How to ride an electric scooter — best tips and tricks

Whether you’re a pro and know your way around two-wheelers or a first-timer wondering how to ride a scooter safely, this guide is your best bet for finding the correct answers.

But before hopping on an electric scooter — whether private or shared — make sure you have a helmet for protection, meet the legal age requirement, and aren’t under the influence.

All set? Let’s explore.

1. Familiarize yourself with the scooter you’re about to ride

Start your scooter adventures fully prepared. Begin by inspecting your electric scooter while it's parked and stationary to find the throttle, brakes, bell, and lights. This will help boost your confidence during the ride.

For first-timers, we strongly recommend practising in a closed area, like an empty parking lot, to get a feel for balance, steering, and braking.

Shared options can be an excellent choice for those looking to make electric scooters a part of their commute or to learn how to ride before purchasing one.

Download the Hopp app to rent a scooter

2. Use protective gear for your safety

Protective scooter gear includes clothing and accessories like knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, reflective vests, and helmets. While everything from pads to vests is optional, the helmet is not.

The helmet is the only thing standing between your head and the road in the event of an accident, so it’s crucial you wear it.

A reflective vest is also a good and affordable investment in your safety, helping you stay visible in traffic.

So, once you’ve familiarized yourself with the scooter and prepared the necessary gear, do a quick pre-ride check.

3. Your scooter pre-ride check

Before hitting the road, it’s essential to do a quick check before each ride. Here’s what to look for:

• Tires — ensure they’re not flat.
• Brakes — make sure they’re working correctly and not loose.
• Battery — check there’s enough charge for your trip.
• Throttle — verify that it responds correctly and allows smooth acceleration.
• Noises — listen for any unusual sounds that could indicate a problem.

Hopp scooters are equipped with smart technology to detect malfunctions and schedule maintenance automatically. This ensures a smooth ride every time you rent one.

4. The fun part starts here — riding the electric scooter

Starting a scooter ride is the same as that of a kick scooter, with a few key differences.

Instead of pushing off with your foot, you'll use the throttle to accelerate. Plus, the scooter is powered by a battery that drives the motor.

So, here are some electric scooter riding basics to remember:

• Ensure the kickstand is up;
• Grip the handlebars with both hands for better balance and control;
• Launch the scooter by kicking it off from the ground;
• Position your dominant foot behind your non-dominant foot to shift your weight as needed;
• When approaching an obstacle, shift your weight onto the rear wheel and gently lift the front wheel over it;
• Enjoy the ride!

It goes without saying that to make your scooter ride safe for all, you must follow local traffic rules and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Now, we’ll look at common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

5. Avoid these mistakes

We’ve covered tips for smoother scooter rides, so you should hopefully feel more confident now.

But let’s now go over the main mistakes to avoid.

• Don’t skip the helmet. We’ll keep saying it — helmets and scooters should always go together.
• Don’t brake abruptly. Sudden braking can make you lose control, especially on wet or uneven surfaces.
• Don’t overdo the throttle. Gentle acceleration is key to a safer ride.
• Don’t cause obstructions. Never park a scooter where it could obstruct pedestrian pathways, doorways, or access points.
• Don’t carry others. Double riding is extremely risky and prohibited in certain US states.
• Don’t drink and ride. Just as you wouldn’t drive under the influence, the same applies to scooters.

Hopp scooters have sensors that detect various issues, including double riding and reckless behaviors like skidding and repetitive abrupt braking.

When these issues occur, the Hopp app provides helpful tips to improve your riding and prevent future mistakes.

An extra tip: using an electric scooter in bad weather

While some electric scooters are built to withstand drizzle, others are designed for use in constant rain. In this final section, we'll discuss whether it's safe to ride electric scooters in the rain and cold weather.

Riding a scooter in the rain

Although not the most pleasant experience, riding a scooter in the rain is possible. But before doing so, check your electric scooter’s water resistance or IP rating to see if it’s suitable for riding on wet ground.

A rating of IP54 or higher usually means a scooter can withstand light rain and splashes. However, be sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully.

The electronic components of Hopp scooters have an IP-67 rating, which means they're safe to ride in the rain.

We do recommend, however, avoiding heavy rain and standing water.

Riding a scooter in cold weather

Along with dressing warmly — especially ensuring you wear gloves — there’s another crucial factor to consider.

When temperatures drop to near freezing after rain or snow, black ice can form. It's often identifiable by its glossy reflection or resemblance to a wet floor. You must always avoid riding on such icy surfaces.

And that’s it! You’ve reached the end of the article, but hopefully, your scooter adventure is just beginning. Check out the FAQ section below, and see you on the road!

Electric scooter riding FAQs

Is it hard to ride a scooter? Riding an electric scooter is relatively straightforward and requires no advanced training. However, if you’re a complete beginner, we recommend practising on a flat surface before venturing into mixed traffic.

How old do you have to be to ride a scooter? The legal age for riding an electric scooter varies by state and sometimes by local municipalities. Typically, the minimum legal age is 16, although, in some areas, it may be 18. Be sure to check the specific regulations for the state or city where you intend to ride.

How old do you have to be to ride a Hopp scooter? You must be 18 years old to ride a Hopp scooter.

How much does it cost to ride a Hopp scooter? Check the most up-to-date prices in your Hopp app.