Some
states require a motorcycle license to operate a scooter.
Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Please
contact the Department of Motor Vehicles www.dmv.org/motorcycles.php
to determine the rules of operating a scooter in your state.
If
you are new to scootering, or even if you aren't, the "You
and Your Scooter: Riding Tips" manual from the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation is an excellent place to start.
Operating
a scooter has become more popular in recent years. Scooters
are fun, inexpensive, and get excellent gas mileage. Because
there are more scooters on the road, it's more important
than ever to be cautious and share the road.
Before using a scooter, you should always be aware of the
following;
The
tires need to be aired properly.
The
battery needs to be charged and secure.
The
hand brakes need to be working.
The
seat should be tight.
The
handle bars and grips secure.
Make
sure that the wheels are not hitting any part of the frame
as they go around.
Make
sure that the chain guard is secure. Chains can cause
accidents by entangling lose pieces of clothes that blow
from the wind.
Always disconnect the battery from the motor when it isn't
being used for an extended period of time.
Make
sure that all air vents to the motor or uncovered.
Any
wire that is worn or broke needs to be replace.
Make
sure that the gas cap is on right.
Do
not use the scooter battery to recharge or start another
motorized object.
If
you have an exhaust pipe, they tend to get very hot, keep
your body away from it.
Keep
children away from a scooter while the battery is recharging
or the scooter is cooling down.
Do
not run a gas scooter in an enclosed area or building.
Every
scooter rider - operator or passenger - should wear a
helmet approved by the Department of Transportation for
motor vehicle use. We also recommend wearing protective
eyewear, closed-toe shoes, and long pants and sleeves.
Maintain
a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles, and
stay in the center of your lane to see and be seen.
Use
turn signals for every turn or lane change and flash your
brake light two or three times before slowing down or
stopping. Remember: even in daylight, motorcycles are
smaller and more difficult to see.
Look
four to twelve seconds ahead to allow for reaction time.
Be ready for things like tire treads, mufflers, and animals,
which can suddenly appear in your path.
You
lose about 50% traction on wet roads. If you must travel
in these conditions, slow down and increase your following
distance.
When
traveling with other cyclists, it is best to ride in a
staggered formation, using both sides of the lane.
Obey all traffic laws - i.e. stop signs, right of way
and avoid lane sharing.
Avoid
oil spills and wet roadways; these obstacles can cause
the driver to lose control of the motorcycle or scooter.
Don't
let unlicensed or inexperienced drivers operate your motorcycle
or motor scooter.
Watch
out for cars and trucks making sudden lane changes or
turns.
It
is recommended that you drive with your headlights on
(better chance of being seen by drivers of cars and trucks).
Wait
for pedestrians to clear cross-walks; don't try to drive
around them.
Look
to make sure the lane is clear before changing lanes.
Obey
all speed laws; travel at a safe speed.
Be
alert for opening car doors.
Don't
carry oversized loads on motorcycles or scooters.
