Motor Scooter Safety

All too often, we hear about people on motorcycles and bicycles being injured or killed in accidents. Sometimes, it is clear that another motorist is at fault, but that does not change the outcome. Since a car or truck is many times larger than the two-wheeled vehicle, the cyclist pays the higher price.

The same is true with gas motor scooters. While they are faster than bicycles, they can still have the same problems: moving slower than the surrounding traffic, and being difficult for other drivers to see. Fortunately, it only takes some basic practices to make riding a scooter safe and enjoyable. Here are a few tips on how to arrive at your destination without incident.

The first safety rule for scooter drivers can be summed up in one word: awareness. Just as with bicyclists, you should always be alert and anticipating what could go wrong while on the road. For instance, when driving a scooter, you should never ride on the far right side of the lane, especially when there are parked cars or blind intersections. If you stay in the left half of the lane, opening car doors and trucks pulling out of alleys will be easier to avoid.

Sometimes, of course, it is going to be difficult to determine what might happen. When in doubt, slow down. Do not come to a complete stop, but decelerate just a few miles per hour to see how a situation near you may develop.

For example, a scooter being tailgated by a car is in a very vulnerable position. As the rider, it is tempting to move over to the right, but this may encourage the driver to try to squeeze by, passing perilously close to your scooter. Stay in the left half of the lane, but watch the behavior of the driver in your mirrors. If they show signs of agitation or anger, find the next available place to turn off, signal with both blinker and hand, and pull over to let them pass. If a left turn lane is available, make your "escape" in that direction, as it will get you out of the driver's path much more quickly and safely.

Speaking of tailgating, this is just as bad a thing for a scooter rider to do as it is for other drivers. Always leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If you follow too closely, you may not have time to miss the pothole or debris that suddenly appears from under the vehicle in front of you.

Finally, scooter drivers should wear protective gear, just as a motorcyclist would. Some scooters can reach speeds of 80 mph; taking a tumble at that velocity could have terrible consequences. Always, always wear a helmet. As for the rest of your attire, jeans, boots, and eye protection are all excellent choices. None of this gear will necessarily prevent injury, but it will help keep it from being serious.

Do not be discouraged from buying a new scooter because of these challenges, however. Riding a gas scooter is a great way to save money, help the environment and have fun. Obviously, there are other safety considerations for riding a motor scooter besides those described here, but if you start by developing the habits of staying alert, slowing down at any sign of potential trouble, and leaving room in front of you to react, you will enjoy many wonderful, accident-free hours on the road.