When it comes to driving a moped scooter, it can be a little complicated at times. People who are new to moped driving find it extremely exciting, but when they read the rules, they get a bit confused. One of the most controversial rules on which people are always debating is whether you can drive a moped at the age of 14 or not. You can find detailed answers from it, but one of them could be completely different than the other depending on who you are asking. People who want to get the ride for their teenage children are often stuck with this conundrum. However, the answer to this question is not as complicated as it seems. Below I have answered this question for you in a way that will make complete sense, and you won’t have to worry about breaking moped rules. Let’s take a look:
Driving a Moped at 14 in the UK
One of the reasons people get confused about this rule is that across Europe there are several countries where you can ride a moped at the age of 14 without any restrictions. However, things are a bit different in the UK. The minimum age for riding a moped in the UK is 16, which means if you are a kid is not 16, then getting them a moped as present is not a great idea. When it comes to the provincial driving licenses, your kid can apply for it even before they are 16, but that does not mean they will be allowed to ride a moped scooter. Even with the license, you will have to wait until your kid turns 16. However, this does not mean your kid cannot ride any sort of bike or scooter. Let’s take a look at a few alternatives.
Alternatives for Moped
If you cannot get your kid a moped bike before they are 16, then don’t worry too much about it because you can always get them an electric bike or scooter if they are just over 14. You can get them a micro scooter on which they can hop on anytime, or you can get them a 50cc scooter as well. You can also check these scooters for sale if you are considering getting them for your kid. Also, when it comes to the 50cc scooters, you need to keep in mind that not all of them are suitable for a 14-year-old. You will have to get the right one that they can handle without any complications. Bicicletas electricas or e-bikes are also an alternative to electric scooters and are also becoming increasingly popular in United Kingdom specially during the pandemic.
Useful Tips to Keep in Mind While Riding an E-Scooter
While riding an electric bike or scooter, these tips must be kept in mind.
Wear the Helmet:
It is strictly advised that you never take out your scooter without a helmet. If you are riding without a helmet, then the police will stop you and find you. But the main reason behind wearing a helmet is not to please the law, but it is to protect yourself. It is true that e-scooters are not that fast, but they can still be dangerous, and if you fall off it without a helmet, you can get a serious head injury. So, protect yourself and always wear the helmet.
Balance is the Key:
As a kid, you might struggle to ride the scooter in the beginning, but you need to keep in mind that it is all about balance. Just like you learned how to balance a bicycle when you were a kid, you will need to do the same with your scooter. In fact, balancing a scooter is easier, and you will learn much quicker.
Avoid Pressing the Brakes Abruptly
There are a lot of things that you will get to learn with practice, and one of them is using the brakes right away. The one thing you must never do is press the brakes abruptly, especially when you are going at a good speed. Pressing the brakes that way will give you a jolt and will make you fall off the bike. So be patient with the brakes and always press them slowly. Also, if you don’t use the brake properly, it will get damaged very easily.