How to countersteer a scooter

If you are riding scooter, you are already counter steering, whether you realize it or not. It’s actually very difficult to initiate a turn without some amount of counter steering. Knowing the physics involved and the technique will give you a greater appreciation and impetus to practice in a safe environment.

In training courses, when they tell you to momentarily flick the wheel in the opposite direction of the turn to initiate the lean into the turn, that is counter steering. For most everyday riding, it’s a short, subtle process that goes almost un-noticed. For more aggressive riding, counter steering must be more deliberate and pronounced. It’s still the same dynamic though.

As the video mentioned, the simple definition is: "The act of turning a two wheeled cycle in one direction by momentarily steering the front wheel in the opposite direction".

The physics of counter steering is actually complex and contrary what the video may insinuate, is not restricted to a "two wheeled cycle". If you watch car rallying, you will see rally car drivers demonstrate the countersteering techniques required to get a car efficiently around a corner.

Major car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes and General Motors have been experimenting since the 1970’s with automated counter steering and wheel leaning systems that would vastly improve the handling and performance of four-wheelers. So far, they haven’t come up with a commercially viable solution.