All sports come with the risk of the participate sustaining injuries, some are even life threatening. Whether you are a race car driver or a football player, the risk is always front and center in every type of sport.
Skateboarding is no exception to this rule. Electric skateboards have the ability to reach high speeds while continuing at a fast pace. Riders should always use caution and remain educated on ways to stay safe while enjoying the thrill that comes with riding an electric skateboard.
People who acknowledge that skateboarding is a sport and understand that injuries are possible, tend to be more cautious in their actions, taking extra steps to prevent carelessness. Those riders that make early preparations and utilize safety techniques minimize their risk of danger.
The following are 8 tips on electric skateboard safety that will hopefully help prevent serious injuries while you enjoy your new hobby.
Know that accidents do happen
Chances are sooner or later you will take a tumble while riding your electric skateboard. Most falls leave the rider with a few cuts, some scrapes, but mostly a wounded ego. However, if you are careless, you increase the odds of something bad happening to either yourself, another party, or both.
Skateboarders are always around moving vehicles and often other skaters. Assuming that you are the only skateboarder that will remain accident-free will put you in a vulnerable position, making you unaware of the dangers all around.
The best approach before taking up the sport of skateboarding is to educate yourself on what proper safety equipment you should invest in and use every precaution to implement safety techniques. Accidents do happen, and with your best interest in mind, it is better to understand this in the beginning.
Make yourself aware of common mistakes other riders make and be aware of what to expect so that you can make safe choices while out on your electric skateboard. Just because you practice safe riding, doesn’t mean others will.
Know Your Surroundings
Knowing where you are and your immediate surroundings are your best tool in practicing safe skateboarding. Keep in mind- the speed that the new electric skateboards are capable of reaching are faster than they first appear. A mixture of high speed and parked cars are never a good combination.
Riding your electric skateboard around traffic is always a high danger zone. It is important that you make yourself aware of the vehicles around you and that you obey traffic laws in the area. Be especially aware of rocks, potholes, uneven ground, and sticks that may cause abrupt stops.
Scan the area for any debris that may hinder your ability to ride safely. If you are going to be riding in areas such as parks, sidewalks, streets, or where groups of people are, be sure no one is on the path you intend to travel.
Inspect Your Equipment
Jumping on your electric skateboard without inspecting it first is as dangerous as getting in a car blindfolded. Significant problems such as a cracked wheel or oily grip tape and your chances of an injury are greater.
Before heading out on your skateboard, take the time to make a quick inspection just to be on the safe side. If you do find a couple of things that need attention, go ahead and fix them now and not take any chances of having an accident later.
Common problems to check before riding:
- Be sure the wheels are in place and crack-free
- Be sure all bolts and nuts are secure and tight
- Be sure the bearings have enough lubricate
- Is the grip tape sufficient?
- Are the trucks fastened securely?
- Check for chips or cracks in the deck
To read about skateboard injuries
Know Your Gear, and it’s Guidelines
You may think in the beginning that all you need to get started is an electric skateboard and the controls and you should be ready to roll. However, as mentioned above, asphalt, cars, wood, and concrete usually don’t make a soft landing.
The following are items you should wear to give yourself the protection you need:
- The correct skateboard: Believe it or not, many first-time skateboarders are not aware that there are different boards for different scenarios. For instance, If you plan on riding your skateboard on grass, mountains, dirt, or any rough terrain, you will need to purchase an off-road electric skateboard that has tires instead of wheels.
If you intend on riding on concrete or asphalt, you will want to buy a much smaller electric board. Always inspect your electric skateboard for sharp edges, loose parts, cracks, and damaged tires or wheels before every adventure.
- Shoes: Skateboarding is not only tough on your feet and ankles but, it is also rough on shoes. Invest a little money in a good pair of suede or leather shoes. Make certain that the soles are slip-proof and made from gum rubber instead of shoe rubber. Many sporting good stores offer these types as well as skateboard stores and websites.
- Helmet: Buy a helmet that is made for skateboarding and not other activities. Check the sticker inside to verify that it meets the ASTM-F1493 standard skateboard helmet requirements. A proper helmet should have a sturdy buckle and strap with both remaining snug and fastened the entire time you ride.
- Knee and elbow pads: You should always wear knee and elbow pads that have hard plastic covers that shield your body but not constrict your circulation.
- Other items: Hip pads, gloves, wrist guards, mouth guards, padded shorts, and jackets are all available to increase your safety while skateboarding.
Learn The Basics
Before you attempt to master advanced techniques on your electric skateboard, you should learn the fundamentals first. Practice in areas such as your driveway before taking off on a wider range that you are unfamiliar with the surface and the surroundings.
The following are simple steps to learn before advancing to more challenging skills. These are the most important, “how to’s”:
- Position your feet
- Correctly stand
- Kick push
- Make turns
- Apply brakes
- Approach different terrains
- Avoid breaks or skips in the pavement
Know Your Limits and Don’t Push Them
Knowing your limits is hard for skateboard riders that are around more advanced skaters. The temptation is always there to want to try new things and push the limits. This way of thinking is a dangerous combination to the novice rider.
Know your limits and the limits of your electric skateboard. You should only attempt the speed that you feel comfortable with at the time. Be sure you can use proper stopping techniques at the speed you are riding.
Master the throttle and braking
There is no set time that you should be comfortable with the throttle and brake system. However, being 100% comfortable with using these features is important before you attempt turns, jumps, or faster speeds. Let your body adapt to accelerating and slowing down while you get comfortable controlling your skateboard.
Avoid Wet Surfaces
Your electric skateboard will treat you nice as long as you treat it nice and respect its restrictions. Wet surfaces are a no-no. There are no exceptions to this rule. Speed, wheels, and water are a triple threat.
Electric skateboards offer fun and excitement as long as you respect the rules, learn the proper way to operate and handle your board, and wear all necessary safety equipment. MotoSk8 wants to be your one-stop-shop for your electric skateboard and accessories.
MotoSk8 knows the fun you are craving from your electric skateboard. We will be there at the beginning to get you started and stick by you for as long as you continue your skateboard journey. Get to know us as your team of specialist that are ready to get you up and riding on the right electric skateboard designed with you in mind.
