Beatrice Lang
Electric scooters are a fun and eco-friendly way to travel, but safety should always be a priority. While there are no helmets made exclusively for electric scooters, there are many different types of helmets to choose from, and it's important to select one that fits well and meets safety standards. The type of helmet you need will depend on the speed you plan to ride at, the terrain you'll be riding on, and the level of protection you require.
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What You'll Learn
- Speed: Bicycle helmets for <20 mph, motorcycle helmets for >20 mph
- Terrain: Full-face or downhill helmets for off-roading
- Visibility: Reflective materials or lights for night-time visibility
- Fit: Measure head circumference and buy accordingly
- Safety standards: Ensure helmets meet safety standards, e.g. CPSC, Snell, DOT
Speed: Bicycle helmets for <20 mph, motorcycle helmets for >20 mph
When it comes to choosing the right helmet for an electric scooter, speed is a crucial factor to consider. Here are some guidelines regarding helmet selection based on speed:
Bicycle Helmets for <20 mph:
If you plan to ride your electric scooter at speeds below 20 mph, a bicycle helmet that meets safety standards is generally sufficient. Bicycle helmets are designed to manage impact, cooling, weight, and cost. They are tested to handle impacts at specific speeds, and while they may not prevent all brain injuries, they significantly reduce the risk. In the US, bicycle helmets are typically tested with a 2-meter drop, achieving about 14 mph on a flat surface. This testing ensures that the helmets can provide adequate protection for riders.
BMX or Downhill Helmets for <20 mph with More Protection:
If you want to increase your level of protection while still riding below 20 mph, you can opt for a BMX or downhill helmet. These helmets are tested for higher impact ratings and can provide additional safety. They are suitable for off-road terrain and offer more coverage than a standard bicycle helmet.
Motorcycle Helmets for >20 mph:
When riding an electric scooter at speeds above 20 mph, it is recommended to upgrade to a motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle helmets offer the highest level of protection and are designed for higher-speed impacts. They are heavier and bigger than bicycle helmets but provide maximum safety. Motorcycle helmets are tested at 3-meter drops, equivalent to about 17 mph. This testing standard ensures their effectiveness in mitigating head injuries.
It is important to note that while helmets provide crucial protection, they do have their limitations. High-speed impacts, especially those involving vehicles, can exceed the protective capacity of any helmet. Therefore, it is essential to ride safely and utilize other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, to enhance your overall safety.
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Terrain: Full-face or downhill helmets for off-roading
When riding an electric scooter off-road, it is important to wear a helmet that provides adequate protection. The type of helmet you choose will depend on the speed you plan to ride at, the terrain you will encounter, and the level of risk involved.
If you plan to ride your electric scooter off-road at speeds below 20 mph, a bicycle helmet that meets safety standards should provide sufficient protection. However, if you are seeking more protection while riding at these speeds, you may want to consider a BMX helmet, which is tested for higher impact ratings.
For off-road riding at speeds of 20 mph and above, a full-face helmet or a downhill helmet is recommended. Full-face helmets, also known as downhill helmets, offer more protection than open-face helmets and are commonly used by downhill mountain bikers to protect their faces during frequent tumbles. These helmets have a chin bar that extends from the jawline, providing additional protection for the face, chin, and teeth. They are designed to mitigate severe face trauma and reduce the transmission of impact forces to the brain in certain types of crashes.
Downhill helmets that meet ASTM F1952 standards offer a higher level of protection than regular bicycle helmets due to the higher frequency of crashes in downhill bike racing compared to road bicycling. It is important to note that mountain bike helmets are typically considered equivalent to regular bicycle helmets with visors and may not provide the same level of protection as a downhill or full-face helmet.
When choosing a helmet for off-roading, it is crucial to consider the fit, weight, and ventilation. An ill-fitting helmet will not provide adequate protection. Heavier helmets offer more protection but can be cumbersome to carry, and ventilation may be an important factor if you plan to ride in hot weather.
In addition to the type of helmet, it is essential to ensure that your helmet meets the relevant safety standards and is properly certified. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States mandates specific standards for bicycle helmets, while other safety authorities worldwide have established similar guidelines.
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Visibility: Reflective materials or lights for night-time visibility
When choosing a helmet for an electric scooter, it is important to consider visibility features for night-time riding. While some helmets come with built-in lights, another option is to choose a helmet with reflective materials that will make you more visible to other road users.
Reflective stickers are a popular option for those who want to add visibility to their helmet. These stickers are usually made from a reflective vinyl material that reflects light back at the source, making you more visible to cars and other vehicles on the road. You can also find helmets with built-in reflective strips, which can be a more sleek option than stickers.
Some helmets also come with built-in lights, which can be a good option for those who ride frequently at night or in low-light conditions. These lights can be powered by batteries or rechargeable via USB, and they can be a bright and effective way to increase your visibility. You can also attach lights to your helmet, with options including LED strips and bike lights that can be clipped on.
If you are looking for a more stylish option, you might consider a helmet with a built-in light-coloured stripe or pattern, which can be more visible at night than a plain dark helmet. You can also find helmets with a built-in visor or shield that has a light tint, which can help reduce glare during the day and improve visibility at night.
In addition to these features, it is important to ensure that your helmet meets the relevant safety standards and certifications for your region. This will ensure that your helmet provides adequate protection in the event of an accident, in addition to improving your visibility at night.
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Fit: Measure head circumference and buy accordingly
When it comes to choosing a helmet for an electric scooter, one of the most important considerations is ensuring a proper fit. Ill-fitting helmets can be as good as no helmet at all, so it's crucial to take the time to measure your head circumference and select a helmet that corresponds to that measurement.
To measure your head circumference, wrap a flexible measuring tape around your head, approximately 0.5 cm (1 inch) above your eyebrows. This is the standard reference point for measuring hat or helmet size. Make sure to get an accurate measurement in centimetres or inches, as this will be the basis for selecting the right helmet size.
Helmets typically come in sizes such as Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large. Each manufacturer should provide a size chart that specifies the corresponding head circumference for each helmet size. Compare your measured head circumference to these size charts to determine which size category you fall into.
It's worth noting that head shape also plays a role in finding the right fit. Some helmets may be designed for specific head shapes, so consider this when trying on helmets or consulting reviews. A helmet should fit snugly and securely on your head, with adjustable straps that allow you to customise the fit to your comfort and safety needs.
Remember, safety should always come first when riding an electric scooter. In addition to finding a helmet that fits well, ensure that it meets recognised safety standards and provides adequate protection for your riding conditions.
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Safety standards: Ensure helmets meet safety standards, e.g. CPSC, Snell, DOT
When choosing a helmet for an electric scooter, it is important to ensure that it meets the relevant safety standards. Safety standards are put in place to ensure that helmets provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. While there is no specific helmet designed for electric scooters, there are a variety of options available that can provide sufficient protection.
In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) establishes the mandatory federal standard for bicycle helmets. All helmets sold in the US must meet this standard. The CPSC recommends the use of bicycle helmets for powered electric scooters, along with knee and elbow pads. The CPSC standard requires manufacturers to meet specific safety requirements to provide protection during accidents, focusing on impact protection and other safety factors.
In addition to the CPSC standard, there are other safety certifications to look out for. The Snell Memorial Foundation is a private non-profit organisation that provides the Snell certification, which is considered a high-quality safety standard for helmets. Snell specifications are updated every five years to ensure the latest safety measures. Helmets with Snell certification have undergone a rigorous range of tests to ensure superior safety.
Another important safety standard is the US Department of Transportation (DOT) certification. Every helmet used on the road in the United States needs to carry this certification. Helmets conforming to DOT standards must meet specific quality requirements and pass crash, penetration, and retention system tests. These tests simulate crash scenarios and ensure that the helmets can withstand impacts and protect against sharp objects.
When selecting a helmet for an electric scooter, it is crucial to consider the speed and riding conditions. For low speeds, a standard bicycle helmet that meets safety standards such as CPSC or Snell can be sufficient. If you plan to ride at speeds below 20 mph, a bicycle helmet or a BMX helmet can provide adequate protection. For higher speeds or off-road riding, a downhill helmet or a full-face helmet is recommended. If you frequently ride on busy roads or at night, a motorcycle helmet can offer maximum protection.
It is important to note that different countries have different laws and safety standards regarding helmet usage. Always ensure that you are complying with the regulations of your region and only purchase certified helmets that meet recognised safety standards.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of helmet you should wear depends on your riding style and the speed of your electric scooter. If you ride at speeds below 20 mph, a bicycle helmet that meets safety standards should be fine. If you want more protection at this speed, a BMX helmet is a good option. For speeds of 20 mph and above, a motorcycle helmet is recommended. If you are off-roading at 20 mph or below, a full-face helmet is ideal.
The Bell Bullit, Bell MX-9, and Bell Broozer are some popular options for full-face helmets. The Bell Bullit is a good choice if you're looking for something cool and lightweight, while the Bell MX-9 offers a dual visor. The Bell Broozer features a tinted visor and is well-suited for GT pro scooters.
The safety standards for helmets vary by country. In the US, all helmets sold must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard. The CPSC recommends bicycle helmets along with knee and elbow pads for powered electric scooters. Other safety standards include Snell B90A and B95, which are similar to or exceed the CPSC standard.
Yes, in addition to safety standards and impact protection, you should consider features such as adjustable straps, ventilation systems, moisture-wicking liners, and reflective elements or built-in lights for improved visibility. It is also important to ensure that your helmet fits properly and is comfortable for long rides.
