I'm sure lots would agree, there needs to be more scooters on the road (strength in numbers) but how does the average scooter wantabe actually get to the 1st stage.
A new scooter business in Cairns has just introduced a new concept in scooter training and it involves a number a progressive steps.
Greg at the ScooterShed has worked in the rental business for a number of years and was continually amazed at the number of 1st timers, who thought it would be easy just to get on and go...which way do I twist the throttle is a deadset giveaway.. and you know you will have another scooter to fix
Scooters are light. YES but not to a learner so Greg has his 1st timers assessed by 1st riding just a small wheeled push-bike. Balance and Co-ordination is measured.
The next step is a lightweight electric bicycle with similar controls to a scooter, again to increase confidence and learn throttle control with a motor involved.
Next step is an electric scooter/bike weighing around 40kgs, again with very scooter-like controls and capable of 35kph.
Once these machines have been mastered a lightweight scooter is used. The Gamax Spillo 50cc 4 stroke @ 50kgs is the perfect learners scooter.
Finally a full-size scooter around 90kg is used for training.
The learner is gradually introduced to increasing size and their confidence rises exponentially.
This programm is already having great succes...and to date..absolutely NO damage to pride or machine.
If you in Cairns and want to learn to RIDE in progressive steps..contact me here. We also advise on safety, hazzards, maintenance, etiquitte, gear etc.
Obviously this programm is NOT a relacement for any Licencing schemes, is conducted on private lands and is designed to get people on scooters and point them towards further training and the safe enjoyment of scooters.