As a fairly new mode of transportation, electric scooters have been rising in popularity over the last several years. Not only are they fun to ride around in general but they’re becoming a trendy choice for college students to get around campuses nationwide. As a simple, stylish and accessible option for getting around, there are lots of different ways to accessorize your experience for increasing safety and convenience. If you’ve got your own electric scooter, this article will cover the essential accessories to have if you’re looking to improve the overall riding experience. Let’s dive right in.
Safety Accessories
Helmet: A helmet is a must have when riding an electric scooter, regardless of the situation. This is particularly true for students who may be riding at very different times day and night, or longer distances. Some kind of compact foldable helmet for easy storage might be a better choice if this scooter is just for short trips around campus.
See a full list of our favorite safety gear here.
Reflective Gear: For early morning and late night riders, we recommend purchasing reflective gear of some kind. It’s important to stay visible to other pedestrians, and especially cars when crossing roads and parking lots. A reflective vest, or even just arm bands or stickers will get the job done.
Bell/Horn: Most electric scooters will already have one of these built in, but some kind of bell or horn is another must-have. This can help to easily avoid accidents in busy campus areas and is a simple way to quickly alert other pedestrians and other riders.
Convenience Accessories
Phone Mount: Many students are accustomed to using their phones for music, navigation, and a million other things. A sturdy, adjustable phone mount is a nice add-on that allows for hands-free access. This particularly helps when needing to follow a certain route, wanting to change music mid-ride, or even taking a phone call while traveling between classes.
Lock: A portable, durable lock (we recommend a U-lock or a chain lock) is key to keeping the electric scooter safe while left unattended. It’s easy to find one that’s compact while also being strong enough to deter theft. Additionally, for added peace of mind, you could purchase an air tag or another GPS tracking equivalent that can help to recover your scooter is something goes south.
Here is a full list of our favorite scooter locks.
Handlebars/Grips: Depending on how long your commute is for a typical day, comfortable grips could be a good idea. Adjustable handlebars can also improve ergonomics and can help to reduce hand fatigue, especially when riding longer distances.
Weather and Maintenance
Rain Cover: Classes usually don’t get canceled due to bad weather, so you’re going to want a scooter cover. A good cover can help to keep your scooter dry and protected from the elements during downpours and snowfalls, or even when parked outside for longer periods.
Air Pump: While we all hope it will never happen to us, flat tires are an inevitability, particularly if a student rides frequently over multiple types of terrain. It’s never a bad idea to carry an air pump and some kind of mini repair kit with the basics, like patches and a lever. Better to be prepared for the emergency than to be stranded with a flat tire.
Charger: It’s always a smart idea to have a scooter charger on hand. Sometimes campus buildings will have external outlets that are close enough to a sturdy post or even a bike rack, so you can plug in while still securing your scooter. If someone complains you are stealing electricity, you can tell them that the typical scooter battery uses less than $0.05 of electricity when charging from empty to full.
Summary
The essential accessories for college students who make regular use of an electric scooter include items for safety, ease and convenience, comfort, weather protection, and maintenance. Make sure to personalize your accessories to meet your needs. Riding habits and campus environment will vary from student to student, but with the right accessories, the electric scooter experience can be a practical, safe, and smooth transportation experience.
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