Reddit mentions of Men Motorcycle Riding Pants WaterProof WindProof Black with Removable CE Armor PT5 (3XL)

Gear wise: ATGATT... I don't care if I'm going fifty feet or fifty miles, I've got All The Gear All The Time. Look on Amazon for some really cheap yet nice gear. I picked up some waterproof armored pants on there for pretty cheap ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FG7KV7S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). Make sure you measure your waist and all though... motorcycle gear runs super small. I normally wear XL in shirts and jackets, and I've gone to 4 different stores and tried on anything from 2X to 4X and they all fit different. The pants are pretty good though, but definitely measure yourself. I recommend finding a jacket in a store though. Get leather boots, gloves as well. When buying your gear, think about your weather. Does it rain a lot when you are normally out and about? Here in Florida where I am, it's random. That's why I went with waterproof because you just never know here.

You don't have to do all leather, unless you like it. But after reading a story on here about mesh jackets not being so much fun to scrape out of a road rash, I switched to the cordura. It's a bit stiff and thick, but I feel much safer.

Parking wise: I grabbed about 20 feet in chain from my local Lowes and a got a high quality lock. I have a handicap tag on my scooter but even when I can't find one of those to lock it down on the pole, I'll find a light pole or a tree to rope that chain around and lock it tight. If I can't find a pole or tree I have a smaller thick chain that I use to wrap around the tire and lock it. It's not the best, but they can't just take off running with it, they'd have to at least pick up half the scooter.

Research wise: Research, research, research. Read reddit posts. I learned SO much from the folks in here. There's a lot of archived posts that have great information. I also spent several hours watching scooter crashes. I know it sounds morbid, but as they say it's not a matter of if, but when. I watched how the folks that survived unscathed fell off the scooter. Found out that you do NOT want to hang onto the handlebars if you go down. Talked to a motorcycle guy and he said that if you're going down, whatever side you're going down on, pull that leg up so as not to get it caught under the bike/scooter and have it drag you. Read some posts here on reddit about shoes. I originally was wearing my Chucks while riding but after reading a story about a girl who had Chucks on and got into an accident where it drug her, she's now missing toes. I switched to leather work boots the next ride and even though they're hot and annoying AF, I'd rather have all of my toes.

I plan on taking a motorcycle course and getting my license because eventually I want to upgrade to a bike, but don't be in a hurry. You're going to get on that scooter and have such a blast that the next thing you know you're gonna wanna go faster and farther. Take your time. Learn your vehicle. Don't be in a rush. I mostly want to take the course to learn more about safety.

Also read the links on the side of the page. There's a lot of helpful information, and when all else fails, google "scooter/motorcycle safety" or something to that effect.

When you first pick up your scooter, maybe have someone follow you home. I did. My brother made sure we took the back way safe and slow as I adjusted to the scooter. I was so nervous about railroad tracks and speed bumps, but the folks on here put my mind at ease, and as it turns out, not that bad. Potholes on the other hand... avoid those.

Learn about counter steering. That has helped me tremendously. Go to YouTube and type in motorcycle counter steering and watch those videos. It will save your life. Then take that and go out to an empty parking lot or low traffic road and practice it until you feel comfortable with it. I've already had to use it in a parking lot when a douche cut into my one-way lane because he was an impatient jerk. That happened on day 2 or 3 after I got the scooter.

Take it easy. People are going to rage out because you're going slower than them. You can't help it if you can only go 35-40 in a 45mph zone. They will honk at you, scream at you, etc. Don't let it affect you. Don't get angry. Stay in your right lane, unless turning left, and if there's a break in the road and you've got some traffic behind you, put your blinker on and pull off for a few seconds. Let them pass. The less douchebags you gotta deal with, the better. Remember... you hit them, they get a scratch on their car. They hit you, you're probably going to the hospital. So just let them go. Don't be a dick on the road, God knows there's already enough of them out there.

Smile. Because you are about to experience one of the most exhilarating events in your life. This is my first scooter as well, and I suffer from depression... clinical depression. Getting this scooter has been the best thing to happen to me in a very long time. My mom died 2 years ago, I had to put my dog down a few months after, then several months after that I lost my job. The reason I got the scooter is because the bank came and repo'd my car. I've got a lot of crap I've been dealing with and have been, honestly, begging for death. But getting on this scooter clears my mind. I haven't felt this much fun in decades. I ride down the streets with the biggest ass grin on my face that nobody can see thanks to my full face helmet, but it's been therapy for me. So smile and enjoy it.

Stay safe. Shiny side up, rubber side down!