Riding Modes and Safety Tips for Electric Scooters in India
By
Aditya Belekar
- 2 min read
With the constant worry of reaching on time to places, the ever-growing traffic in metro and booming cities isn’t helping the cause. An influx in traffic not only causes congestion on roads but also the fuel consuming vehicles increases carbon emissions and ultimately makes the surroundings hotter and more polluted.
This is one of the reasons why many people are making the switch to electric vehicles and more specifically electric scooters. Riders are waking up and seeing the positives of riding an electric scooter. But an electric scooter is a bit different from your normal scooters that consume petrol.
This guide by Bounce Infinity hopes to inform everyone about understanding riding modes and essential safety tips when it comes to owning an electric scooter.
Riding an Electric Scooter: Fun, Simple, and Eco-Friendly!
The hard reality is that riding a bicycle can be tedious and tiring, especially during summer and cars are just too big sometimes to navigate through cities not to mention they consume petrol or diesel which is very expensive and even an electric car can be expensive to purchase.
An electric scooter strikes the perfect balance in this situation and not to mention there are various tiers when it comes to the pricing of electric scooters.
They are easy to learn and fun to ride around and not to mention it saves a lot of time in reaching your destination when it comes to city navigation. But here's the secret sauce: understanding your electric scooter's riding modes can significantly enhance your experience.
Riding Modes Decoded: Unleash the Power (or Save It!)
Electric scooters often come with multiple riding modes, each catering to specific needs. Let's break them down:
Standard Mode: This is your go-to mode for daily commutes. It offers a balanced blend of power and efficiency, ensuring you reach your destination comfortably and with enough juice left in the battery
Sport Mode or Power Mode: Feeling the need for speed? Switch to sport or power mode for an adrenaline rush! This mode prioritizes acceleration and top speed, perfect for open roads (with caution, of course!). Just remember, this mode might drain your battery a little faster
Eco Mode: This mode prioritizes energy conservation, maximizing your electric scooter's range. It might limit top speed, but hey, you'll be cruising guilt-free with minimal environmental impact.
These are the three common modes available in most modern electric scooters available in the market. The modes are there to cater to different scenarios, the ideal mode to use is either standard mode or eco-mode to get the most out of the electric scooter.
While sport and power mode is there to push the electric scooter a bit more in terms of speed and is advised to be used only when needed. There is also cruise control mode but this is exclusive to a lot of modern and newer electric scooters.
Safety First: Gear Up for a Smooth Ride!
Safety should always be the top priority when riding an electric scooter. Think of it like suiting up for an awesome adventure! Here's the essential gear every rider needs:
Helmet: This is a no-brainer. A properly fitted helmet is your best defense against head injuries in case of an accident.
Gloves: Protect your hands from scrapes and bumps with a sturdy pair of gloves. Look for ones that offer a good grip for optimal control.
Long pants and Long-sleeved Shirts: Exposed skin is vulnerable in an accident. Opt for long pants and long-sleeved shirts made of durable materials like denim or leather for added protection.
Closed-Toe Shoes: Leave the flip-flops at home! Closed-toe shoes with good grip will keep your feet secure on the footrest and protected in case of a fall.
Pro Tip: For extra protection, especially if you're planning on hitting the open road at higher speeds, consider elbow and knee pads or even a racing suit. Remember, safety first!
Although the list above may not be practical in most real-life situations, It is imperative to own a good quality helmet and ensure to follow the long pants and long sleeve rules during the summer to protect the body from UV rays and pollution.
Get To Know The Scooter
Before you zoom off, take some time to familiarize yourself with your electric scooter. Here's what you need to do:
Master the Controls: Locate the accelerator, brakes, lights, and horn. Practice using them in a safe space until they become second nature.
Pre-Ride Check: Safety first! Ensure your tires are properly inflated, brakes are adjusted for optimal stopping power, and the battery is sufficiently charged for your planned ride.
Practice Makes Perfect: Find a safe, open area free from traffic to practice balancing, maneuvering, and using the controls. Getting comfortable with your scooter before hitting the streets is vital.
This goes without saying that familiarity with the ride is needed as traffic and riding situations are always dynamic. So it is important to know how to operate the electric scooter. Even if you are a seasoned rider, riding a new vehicle should be done in a controlled environment to ensure everything is tried and tested before hitting the main roads.
Steering, Braking, and Beyond: Mastering the Ride
Now, let's get rolling! Here are some essential riding techniques:
Launching and Acceleration: Use the foot to give the scooter a gentle push to get it moving, then slowly press the throttle to gain speed. Remember, smooth acceleration is key to maintaining control
Balance and Steering: Balance is all about weight distribution. Lean slightly in the direction you want to turn and use the handlebars for gentle steering adjustments. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to find the perfect groove when riding an electric scooter
Braking Techniques: Effective braking is crucial for safety. Most electric scooters have dual brakes, one for the front wheel and one for the rear. For smooth and controlled stopping, apply both brakes gently, with slightly more pressure on the rear brake. Basically always hit the back brake first to slow down the vehicle and hit the front brake to completely stop. Avoid slamming on the brakes, especially at high speeds, which can cause skidding.
Advanced Maneuvers and Range Optimization
Now that the basics are mastered, let's explore some advanced techniques:
Smooth Acceleration and Stability: A smooth and steady throttle hand is key to maintaining stability at higher speeds. Avoid jerky accelerations and sudden stops, which can throw one off balance. Proper weight distribution, with the core engaged and knees slightly bent, also contributes to stability
Obstacle Avoidance: Stay alert and watch out for obstacles like potholes, bumps, and uneven surfaces. When encountering them, slow down slightly and shift the weight accordingly to maintain control. Practice maneuvering around obstacles in a safe practice area to build confidence.
Energy Conservation for Extended Rides: Want to maximize the scooter's range? Utilize eco mode whenever possible and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Maintain a moderate speed and anticipate stops to allow for regenerative braking (explained below).
Regenerative Braking: Your Friend and Your Brakes' Friend!
Many electric scooters feature regenerative braking. This fancy term simply means that when you brake, the scooter converts some of the kinetic energy from the slowing down motion into electricity, which is then fed back into the battery.
In simpler terms, braking actually helps recharge your battery a little bit! This not only extends your range but also reduces wear and tear on your brakes, making them last longer. However, regenerative braking alone won't fully recharge your battery, so don't neglect plugging it in after your ride.
Post-Ride Care: Keeping Your Scooter Happy
Just like any vehicle, your electric scooter needs some love after a ride. Here's how to keep it happy and running smoothly:
Secure The Scooter: Sadly, theft is a reality and electric scooters are very sought after, ensure to always park the scooter in a well-lit area and use a high-quality U-lock to secure it to a sturdy object. Consider additional security measures like a scooter alarm for peace of mind. Some electric scooters like the Bounce Infinity E.1 have features like anti-theft and towing alert which will be sent to your phone if something is happening to your scooter.
Post-Ride Cleaning: If the scooter encounters rain, mud, or dust, give it a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water, as this can damage the electrical components or damage the finish, or the paint of the scooter
Proper Storage: When not in use, store the scooter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can damage the battery and other components. Ensure the scooter's manual is read for specific storage recommendations
Routine Maintenance: Just like any machine, the electric scooter requires periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Refer to the owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and follow it diligently
Learning to ride an electric scooter is surprisingly simple, especially with the right information, guidance, and practice. By understanding riding modes, prioritizing safety, and mastering basic riding techniques, anyone can be cruising the streets with confidence in no time and as mentioned before building confidence is key. Navigating situations in traffic is all down to practice and being confident in riding the scooter.
Experience the electric scooter revolution at Bounce Infinity, we're passionate about providing you with the best possible electric scooter experience. Our scooters are designed for style, comfort, and safety, and come equipped with various riding modes to suit your needs. Book a test ride today to feel and experience our electric scooters and find the perfect fit for your urban adventures! Bounce on board with Bounce Infinity!
.svg)
