They have crept into the cityscape and are now an indispensable part of it – the new e-scooters for rent to just get going. Of course, it's easy to switch on such a scooter on the street via mobile phone, get on and ride off. The safety professionals explain in this blog post what to pay attention to when riding an e-scooter.
E-scooters in road traffic
The classic e-scooters travel up to 20 km/h in road traffic and are therefore classified as permitted "e-micro-vehicles". This is also indicated by a type plate (license plate) and should be checked before riding. The e-scooter must have two brakes, a bell/horn, headlights, a taillight, reflectors, and side reflectors. This minimum equipment ensures that you can make yourself noticeable to other road users through acoustic or visual signals. But as with all road users, the following applies:
Better to look around too much than too little before riding.
1. Tip: Practice starting with the e-scooter
Starting an e-scooter doesn't look that difficult at first glance, yet it requires some skill. With most e-scooter models, the rider must first accelerate the e-scooter by pushing off with their foot (to about 5 km/h) so that the e-scooter can accelerate properly. So, just like with a classic kick scooter, just get going briefly so you can start.
2. Tip: Accelerate correctly with the e-scooter
Anyone who has never stood on an e-scooter should only use the throttle slowly and carefully when starting for the first time to get a feel for the acceleration. True to the motto "safety first", you can always give "full throttle" later once you are used to the vehicle.
3. Tip: Braking correctly with an e-scooter
Since you stand upright on the e-scooter, the correct braking behavior is extremely important. Remember: The higher the speed, the more you should shift your weight backward in order to be able to brake in a controlled manner as a precaution. Special attention should be paid to a firm stance on the e-scooter so that you can react flexibly to the e-scooter. In potential emergency situations, it may even be necessary to jump off the scooter – this should also be practiced beforehand if possible.
4. Tip: Signal correctly with the e-scooter
When riding in traffic, you must also adhere to the traffic regulations. This means that the turn signal (if available) must be used, or a hand signal must be given when you want to turn. During the turning process itself, both hands must be back on the handlebars so as not to lose control of the e-scooter.
Note: On most e-scooters, the throttle is on the right handlebar. When you turn, you have to release the throttle and thus lose speed!
5. Tip: Riding an e-scooter in bad weather
Right now in late summer and early autumn, leaves are falling from the trees or a sudden downpour makes the road a slippery slide. Due to the small tires, the e-scooter does not have the classic grip and can slip away faster. Therefore, always drive with foresight and be especially careful. In heavy rain, you should refrain from riding an e-scooter, as the brakes cannot grip effectively.
