Scooters are a popular and useful mode of transport for people who take short journeys. A scooter can also be a useful alternative for an aspiring motorcyclist looking to get experience on the roads before investing in something more powerful. It is no secret that scooters provide their riders with a great sense of freedom, but as with any vehicle, regular maintenance is essential to keep it in excellent condition. Let’s discover three easy maintenance tips that will keep a scooter and its rider safe.
Regular Safety Checks
While the compact nature of a scooter makes it easy to weave around stationary traffic, and with one you can get from A to B relatively seamlessly, being on two wheels as opposed to four can make you feel vulnerable. For this reason, it is essential that regular scooter safety checks become part of your everyday riding routine so that you know you’re not likely to break down in the middle of larger traffic. Inspect the tightness of your wheel-nuts to make sure nothing has come loose, and check that your tyres are in good condition.
If your tyres are under or over inflated, there is a possibility that they will wear prematurely. This can impact their susceptibility to punctures and consequently affect the handling of your scooter. Match your tyre pressures to the type of riding you do most frequently, for example, when carrying a pillion passenger on a regular basis it is advisable to adjust your tyre pressures accordingly.
Make Sure You Are Not Paying Too Much for Your Scooter Insurance
One of the main benefits of riding a scooter is that they are generally cheaper than cars to insure, tax, and MOT. Depending on your needs, there are many different insurance providers that offer a wide variety of options for scooter owners. Scooters are an asset, however as a result of this, they are susceptible to theft. No one likes to think too much about their scooter being stolen but insuring it can give you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
If you want total peace of mind, you might want to opt for comprehensive scooter cover. A fully comprehensive scooter insurance policy covers you for any damage you cause to a third party, their vehicle, or their property, whether the accident was caused by you or if no-one was at fault. An insurance intermediary such as one sure insurance can help you find the best insurance policy at the most affordable price.
Keep It Clean
It might seem obvious but not every scooter owner remembers to clean their scooter on a regular basis. Accumulations of dust, dirt, and debris can all cause gradual damage to your vehicle, that is highly avoidable. Start by washing your scooter with cold water and then use warm water and cleaning solutions specifically designed for vehicle surfaces. Use a mild detergent to spot clean any plastic parts.
Protecting your scooter from the elements is also highly recommended. If possible, try not to make unnecessary journeys or take risks on treacherous roads in inclement weather. Keeping your scooter as dry as possible can prevent rust and corrosion forming on any metal components. When not in use, store your scooter in a clean and dry place such as a garage or outdoor shed.
Keeping your scooter in tip top condition is crucial if you want to enjoy it for many years to come. Provided you commit to regular maintenance of your vehicle and benefit from the wide variety of low-cost insurance options out there, a scooter can be a useful investment and provide the freedom you need. To learn more about some of the reasons why more and more people are buying scooters, take a look at this blog post about why vehicles with two wheels are rising in popularity.