Handlebar Bell

When riding my scooter, there have been countless times that I've come up behind pedestrians on a bike trail or path that, are casually taking up the entire width of the path. Absolutely understandable. Some are just oblivious to the bikes and skates and scooters and skateboards that share the same path. They're simply not paying attention. Those who lack this situational awareness can be gently coaxed out of their oblivion by a simple handlebar bell. A couple ting-tings as you approach from behind is usually all it takes to let them know that you're behind them and would like to pass. Sometimes a friendly "on your left" can help too. Most people acknowledge your "request", step to the right and let you on your way. I'll usually pass and say "thanks" in hopes that they'll be encouraged to move aside again the next time they hear a ting-ting. Rarely do I encounter someone who is uncooperative, but it does happen. Check out the various ways that people react (my favorite is the diver). 

From the front

The Xootr scooter is fast. A combination of high quality parts and manufacturing make it, in my humble opinion, the BEST kick scooter money can buy. It's durable, well made and as I mentioned, fast. The combination of my fitness and this well built scooter has allowed me to pass and even smoke and drop some cyclists. I'll usually pace a cyclist for a bit to determine if I should pass or hang back. If they're going at good clip, I'll drop back and let them put some distance between us. A few times however, I've just been "puttering" along and quickly come up on cyclists who are out for a more leisurely ride. In these situations, I'll ting-ting, "on your left" and step on the gas. If all is clear, I can push hard and switch feet for quite a long time. I know that just about anyone on bike, with the mechanical advantage of gears, who is fit and pushes it could easily outrun me and my scooter, but for those leisurely riders: I'll drop 'em like a mic, never to be seen again. 


I used to have a bell that had "more moving mechanical parts". I found that didn't work too well and here's why: Every time I went over a crack or bump it would ting. Ride on a typical sidewalk with cracks every 3 feet and you're cruising going ting, ting, ting, ting ... I replaced it with a simpler bell. Only one moving part: a thumb operated "hammer" on a spring. This style doesn't unintentionally ting. There are a lot of makes out there, find one that looks like the photos I've attached and you should be good to go. This is the one I got. 




I attached mine on the center handlebar pole and it's easy to reach with my left index finger. I put a little gaffer tape to improve the "grip" of the bell. I also put some gaffer tape on the top bar where I can mount a removable light. More on that in a future post. 


The handlebar bell is an inexpensive lightweight, nimble addition to my scooter. It comes in handy just when I need to let people know I'm comin' on though, "on your left"!


One mounting option

My favorite scooter

Another essential scooter gadget


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