Electric scooters have become popular on city streets due to their lightweight and flexible features, serving as a popular choice for the "last mile" of commuting. However, behind this convenience lies significant safety challenges that cannot be ignored. It also requires strict operation norms and safety awareness.
When using an electric scooter, thorough inspection is the first line of defense for safety. Make sure the braking system responds sensitively; when you press the brake lever, you can feel a distinct resistance and the wheels stop quickly. The tire pressure should be maintained at an appropriate level; over-inflated tires are prone to bouncing and losing control, while insufficient pressure increases the risk of a flat tire. More importantly, pay attention to the condition of the core component, the battery. Check if the shell is deformed and if the interface is rusty. If you smell an unusual odor or notice abnormal heating after charging, stop using it immediately. Studies show that nearly 30% of electric scooter accidents are caused by equipment defects before departure. These seemingly minor oversights can lead to major disasters during high-speed riding. In particular, pay attention to the connection points of the vehicle body structure and the locking mechanism of the folding mechanism must be firmly in place; otherwise, it is very likely to cause the vehicle body to disintegrate on bumpy roads.
When riding an electric scooter, abide by traffic rules. When traveling on non-motorized vehicle lanes, maintain a safe speed of 15-20 kilometers per hour. When approaching pedestrian crossings, slow down to the walking speed. Avoid holding the handlebars with one hand to make phone calls. A momentary distraction could cause the vehicle to deviate from the path and collide with the curb. Riding in pairs is even more dangerous, as it not only accelerates battery wear but also disrupts the balance of the center of gravity, leading to a rollover. Pay special attention to the risk of blind spots. When a large vehicle turns, the inner wheel offset range can reach 2 meters. Even if you keep moving straight, you may still be caught under the vehicle. Night riding requires turning on front and rear warning lights. Experiments have shown that cyclists wearing reflective vests can be spotted by drivers up to three times farther when the lights are on.
Different road conditions impose different requirements on the users of electric scooters. The braking distance on rainy days is usually 60% longer than on dry roads. When making a turn, the body's center of gravity should be lowered vertically rather than tilting to one side. When encountering brick-paved roads or speed bumps, avoid rushing through at high speed. The correct approach is to slow down in advance and slightly bend your knees to act as a shock absorber for your body. Be especially vigilant of visual traps. Even seemingly flat roads may have hidden potholes or loose manhole covers. Such obstacles can cause the wheels to get stuck, often resulting in a fall. When riding in unfamiliar areas, it is recommended to check the slope on a map beforehand. Long steep slopes exceeding 10 degrees may exceed the motor's load capacity. Attempting to climb them forcefully can easily trigger overheating protection of the controller.
We also need to pay attention to giving the electric scooter regular maintenance. After riding for 300 kilometers or at least once a month, all bolts should be tightened at each part. Special attention should be paid to the connection between the front fork tube and the handlebar. The bearing parts should be injected with special lubricating grease every quarter to avoid jamming due to rust and prevent steering failure. At the same time, when the battery power drops below 30%, it should be charged. When stored for a long time, keep the battery at 50% charge. It is worth noting that when the instrument shows abnormal codes or the motor makes a sharp whining sound, it is often a precursor to a controller failure. Continuing to ride at this time may cause sudden power loss during driving. The storage environment also needs attention. Lithium batteries have a risk of thermal runaway in an environment above 50℃. Do not park them in a car exposed to direct sunlight in summer.
| Phase | Core Actions | Critical Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Ride Check | Inspect brakes, tires & battery | Test brake response; check tire pressure; examine battery for damage/swelling |
| Riding Rules | Maintain safe speed & awareness | Ride 15-20 km/h; avoid distractions; never carry passengers; use lights at night |
| Road Adaptation | Adjust to surface conditions | Extend braking distance by 60% on wet roads; slow for bumps; avoid >10° slopes |
| Scheduled Care | Tighten bolts & battery maintenance | Monthly bolt checks; charge at 30% capacity; store at 50% charge; avoid >50°C storage |
| Emergency Response | Controlled falling & injury prevention | Shift weight backward during sudden stops; leap clear if uncontrollable; wear gloves |
