Scoottute

Kind of long but useful scooter knowledge:

Staggered Riding:

L..
..R
L..
..R


When riding together, even only in groups of two, it is best to ride in a staggered formation. Doing this allows us to take up less space on the road while at the same time allowing us to see what is in front of us (i.e. road hazards, potholes, etc.)

When riding in a staggered positing, the person on the left is always in the lead, with the person behind him following on the (right in the same lane). Remember, just because we are riding staggered doesn't mean that you are confined to your direction solely. You are free to move around from side to side in your lane at any given time, which will be necessary on narrow or poorly kept streets.
When riding behind someone, you should be 1-2 seconds behind them. That is, far enough away from them that if they were required to swerve into a position directly in front of you, this wouldn't cause you to slam on your brakes. In general, you want to be far enough away from them so that you can see both of their rear turn signals and brake light(s) at all times and be able to react to them safely.

Stops:

When riding in groups, it's traditional to "double up" at stop lights, as this makes the group take up much less space on the road and allows any necessary communication. To do this safely, if you are riding left, pull as far to the left (still in your lane) as you can. If you are a right rider, time your stop so that you are going very slow by the time your front wheel is parallel with your left rider's wheel and then pull even from there. At the green light, the left rider should always be the first to pull out, followed by the right rider, and then repeated in the same manner by any riders behind them. Note: the next left rider should not pull up to the first right rider, but stay with his/her partner.

When there are lots of scooters and a lot of stoplights:

Each pair (i.e. one left and one right) should consider themselves a subgroup. For example, lead riders will stop at a yellow light to maintain formation, whereas right riders will follow through a yellow light that was green for their left rider. In other words, EVERY left rider should stop at yellow lights in an effort to remain paired with his or her right rider. This does not in any way mean you should go through a red light to stay with the group, if you get separated, you'll catch up.

Definitions

Lead Rider:
Obviously, the first rider, always to the left. Should be an experienced rider and know the route. Lead riders sometimes use hand signals to indicate certain things, but they are different for everyone. If any, they should be decided on by the lead rider before the ride.

Sweep Rider:
Sweep Rider is the last rider in the group, could be either on the left or the right, depending on the number of scooterists. Should also be an experienced rider and familiar with the route. The sweep rider needs to pay close attention to the other riders and if the group gets separated from the lead rider, should take over and join up the two groups.

Mid Rider:
When riding in very large groups which could be separated from either end, a combination of the lead and sweep riders.


Parking: Because everybody asks

Park so that it's easier for you to pull out, not in.
In spaces, if it's just you, park in the center, but pull up enough that any car looking for a spot will see right away that that spot is taken. Fit as may scooters in a spot as possible, facing out.

When parking on the street, park at about a 45 degree angle, again with the front wheel of your scooter facing out. Try to replicate the same angle as any scooter already parked in front of you, keeping as close together as possible while leaving everyone enough room to get onto their bikes.