bare shoulders tan instantly during the day. I then got tired of re-tanning the stripes from my T-shirt. The T-shirt saves. Place a scarf on your head (you can also cover your shoulders with it). Glasses are required at any time of the day - all living creatures willingly fly into your eyes. I rode in flip flops. From a safety point of view, it’s not very correct, but it’s hot in the slippers. Helmet.
If you are going to go on the highway, a helmet is required. According to traffic rules. Well, it's good for health. There is not much traffic in the beach areas, but on the highway, be healthy, you feel like a fly in a washing machine. You can borrow a helmet from the owner of the scooter. For hygienic reasons, I recommend wearing it on a headscarf. If the helmet is not needed, it can be stored in the luggage compartment under the seat.

Well, we must not forget that traffic in India is on the left (on big roads). And on small ones - in the center. At first you are horrified - scooter riders are like bees, who go as they want. But you quickly get used to it and become the same mad bee yourself. And in order to live to this wonderful state, you need to remember two things. First: half of the people who get on a scooter for the first time hit something in the first 15 minutes of driving (I already wrote what the first attempts to brake look like). Second: a lot of accidents happen to drunk Russians. Alcohol and drugs affect reaction speed. And sometimes it is the only thing that can protect you from a cow jumping out or a scooter flying towards you.

Honda Dio is usually rented.

Its consumption per 100 km is 2-3 liters, depending on the condition of the scooter. These figures were found on the Internet, since locals will never admit how much a scooter consumes. It is beneficial for them that tourists fill up with a lot of gasoline. After returning it, they drain the gasoline and sell it to you. I specially brought the red ribbon with me from Moscow.
Helps you quickly find your scooter among others in the parking lot.

How to learn to ride a scooter / first time on a scooter

How to learn to ride a scooter? It’s simple – you just have to sit down and try to ride. There are no other options. It’s good if someone you know can borrow a scooter for a test drive, so that you can practice in a place where no one interferes. And if there are no such options, then you will have to study immediately on the spot.

I'll tell you how it was for me. We are renting scooters for the first time. We agreed on a price with the owner, they prepared scooters for us, lubricated the parts, tightened the nuts, and filled them with gasoline. And only then did I think about how we would go if we had never tried to drive them before.

We had never ridden scooters before. And I suddenly realized that I had forgotten that a female representative was with me. Literally, of course, I didn’t forget about it, but I forgot that girls + technology are not the same as men + technology. If I sit down now, I will go, even though I have never driven before. But how the girl will go for the first time is a big question. I look at her and understand that things are bad. None of us had imagined our first contact with a scooter so clearly. Now we need to sit down and go.

I approached the owner and asked how to start the scooter and where to open the trunk. I tried to pretend that I knew, but I simply forgot. Who enjoys putting their equipment into the hands of beginners? Then I told him that for now we would ride on one scooter, and a little later we would come and pick up another.

Having turned the scooter manually, to the laughter of the surrounding sellers, I got behind the wheel, and the girl followed me. It was fun - we went in a zigzag. Not only is it the first time, but also carrying a person behind his back is not easy. Somehow I drove a couple of hundred meters and stopped. And we started learning to drive. First I rode back and forth several times, then she.

We couldn’t train for a long time because it was already getting dark. And for the first time riding a scooter in the dark in GOA is almost suicide. In a short time we learned our first driving skills. We arrived and picked up the second scooter.

Witnessed another girl's training while renting scooters elsewhere. A girl came there and had been living here for several months. The whole “so-cool” thing doesn’t put Goans in any regard and demands that she be given a certain scooter for one day, which she allegedly agreed on over the phone.

As it turned out later, she didn’t know how to drive. This is her second experience. The first, according to her, ended sadly many years ago - she ended up in the hospital with a skull injury (maybe she embellished the story). Circumstances forced me to get on a scooter again. Previously, someone would carry her on a scooter, but now there was no one to ride with. It’s expensive to constantly take a taxi, but I needed to go to some upcoming party.

I showed her what and how, and she went to test the scooter, having first put a helmet on her head. Nothing, somehow I managed to come back in a couple of minutes and pick up the scooter. When the owners found out that we were not with her, their hair stood on end. They did not want to give her a scooter, but the girl behaved very impudently and did not even leave her address to the poor owners.

Then we learned from the owners that nothing bad happened to her. She came and extended it for another day. So it's not all that scary. Everyone is learning. And girls too. Good luck to all beginners! Believe in yourself and be careful!

And that happens. Due to excessive force, the scooter breaks away from its place. The person leans back by inertia and thereby only turns the throttle towards himself more strongly. At the same time, he presses the brake with his left hand. And the scooter jerks back and forth, but the person cannot stop it. The solution is very simple - do not hold the right throttle tightly. After the first successful start, you will not make such a mistake again, but this happens for the very first time.

Rules for driving a scooter (moped) for beginners

Controlling a scooter is the prerogative of the younger generation, who like to move quickly and feel a certain freedom while driving. Riding a scooter looks quite simple, but still you should not take it too lightly - this leads to negative and sometimes sad consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to follow a set of rules that will help you master riding a moped and perform all movements correctly.

There are many videos that help you learn how to ride a scooter. But still, knowledge of the theory will help you cope with difficult situations that often arise on the road. How to drive a scooter so as not to encounter unpleasant consequences of moving on such a simple but sometimes dangerous vehicle?

First stage

The scooter that you decide to constantly use must undergo technical inspections to eliminate undesirable consequences during the period of active use. In this case, you should not save, since the driver’s health very often depends on the condition and quality of the vehicle.

To begin with, it is worth remembering that the vehicle’s maneuverability, controllability and predictability directly depend on the correct and high-quality technical condition of the moped. Before starting the journey, it is recommended to check the level of each fluid in the moped. Carefully monitor the amount of oil so as not to provoke the process of engine jamming. Start the scooter on a central support or stand - this will prevent incorrect and accidental movement while the engine is warming up.

Second phase

Knowledge about braking will help preserve your health while moving. How to drive a moped? Learn to brake deliberately and correctly when the situation on the road requires it. Braking may not seem like a difficult task, but even a small mistake can cause serious injury and danger to others.

To avoid unpleasant incidents, follow certain points:

• Start the braking process in advance, when you have calculated the end point of your stop.
• Use not only the rear brake, but also the front brake.
• There is no need to perform sharp braking, as this creates a danger for other active road users.
• Constantly monitor the technical condition of the entire brake system. Wet or faulty pads can interfere with braking performance.
• Consider weather conditions - they affect the braking distance, as well as the full effectiveness of the braking system.
• Remember that on poor quality road surfaces it becomes much more difficult to calculate the trajectory and the braking distance itself. Therefore, be careful when you see changes in the asphalt or other road surface along your immediate route of travel.

If simple rules are not followed, a moped can easily hit curbs, collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. Sometimes dangerous skidding occurs and even the driver falls. When your successful movement is over, it is recommended to turn off the engine. Pay attention to the future parking space. Professionals do not advise leaving your scooter on slopes or on poor road surfaces.

Third stage

Lots of videos show you how to ride a scooter. One of the most important points is passing turns of any complexity and maneuverability. There are many myths and misconceptions, but professionals give clear advice that will help you operate a scooter correctly and efficiently.

Visually calculate in advance the trajectory along which you will enter the turn. Adjust the speed to your desired level. If the speed is too high, the likelihood of a decrease in traction characteristics with the road surface increases - start maneuvers quite moderately. Compliance with these rules allows you to correctly control the scooter at the time of the turn.

You shouldn't be a hero on the roads in a city where there is constant active traffic and there are a lot of pedestrians. An experienced driver enters a turn only after completing the braking procedure. Videos with extreme sports will not help you here.

Methods for entering a turn:

• Tilt your body along with the tilt of the moped.
• At low speed, only the vehicle can be tilted.

1 method. For a long time it has been recognized as universal and more in demand. An experienced driver of both large and small motorcycles speaks of this method as extremely convenient and extremely safe.

Method 2. Requires experience and skill. Used for cornering where the radius is significantly reduced. It’s not worth the risk if you’re only driving a moped for the first month. Beginners are strictly prohibited from using the second method.

Always remember that the braking process must be completely completed when the scooter enters a turn. This is the only way to protect yourself and others from unpleasant accidents and injuries. Compliance with such a simple but very important set of rules will greatly simplify driving and make it safe.

Proper control of a scooter helps to avoid many accidents that have negative consequences. Try to carefully cross the tram track only at angles that are close to straight lines. When entering such paths at an acute angle, the likelihood of falling from the moped or with it increases. You should not drive on the marking lines in the rain, as they become very slippery and can disrupt the trajectory of your movement.

The rules are quite simple, but if you know them clearly and navigate the current situation on the road, you will be able to carry your scooter without any consequences or negative aspects that can overshadow a pleasant and comfortable trip.