The scooter lifestyle

V Moto have some cool adds at the moment that capture the FUN of the scooter lifestyle. click on the following and feel free to comment:

Eight golden rules of riding a scooter

At scooterhire.co.nz, we spend time inducting our customers into scooter riding safety. Here is what we define as the "eight golden rules of riding" - what do you think should be added, embellished or amended?

1. Look where you want to go.

2. Move away from danger.

3. Know the abilities of your scooter.

4. The best way to lean your scooter for a corner is to counter steer.

5. Ride sober.

6. When in doubt, give way.

7. When cornering: Slow in, Faster out.

8. Learn practice, learn practice...

Scooter riding tips

We have a "Riding Tips" handout at scooterhire.co.nz that we encourage our clients to read before they hire a scooter. We also spend as much time as we can, inducting and giving riding tuition. This can be difficult as the client often wants to hit the street and start enjoying the freedom and FUN of the scooter experience.
What do you think we can add to the following?

• Effective braking is accomplished by using both front and rear brakes together. Independent use of only the front or rear brake reduces stopping performance.
• Excessive brake application may cause either wheel to lock, reducing control of the Scooter.
• Ride very cautiously until you are used to the way the scooter handles.
• Take turns and corners slower and give yourself extra stopping distances.
• Test the brakes to get the feel of how they operate.
• When riding in wet or rainy conditions or on loose surfaces, the ability to manoeuvre and stop will be reduced. For your safety, use extreme caution when braking, accelerating or turning.
• Avoid road markings in wet weather, they can be extremely slippery.
• Always wear protective clothing.
• Be considerate of other road users. Check that you are not slowing down the traffic flow and let the traffic pass as soon as it's safe.
• Ride defensively.
• Park the Scooter on firm, level ground to prevent overturning.

Before you ride a scooter

Here's a simple list of pre-ride checks that we at scooterhire.co.nz work through with our clients before they hit the street.

Please feel free to comment?

• Always check your Scooter before you ride.

• Braking performance may be impaired immediately after washing the Scooter. When the brakes get wet, they may need to be used a couple of times before they work properly again.

• Familiarise yourself where everything is — especially the indicators, horn, headlight switch, and engine cut-off switch. Make sure you can find them without having to look at them.

• Clean & adjust the mirrors — Sit on the seat and swing the mirrors outward far enough so you can see around your own body. Adjust each mirror so that it lets you see about half of the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you.

• Work the throttle and brakes a few times before you start off.

• Always wear a helmet. Make sure the helmet fits properly (not too tight, not too loose) and is fastened properly. Helmets with visors protect your eyes, or wear goggles.

• Wear leather gloves to protect your hands in case of a unwanted contact with the road surface, and too keep your hands warm.