How To Ride an Electric Scooter

I remember my first time riding an electric scooter. I had this creeping fear of falling, especially after seeing tons of electric scooter fail videos online. Riding in a standing position felt awkward at first (most of us are used to sitting on bicycles), but you quickly get used to it. Interestingly, I tried it once and to my surprise, I quickly nailed it without any issues or embarrassing falls. You absolutely can too.

This leads me to say that riding an electric scooter sounds scarier than it actually is. It’s way easier than you think once you know the basics: keeping your balance, staying calm, and easing gently into the throttle. So in this guide, I’ll teach you all the basics I’ve learned over the years that will make your riding more seamless. That means step-by-step tips on safety, balance, starting, stopping, turning, and tackling various riding conditions.

TL;DR

Disclaimer: This article explores essential riding tips for beginners in detail. If you’d rather skim and get riding, here’s what you need to know:

For safety & setup:

• Wear a helmet, gloves, and closed-toe shoes
• Check tire pressure, brakes, and battery before each ride
• Start in the lowest speed mode
• Tighten all bolts and adjust controls to fit your reach

To achieve proper stance & balance:

• Use a staggered stance (one foot forward, one back)
• Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered
• Look ahead, not down at the wheel
• Use your natural lead foot (if you’re unsure, see which foot steps forward when someone gently pushes you)

For starting and stopping:

• Push off with your back foot, then step onto the deck
• Apply throttle slowly and lean slightly forward
• Brake by shifting weight back and squeezing both brakes progressively
• Practice in an empty parking lot or quiet street

General riding technique:

• Turn by leaning your body, not just turning the handlebars
• Slow down before turns and hills
• Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times
• Match the speed of traffic when riding on roads

Other helpful tips:

• Reduce speed by about 30% in wet weather
• Lean forward going uphill, lean back going downhill
• Use lights and reflective gear at night
• Avoid puddles, painted lines, and metal surfaces when wet

Stay safe by:

• Following traffic laws and using bike lanes when available
• Staying at least 4 feet away from parked cars (to avoid door swings)
• Signaling your turns with hand gestures

Safety First: Gear Up and Get Your Mind Right

A helmet is non-negotiable for any rider to start with. Get a good pair of gloves, too, because if you fall, your first instinct will be to catch yourself with your hands. Other gear to consider includes knee and elbow pads if you’re nervous, and closed-toe shoes with good grip. No flip-flops.

I actually wear my full motorcycle suit when I’m going for long rides. It might seem obsessive, but it has really kept me unscathed from spills. For a beginner, apart from the protection, it gives you confidence. You know you’re protected, so you can focus on learning instead of fear.

I know fear might be taking over when you think about balancing on the scooter, but try to adopt a positive, focused attitude. Don’t fixate on crashing – I know that’s easier said than done. Instead, concentrate on the good riding techniques we’ll discuss, and you’ll be 80% good to go.

Check Your Scooter Setup

An electric scooter is still a machine, and machines need a little TLC. Use this quick checklist every time:

Check That All Bolts and Clamps Are Tight

On a new scooter, especially, bolts can be loose from shipping. Give the folding mechanism, handlebar stem, and wheel nuts a once-over.

Adjust the Controls To Fit You

Loosen (don’t remove) the bolts on your brake levers and throttle. Then:

• Brake levers:

• Angle them slightly downward from horizontal
• Position them so you can comfortably grab them with one or two fingers
• Keep your wrist straight while squeezing to reduce fatigue

• Throttle:

• Thumb throttle: Position it where your thumb naturally rests so you don’t overreach
• Trigger throttle: Angle it more horizontally than vertical; those extremely upright marketing photos are misleading

Re-tighten everything firmly – snug enough not to move under hard braking, but not overly torqued.

Test the Brakes

Roll the scooter forward a bit and squeeze the brakes to ensure they engage properly and aren’t spongy. Know which lever controls the front and which controls the rear brake (usually left = rear, right = front, but scooters can vary).

Check Tire Pressure (If You Have Air-Filled Tires)

Properly inflated tires give better grip and handling, and you’ll get fewer flats and more range. I remember when I bought my first electric scooter, I was quick to test it without checking the pressure. The performance and handling were terrible. I almost returned the scooter to the dealer, thinking it had an issue with the motor or battery. That’s how bad an underinflated tire feels. To learn more, take a look at our guide to inflating electric scooter tires.

Lights and Reflectors

Especially if riding at dusk or night, verify your front and rear lights work. Being visible is key.

Battery Charge

Ensure you have enough juice for your planned ride (and maybe a little extra just in case).

Pick Your Speed Mode

If your scooter has riding modes (eco, normal, sport), start on the lowest power mode until you’re comfortable.

Many scooters also have a “kick-to-start” feature you can enable, meaning the throttle won’t respond until the scooter is rolling at 3 mph or 5 km/h. This is great for beginners as it prevents accidental throttle jolts. Enable kick-start if possible, or at least be very gentle with the throttle at zero start.

Finding Your Stance

Which Foot Goes Where

Riding an electric scooter is all about stability and balance, and this obviously starts with how you stand on the deck.

The golden rule is one foot forward, one foot back. Not both feet side-by-side like you’re standing on a hoverboard. A staggered stance gives you a wider, more stable base and helps you balance during acceleration and braking.

To determine what stance you’ll take on the scooter, like which foot will be in front of the other, there are simple tests you can do to determine this. If you’ve skateboarded or surfed, you might know it already.

Fast stance tests:

• Ball‑kick clue. The foot you’d use to kick a ball is often your back foot. If you kick with your right, you’re likely regular (left foot forward).
• Push test. Stand relaxed. Have a friend give you a gentle nudge from behind. The foot that steps forward first is usually your front foot.
• Step test. Walk up a single step from flat ground. The foot you place on the step first is usually your front foot.
• Slide test. On a smooth floor, give yourself a small glide. The foot that leads naturally tends to be your front foot.

So in short, if your left foot is the lead, you are likely “regular,” and if your right foot leads, you are likely “goofy.” (It has nothing to do with being silly, that’s just the term.)

In practice:

• Regular stance: left foot forward, right foot back
• Goofy stance: right foot forward, left foot back

If you can’t determine, just try out both of them and see which feels more natural when it comes to balancing and controlling the scooter. However, in most cases, your dominant foot will be the back foot, so use that as a starting point.

Foot Positioning Details

Put your leading foot near the front of the deck, facing mostly forward with toes pointing toward the handlebars, maybe angled out 15 degrees. This keeps your shoulders square to the handlebars. You want your body facing the direction you’re going.

Your back foot has more options. If your scooter has a rear foot rest or tail, use it. Plant the ball of your foot on that raised section with your heel on the main deck. This gives you a wider stance for better stability.

No tail? Put your back foot sideways across the deck behind your front foot. Some riders angle it forward 45 degrees. Others keep it fully perpendicular. Mix it up on longer rides to prevent fatigue.

The key is to have your feet apart lengthwise as much as the deck allows. A wider stance front-to-back gives you better control. You won’t get thrown off as easily by speed changes or bumps because you can shift weight between your feet.

Keep a slight bend in your knees at all times. Don’t lock your knees. Bent knees act like shock absorbers for bumps and also help you react quickly to balance changes. Keep your weight centered over the scooter and relax your shoulders and arms. Both hands stay on the handlebars.

Mounting Up and Starting Off

Starting an e-scooter is a bit like pushing a skateboard or kicking off on a scooter you had as a kid. Here’s how to launch smoothly:

1. Stand on the Correct Side

Position yourself next to your scooter so that your back foot/ dominant foot is the one you’ll push with.

• Regular riders (left foot forward): stand on the right side of the scooter
• Goofy riders (right foot forward): stand on the left side

This way, your front foot will be the one on the deck when you push off.

2. Place Your Front Foot on the Deck

Put your lead foot near the front of the deck, pointing forward. Keep your other foot on the ground for now. Both hands on the bars, eyes forward.

3. Push Off With Your Back Foot

Kick against the ground firmly, like you’re scooting or skating. This initial push gives you a bit of forward momentum.

4. Bring Your Back Foot Onto the Deck

As the scooter starts rolling from your push, step your back foot up onto the deck behind your front foot. Now you’re standing with both feet on the scooter in your staggered stance.

5. Apply Throttle Gently

Press the throttle slowly and steadily with your finger (or twist the throttle, depending on your model). Don’t jab or “floor” it. Feel the scooter begin to pull.

If you have a kick-to-start scooter, you’ll need to be going 3 mph (5 km/h) from your kick for the throttle to activate.

If you have zero-start, the motor will engage right away, so be extra smooth on the throttle.

As you gain a little speed, balance will get easier. A common beginner mistake is not going fast enough since it’s actually harder to balance when you’re creeping along at 1–2 mph. Don’t be afraid to gently accelerate to around jogging speed (say 5–8 mph, 8–13 km/h) on a clear, flat road. The scooter’s gyroscopic stability improves with a bit of speed. Keep your knees bent and eyes forward. If you feel wobbly, resist the urge to stare down at the front wheel. Instead, look ahead; it really helps you balance.

Extra Starting Tip

Keep your arms slightly bent and close to your body when you start. Don’t straighten your arms and lean back when accelerating; that’ll throw off your balance. Instead, lean forward over the bar as you kick off and hit the throttle. This counters the scooter’s forward pull and prevents that backward “jerk” beginners often feel. Once you’re moving, you can stand up a bit straighter. This forward-lean technique is especially important if you have a torquey scooter that jumps off the line.

Acceleration and Braking Basics

Now that you’re rolling, let’s talk about controlling speed. Making the scooter go and stop when you want, smoothly and safely.

Accelerating Smoothly

Electric scooters can accelerate faster than you might expect. The key is gradual throttle. Gently press the throttle lever with consistent pressure; don’t jab at it. As you feel the motor push, lean forward into the acceleration. Keep your weight on your front foot to counteract the backward pull.

On powerful scooters, if you punch the throttle without leaning forward, the scooter might shoot out from under you or do a little wheel lift, which is not fun, ask me. By leaning into it, you stay balanced and in control.

I prefer to keep my arms bent and close to my body when accelerating. If you straighten your arms, any jolt could pull the handlebars out of your grip. So stay relaxed and ready to absorb any sudden moves.

As you reach a comfortable cruising speed, you can level your weight evenly across both feet again and stand a bit more upright. When cruising, keep a neutral stance (not leaning forward or back) and knees soft.

Braking Safely

Here’s how to do it right:

Shift Your Weight Back

As you squeeze the brakes, bend your knees and lean your butt slightly backward over the rear wheel. This keeps your center of gravity low and back, so you’re far less likely to flip forward. The harder you brake, the more you lean back.

Use Both Brakes if You Have Them

Many e-scooters come with a front and rear brake (disc, drum, or electronic):

• The front brake provides more stopping power.
• The rear brake adds stability and reduces the risk of flipping.

If coordination is still a problem for a beginner, you are better off applying the rear brake more. It will lengthen your stopping distance, but it’s way safer than using the front brake aggressively, as it can pitch you over the bars.

Note: Some beginner scooters only have a rear foot brake (stomping the fender) or one lever that controls both wheels. In those cases, just remember to lean back.

Don’t Slam the Brakes

Squeeze firmly but progressively. Pressing on the back brake can cause you to skid, and the front can throw you forward over the handlebars if you grab too hard.

Plan Ahead

Always scan for hazards and give yourself plenty of room to brake. Most electric scooters have a braking distance somewhere between 10–20 feet (3–6 meters) to stop from 15 mph (24 km/h), depending on the braking system and other factors.

When learning to brake, practice in a safe area. Ride at a moderate speed, around 10 mph or 16 km/h, then apply the rear brake gently to feel it slow you down. Do it again, adding a bit of front brake or more lever pull. You’ll feel the difference in stopping power.

Turning and Steering Techniques

Compared to a bicycle, an e-scooter feels a bit different in turns. You don’t have a long wheelbase or big tires to smooth things out, so technique matters.

Lean, Don’t Twist

The secret to smooth turning on a scooter is leaning your body and the scooter, rather than twisting the handlebar sharply. Before any turn, slow down to a comfortable speed. Look where you want to go, not at the ground.

To turn:

• Lean your body and the scooter in the direction of the turn
• Keep your knees bent
• Apply gentle pressure to the inside foot
  Let the handlebars turn slightly as a natural result of your lean

At very low speeds (<10 mph / 16 km/h), you’ll steer more with the handlebars. At higher speeds, your lean does most of the work.

Counter-Steering (Intermediate Technique)

A neat trick once you get comfortable: counter-steering. This technique, commonly used in biking and motorcycling, also applies to scooters at high speeds. To initiate a turn, you momentarily steer the opposite way of where you intend to go, which causes the scooter to lean into the actual turn. For example, to turn left, you nudge the bar right very briefly; this lean set-up lets you then carve left smoothly. It sounds weird, but you might do it unconsciously. It’s most useful at higher speeds (like >10 mph or 16 km/h) and for quick evasive swerves.

While turning, keep your weight balanced over the scooter. Some riders prefer to shift their hips back slightly when leaning into a turn to maintain traction on the rear wheel. Do what feels natural as you practice. Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Never stick out a foot while turning at speed; that can destabilize you.

If you need to make a sharp turn at very low speed, it might help to step off and handle it manually (like a tight U-turn on a sidewalk). As you improve, you’ll be able to take tighter turns by shifting weight and maybe even doing a kick-turn.

Practice Carving

Find an open space and start doing gentle S-turns, leaning left and right. Begin with big, lazy turns at moderate speed. As you get more comfortable, tighten the turns gradually.

This drill not only improves your turning skill but also builds balance and confidence in how far you can lean the scooter. Most of all, be patient – turning can feel awkward at first, but it becomes second nature with a bit of practice.

Traffic Awareness and Riding Etiquette

When you move from empty parking lots to real streets or shared paths, awareness is your best friend. An electric scooter makes you small and quiet on the road, so assume that others (especially drivers) do not see you unless you make them see you.

Obey the Rules of the Road

If you’re riding on public streets, follow traffic laws like a bicycle would. That means stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the correct direction (don’t go against traffic). Not only is this the law in most places, it’s just safer.

Use Bike Lanes When Available

Always ride in bike lanes first when available. These are your safest options. In bike lanes, ride in the center or left side. This keeps you visible and away from opening car doors. Plus, debris accumulates on the right edge.

When no bike lane exists, most states require electric scooters to ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable. You can move left to avoid hazards, pass other vehicles, or prepare for left turns.

Take the full lane only when the lane is too narrow for cars to pass safely. This includes most right-turn lanes and single-lane roads under 14 feet (4.3 meters) wide. Hugging the curb invites cars to squeeze past dangerously close.

Passing parked cars requires 3–4 feet (1 meter) clearance for door zones. Shift left for potholes, gravel, or debris. Right-turning cars may cut across, so don’t hug the curb too tightly.

Intersections and Signaling

At intersections, position yourself where drivers expect to see vehicles:

• Don’t hide in blind spots
• Make eye contact with drivers when possible
• Assume they don’t see you until proven otherwise
• Use hand signals:

• Left arm straight = left turns
• Left arm bent up = right turns
• Left arm bent down = stop

Even if drivers don’t fully understand the signals, the motion lets them notice you. Eye contact means nothing if they’re looking through you.

Scanning Ahead and Riding Defensively

Look at least 3 seconds ahead (about 66 ft / 20 m at 15 mph / 24 km/h). This gives you time to spot problems and react smoothly.

Don’t stare at the ground right in front of your wheel. Take quick glances down to check the immediate surface, but keep your eyes up and forward most of the time. Your peripheral vision handles the close stuff.

Watch for door zones next to parked cars. Stay at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) away from parked vehicles. Car doors open to about 3 feet (1 meter), and you need reaction space. Better to take the lane than get doored.

Pedestrians do random things. Assume every pedestrian will suddenly step into your path. They’re looking at phones, wearing earbuds, or just spacing out. Your job is to predict their unpredictable moves and avoid them.

Speed Management

Match traffic speed when possible. Going way slower than the traffic flow is dangerous. Cars get impatient and make risky passes. If you can’t keep up, find a different route.

Never ride faster than you can see and stop. That means slowing down for blind corners, driveways, and intersections. Your stopping distance at 20 mph (32 km/h) is about 20 feet or 6 meters on dry pavement. Add 50% for wet conditions.

Make Yourself Visible

In daylight, bright clothing or a high-visibility vest can help. At night, lights are a must, so turn on your scooter’s headlight and taillight. Add extra bike lights or reflective stickers on your helmet or scooter if you ride a lot at night. You want to be seen from a distance.

Also, signal your intentions: some scooters have turn signals, but if not, use hand signals like a bicycle (left arm straight out for a left turn, left arm bent up for a right turn) or at least point which way you’re turning.

Be Predictable and Courteous

Avoid weaving in and out of lanes or making sudden moves. If you need to overtake a pedestrian on a shared path, slow down and give a friendly warning (a ring of your bell or an “on your left!”).

Always yield to foot traffic, and at crosswalks, it’s best to slow to a walking pace or step off and walk the scooter across.

Use Both Hands and Stay Focused

No headphones blasting music, no texting while riding, and no one-handed riding if you can avoid it. Electric scooters require two hands for safe control, especially over bumps. Taking one hand off can lead to wobbling or accidental throttle inputs (trigger throttles in particular can surge if you don’t hold the bar steady with both hands). So, save the drink or phone call for when you’re parked.

Riding in Special Conditions

Not every ride will be on perfect, dry, smooth pavement.

Uneven Terrain and Bumpy Surfaces

Sooner or later, you’ll encounter potholes, gravel, or uneven pavement. Slow down and stay loose. Let your knees and elbows act as suspension. Shifting your weight slightly back helps the front wheel roll over bumps without catching.

Small scooter wheels struggle with large potholes, so avoid them whenever possible. Loose surfaces like sand and gravel can destroy traction instantly, so keep the scooter upright and avoid hard braking or sharp turns. On grass or dirt, expect reduced grip – lean back slightly to give the rear wheel better traction.

Treat wet leaves, metal grates, painted lines, or train tracks like ice. Ride over them slowly and in a straight line, and avoid braking or accelerating while you’re on them.

Climbing and Descending Hills

Electric scooters vary widely in hill-climbing ability. Some handle steep inclines well; others simply can’t.

Uphill

When approaching a hill, gain a little speed before the incline if you can do so safely. Momentum is your friend. Lean forward into the hill, and bend slightly at the waist so more weight is over the front wheel. This helps keep the front wheel from lifting or losing contact on a steep grade, and it balances the weight distribution so the motor (often in the front or rear wheel) doesn’t have to work alone against gravity.

Keep a steady throttle; if you go too slowly, you might wobble or stall. If the hill is very steep and your scooter is slowing down a lot, you can help by kicking with your foot occasionally (just like pushing a skateboard) to maintain momentum and reduce strain on the motor. If the motor starts cutting out or feeling weak, stop and let it cool. Overheating damages motors permanently.

You can also zig-zag a bit (wide, gentle S path) up an extremely steep hill as this effectively lessens the grade, but only do this if the road is wide, there’s no traffic, and you can do it safely.

Really steep hills might exceed your scooter’s capability. There’s no shame in walking. Know your scooter’s stated hill grade ability. A 15% grade is pretty steep. 20% is very steep. 30% is walking territory for most scooters.

Downhill

The main rule is to control your speed. It’s easy to let gravity take over and find yourself going faster than is safe. Shift your weight toward the back of the scooter as you crest the hill, keeping your knees bent. This stance helps keep the scooter stable and prevents forward flips if you brake hard.

Use controlled, intermittent braking – a technique called “feathering” – to avoid overheating the brakes or skidding. If you feel speed wobbles begin (when the front wheel oscillates side to side), the first step is not to panic. Shift your weight to the rear and gently reduce your speed. Death gripping the handlebars makes wobbles worse.

Wet Weather and Night Riding

Riding in the Rain

The truth is, riding an electric scooter in the rain is not ideal. Many scooters are not fully waterproof, and wet surfaces drastically reduce your tire’s grip. If you can avoid riding in more than a light drizzle, do it. However, sometimes you get caught in a shower, or you have no choice. In that case:

• Slow way down. Your stopping distance is much longer in the wet, and you’re more likely to skid. Take everything (accelerating, turning, braking) more gently and give yourself extra room. If you must ride in the rain, slow down by at least 30%. What feels safe at 15 mph (24 km/h) in dry conditions needs to be 10 mph (16 km/h) in wet conditions.
• Avoid puddles and slick surfaces. Puddles can hide potholes and soak your electronics. Steer clear of slick surfaces like painted road lines, metal manhole covers, and leaves; they’re like banana peels when they are wet. If you must, go straight and steady with no sudden moves.
• Use your lights and wear reflective gear. Rain often means low visibility. Turn on your headlight and tail light, and consider a reflective vest or at least reflective stickers. Drivers’ visibility is worse in rain, and foggy helmet visors or glasses can impede yours too. Go slow and make sure you’re seen.
• Keep the scooter as dry as possible. If you know rain is likely, carry a plastic bag or two. You can wrap sensitive parts like the display or throttle in a pinch. Some riders tape over charging ports or other openings beforehand. Once you’re done riding in the wet, dry off your scooter with a towel and let it air out. Don’t charge it while it’s wet.

Night Riding

Riding at night can be peaceful (zooming under streetlights is pretty cool), but it requires heightened caution.

• Lights are essential. At the very least, have basic lighting – a 400-lumen headlight and a rear taillight that doubles as a brake light. For added visibility, you can go for aftermarket solutions and add headlights with at least 1000 lumens for city riding or 2000+ lumens for dark paths.
• Wear reflective clothing or accessories. A reflective sash or vest can be thrown over whatever you’re wearing. Even if you feel dorky, it’s worth it because car headlights will light you up from a distance.
• Ride slower than in daylight. Cut your speed by 40% at night. Your reaction time stays the same, but you see problems later. Slower speed compensates for reduced visibility.
• Be extra cautious at intersections and driveways. It’s harder for turning cars to notice a scooter at night. Even if you have the right of way, try to make eye contact with drivers or wait an extra second to be sure they see you. I sometimes wave (even if they probably can’t see my hand well) since any movement can catch a driver’s eye.

Drills To Build Confidence and Skill

Practice makes perfect (or at least much better). When you’re new to scooter riding, setting aside a little practice time in a safe area can hugely boost your confidence. Here are some drills and exercises I highly recommend for beginners:

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here are some of the most common ones new e-scooter riders fall into and how to avoid them:

Most importantly, never stop respecting the machine. Overconfidence causes more crashes than inexperience. The moment you think you’ve mastered everything is when the scooter reminds you otherwise.

FAQ