Scooter driving safety tips
Motor scooters are a style of motorcycle that have a step through frame and have become a very popular method of travelling small distances like an island or city centres. They are legal vehicles to drive on public roads and the rider must follow road regulations like any other vehicle. Scooter driver must assume him self as invisible to other drivers and act accordingly. If you don't have any experience on a scooter or motorcycle you should not rent a scooter in a place like Santorini. Here is a list of some safe riding tips:
Motor scooters are a style of motorcycle that have a step through frame and have become a very popular method of travelling small distances like an island or city centres. They are legal vehicles to drive on public roads and the rider must follow road regulations like any other vehicle. Scooter driver must assume him self as invisible to other drivers and act accordingly. If you don't have any experience on a scooter or motorcycle you should not rent a scooter in a place like Santorini. Here is a list of some safe riding tips:
- PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Wearing a helmet is a must as well as closed shoes (no sandals) bright clothes that cover the legs and arms and sunglasses or visor.
- SPEED .Scooters and mopeds are designed for lower speeds than cars and motorcycles and although they handle very well and are quite forgiving at low speed they become hazardous if you exceed the speed they are designed for. As a general rule small size scooters must not exceed 50 km/h and larger scooters 70km/h.
- KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. Most common reason for accidents is following up to close to the vehicle ahead, so leave a safe distance and keep to the right side of the road. If another driver is following up on you to close move to the side and let them overtake you.
- BRAKING. Use both front and rear brakes. When braking the weight is transferred to the front wheel so the rear will lock up and slide very easily. One of the main advantages of the scooter's fat wheels is that they are easier and more forgiving to brake with the front wheel (the disadvantage is that they are not so stable and precise at high speeds). When going down a steep hill, do not stay on the brakes on all the time, this can cause the brakes to overheat. It is better to brake harder then release the brakes and apply again. The scooter's automatic transmission will automatically disengage when the speed drops below approx. 5 km/h and you will then have no engine braking. This happens when you go around a tight corner on a winding road so after you exit the curve give a little bit of gas, just enough to engage the transmission again and restore engine breaking.
- DRINKING AND DRIVING. Don't even think about it! It's deadly wrong. If you had a couple of drinks ,lock the scooter wherever it is, note where you are (so we can find it)and take a taxi, find a lift, walk or give a call to Mark's bikes. We'd rather pick you up for free before you have had an accident.