Riding scooters and mopeds might be more or less uncommon in the United States, but it is one of the most popular ways of getting around in many European countries. Italians love their scooters and brands like Vespa and Aprilia are everywhere on Naples’ streets, for example.
The best thing about riding a moped or a scooter instead of a motorcycle or a car is that these vehicles are often regulated in such a way that even someone who doesn’t have a driving license can drive them.
If you’ve recently purchased a scooter and would like to find out more about how you can ride it safely and comfortably, we’ve put together a list of pieces of advice to you.
Make sure everyone on the road can see you
Scooters are quick and convenient, but one mistake that scooter riders might do is trying to drive through two cars to cut the distance and time they have to spend on the road short. As you might have imagined, this practice is illegal. As a scooter rider, you have to make sure you’re in the middle of a lane behind the car ahead of you at all times. Otherwise, the driver might not see you because of a blind spot.
Another way of catching the attention of those around you is to wear a reflective vest or at least one that has been outfitted with reflective bands. This tip is particularly useful when you’re riding your vehicle at night.
If you can’t see the driver of a truck in its mirror, it’s very likely that he can’t see you, so be wary of getting too close to the vehicle in case you’re in a blind spot.
Keep your eyes on the road
No matter how tempting it might be for you to glance at the amazing scenery, have a talk with a passenger, write a message on your phone, or fiddle with your headphones because you want to change the song you’re listening to, you have to refrain from doing all of those. Keep your hands on the handlebars and your eyes on the road all the time.
Besides other vehicles, some of the things you’ll have to avoid range from potholes and bumps to anything else that might cause an imbalance to your scooter and make you fall off in the middle of the road. Even wet leaves and tiny rocks can cause you problems.
Always wear a helmet
In many countries, it is illegal to ride a scooter or a moped without wearing a helmet. You can learn about several of the types available nowadays from this article. Don’t focus on chicness alone because the helmet is supposed to keep your head safe and completely sound. It needs to be equipped with decent padding and it has to remain fastened to your head, so look for a model that comes with a good quality strap that you can lock under your chin.