What are the Do's and Don'ts with an Electric Skateboard?

Electric skateboards are carving out a niche in urban mobility and outdoor leisure. Their appeal lies in the blend of technology and traditional skateboarding. They offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional transportation. Using these innovative boards in urban areas requires a high level of responsibility.

Understanding the do's and don'ts with an electric skateboard is respecting others' space and adhering to local laws. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines is essential for a skateboard rider. We'll explore critical practices to enhance your riding and guard against common pitfalls.

Essential Do's with Electric Skateboards

1. Prioritize Safety Gear

Safety should always be your top priority when electric skateboarding. The right gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury during falls or collisions. Here’s a closer look at the essential safety equipment every rider should have:

Helmets

A helmet should fit snugly on your head. Make sure it's tight enough not to move around but comfortable enough for long rides. Primarily, there are two types:

• Full-Face Helmets: These offer complete protection for your head and face. They are ideal for high-speed riding or downhill routes.
• Multi-Impact Helmets: These helmets can withstand multiple impacts: They are perfect for frequent riders.

Protective Pads

• Wrist Guards: In skateboarding falls, wrist guards protect your wrists from fractures and sprains.
• Elbow and Knee Pads: A pair of elbow and knee pads will cushion the impact on your elbows and knees. These prevent your body from being cut, bruised, and more seriously injured.
• Padded Shorts:Offer additional protection for your hips and tailbone which can be particularly vulnerable during falls.

Footwear

Always wear closed and sturdy shoes with a good grip to maintain control over the board. You need to avoid slippery soles. Shoes with slippery soles can lead to accidents by causing your feet to slip off the board.

2. Skateboard Accessories

Adding accessories to your electric skateboard can make your rides more fun, safe, and convenient. Here are some top picks: 

• Lights:Attach lights to your board or helmet to see and be seen at night.
• Reflective Clothing:Wear clothes or vests that reflect light to make sure drivers and others can see you.
• Carrying Case:A case or bag makes it easier to take your board with you when you're not riding.
• Portable Charger: A portable charger is handy to recharge your board if you run low on battery while out.
• GPS Tracker:Attach a GPS tracker to keep track of your board in case it gets lost or stolen.
• Action Cameras:Mount an action camera to capture your rides from exciting angles.
• Bluetooth Speakers:Some riders like to attach speakers to their boards to listen to music as they ride. Just make sure it's safe and respectful to others around you.
• Wheel Upgrades:Consider different wheels to better match your riding style and the surfaces you ride on.

2. Learn and Practice Before Hitting the Road

Get to know your board. Spend time in a safe open area to become familiar with how it moves and responds. Practice starting, stopping, and turning until it feels natural. This will make you more confident and safe when you ride in more challenging environments.

3. Adhere to Local Laws and Regulations

Know the rules of the road. There may be speed limits and age restrictions as well. Respecting these laws keeps you and others safe. It helps promote a positive image of electric skateboarders.

Keep the community safe by reporting unsafe conditions like potholes or broken glass to local authorities. Also, keep public spaces clean by taking your trash with you or disposing of it properly.

4. Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Keep your board in top shape. Regular checks for wear and tear, especially on the wheels and battery, can prevent accidents. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance to ensure your board lasts as long as possible.

5. Stay Vigilant of Surroundings

Be aware at all times. Look out for pedestrians, vehicles, and potential hazards like potholes or debris. Anticipating what might happen around you can prevent collisions and falls. You need to signal your intentions. Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops when you're around other people or vehicles.

6. Ensure Visibility in Low Light

Make yourself seen. Use lights on your board and wear reflective clothing if you're riding in the dark or in poor visibility conditions. Reflective clothing makes you more visible to drivers and pedestrians, especially during dawn, dusk, or nighttime. Moreover, attaching LED electric skateboard lights to your helmet, clothes, or skateboard can significantly improve your visibility.

7. Yield to Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right of way. Slow down and be prepared to stop when you're near people walking. Showing respect and caution around pedestrians ensures everyone's safety and helps build a positive community around electric skateboarding.

8. Engage with the Community

Take part in group rides and meet other riders through local electric skateboarding groups. Look out for electric skateboarding events or competitions. They're great places to learn new skills and make friends. This way you can promote safety as well. Encourage other riders to follow safety practices and riding etiquette. Leading by example can have a major impact.

Battery Care and Charging Tips

Taking good care of your electric skateboard's battery is key to keeping it running well and for a long time. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• First Charge:When you get a new board, charge it fully before the first ride. This sets up the battery for future use.
• Don't Overcharge:Leaving your board plugged in longer than needed can hurt the battery. Try to unplug it once it's fully charged.
• Use the Right Charger:Always use the charger that came with your skateboard. Other chargers might not work right and could damage the battery.
• Avoid Heat:Batteries don't like extreme heat. Don't leave your board in a hot car or in direct sunlight for too long.
• Cool Down Before Charging:Let your board cool down after a ride before you charge it. Charging it while it's hot can damage the battery. 

If you're not going to use your board for a while, store it with the battery half-charged. This is better for the battery than fully charged or fully empty. Moreover, store your board in a dry and cool place. Moisture and heat can damage the battery over time.

Every now and then, check the battery and its connections for any signs of damage. If something looks wrong, it might be time to get it checked by a professional.

Critical Don'ts with Electric Skateboards

1. Avoid Riding Beyond Abilities

It may be tempting to try out that advanced trick or push the speed to the limit. Doing so can lead to accidents. Stick to maneuvers and speeds within your skill level to stay safe.

2. Heed Weather Conditions

Wet roads, icy paths, and overly dusty surfaces can drastically reduce your board's traction and your visibility. Riding in poor weather conditions increases the risk of accidents. It's best to wait for clearer skies.

3. Secure Your Skateboard

Electric skateboards are valuable and, unfortunately, can be targets for theft. When you must leave your board unattended, lock it up securely. Investing in a good lock and being mindful of where you leave your skateboard can save you from loss.

4. Refrain from Riding Under the Influence

Operating an electric skateboard requires focus and coordination. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances is illegal in many places and extremely dangerous. Stay sober when you ride.

5. Obey Traffic Signals

Just like cyclists and motorists, electric skateboarders must follow traffic laws. This includes signals and signs. Ignoring these rules can lead to dangerous situations and legal consequences.

6. Avoid Prohibited Areas

Be aware of and respect areas where electric skateboards are banned. This includes certain sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and private properties. Riding where you're not supposed to can result in fines and confiscation of your board.

7. Mind the Weight Limit

Every electric skateboard has a specified maximum weight limit. Exceeding this limit can strain the board's mechanics and battery leading to potential damage or decreased performance. Stick to the recommended weight to ensure your safety and the longevity of your board.

Conclusion

Enjoying your electric skateboard to the fullest while staying safe boils down to following a few key do's and don'ts. By wearing the right safety gear, practicing, respecting laws, and maintaining your board, you set yourself up for a great ride.

Equally, avoiding risky behaviors, like riding in bad weather, ignoring traffic rules, or using the board in prohibited areas, helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe. Besides having fun, electric skateboarding is also about being a responsible member of the community. Stick to these guidelines and you'll enjoy many smooth and safe rides on your electric skateboard.