The first few days of riding an e-scooter are the most difficult. In general, newbies are afraid to take their bike out on the streets and ride in traffic. This is perfectly normal, so it’s no need to feel ashamed. With practice, you’ll gain confidence and become a better rider. The same goes for those who have crashed or suffered an injury while riding their scooter.
Believe it or not, fear is a man’s best friend. It keeps you alert and helps you stay out of trouble. Just like everything else, e-scooter riding has its risks. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at it. Here are some tips you might find useful:
How to Overcome Fear When Learning to Ride an E-Scooter
The best way to overcome your fear of riding an e-scooter is to start slowly. Give yourself time to learn to ride safely and face the traffic. In the first few days, take your bike out to the store, at work, or at school. Familiarize yourself with various routes and observe the surroundings. Learn safe riding practices, hand signals, and traffic regulations. Listen to your body and stop if you feel tired.
If possible, combine e-scooter riding with public transportation. Electric scooters are lightweight and highly portable, so you can easily fold them away. For example, if it takes you 40 minutes to get to school, ride your scooter for 15 minutes and take the bus afterwards so you can reach your destination. Or you can pick a couple of days to ride to school, and take the bus when you’re in a hurry. The whole idea is to get used with e-scooter riding and make it part of your daily routine.
Track Your Progress
Use a pedometer or a cycle computer to track your progress. Watching the miles adding up will boost your confidence and keep you motivated. If you’re on a budget, use a mobile app, such as Cyclemeter, to track your speed, riding time, distance, and calories burned. Most apps allow you to compare routes and view traffic information in real time. This will help you avoid high traffic streets and create an itinerary.
The most important thing is to trust yourself. All riders struggle with the same challenges as you do. Yet, they travel long distances and face the traffic each day. You can do it too. All you need is confidence and practice. Take things slowly, learn at your own pace, and overcome your fear once and for all.
Kevin Stard – professional sportsman in category MTB. Participant of the Downhill World Cup #1