[Riding a scooter feels like riding on the hood of the car. It will take some getting used to especially when you get moving about 20 mph and feel the wind blowing at you, also, I DO wear a DOT approved helmet ]
The best piece of safety gear I can suggest is to take the Motorcycle Safety Course like this one:
http://www.pamsp.com/ it is the one I signed up for few years back. For myself, as older guy, getting back to 2 wheels since the 70's. 2 days of talking, 2 days of learning evasive maneuvers, plus I walked away with my motorcycle license to boot!!
It's a free service in here in PA.