Kenyan content creator Kelvin Kinuthia celebrates mastering an electric scooter in under five minutes; here’s how the quick and exciting training unfolded.
Electric scooters in Nairobi
The creator, who is a popular face on Instagram and other social media platforms, has been harbouring ambitions of owning a scooter for a long time. After seeing many Nairobi residents cruise around on the eco-friendly two-wheeled vehicle, he/she decided that, besides having a Toyota Harrier, getting an electric scooter would help in running minor errands like visiting friends’ homes.
Buying an electric scooter
After months of searching for where to get an electric two-wheeled e-mobility scooter in Nairobi, Kinuthia came across a popular warehouse located along Mombasa Road through Instagram.
Upon reaching there, Kinuthia was taken around the warehouse showroom, where different types of electric scooters and their prices were presented for him to choose from.
After making a choice, which he did not reveal and left as a surprise to thousands of followers, the next step followed.
Electric scooter basics
As is the norm before leaving the warehouse, anyone who does not know how to ride a scooter is taken through a 5 to 10-minute training session to learn the basics. For Kinuthia, it was no different, as he was also taken through the scooter training class.
Beginner electric scooter guide
According to the scooter trainer, a young lady who expressed her passion for eco-friendly vehicles said she loves riding them and that e-scooters are all about balance.
She explained that since they are 100 per cent automatic, they are easier to learn and that the scooter training class cannot take more than 10 minutes.
She began by explaining the basic scooter components and their functions. She showed him how to start the scooter and how to interpret the readings on the dashboard.
She explained that once you switch on the scooter, you must check the dashboard to know the mode it is in. If it is in parking mode, the scooter will not move even if you accelerate until the mode is disengaged by holding the brake and then releasing it.
Scooter balance and control
She further explained that the scooter has two brakes—the right one controls the rear tyre, while the left one controls the front tyre. The accelerator is also located on the right side. Kinuthia was also taught that the scooter has three gears, with gear number two being the default.
The trainer assured Kinuthia that the scooter is stable, and its low ground clearance helps the rider maintain balance and easily place their feet on the ground in case of imbalance.
Inside scooter riding process
Within minutes, Kinuthia was ready for a self-drive without much coaching. The cross-dresser was guided on when to accelerate, brake, and switch gears. Soon, Kinuthia was confidently on the move, initially braking after a few metres, but gradually riding longer distances without stopping.
This progress left the superstar overjoyed as he made a successful first ride. Kinuthia completed one full round outside the warehouse and returned very happy, saying he had learned how to ride an electric scooter.
Rise of electric scooters
This comes at a time when scooter usage in Nairobi is on the rise, being used in various sectors such as delivery businesses, transport, and even by students commuting to school, especially within the city. Scooters are undeniably becoming a key part of the future of transport in Nairobi.
