What to Check Before You Ride — A Quick Safety Guide

Darjeeling isn't flat, and gravity is a very real thing here.

• The Check: Give both brake levers a firm squeeze. They should feel snappy, not "mushy" like overcooked Maggi.
• Pro Tip: Test them while moving at a walking pace before you hit the main road. If you hear a high-pitched squeak, that's your scooty screaming for new brake pads.

Bald tyres and wet mountain roads are a recipe for an accidental drift session.

• The Check: Check the treads. If the tyre looks as smooth as a marble tabletop, swap the scooty.
• The Air: Give them a literal kick. They should feel rock hard. Under-inflated tyres make steering through hairpins feel like you're maneuvering a bathtub.

In the mountains, "indicator" isn't just a suggestion — it's your only way of talking to the local bus drivers.

• The Check: Flick the indicators left and right. Check the high beam (vital for the fog) and the brake light.
• The Horn: Give it a beep. In Darjeeling, the horn is used to say "I'm here," "I'm turning," and "Hello, friend." Make sure yours has a healthy voice.

There is nothing more awkward than pushing a 100kg scooty uphill because you ran out of petrol 5km from the nearest station.

• The Check: Check the fuel gauge. If it's near the red, fill up before you leave town.
• The Leak: Look under the scooty for any mysterious puddles. If it's dripping oil, that's a "no-go" signal.

You're beautiful, but your mirrors aren't for checking your hair — they're for spotting that taxi zooming up behind you.

• The Check: Adjust them so you can see clearly behind your shoulders.
• If they're floppy and won't stay in place, tighten the bolts or ask us before you head out.