How to Ride a Gas Scooter

Check your local laws for operating scooters on roads and highways.

Gas-powered scooters, such as the Italian Vespa, are economical transports for around-town errands or commuting. These gas-powered transports are fuel efficient, with some of them getting upwards of 90 to 100 miles to the gallon. Riding the scooter requires learning the brakes, throttle and for some, the clutch. Always wear a helmet when riding and check with your local laws concerning proper licenses for riding the scooters on roads and highways.

Things You'll Need

• Helmet
• Driver license with motorcycle endorsement (optional)
• Road pylons

Instructions

1. Set up the road pylons in an empty parking lot or large concrete area. Set them up to make a zig-zag course. Put on your helmet, and start the scooter.

2. Grip the right handlebar end and turn it forward to increase speed. This is the throttle control. Grip the right-hand side brake lever to engage the rear brake. Use the rear brake for most slowing and stopping needs, as it provides more control than the powerful front brake.

3. Bring the scooter to a speed of between 10 and 15 mph. Drive the zig-zag pylon course learning how the scooter turns and reacts to the brakes. Slowly apply the front brake to learn how powerful it is and to prepare to use it on the roads. Do not over grip the left brake, as this may lead to ejection from the scooter.

4. Place the feet on the scooter platform while the scooter is in motion. If your scooter has a clutch, grip the clutch lever on the left-hand side of the handlebars and place your right foot on the shifter peg. Squeeze the clutch, turn the throttle down, and push the shifter peg up or down to increase the gear or decrease. Engage the throttle, and release the clutch lever.

5. Press the turn signals as you prepare to turn right or left. Many scooters have a slider switch with an "L" and "R" indicating what directional is on.

Tips & Warnings

• Some state's require a special motorcycle endorsement to drive gas-powered scooters on roads. Check with your state's DMV for the laws governing scooters.

References

• Motor Scooters Guide
• NeoScooters: DMV Directory