Controlling a scooter is the prerogative of the younger generation, who like to move quickly and feel a certain freedom while driving. Riding a scooter looks quite simple, but still you should not take it too lightly - this leads to negative and sometimes sad consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to follow a set of rules that will help you master riding a moped and perform all movements correctly.
There are many videos that help you learn how to ride a scooter. But still, knowledge of the theory will help you cope with difficult situations that often arise on the road. How to drive a scooter so as not to encounter unpleasant consequences of moving on such a simple but sometimes dangerous vehicle?
Scooter driving: getting started
To start using the scooter, you need to start it, of course. Most often, this is done by unlocking with a key and pressing the “start” button. Afterwards, you need to remove the scooter from the stand. Next, you should sit on the saddle, holding the steering wheel for convenience. In this case, the driver’s left foot should be on the road surface. Do not forget that the rear brake lever must be held until you are completely ready to move .
When the driver has fully taken control, you should make sure that there are no obstacles and that the scooter rider himself will not become a potential threat to active road users. If the situation is safe, you should turn on the turn signal and start driving. To do this, you need to release the brake lever and smoothly turn the throttle just enough to move off.
A very important nuance: under no circumstances should the speed control be pulled. This is fraught not only with slipping, but also with the scooter turning over, which can lead to disastrous consequences for both the equipment and the driver. Separately, it is worth assessing the condition of the road surface. Wet asphalt, crushed stone or gravel under the wheels require special care when starting.
Proper braking is the key to health
Stopping correctly may seem like a no-brainer, but the slightest mistake can result in injury and danger to others. In order to avoid such cases, you should simply memorize the following points:
- it is necessary to start the braking process in advance, calculating the final stopping point;
- to stop without negative consequences, it is recommended to use both the rear and front brakes at the same time;
- do not make sudden braking, creating a danger for other road users;
- It is imperative to take weather conditions into account. The braking distance and the effectiveness of the braking system as a whole depend on this;
- carefully monitor the technical condition of the brake system, in particular the pads. Faulty or wet they distort the final effect of their use;
- On low-quality road surfaces, calculating the trajectory becomes more difficult and the braking distance changes.
Failure to comply with these recommendations leads to impacts on curbs, collisions with other road users, slipping, skidding, and even falls of the scooter rider. Under no circumstances should the ignition be turned off until it comes to a complete stop, as this may lead to an open circuit . The latter is fraught not only with vehicle breakdown, but also with emergency situations.
After successful completion of the movement, turn off the engine. You should also pay attention to the parking location. It is not recommended to leave the scooter on a slope or uneven road surface.
First stage
The scooter that you decide to constantly use must undergo technical inspections to eliminate undesirable consequences during the period of active use. In this case, you should not save, since the driver’s health very often depends on the condition and quality of the vehicle.
To begin with, it is worth remembering that the vehicle’s maneuverability, controllability and predictability directly depend on the correct and high-quality technical condition of the moped. Before starting the journey, it is recommended to check the level of each fluid in the moped. Carefully monitor the amount of oil so as not to provoke the process of engine jamming. Start the scooter on a central support or stand - this will prevent incorrect and accidental movement while the engine is warming up.
Controlling a scooter on the road
After the beginner has tried the newly purchased scooter in safe conditions and figured out the intricacies of control, a trip to the city streets inevitably follows. The first impression of a novice motorcyclist will most likely remain a shock.
Saturated and intense traffic, proximity to noisy and fast-moving vehicles can simply discourage a scooter rider. In addition to monitoring balance and instrument indicators, it is necessary to carefully monitor the situation on the road.
Traffic regulations regulate that the movement of mopeds and scooters must be carried out with maximum safe proximity to the right edge of the road. However, in reality it is not always possible or safe to comply with these instructions. The quality of the road surface on domestic roads leaves much to be desired, as a result, the scooter driver will have to avoid road defects closer to the middle of the lane.
When moving according to the rules (at the right edge of the road), experienced scooter owners do not advise getting too close to large, slow-moving equipment such as trucks, excavators, tractors and others. This should not be done, as visibility is seriously reduced, the risk of not noticing a road defect increases, and the noise emitted by such vehicles reduces the driver’s attentiveness.
Another useful tip for those who understand the issue of how to learn to ride a moped or scooter is to still follow the traffic rules. The situation on city roads changes at lightning speed and there is often a desire to overtake on the left side.
It is strongly discouraged to do this, even if there are no visible obstacles and the maneuver seems safe. It is worth remembering: each paragraph of the traffic rules is drawn up on the basis of many years of traffic practice and is actually inscribed in blood into the general code.
Alpha moped - our review
The Alpha moped is a typical representative of the Chinese motorcycle industry. It combines a low price and good technical characteristics, but there are definitely some disadvantages. And although Alpha is not a rare visitor on our roads, there is not so much information about it. So let's figure out what kind of “player” this is in the Russian motor market.
So, let's start, as usual, with the appearance, that is, with the design. It is impossible not to notice that, being called a moped, the Alpha looks like a real motorcycle: large wheels, an impressive front fork, a lot of metal parts, and its dimensions are respectable - almost two meters long and half a meter wide. In general, the design of the Alpha is quite solid, it’s not a shame to “take it” with the breeze and around the city.
Although, for a city drive, this moped is the least suitable: high ground clearance, a “brooding” engine, which also does not have forced cooling, the presence of a manual gearbox, which makes it necessary to often change gears in traffic jams and at traffic lights, a wide steering wheel with which There’s not much room to turn between rows of cars and frankly “sluggish” drum brakes - all this makes driving a moped in city traffic extremely inconvenient.
But on the countryside, the Alpha is good: light weight, low-torque engine, the presence of a mechanical transmission - which allows you to realize the full potential of the engine depending on road conditions, large wheels, a wide steering wheel, soft suspension with long travel, allow you to confidently overcome light off-road conditions and country wilds.
This type of transport can definitely be recommended: to summer residents, fishermen, rural residents and even those who like to travel.
Another important aspect is the presence of a trunk and a comfortable passenger seat. You don’t often see full-fledged two-seater mopeds at this price. The long and soft seat can comfortably accommodate even two large people. In addition, the Alph's engine copes with the task assigned to it relatively easily: even uphill with two passengers, the moped climbs quite confidently. By the way, its engine is 4-stroke, with good low-end thrust, and its volume, depending on the configuration, varies from 50 to 110 cm3.
In addition, a four-speed gearbox with well-chosen gear ratios, when used skillfully, allows you to get the most out of the engine's capabilities.
Another advantage is the presence of an electric starter, which is distinguished by enviable quality and reliability, despite the fact that the moped is in the lowest price range.
The weak point of the Alpha is the drum brakes. In dry weather, with good adhesion of the tires to the road, they are not able to effectively and predictably stop the moped, and with the moped weighing only about 85 kg, the braking distance is quite long, a kind of ABS (joke), although this problem is inherent in all vehicles equipped with “drums” "and not just Alphas...
An important point is the comfort of movement, because traveling long distances can turn from exciting and enjoyable into tiring and annoying. And in this matter there are no complaints about Alpha. The seating position is high and comfortable, the footrests are wide and located exactly where they should be. The steering wheel has a good bend and lies confidently in the hands. Alpha has a soft, but at the same time, confident ride and excellent handling. Also worth noting is the informative dashboard. The speedometer and tachometer are large, their readings are easy to read even in sunny weather, which means you don’t need to linger on them for a long time, taking your eyes off the road.
Also on the instrument panel there are indicators for the operation of turn signals, low and high beams, and a gear indicator. Already in the basic configuration, good rear-view mirrors are available.
To summarize, we can say that Alpha is well worth the money that is being asked for it, but the price is not that high.
As for operation, user reviews indicate that the moped can last quite a long time without serious breakdowns.
If you want to increase the “lifetime” of your Alph, then remember that you should not “turn” the engine to maximum speed - a moped engine and a sportbike engine are not the same thing! Don't forget about this while driving! Also, always warm up the engine before driving and do not forget to change the engine oil on time.
Cornering
An equally important point is how to drive the scooter when cornering. There are many myths and misconceptions about this, while experts are more clear.
You should first visually calculate the entry trajectory and adjust the speed limit to the required level. At increased speeds, there is a high probability of a decrease in adhesion characteristics with the road surface, therefore, it is necessary to start the maneuver moderately. Compliance with this rule will ensure controllability during the turn. There are two ways to enter a turn:
- tilting the body in unison with the tilt of the scooter;
- Tilt of the vehicle only (applicable at low speeds).
The first method is the most common and universal. Experienced riders of both small and large motorcycles describe it as safe and comfortable. The second one requires more skill and is used to enter a turn with a reduced radius.
It is not recommended for beginners to use it for the first time. It’s also worth remembering that before starting this maneuver, you should definitely finish braking.
Following these simple but important rules will not only make driving a scooter easier and safer, but will also make any trip pleasant and comfortable.
