E-rides, like electric scooters and electric bikes, are becoming all the more popular among college students and commuters. However, they’re also becoming more popular among younger kids to play with around the skatepark, so it’s vital that you know how you can keep safe when riding.
E-rides are motorised to reach higher speeds without any exertion from the rider, giving them a thrill-seeking edge that non-motorised scooters and bikes don’t. Still, this brings a few more risks and makes them slightly more dangerous when not used correctly. Keep reading for our six tips on how to stay safe on your e-ride!
- Always wear protective gear
Protective gear is essential for anyone using an e-ride, but it’s even more important for children who are more likely to slip or fall off due to balance control. This means that you should be wearing not only a helmet while riding, but also elbow and knee pads. You should also put reflective tape on your scooter or bike if you’re planning on riding during lower light conditions so that everyone can see you.
You should also be wearing the correct clothing and shoes for riding, especially if your e-ride doesn’t have anti-slip tape on the deck or can reach higher speeds. Closed-toed shoes are essential and your clothes should not be flowy enough to risk catching in the wheel or motor mechanism.
- Check your territory’s laws
Some territories have laws on using e-rides for children, so it’s important to know what the laws are where you live. For example, in Victoria children under 12 years old aren’t allowed to use electric bikes, while West Australia has laws in place to state that children under the age of 16 years old aren’t allowed to ride e-rides.
Having said this, some territories also note that children are allowed to ride e-ride under this age with adult supervision – which brings us to our next tip…
- Always have adult supervision
We know it might not be the coolest to have adult supervision at the skatepark, but this is one of the best ways to keep you safe should you have an accident. Adults will be able to assess the situation and get you help as quickly as possible, should you need it.
For parents reading, you shouldn’t be giving your child an e-ride if you’re not willing to keep an eye on them every time they use it. Some territories only allow children to ride e-scooters and bikes with adult supervision, so allowing them to do this without you watching them could be breaking the law or leave you liable for fines.
- Slow and steady wins the race
E-rides often have an accelerator tab on one handle and a brake on the other, and these two controls can take some getting used to. While you’re still learning the ropes, it’s important to start slow and practice at the lower speeds before graduating to the faster levels. Some e-rides allow you to cap the speed which can be really beneficial when you’re learning the ropes, but others will require you to keep an eye on this yourself. Getting a speedometer for your e-ride can be helpful in making sure you’re not going too fast, too soon.
- No using electronics while riding
Phones, headphones, and other electronics should be left off your person when riding your e-ride, as these can take away from your focus and concentration. Electric bikes and scooters come with more risks for the rider, so it’s essential that all of your focus goes on your riding and not your phones. As you get more confident with riding, you might be tempted to start using headphones and your phone on straight stretches. However, becoming complacent is just as dangerous as using electronics while you’re still new to the e-riding scene.
- Don’t ride on roads or public pathways
Some territories have laws on riding e-rides on roads and pathways, so make sure you know where you can and cannot ride your electric bike or scooter. Most children shouldn’t be riding anywhere that they can cause harm to themselves or the public, so stick to skateparks and private property to make sure everyone is safe and protected.
Final thoughts
We know kids love the idea of electric scooters and bikes, and there’s no denying that they’re cooler than non-motorised rides! But they also come with more dangers, so it’s essential that you ride yours safely and responsibly. The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure you know the laws surrounding e-rides in your territory to keep yourself and everyone around you safe. Once you’ve done that, follow our tips on how to keep safe and have fun!
