Choosing The Right Helmet For Your Electric Bike Adventure

Electric bikes are faster and weigh more than traditional bikes, so riders may want to consider wearing a helmet that offers more protection. This could include a helmet that provides broader coverage of the head, or even a light motorcycle helmet for e-bikes that can exceed 28 mph. Some helmets also offer added protection against concussion, such as MIPS. When choosing a helmet, it's important to make sure it fits securely and provides adequate coverage of the sides and back of the head.

Urban styling

If you're looking for an electric bike helmet with an urban style, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to prioritise safety, as electric bikes can reach higher speeds and weigh more than traditional bicycles, resulting in greater momentum and force in the event of a crash. Therefore, look for a helmet that provides broader head coverage and additional protection against concussion, such as MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System).

When it comes to urban styling, you might prefer a helmet with a sleek and modern design that complements the look of your electric bike. Many electric bike helmets follow an "urban" aesthetic, often featuring a full-wrap monocoque shell design. This type of helmet typically offers minimal venting, making it better suited for cool weather riding. However, if you plan to ride in warmer climates, consider a helmet with more ventilation to keep your head cool.

Visibility is another important factor for urban riding. Look for a helmet with reflective elements, especially on the bottom half, to improve your visibility to other road users in low-light conditions. This feature not only enhances your safety but also adds a stylish touch to your helmet.

When choosing an electric bike helmet, ensure that it fits securely and comfortably. A well-fitting helmet should feel snug but not too tight, and it should stay in place even during vigorous riding. Adjustability features, such as a dial-fit system or adjustable straps, can help you achieve the perfect fit.

Finally, consider any additional features that might enhance your urban riding experience. For example, some helmets come with integrated lights or turn signals, improving your visibility to other road users and adding a unique style element to your helmet. Built-in audio features or Bluetooth connectivity can also be convenient for listening to music or taking calls while on the move.

Ventilation

Electric bikes are faster and weigh more than traditional bikes, which means that if you crash, there is greater momentum, creating higher forces. This means that extra protection is needed. For example, riders might want to consider helmets that offer more coverage on the sides and back of the head, like a commuter or skate-style helmet.

When it comes to ventilation, the venting on electric bike helmets tends to be fairly minimal. This is less of an issue for electric bike users, as they are often riding at slower speeds, but it does mean that these helmets are better suited for cool weather riding.

One helmet that offers good ventilation is the 'urban' style of electric bike helmet. This helmet is rugged-looking and made with a full-wrap monocoque shell. It is also very light, weighing just 320 grams for a size medium.

Another option for riders who want more ventilation is to choose a helmet that meets the downhill mountain biking standard, ASTM F1952. These helmets often have a chin guard that protects the lower face, which can provide more airflow. However, this isn't a required feature, so riders can choose a helmet with or without the chin guard depending on their preference for ventilation.

Weight

The weight of a helmet is an important factor to consider when choosing a helmet for an electric bike. While there is no specific weight recommendation for electric bike helmets, it is essential to choose a helmet that fits securely and provides adequate protection.

Electric bikes are faster and heavier than traditional bicycles, resulting in greater momentum and higher forces in the event of a crash. Therefore, it is crucial to select a helmet that offers sufficient protection while being comfortable to wear.

The weight of a helmet can vary depending on its design, materials, and features. For example, some helmets may have additional padding or impact-absorbing technology, which can increase their weight. On the other hand, some helmets may be designed with lightweight materials and ventilation to improve comfort and reduce weight.

When considering the weight of an electric bike helmet, it is essential to strike a balance between protection and comfort. A heavier helmet may provide more coverage and protection but could also be bulkier and less comfortable to wear for extended periods. Conversely, a lighter helmet may be more comfortable but may not offer the same level of protection as a heavier option.

Ultimately, the weight of the helmet should be evaluated in conjunction with other factors, such as fit, coverage, and impact protection, to ensure that you select a helmet that is both safe and comfortable for your electric bike rides.

Visibility

One way to improve visibility is to choose a helmet with a reflective design. For example, some helmets feature a reflective bottom half, which can improve visibility in poor light conditions. This is a particularly useful feature for those who ride in low-light conditions, such as early in the morning or at night.

In addition to reflectivity, it is important to consider the colour of your helmet. Bright colours such as yellow, orange, or neon pink can increase your visibility to other road users, particularly in low-light or overcast conditions. Conversely, dark colours such as black or navy may reduce your visibility, so it is best to avoid these colours if possible.

Another way to improve visibility is to choose a helmet with built-in lights. Some helmets feature front and rear lights that can be turned on to increase your visibility to other road users, particularly in low-light or dark conditions. These lights can be powered by batteries or, in some cases, by a USB-rechargeable power source.

Finally, it is worth considering the overall design of the helmet. Some helmets feature a more streamlined or aerodynamic design, which can reduce wind resistance and improve your visibility to other road users. This type of design is particularly useful for those who ride at higher speeds or in windy conditions.

Concussion protection

Electric bikes are faster and weigh more than traditional bikes, which means that crashes can be more serious. For this reason, it is important to wear a helmet that provides adequate protection.

The best e-bike helmets are designed to offer better protection for riders of electric bikes. This includes helmets that offer more coverage on the sides and back of the head, such as commuter or skate-style helmets. It is also important to ensure that your helmet fits securely.

Some electric bike riders might want to consider helmets that offer additional protection, such as those that meet the downhill mountain biking standard, ASTM F1952. These helmets often have a chin guard that protects the lower face.

If you are riding an electric bike that goes faster than a Class 3 electric bike, exceeding 28 mph, you should use a light motorcycle helmet.

When choosing a helmet for an electric bike, it is important to consider the level of protection it offers against concussion. Look for helmets with added protection against concussion, such as MIPS, which you’ll find on many of the best road bike and commuter helmets.

Frequently asked questions