Four Things to Know When Starting Out as a Rider
Whether you are looking for a new career opportunity or an alternative form of transportation that is eco-friendly, economical, and enjoyable, there are lots of exciting things to find out about Scooters and what it means to be a Rider.
The different kinds of two-wheel vehicles and their engines
There are many different types of two-wheelers suitable for various applications. Typically these can be separated into two categories:
THE SCOOTER
The scooter (aka motor scooter) has a step-through frame and usually a platform (floorboard) at the rider’s feet. Elements of the scooter design were present in some of the earliest motorcycle designs.
Scooters were originally introduced to provide economical and cost-effective personal transportation. Engine capacity usually ranged from 50cc - 150cc. Over the years, bigger models with engine capacities from 150 - 850cc have been designed, also known as Maxi Scooters. At Scully Scooters we insist all beginners learn to ride a scooter first before a larger model. From a safety point of view, it is far better to learn to ride on a scooter, as these are generally fully automatic, and there is no need to think about changing gears and pulling a clutch. The front and back brakes set up on a scooter are positioned on the handlebars much the same as a generic bicycle.
Once you have mastered scooter riding the transition to a bigger motorcycle is safe and less time-consuming as the basics will have already been mastered. Scooters are usually far more cost-effective to run and consume less fuel than the average motorcycle - therefore they prove far more affordable for the average consumer. Scooters are easier to operate and more convenient to park. Scooters have become sought after due to their commercial value for service delivery riders. Low running costs and very little maintenance are required.
THE MOTORCYCLE - aka motorbike
The Motorcycle comes in many different styles and designs for various applications/purposes, such as Commuting, long-distance travel (touring) cruising (Harley Davidson’s) off-road bikes, and Sports Racing Motorcycles.
Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Most motorcycles have a standardized steel chassis/frame, with telescopic forks that hold the front wheel and disc brakes. Petrol-powered engines consisting of one-four cylinders coupled to a manual transmission, that drives a swingarm-mounted rear wheel by a chain, driveshaft, or belt.
What does it mean to have a roadworthy scooter?
A roadworthy scooter is fit for road use. The scooter is able to perform optimally and all parts are fully functional. The ability and suitable operating conditions meet acceptable standards for safe riding.
All scooters and motorcycles are required to have a road-worthy certificate, in order to register or offer for sale. The roadworthy inspection covers basic safety checks such as lights, indicators, brakes, and tyres.
What to make sure of before purchasing your first scooter
You must have a bike license or learner’s license. Learners License is a written exam that can be taken at 16 years old (in South Africa) - however, the 16-year-old rider is limited to riding up to a 125cc Scooter. The irony of our South African system is that no formal practical training is required to purchase and ride a scooter. You write an exam and then you can take to the roads on your written learners. This is not safe or fair for those on the roads of South Africa - riders and drivers alike. At SCULLY we wish to change this mindset. We have been providing training solutions for more than a decade. Training should be mandatory prior to getting on the road, and corporations have a social responsibility to ensure this happens. We are all about making sure the Riders in the Delivery Sector space receive the training that should be mandatory for all riders on the roads.
