18
GETTING STARTED - LEARNING TO DRIVE
YOUR
SMARTSCOOT™
Just like learning to drive a car or ride a bicycle, operating any personal transportation device
inherently includes risk and takes practice. Therefore, use caution as you practice operating
the scooter in various situations. Keep the speed at a reduced level until you’re comfortable
controlling the scooter. The below instructions and practice steps will teach you to maneuver
through doorways, on and off lifts, and up and down ramps.
BEFORE YOU TRY DRIVING
SMARTSCOOT™
When preparing for your first ride, select an area that is flat, spacious, and away from traffic and
other obstacles. Bring a friend along to help you follow the instructions while you practice. Start
driving with the lowest speed. Please refer to the Operating Your
SmartScoot™
section of this
Manual for in
structions on the SmartScoot™’s
three speeds.
PRACTICE STEPS
Practice the following steps to help you become comfortable with your
SmartScoot™.
1. Adjust your SmartScoot™ as instructed in this Manual to fit your body comfortably.
2. Sit on the
SmartScoot™
placing your hands on the handlebars and feet on the foot rests.
3. Turn on the
SmartScoot™
by pushing the on/off button one time. This will place it in the
lowest speed.
4. Learn to use the throttle and brake. With your right hand, apply pressure to the hand brake.
Releasing the hand brake, slowly turn the handle (throttle) and move the scooter forward
five feet. While releasing the throttle, apply the hand brake and come to a complete stop.
Repeat this process several times, each time allowing the scooter to venture farther before
applying the hand brake to come to a complete stop.
PLEASE NOTE
– SmartScoot™
is a front-wheel-drive scooter. As a result, fast starts can cause its front wheel to spin,
which can be dangerous for drivers. Slowly turning the handle each time you start
will help to avoid or reduce this condition.
5. Learn to turn. Slowly turn the
SmartScoot™
by using wide movements. Feel how the scooter
reacts to your body weight. Shifting your body weight through the turn will help add stability.
As you feel more comfortable, you will be able to make the turns tighter. Always remember to
slow down before turning or changing directions. Going too fast through a turn will cause the
SmartScoot™
to tip over. If the
SmartScoot™
begins to tip, slow the unit down and place your
feet on the ground.
6. Learn to reverse. Prior to
putting SmartScoot™
in reverse, turn your head to make sure
there are not people or hazards such as curbs, parked cars or walls behind you. While
applying the brake, turn on the reverse function. You will hear a distinct repetitive warning
sound.
