An electric scooter can be very useful when commuting around the city. It saves you from wasting time in traffic and money on fuel. With the help of an electric scooter, you can access narrow roads that are inaccessible for cars, reaching your destination faster this way.
But, with winter approaching, many people decide to put their scooters aside until spring. At the same time, those that wish to purchase a scooter are discouraged by the coming bad weather.
And again, their plans are postponed until the weather will get better again. So, there’s the question of whether it is possible to ride a scooter in the snow, during wintertime.
Everything becomes more complicated during winter
Riding a scooter when the weather is good and the ground is dry can be very easy. But, once the ground is frozen and snow covers it, everything becomes trickier.
Walking, riding a bicycle, or a scooter can become a real challenge. Extra attention and a level of good riding skills are required to make it safe on such conditions.
However, even so, there are people that continue riding their scooters during winter, regardless of weather conditions. It takes a dose of courage to do so, but with the right preparation, it is possible to continue using this transportation mean on cold weather as well.
Both you and your electric scooter will feel the lower temperatures
Without a doubt, we are affected by freezing temperatures. So, wearing adequate equipment and clothing is necessary during winter, especially if you plan on riding your electric scooter.
Also, an electric scooter will also be affected by lower temperatures, high humidity levels, and other weather-related factors. Keeping it safe in a protected area is definitely recommended. Don’t let the scooter outside, where it can snow or rain on it, as it will get easily damaged.
If you plan on riding your scooter during wintertime, you should also get your vehicle ready to meet special conditions. What does this mean? It means that you will need to have some aspects in mind, some things you didn’t consider so far.
So, to ride an electric scooter safely during winter, you need to prepare it adequately.
How to prepare an electric scooter for winter riding
First of all, equip your scooter with the right kind of tires. Those that you used during the summer are inadequate for riding on snow. Just as in the case of cars, sleek tires will make your scooter slip on snow and become a very unsafe transportation mean.
So, put on tires that are capable of withstanding lower temperatures and riding on snow. Considering battery maintenance is also something you will need to bear in mind.
Lower temperatures will take a toll on the battery’s resistance and you may encounter issues when looking to start it up. So, take good care of the battery and do your best to find a safe and warmer place to store the scooter when you’re not using it.
After each riding session, you should clean your scooter. Don’t allow for snow to sit on the scooter, as it will slowly melt, turn into water, and affect the scooter’s electrical and metal parts, through corrosion.
Cleaning the scooter will prevent this from happening. Ideally, you should also wipe it with a damp cloth upon your returning at home. This will remove any deicing substances that are present on the roads in the winter. With extra care and attention, you will be able to use your scooter in the winter without any risks involved.
When riding an electric scooter in the winter or in the snow, you will have to adapt your riding style to the new conditions. Try to ride in a precautionary way, without making abrupt turns.
Also, use the breaks in a timely manner, to avoid accidental sliding. Additionally to this, adapt your riding speed to the conditions on the road. Your safety should prime above everything else.
So, grant yourself more time to reach your destination on an electric scooter in the winter. Leave home earlier so you have sufficient time to ride in a calm and alert state.
Don’t forget about wearing protective gear. While protective equipment is recommended while riding a scooter throughout the year, many people disregard this in the warm season.
However, in the winter, staying safe and warm should be priorities. So, don’t hit the road unprotected. Bear in mind that riding a scooter in the snow is more dangerous than riding it in normal conditions. Thus, adequate prepping and equipment are more than welcome.
Get well dressed
Because your traveling speed will be higher when riding a scooter than when walking, you’ll get cold easier. You should pay extra attention to the extremities of your body, like feet, hands, and head.
The human body loses most of its heat through the head, so make sure you have it covered. Also, because you’ll have to hold onto the handles of your scooter, not being able to shove your hands in the pockets of your coat, wear gloves every time you ride your scooter.
And, of course, wear warm and comfortable shoes as well. The last thing you want is to reach your destination frozen or catch a cold because you chose to ride your scooter in the snow.
Additional tips for riding a scooter in the snow
If your scooter has no fenders, you should install them. If you don’t, you’re going to experience very dirty rides in the winter. You certainly don’t want for all the mud and slush to end on the back of your clothes.
Use a regular hair dryer to dry areas where you can’t wipe excess water with a piece of cloth. This will keep your scooter functioning without any problems. Consider replacing the light bulb in your headlight with a stronger one.
Also, adding one with a blinking feature is also recommended. Dark settles down rather fast in the winter and you should always signal your presence on the road, no matter what.
It would be recommended, as well, to change the scooter’s battery after each use. A weakened battery may fail to start on cold weather conditions.
So, yes, it is possible to ride an electric scooter in the snow. You just need some extra precautions methods and consideration for a set of aspects.
You will not be riding in normal conditions, so you need to pay attention to every detail mentioned above, for your own safety and the well-being of your scooter.