How to Ride a Scooty: A Beginner’s Guide to Learning

Imagine yourself on your scooty, riding effortlessly through city streets, wind in your hair, and the engine humming beneath you. Exciting, isn’t it? Indeed, knowing how to ride a scooty can open new doors of freedom and convenience for you. As compared to a bike, a scooty is easier to learn, since it does not have gears. If you know how to ride a bicycle, then learning to ride a scooty should be relatively easier. Regardless of its ease and convenience, one must remember that a scooty has an engine. In case of an accident, the consequences can be severe. While motor insurance can help to a degree, it is nevertheless better to practice caution.*

*Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy.

How to Ride a Scooty: A Beginner’s Guide

1. To ride a scooty, you need to master certain essential aspects, such as balance, acceleration, and brakes. The following guide is here to help:
2. Set yourself on the scooter. Keep both of your hands on the handlebars of the scooty. Your feet should ideally be on the ground. However, if your height does not allow both feet to touch the ground, lean forward slightly and use one foot to balance, while the other stays on the scooty’s foot platform.
3. Now, kick off the side-stand if you haven’t already. Sometimes, you may forget to do this, and it can cause problems once the scooty starts.
4. Insert your key and rotate it to turn on the scooty.
5. Now, it’s time to ignite the engine. Hold the left brake with one hand, and with the other, press the ‘start’ button.
6. Once the engine is ignited, release the left brake gradually and use the accelerator to warm up the scooty. With this step, your scooty will start moving.
7. Move your feet/foot to the scooty’s foot platform once the vehicle starts moving.
8. To direct the scooty in the direction you want, simply lean toward that side. The handle will move as per your movement. In case you are riding at a slow speed, use your hands to move the handlebar.
9. To stop riding or slow down, use the brakes. It is advisable always to have a few fingers on both brakes while riding the scooty. Avoid sudden braking. With repeated practice, you will be able to ride a scooty expertly in no time. However, the above steps are only a blueprint for riding a scooty. When you set out on your scooty, you must follow other guidelines and norms as well.

Points to Remember When Riding A Scooty As a Beginner

To make your scooty riding experience safer and smoother, keep the following points in mind:

Use a Well-Maintained Vehicle

A scooty that has been serviced properly will provide a better riding experience than one that hasn’t. More importantly, a well-serviced, well-maintained scooty will help avoid accidents and increase safety.

Wear a Helmet Always 

Wearing a helmet is non-negotiable when riding a scooty. Whether it may or may not be a legal requirement in your region, it is a practice that can help you avoid serious injuries.

Stay Away From Distractions 

Avoid using your mobile phones or any other gadgets when riding a two-wheeler. If you are getting an urgent call, pull over and attend the call if you want. However, when you are riding the scooty, your attention should be focused on the riding experience only.

Have the Necessary Documents With You

Before you turn on the scooter’s ignition, check if you have the necessary documents with you. This will include the driver's licence (or learning licence, as applicable), registration, PUC certificate, scooter insurance papers, and so on. Having scooter insurance is important for many other reasons than to meet legal compliance.

Why Scooter Insurance is Important?

There are many benefits to having the right insurance plan if you are riding a scooty, such as:

1. Third-Party Liabilities Coverage

Accidents can happen even if we try our best to ride safely. If such an accident leads to you becoming financially liable to a third party, you can rely on your scooter insurance plan to come to the rescue.

2. Coverage for Damages to the Scooty Due to Various Events*

Your comprehensive scooter insuranceplan will cover damages to your scooty due to natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc.), fires, theft, and so on. In case of damage due to these events, you can raise a claim. If it is approved, your insurer will provide adequate financial compensation.

3. 24/7 Roadside Assistance*

Depending on the coverage of the plan, you can receive 24/7 assistance in case your scooty suffers a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. *Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy. Hence, to ensure a smooth and safe experience riding a scooty, remember to buy and renew two wheeler insurance.

Also Read: What is PUC in Bikes & Why is It Important?

FAQs

Q1: How many gears does a scooty have?

Most modern scooties are gearless, meaning they don't have a manual transmission. These scooters are equipped with an automatic transmission system that simplifies riding. However, some older models or larger scooters might have gears, typically ranging from 4 to 6 gears.

Q2: How many days does it take to learn scooty?

The time required to learn to ride a scooty varies based on your confidence and prior experience. Generally, it may take around 2 to 5 days to get comfortable with the basic controls and ride confidently in a safe environment. Continuous practice helps build confidence.

Q3: Can I learn scooty in one day?

Yes, it's possible to get the basics of scooty riding within one day if you have proper guidance and a calm, open space to practice. However, mastering balance, braking, and handling may take a bit longer, depending on individual learning speed.

Q4: Is riding scooty difficult?

Riding a scooty is not difficult, especially since most scooters are gearless and easy to operate. With a bit of practice, you’ll become comfortable with throttle control, braking, and steering. As a beginner, it's important to start slowly, build confidence, and learn safety measures to ensure a smooth riding experience.

*Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.