Things You Should Know Before You Ride
This section was created to aid owners and operators of personal scooters, with tips on how to use them in an environmentally and safe manner. It is not intended to be used as a legal guide for your local laws.

Before you ride, you will need to check with your regional and local vehicle code. A particular area may also have ordinances that limit the use of scooters.

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A SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS
It's a tragic fact that most children are more likely to have an accident. As a parent or guardian, you bear the responsibility for the activities and safety of your minor child. Among these responsibilities are to make sure that the scooter/kart which your child is riding is properly fitted to the child; that it is in good repair and in safe operating condition; that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the applicable local motor vehicle and traffic laws, but also the common sense rules of safe and responsible scooting. As a parent you should read your vehicles manual and warnings and go over all key points with your child before letting your child ride the scooter/kart

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Safety Equipment

Safety pads are important to help protect you against injury. Here is a list of recommended safety equipment.

• Helmet

• Elbow Pads

• Knee Pads

• Wrist Guards

• Gloves

• Shoes

• Being seen is very important. Brightly colored, reflective helmets and clothing help make rider more noticeable.

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Check the Scooter

A scooter needs more frequent attention than a car. The time to find out if there is something that needs attention is before you ride. Check the following:

• Check all nuts and bolts

• Steering moves freely

• Brakes and controls, for proper operation and location of levers

• Frame/structural, for stress and fractures

• Tires, for wear

• Read and understand the instruction manual

• Observe all safety and warning labels on your scooter.

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Riding

Stunts, Wheelies, or Jumps:
These stunts can be fun, but it puts incredible stress on everything. Riders who insist on jumping risk serious damage to their scooter/kart and themselves.

Wet Weather Riding:
Riding in wet conditions is not recommended.

WARNING:
Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, for riders and others. The risk of accident dramatically increases in wet conditions and should be avoided.

Night Riding:
Never ride your scooter at night or in conditions of poor visibility.

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Rules to Scoot By:

• Always wear your safety gear

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Learn the local laws and regulations

• Ride defensively

• Wear bright colored and/or reflective clothing

• Never ride your scooter/kart at night or in conditions of poor visibility.

• Observe and yield the right of way

• Do not dart out of driveways or from between parked cars.

• Stop at all stop signs/lights

• Be careful when checking traffic and don't swerve when looking over your shoulder

• Always go with traffic flow and keep to the far side of the road
• Never ride on sidewalks

• Avoid riding in bad weather or when visibility is obscured

• Do not do stunts, wheelies or jumps. They will increase your chances of injury and damage to your scooter/kart.

• You are sharing roads, trails and riding areas with others. Respect their rights, and be tolerant if they inconvenience you.

• Always yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and avoid riding near them whenever possible.

• Keep your speed consistent with the conditions, and keep in mind that speed has a direct relation to control as well as component stress.

• Never carry passengers.

• Never carry anything that can obstruct vision, or control of your scooter.

• Everyone must be responsible for the environment, ride accordingly.

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