How to Start an Electric Scooter

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM

If you have recently purchased a brand new personal transportation vehicle, you may be wondering how to start an electric scooter. That’s where we come in. Read on to learn more about this, and don’t forget to check out the best e-scooters on the market today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Starting an electric scooter typically requires a slow and steady push on the throttle mechanism or button.
  • Before you start the scooter, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, and arm pads.
  • Always engage in an active scooter stance before starting it, which involves resting your weak leg on the scooter’s deck, leaning forward, and grabbing the handlebars.

Turn on an Electric Scooter Motor

Starting an electric scooter will become easy over time, though there may be an initial learning curve. Down the line, however, you may need to learn DIY procedures like how to replace your e-scooter battery.

How to Start an Electric Scooter

We have assembled an easy-to-use list that should get you moving with your new electric scooter. Please note, each scooter features a different design, so the steps could vary slightly depending on your specific make and model.

Insider Tip

We recommend you invest in a good helmet, some knee pads, and some arm pads to start.

STEP 1WEAR APPROPRIATE SAFETY GEAR

You must always wear appropriate safety gear before riding an electric scooter, as these are moving vehicles. We recommend you invest in a good helmet, some knee pads, and some arm pads to start. Have these items on your person before you begin to start the scooter and travel. Make sure the helmet is properly fastened and that any pads are comfortable enough that you won’t notice them during your trip.

STEP 2 PLACE THE SCOOTER ON A FLAT SURFACE

Place the scooter on a flat surface, such as a sidewalk or paved road, before stepping onto it. This will ensure that the scooter will start properly and that it will not roll down any kind of incline before you get going. As a general rule, you should always start a scooter while it is resting upon a flat surface.

STEP 3RAISE THE KICKSTAND

You should raise the scooter’s kickstand as you prepare to start the vehicle. Once the kickstand has been raised, be sure to place a good grip on the scooter so it does not fall. Whenever you depart an electric scooter, it is a good practice to always lower the kickstand.

STEP 4ADOPT A SCOOTER STANCE

Adopt the correct stance to ride your particular scooter. Rest your weak leg on the scooter’s deck with your foot facing forward. Then, lean forward and grab the handlebars with both of your hands.

STEP 5ENGAGE THE THROTTLE

Now the fun part. It’s time to start your scooter and ride. Each scooter may feature a differently designed throttle, but starting these throttle mechanisms typically include a similar process. Press down on the throttle button slowly and firmly until the scooter starts. Then, use the balance to operate the scooter. It is also important to learn how to store your e-scooter safely after a ride.

Insider Tip

As a general rule, you should always start a scooter while it is resting upon a flat surface.

F.A.Q.

How long does a scooter’s battery last?

The battery life will vary depending on your scooter’s needs and the battery itself. Generally speaking, a scooter’s battery will last anywhere from five to 40 miles before needing to be recharged.


Can I manually kick-push the scooter when the battery dies?

In some cases, yes. This will depend on the specific design of your scooter, as some models can allow for manual kick pushing while others cannot.


How do I know how much battery is left?

This will depend on the user interface of your scooter. Some e-scooters will show battery life on a front-facing dashboard of some kind, while others will only display battery life on a related app.



STAT: 29% of all e-scooter accidents happen to inexperienced riders. (source)

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