Scooter checks

Give the bike a once over with your eyes and look for any obvious problems or damage.

Does the motorbike/scooter appear in good working order?

Are all parts, panels and mirrors on the bike?

Does it look fit for purpose (i.e. deliveries)?

Check that the number plate (and L plates if applicable) are firmly fitted and not covered or obscured in any way.

All riders with a valid CBT must display L Plates both front and rear. Riders with a full Category A motorcycle licence do not require these.

Failure to display L plates of the correct size will result in 3 penalty points and a £60 fine.

Go around the motorbike / scooter and look for any oil, water or fluid leaks, which can be dangerous for both the rider and other vehicle users on the road

Check the throttle, brake lever, and clutch lever for any free play.

Check the brake pad width regularly by sight and by feel– front and rear.

The grooves should still be visible. If they are not, then the brake pads need replacing immediately.

Check the chain tension (if there is one).

Also check the front and rear sprocket for any wear or damage to the teeth.

A – Find the midway point of the chain between the front and rear sprockets. Push up on the bottom of the chain and note the distance between the lower and upper position. It should be approximately 1.2–1.6 inches (30–40 mm).

The minimum legal tread depth for a motorcycle/scooter is 1 mm across the central ¾ of the tyre. Most tyres have wear indicators. Also check for any foreign objects. A nail can lodge in a tyre, but still not cause a puncture, however, it can cause a slow leak or suddenly shift and blow the tyre which may only show when cornering.

The bars you see going across the grooves in the tread are the tread wear indicators. Once you see them reach the level of the surface tread on the tyre, it’s time to replace them!

Tyres are one of the most critical – if not the most critical components of the entire motorcycle/scooter. Unlike cars and other vehicles, motorcycles/scooters only have two tiny points of contact with the road at any given time, so it is essential that they are well maintained.

Check the electrics including the kill switch on the handlebars.

Switch on the ignition and check headlight on low and high beam, indicators front and back, taillight and also check the brake light.

Try the horn as well.

Before starting, ensure the kill switch is in the start position. Let the motorbike/scooter run for approximately three minutes about a minute to warm the engine oil, then switch it off and leave to stand for one minute before checking check the oil level.

Check the engine oil on level ground or as level as possible when on the stand to get an accurate reading. Only add oil in small amounts and re-check frequently. Do not overfill.

Unscrew and remove the dip stick, wipe it clean and then put it back again. Now when you remove the dip stick you will see the oil level marked within the minimum and maximum oil indicator. This will not be required if there is an inspection window fitted.

Check the mirrors are clean and properly positioned to allow maximum visibility.

Tyre pressures should be checked ideally when they are cold as heat increases pressure in the tyres.

Please conduct a visual check on the flatness of the tyre that has contact with the ground.

You may also press the tyres to determine the magnitude which you can depress that tyre and determine if the pressure is adequate on the road.