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Step 2Go shopping
Yes, your new scooter can be a bit of a black hole for spending at first.
You will need a good helmet -- the sky is the limit on these, but you can get the basic models for about $100, less in US$ ;-)
If you make a living using your head, I strongly suggest you wear a helmet even if the law does not require it. Early on, I added the three-quarter visor. You'd be amazed how much it hurts when a bug flies into your face. This year I plan to add protective sun glasses.
A good jacket is crucial. After I took the safety course, I found out why motorcycle/scooter gear has all those buckles. The belts, etc. are so that the jacket stays in place if you fall and go sliding along the pavement. So the sleeves and belt, etc. do need to be snug to achieve the intended protection. Cool good looks is just an added bonus.
If you can't afford a new jacket, definitely wear the most rugged denim or canvas jacket you own.
The reason I bought a proper jacket: I "dropped the bike" (i.e. fell) when on a motorcycle license course while going quite slowly. I had bruises the size of bread plates on my rear end, and multiple bruises all over the place.
I normally would have the black jacket done up completely, but it was a VERY hot day (see people in shorts), and I was doing a "ride slow" event at a rally for fun.
One great side effect of the shoulder panels: they make your hips look smaller! LOL
In Europe, you can get wonderful gear like the Tucana Urbano jackets shown in the next photo. These do have armor inside, and are waterproof, but look more businesslike. Saving my pennies...
Gloves are also a must. I've seen people wear leather gardening gloves, which are much less expensive than motorcycle gloves (ie. $5 versus $50+), but would certainly do the job. If your hand hits the pavement going fast, you'll be glad it's the glove that got grated, not your skin.
I found the red suede boots on E-Bay for very cheap. Most motorcycle boots are just too ugly, and really intended for highway use (protect your ankles from rocks, etc.). So now I keep my eyes open for deals on any kind of boots -- cowboy, hiking, etc. that will look good.
You will need a good helmet -- the sky is the limit on these, but you can get the basic models for about $100, less in US$ ;-)
If you make a living using your head, I strongly suggest you wear a helmet even if the law does not require it. Early on, I added the three-quarter visor. You'd be amazed how much it hurts when a bug flies into your face. This year I plan to add protective sun glasses.
A good jacket is crucial. After I took the safety course, I found out why motorcycle/scooter gear has all those buckles. The belts, etc. are so that the jacket stays in place if you fall and go sliding along the pavement. So the sleeves and belt, etc. do need to be snug to achieve the intended protection. Cool good looks is just an added bonus.
If you can't afford a new jacket, definitely wear the most rugged denim or canvas jacket you own.
The reason I bought a proper jacket: I "dropped the bike" (i.e. fell) when on a motorcycle license course while going quite slowly. I had bruises the size of bread plates on my rear end, and multiple bruises all over the place.
I normally would have the black jacket done up completely, but it was a VERY hot day (see people in shorts), and I was doing a "ride slow" event at a rally for fun.
One great side effect of the shoulder panels: they make your hips look smaller! LOL
In Europe, you can get wonderful gear like the Tucana Urbano jackets shown in the next photo. These do have armor inside, and are waterproof, but look more businesslike. Saving my pennies...
Gloves are also a must. I've seen people wear leather gardening gloves, which are much less expensive than motorcycle gloves (ie. $5 versus $50+), but would certainly do the job. If your hand hits the pavement going fast, you'll be glad it's the glove that got grated, not your skin.
I found the red suede boots on E-Bay for very cheap. Most motorcycle boots are just too ugly, and really intended for highway use (protect your ankles from rocks, etc.). So now I keep my eyes open for deals on any kind of boots -- cowboy, hiking, etc. that will look good.
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Jul 11, 2009. 6:43 AMbriackman
says:
well if i go scootering right now, i'll probably be dead, because where i live the high is over 100, and i'll be wearing a jacket!!
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Jul 16, 2009. 3:06 PMScalpel
says:
You can get mesh jackets that have the armor but also a ton of airflow. From what I've heard, wearing one actually feels cooler than wearing nothing, at least when you're moving.
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Jul 17, 2009. 1:00 PMbriackman
says:
ok, thanks for telling me
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