Modern Buddy

So when my buddy fell over in my driveway it must have cracked my rear brake lever. I didn't notice at the time, but when I was driving it last weekend I pulled the lever and nothing happened!

I've ordered the replacement from scooterworks, but I'll need to take it to the dealer to get it fixed. I'm not mechanically inclined and don't really want to mess with the brakes myself.

It's about 23 miles from my house to the dealer, through city streets (45mph). Would I be able to ride the scoot down there with no rear brake? Any suggestions?

You should be fine. Remember that 75% of the braking power is created with the front brake.

Just plan your stops ahead of time, slow down and you should be fine. I would stick to lower speed roads (about 35mph) rather than 55mph roads.

Make sure to S.E.E. well in advance (Search, Evaluate, Execute).

you will increased braking distances.

Increase your following distance and margins of safety. Should not be a big deal.

get it fixed soon.

There's a sort of trick that you can use to get a little braking feel from the rear. When you come to a stop, don't just let the throttle close. Instead, close it slowly as you slow down so that the the the motor is driving the rear wheel right up until you coast to a stop. If you keep the motor RPMs up a little as I'm suggesting, the clutch will stay engaged and you will get some engine braking at the rear wheel that will keep you from feeling like you are "careening along" or anything like that. It's a little tricky, because you are modulating the throttle with the same hand that you are pulling the front brake.

It may take a few minutes to get the hang of it, but you can do it if you use a light touch and pay attention to the the feel of the rear wheel on the road. This is an advanced scootering skill that you have a great opportunity to practice and use on your ride to the dealer. Try it around your neighborhood first until you get the hang of it.

Agreed, just please be careful.

Bb.

EP_scoot wrote:You should be fine. Remember that 75% of the braking power is created with the front brake.

100% really, not having a rear shouldn't effect anything.