ARTICLE
The Newest Way To Commute, And How To Do It Safely
June 5, 2023-3 min read
Rideables are the latest mobility trend sweeping the globe. Electric scooters, or eScooters, are perfect for fun, fitness, transport and adventure. So, if you’ve been thinking of getting in on this popular and practical trend, here are a few things you need to know to get started.
What’s A Rideable?
In this context, rideables are portable electric vehicles like eScooters and ebikes. You’ve probably seen plenty of them around being ridden by people in nice suits heading to work, hopelessly cool teenagers and little kids who look like they’re having the time of their lives.
The rules around road use vary widely from state to state, so it is imperative to arm yourself with all the information about usage before investing. For example, they are not allowed on public roads or bike lanes in NSW or SA, and in Victoria, if they have a maximum speed greater than 10 km/h, they cannot be legally used on a road or any road-related areas. In some states you can ride these vehicles on the road and in bike lanes, as well as on private property and at skate parks. Please check the regulations in your state to ensure you are complying with local regulations.
eScooters and ebikes should be stored and charged in a cool, dry and secure place. If keeping your bike in a communal area, like an apartment bike cage, then make sure you get a good quality lock and try not to leave the battery in the bike.
To charge your rideable, let it cool down after a ride (heat and batteries are not friends, and the Australian sun can be brutal) and make sure everything is dry. Once you’ve plugged it in to charge, try to make sure you unplug it shortly after it’s fully charged – most lithium-ion batteries have overcharge protection, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution with large capacity batteries and devices you rely on. Check the manual that came with the vehicle to see the charge time and work out from there if it’s better to charge straight after you get home from work or chuck it on just before bed.
When shopping around for an eScooter or ebike, there are three main things you should consider:
Comfort: Is it the right size for you? If it has a seat, is it the right width for your sit bones?
Range and power: Can it go the distance you want to go on a single charge? Doesit meet the speed/power regulations for your state? Is long distance on a singlecharge or fast charging a priority for you?
Can you easily reach all the controls? Everyone’s hands are different, and so thescooter that’s perfect for one person might not be right for you, so make sure youcome in store and give it a go.
Benefits
There are so many benefits to getting out of the car and on a scooter or bike. Here are just a few:
Health
Just because you’re not powering the rideable solely with your legs doesn’t mean you’re not getting a workout. eScooters can give a great core workout, and you can choose to pedal ebikes when you’re in the mood for some extra exercise, as well as getting the core benefits from balancing.
Environmental
“Whether you’re now making your whole journey on an electric-powered small vehicle or just the last couple of kms from the nearest free parking, cutting down on your petrol usage is a win for the environment.”
Money Saving
Your wallet also wins from cutting down on petrol usage, as petrol prices skyrocket. Or, if you previously took public transport, those costs can really add up. So, while a rideable can be a large outlay, the cost savings in the long term could run into the thousands.
Time Saving
Instead of spending half an hour circling the city trying to find a park, if you had an eScooter in the boot, you could just park outside the city and ride the last couple of kilometres, saving time and money.
Key Considerations
While rideables put the fun in functional, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Safety & Road Rules
Check the local safety and road rules to see what laws you’ll need to follow to stay safe. Most places require you to wear a helmet and have lights and a bell attached to the rideable. Even if they’re not required, though, it’s still always a good idea to protect your noggin from accidents and stay visible at all times.
Maintenance
Before riding, always do a safety check. Confirm the tyres are pumped up, check the joins and steering for any damage or wear, and check the brakes to make sure they’re functioning. When it comes to ebikes it’s particularly important that you get them serviced a couple of times a year to keep them in good nick.
If you’re ready to start exploring rideables , you don’t need to visit an eScooter shop! Come and see us at The Good Guys either in-store or online . We have everything you need to get started, including advice and accessories.
Things to know before you ride. Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear. Each state and territory in Australia have different rules and regulations for using your product, including where you can legally use such products and if you need to register them with your state’s road traffic authority. Any information provided by The Good Guys is general in nature only and may not take account of your specific circumstances. It is the responsibility of each user to check their local laws before riding.
