Controlling a scooter is the prerogative of the younger generation, who like to move quickly and feel a certain freedom while driving. Riding a scooter looks quite simple, but still you should not take it too lightly - this leads to negative and sometimes sad consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to follow a set of rules that will help you master riding a moped and perform all movements correctly.
There are many videos that help you learn how to ride a scooter. But still, knowledge of the theory will help you cope with difficult situations that often arise on the road. How to drive a scooter so as not to encounter unpleasant consequences of moving on such a simple but sometimes dangerous vehicle?
First stage
The scooter that you decide to constantly use must undergo technical inspections to eliminate undesirable consequences during the period of active use. In this case, you should not save, since the driver’s health very often depends on the condition and quality of the vehicle.
To begin with, it is worth remembering that the vehicle’s maneuverability, controllability and predictability directly depend on the correct and high-quality technical condition of the moped. Before starting the journey, it is recommended to check the level of each fluid in the moped. Carefully monitor the amount of oil so as not to provoke the process of engine jamming. Start the scooter on a central support or stand - this will prevent incorrect and accidental movement while the engine is warming up.
Features of electrical equipment
Unlike domestic motorcycles and mopeds, Alfa already in its basic version has a number of advantages:
- Electronic 12V ignition;
- Electric starter;
- Electronic tachometer on the instrument panel.
Wiring on an Alpha moped with an electronic switch in the ignition system
For reference: electronic ignition ensures trouble-free engine starting and stable operation in all operating modes. A simple circuit and the ease of replacing failed components with your own hands greatly simplifies the use of the vehicle.
Energy sources
The moped uses a circuit with a battery power source. The manufacturer does not recommend its operation without a battery, and the wiring diagram for the Alpha moped is additionally equipped with a relay regulator (see also the wiring diagram for UAZ 31512).
The wiring to Alpha is protected from voltage surges
The six-coil generator also copes well with its duties:
- Maintains voltage throughout the entire engine speed range;
- Ensures that the headlights and headlights work while driving.
For reference: the factory instructions do not allow the installation of additional lighting fixtures. It is also prohibited to use headlight lamps on a moped that exceed the power specified in the technical documentation.
Control and management bodies
The presence of informative devices makes the operation of the moped quite simple, which attracts many buyers. Moreover, which is typical, a fairly large number of beginners decide to buy a two-wheeled vehicle, choosing Alpha mopeds.
Wiring diagram for an Alpha moped with an electronic tachometer
The equally simple operation of the moped also contributes to its popularity. All the main functions of the vehicle are displayed on the steering wheel, and their status is displayed on the instrument panel:
- Speed mode;
- Engine speed;
- Battery charge state;
- Daily and total mileage (see also Ural motorcycle wiring diagram).
Photo of the instrument panel on the Alpha moped
Second phase
Knowledge about braking will help preserve your health while moving. How to drive a moped? Learn to brake deliberately and correctly when the situation on the road requires it. Braking may not seem like a difficult task, but even a small mistake can cause serious injury and danger to others.
To avoid unpleasant incidents, follow certain points:
- Start the braking process in advance, when you have calculated the end point of your stop.
- Use not only the rear brake, but also the front brake.
- There is no need to perform sharp braking, as this creates a danger for other active road users.
- Constantly monitor the technical condition of the entire brake system. Wet or faulty pads can interfere with braking performance.
- Consider weather conditions - they affect the braking distance, as well as the full effectiveness of the braking system.
- Remember that on poor quality road surfaces it becomes much more difficult to calculate the trajectory and the braking distance itself. Therefore, be careful when you see changes in the asphalt or other road surface along your immediate route of travel.
If simple rules are not followed, a moped can easily hit curbs, collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. Sometimes dangerous skidding occurs and even the driver falls. When your successful movement is over, it is recommended to turn off the engine. Pay attention to the future parking space. Professionals do not advise leaving your scooter on slopes or on poor road surfaces.
At what age can you ride a scooter?
In the constantly changing rules, it is difficult to navigate the permissible minimum age of a person who has the right to drive a vehicle, category M. At the moment, according to the rules, you can ride a scooter or moped after reaching 16 years of age. The cause of many accidents is scooter riders under 16 years old, simply put – children driving!
It is from the age of 16 that you can acquire a category M license. Having a license is a prerequisite for legal driving. Otherwise, you can receive a fine ranging from 5 to 15 thousand rubles, as well as pay for storing the vehicle in a impound lot. A person who transfers a vehicle to a person without a license (most likely, parents) receives a fine of 30 thousand rubles - you must agree, a decent amount.
Third stage
Lots of videos show you how to ride a scooter. One of the most important points is passing turns of any complexity and maneuverability. There are many myths and misconceptions, but professionals give clear advice that will help you operate a scooter correctly and efficiently.
Visually calculate in advance the trajectory along which you will enter the turn. Adjust the speed to your desired level. If the speed is too high, the likelihood of a decrease in traction characteristics with the road surface increases - start maneuvers quite moderately. Compliance with these rules allows you to correctly control the scooter at the time of the turn.
You shouldn't be a hero on the roads in a city where there is constant active traffic and there are a lot of pedestrians. An experienced driver enters a turn only after completing the braking procedure. Videos with extreme sports will not help you here.
Methods for entering a turn:
- Tilt your body along with the tilt of the moped.
- At low speed, only the vehicle can be tilted.
1 method. For a long time it has been recognized as universal and more in demand. An experienced driver of both large and small motorcycles speaks of this method as extremely convenient and extremely safe.
Method 2. Requires experience and skill. Used for cornering where the radius is significantly reduced. It’s not worth the risk if you’re only driving a moped for the first month. Beginners are strictly prohibited from using the second method.
Always remember that the braking process must be completely completed when the scooter enters a turn. This is the only way to protect yourself and others from unpleasant accidents and injuries. Compliance with such a simple but very important set of rules will greatly simplify driving and make it safe.
Proper control of a scooter helps to avoid many accidents that have negative consequences. Try to carefully cross the tram track only at angles that are close to straight lines. When entering such paths at an acute angle, the likelihood of falling from the moped or with it increases. You should not drive on the marking lines in the rain, as they become very slippery and can disrupt the trajectory of your movement.
The rules are quite simple, but if you know them clearly and navigate the current situation on the road, you will be able to carry your scooter without any consequences or negative aspects that can overshadow a pleasant and comfortable trip.
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How to drive a moped
Many will say: “What’s so complicated? I sat down and drove off...” But, judging by my experience, many people don’t know how to drive a moped. In Thailand, the most common vehicle is the moped (bike). Almost every man, and a little less often a woman, who comes to relax, first of all glances at motorcycle transport and looks for an opportunity to ride. And this does not depend on age. Vacation after all... I want to have time to try as much as possible.
As a rule, tourists are often disappointed for various reasons. Either the traffic on the road scares them, or the police often stop them, and worst of all, some get into accidents. Our readers should be satisfied with their trip to Thailand, so we will tell you:
1. How to reduce the likelihood of being stopped by police
2. How not to be afraid of traffic on the roads
3. How to drive a moped
How to reduce the likelihood of being stopped by police
This only applies to those who do not have a Thai driving license. Attention: Russian licenses and supposedly international Russian licenses are NOT valid when presented to a police officer.
First, you need to pretend that you are a local and not a tourist. After all, the main money squeeze comes from tourists, since they definitely don’t have rights. How to look:
The helmet must be a normal helmet that covers the ears; with glass falling on the face; Retractable sunglasses are possible. This type of helmet is not provided when renting bikes. You will be given a bowler hat that does not cover anything except the top of your head and is completely unsafe. The police stop first of all drivers wearing bowler hats, as these are obvious tourists.
The police are very surprised when they stop us wearing bowler hats and we pull out our licenses. Now we always carry our helmets with us. This is safe and diverts police attention to other road users.
Such a helmet can be bought from 400 baht in shops and workshops for motorbikes. Our helmets cost around 1000 baht, but for a week’s holiday, it’s easier to buy the cheapest one, the main thing is not a bowler hat.
Who travels with, why do you pretend that you are a tourist? Do not wear the backpacks that the company gives you when you ride a bike. Not only are they inconvenient because of the ropes instead of belts, but they are also a bright spot that can be seen from afar.
Now about how to get around the police. If you are driving on a wide road and see police officers in the distance, try not to drive near the side of the road, drive to the middle of the road and sit behind a large car. When approaching a place where the police are standing, drive around the car on the right side and increase the gas without turning your head towards the police. There are, of course, situations in which a police stop cannot be avoided.
Watch how others ride and try not to stand out from the general motorcycle traffic. Be calm and confident.
How not to be afraid of traffic on the roads
Many people are afraid of traffic on the roads. Moreover, in Thailand it is left-handed. Personally, I found out for myself that driving on the left is much more convenient than driving on the right.
At first, anyone who has not driven a moped before will be afraid of traffic on the road. Don't be afraid. The main thing is confidence. You must clearly move straight, change lanes only with a turn signal and clarify that the maneuver is permissible. Adjust your mirrors so that you can see adjacent lanes and what is happening behind the moped.
If you are asked to move, for example, a car wants to overtake and is pressing behind you or honking, then you do not need to react instantly by sliding into a ditch. See where you can move so that the car can pass, then check that the section of road you are moving on continues until the end of overtaking. After that, turn on the turn signal and start letting cars pass. Never be afraid in such situations, because fear can cause incoordination.
Don't be afraid to change lanes on wide roads. The first option is when you need to change lanes from the outer lane to the opposite outer lane, in advance, before the turn, pick up speed to match the general movement, turn on the turn signal and start changing lanes, observing in the mirror that you are not interfering with anyone. The second option is to stop on the side of the road, wait until the road is empty and drive into the desired lane.
How to drive a moped
It's quite easy to understand how to operate a moped. To start driving, just insert the key, start the engine and add speed. But not many people know about safety. Many accidents can be avoided by using this particular dashboard correctly.
1. When you have completed the maneuver, turn off your turn signal to avoid confusing other drivers. They may think that you are turning and begin to overtake you, at which point you may begin to avoid an obstacle on the road and collide with the overtaking vehicle. You can turn off the turn signal by pressing the button, pressing it inward. There is no need to catch the position of the toggle switch between the right and left positions.
2. Make sure that your high beam toggle switch is turned off. Bright lights disturb oncoming drivers and this can cause an accident. When the high beam is on, a blue light on the panel lights up. Just in case, check the position of the toggle switch.
3. If you are making a dangerous maneuver, overtaking a vehicle, you can sound a short signal so that the driver sees you in advance and does not push you into a ravine or sidewalk.
4. Do not use the front brake on slippery road surfaces, sand, metal hatches built into the roadway, road markings, crushed stone, pebbles, mud, when turning, or during sudden braking. Do not clamp the front brake handle to the limit position. Use it only as an aid to the rear brake, to shorten the braking distance on a dry asphalt straight road.
Safety of your motorbike and helmets
To protect yourself from searching for a motorbike and helmets, you can ensure their safety in advance.
1. Lock the steering wheel of the motorbike (turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left and turn the ignition key counterclockwise).
2. Block the hole in the ignition switch (with your finger, pull the protruding lever downward, next to the ignition switch). The hole will close. It can only be opened with the plastic base of a motorbike key.
3. Hide helmets in the trunk of a motorbike or fasten them to special hooks under the seat of the motorbike.
I talk about all this in more detail and show it in the video. I will show you how to drive a moped, how to protect your moped and helmet, and I will drive along the highway, changing lanes.
