Summer is a fantastic time to hit the road on your scooter, but the heat can be a game changer if you’re not prepared. Staying comfortable and safe while riding is key to making the most of those sunny days.
Let’s dive into some practical tips that’ll keep you cool and ready to roll through the summer heat.
1. Plan Rides During Cooler Hours
Here’s a tip not enough riders think of: plan your rides around the weather. Riding in the middle of the day when the sun’s at full blast feels like sitting in a sauna you can’t escape. Instead, aim for early morning or late evening rides to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer cars on the road.
Ideal Times for Riding
Early mornings and late evenings are your best friends in the summertime. Temperatures tend to be significantly lower, giving you a refreshing experience rather than a sweaty one.
An added bonus? The roads tend to be calmer, too, making your ride not only cooler but more enjoyable, too.
Choosing Routes with Shade
Want to make your ride even better? Think ahead and pick routes with plenty of shade. Riding through neighborhoods with tree-lined streets or areas adjacent to parks can help protect you from the sun’s harsh rays and reduce the risk of overheating.
Scheduling your rides when it’s not the heat of the day can make for a significantly more pleasant experience.
2. Wear the Right Summer Gear
What you wear can make or break your summer scooter outing. The right gear keeps you both safe and cool, even during the hottest parts of the season.
Lightweight Protective Clothing
Wearing the right clothes will set you up for the best ride possible! Ditch the heavy, dark gear for something lighter and more breathable. Look for moisture-wicking materials in light colors that not only reflect sunlight but also keep you comfortable.
Airflow is your best friend when temperatures soar.
My dri-fit clothes come to mind, and then I wear mesh protective gear, too. It has some abrasion resistance along with the impact protection for the back and joints, too. Check out my favorite protective but heat-friendly gear here.
Importance of Ventilated Helmets
A helmet isn’t negotiable—but in hot weather, a well-ventilated one is crucial. Pick a helmet with multiple air vents, so you stay protected while allowing for plenty of airflow. It’ll make a world of difference on long rides.
Open up all your vents on your helmet before you get going, and don’t forget to clean your motorcycle helmet liner when you’re done soaking it in sweat for a ride!
Using Summer Riding Gloves
Even your hands deserve summer-friendly gear. Choose gloves made of breathable fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate. They’ll keep your grip steady without feeling like you’re wearing a sauna on your hands.
Pro-tip: Pack some baby wipes or sports wipes like these on Amazon along with at least a shirt to change in your underseat storage box to freshen up when you get where you’re going.
3. Stay Hydrated Before & During Rides
You know how important water is, but being hydrated really starts before you get on your scooter for the ride. I like to bring water for stops or even when I just get to my destination.
Carrying a Water Bottle
Always have a reusable water bottle within reach or invest in a hydration pack. It’s a simple but smart way to ensure you can sip water easily, even during stops or quick breaks.
For long rides, I am a fan of a hydration pack for easy access to water. When it’s going to be at its worst, I’ll sometimes put ice in my pack to provide a little extra relief from the extreme heat.
I can’t find my exact model anymore, but this hydration pack on Revzilla looks pretty similar. The hubs uses an inexpensive option he bought for running that he picked up on Amazon.
My local running club had an expert come talk to us after a run, and he told us there is such a thing as too much water. Basically it can mess up your electrolytes. Electrolyte tablets like these Nuun tabs on Amazon or pre-mixed electrolyte drinks can help balance that mineral loss from sweating.
4. Cooling Gear Can Make Summer Rides More Enjoyable
Investing in some cooling gear can take your summer ride to the next level.
Cooling accessories, like a wet bandana around the neck or specialized cooling towels, can provide instant relief from heat. There are even gear options like this cooling vest I am testing out with a long ride this weekend or arm sleeves designed to reduce your temperature.
5. Route Planning for Shaded Breaks
Planning your ride to pass through areas with natural shade can be a lifesaver. Not only does this give you a chance to stop and cool down, but the areas themselves are often cooler than sun-exposed locations.
If you use a GPS or mapping app, try to include parks, tree-lined streets, or other shaded areas along your route to be able to ride longer.
This also goes back to tip #1 to ride at the edges of a day. When the sun is directly overhead, roads are less likely to get much shade from that angle.
6. Ride Near Water – Scenery & Heat Relief
Riding along routes close to rivers, lakes, or fountains offers more than just a scenic view. The air tends to be cooler, providing natural relief from what can be truly oppressive heat.
Incorporate these water features into your riding routes whenever possible. Besides, the scenery and views are just spectacular!
7. Protect Yourself from Too Much Sun
Riding with protective gear means that much of your body is covered. However, riders become less likely to wear gear when the temps hit 3 digits. That and mesh gear come out.
Sunburns hurt. They can also lead to more serious skin conditions, but that’s a conversation for another day. With your doctor.
Applying a high-SPF sunscreen twill help you ride longer, safer. If you are doing an extra long ride in the summer, pack that sunscreen to reapply down the road, too!
8. Listen to Your Body
No matter how well you plan, it’s important to listen to your body. I’m not an expert on dehydration, but symptoms like dizziness, extreme fatigue, and muscle cramps are warning signs. If you start to feel unwell, it’s best to stop, find some shade, and rehydrate.
I recently rode into Houston in the morning, but on my way back I started getting dizzy. I had no idea what was going on, but I pulled into a McDonald’s for a drink & to see if it would pass. It did, but the exhaustion was real. I was done for the day, but I’m glad I pulled over!
Ultimately, this is the best of the summer scooter riding tips that will keep you safe!
9. Summer Scooter Maintenance Tips
Hot weather doesn’t just affect riders—it impacts your beloved scooter too.
Checking Tires and Pressure
Did you know heat can increase your tire pressure? Overinflated tires can lead to blowouts. Make a habit of checking your tire pressure before heading out, but this is, especially important in the summer.
Monitor Coolant Levels
If your scooter has a liquid cooling system, keeping an eye on coolant levels is a must. Summer heat can put extra stress on your cooling system, so topping it off and making sure everything’s functioning properly can save you from an overheated engine.
Summer Scooter Riding Tips
Summer scooter riding can be an absolute joy if you take a little time to prepare. By planning your rides for cooler hours, wearing breathable gear, staying hydrated, using cooling accessories, and maintaining your scooter, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Don’t let the summer heat slow you down—gear up, stay safe, and embrace the ride!
