Picture this: the helmet clicks, the route is loaded, the rain has finally stopped and your scooter is ready. Ten minutes later you arrive without parking drama. That is the good version of commuting—and it starts before the wheels move.
Meet your new co-rider: the two-minute check
Your scooter cannot tell you that a tyre feels soft or a folding latch is loose. So give it sixty to 120 seconds:
- Press both brakes and confirm predictable resistance.
- Look for tyre damage, low pressure or embedded debris.
- Check the stem and folding latch for movement.
- Test the front light, rear light and bell.
- Confirm enough battery for the trip and a sensible reserve.
Dress for the unexpected, not the Instagram photo
A correctly fitted helmet is strongly recommended. Add gloves for grip and hand protection, plus reflective details or high-visibility clothing in poor light. Avoid loose straps, scarves or bags that can reach the wheels.
Lifty rule: If your helmet can wobble around like a bobblehead, adjust it before riding.
The first five minutes on an unfamiliar scooter
Start somewhere quiet. Learn how quickly the throttle responds and how the brakes feel. Practise smooth starts, controlled stops and shoulder checks at low speed. The INMOTION Climber is designed with hill-focused performance in mind, but every rider still needs to learn the exact scooter’s response before meeting traffic.
Ride like other people have not seen you
Make eye contact where possible, signal early, leave space from parked cars and avoid sitting beside buses or trucks where the driver may not see you. Keep both hands available. Do not weave between vehicles or assume a green light has removed every hazard.
Irish rain changes the maths
Wet paint, leaves, metal covers and polished paving can lose grip quickly. Reduce speed before the slippery surface, keep the scooter upright and brake earlier. An IP rating is not permission to ride through deep water, pressure-wash the scooter or ignore damaged seals.
Road rules are part of safety
On Irish public roads, compliant e-scooters have a 20km/h speed limit. Riders must be at least 16, ride on the left, avoid footpaths and carry neither passengers nor goods. Put the phone away and follow lights, crossings and road signs like a cyclist.
The “something feels weird” rule
A new vibration, scraping brake, clicking stem, power cut or hot electrical smell is not a challenge to “see if it clears”. Stop safely. Switch the scooter off and arrange an inspection. Small faults are usually cheaper and kinder when caught early.
After the ride
Let the scooter dry naturally, wipe away road grime and store it somewhere ventilated away from escape routes. Use the correct charger on a stable, non-flammable surface. Do not charge a wet, damaged, swollen or unusually hot battery.
Ride more. Guess less.
Lifty Labs can assess brakes, tyres, steering, charging faults, waterproofing and model-specific service needs from our Dublin City Centre workshop.
