Goal: To guide students from zero experience to achieving safe, confident, and controlled moped operation, with a strong emphasis on emergency steering techniques.
Moped Riding Process Map
| Phase (LOMA Structure) | Step | Learning Objective (Goal) | Key Skills & Concepts Covered |
| Phase 0: Pre-Course Prep | P-1: Mental & Physical Readiness | Ensure student is mentally and physically ready to begin. | Mental: Overcoming anxiety and establishing focus. Physical: Confirming ability to balance a bicycle. Gear: Ensuring all required safety equipment is worn. |
| Phase 1: Controlled Basics (LOMA: “Starts slow, in a safe and controlled environment”) | B-1: Machine Familiarization | Know the function and operation of all moped controls. | Controls: Throttle, brakes, kill switch, lights, horn. Starting: Proper engine start and stop procedure. Inspection: Basic pre-ride check. |
| B-2: Getting a Feel for Balance | Develop low-speed balance without power. | Balance: Walking the moped (engine off). Braking Practice: Smooth, separate front and rear braking. Posture: Establishing correct riding posture. | |
| B-3: Gentle Power & Start/Stop | Master starting, stopping, and slow-speed stability. | Throttle Control: Smooth roll-on/roll-off. Straight-Line Riding: Sustaining a straight path (5-10 mph). Stopping Precision: Stopping smoothly. | |
| B-4: Low-Speed Turning Practice | Execute controlled left and right turns from a stop and at a slow speed (3–7 mph). | Head Position: Looking through the turn. Posture Check: Proper body lean and counter-balance. Control Coordination: Using smooth throttle and subtle braking. Maneuver: Practice tight turns. | |
| B-5: Increased-Speed Turning, Countersteering & Lane-Shifting | Understand and execute the countersteering principle for fast, safe turns and obstacle avoidance (12–16 mph). | Turning at Speed: Practice the physical act of “Pressing” (e.g., Press left, go left). Concept: Explanation of Countersteering—the quick, momentary push that causes the moped to lean and turn quickly. Safety: Why countersteering is life-saving for emergency swerving. Lane Shift: Practicing the Scan, Signal, Head-Check, Execute process. | |
| Phase 2: Skill Application & Road Integration (LOMA: “Hit the streets… enjoying a fun and guided ride”) | A-1: Emergency Response Skills | Develop muscle memory for sudden inputs required on the street. | Quick Stop: Stopping quickly, safely, and straight. Obstacle Swerve: Executing a quick, speed-appropriate swerve using countersteering. |
| A-2: On-Road Strategy Training | Understand and implement defensive riding and road positioning concepts. | Rules of the Road: Reviewing local traffic laws. SEE Strategy: Search, Evaluate, Execute (hazard perception). Lane Position: Choosing optimal positions for visibility. | |
| A-3: Guided Street Ride (Optional: LOMA Guided Tour) | Apply all learned skills while navigating actual traffic conditions under instructor supervision. | Traffic Integration: Merging, turning at intersections. Group Riding: Maintaining safe distance. Cornering: Maintaining speed and line through road curves. | |
| Phase 3: Conclusion & Next Steps | C-1: Review & Practice Plan | Review performance, solidify learning, and encourage continued practice. | Debrief: Instructor feedback. Self-Assessment: Student confidence rating. Next Steps: Suggesting private practice or the Guided Sightseeing Tour. |
B-4 Controlled Basics (Low-Speed):
This is where confidence is either built or lost. The instructor must constantly check for a “death grip” on the handlebars. The student should be using their head and eyes to look through the turn, letting the body and moped follow naturally. Remind them to control speed primarily with the rear brake and gentle throttle.
B-5 Detailed Note on Countersteering
Technique (The “How”):
At speeds above 10-15 mph, turning is accomplished by briefly “pressing” the grip on the side you want to turn toward.
- To turn left, you press forward on the left handlebar grip.
- To turn right, you press forward on the right handlebar grip.
Principle (The “Why”):
This momentary push is called Countersteering. When you push the left grip, the front wheel turns slightly right. This causes the moped to lean left almost instantly, which is what actually makes the moped turn quickly and stably at speed.
Importance (The “Life-Saver”):
Countersteering is the single most important skill for emergency obstacle avoidance. In an emergency, new riders tend to freeze or look at the hazard (target fixation). Countersteering gives the rider a deliberate, quick action to lean the moped and swerve around an obstacle far faster than trying to turn the handlebars slowly.1 It is the core physical technique used in the Obstacle Swerve (A-1).