Beatrice Lang
Electric scooters are a fun, eco-friendly way to travel, but they can also be dangerous. Head injuries are the most common type of injury reported in scooter accidents, so choosing the right helmet is crucial. There are several types of helmets to choose from, including bicycle, skateboard, downhill, and motorcycle helmets. When selecting a helmet, it's important to consider factors such as safety certifications, impact protection, ventilation, and fit. Some helmets also offer additional features like built-in lights or reflective materials for increased visibility. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the best electric scooter helmet is one that offers a good fit, adequate protection, and compliance with local regulations.
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What You'll Learn
Helmet fit and protection
The importance of wearing a helmet while riding an electric scooter cannot be overstated. Electric scooters carry a risk of severe falls, and wearing a helmet is crucial to ensure your safety. When choosing a helmet, it is essential to consider not only the type of helmet but also the fit and protection it offers.
First and foremost, it is imperative to select a helmet that fits your head properly. A loose or ill-fitting helmet can be ineffective in the event of a crash. Before purchasing, it is advisable to measure your head and choose a helmet that corresponds to your size. Helmet sizes typically range from small to extra-large, and knowing your hat size can be a helpful starting point. Trying on different types of helmets can also help you determine which style fits your head shape best.
The level of protection offered by a helmet is of utmost importance. Different types of helmets provide varying degrees of protection, and it is crucial to select one that is appropriate for your riding conditions. If you ride at lower speeds, below 20 mph, in good weather, and on smooth roads, a standard bicycle helmet or a high-quality skateboard helmet may suffice. These helmets are designed to meet safety standards and provide adequate protection for low-speed riding.
However, if you ride at higher speeds, navigate through traffic, or encounter uneven roads, you will need a helmet that offers more protection. Downhill helmets, BMX helmets, and e-bike helmets are designed to withstand higher-impact collisions and are recommended for these riding conditions. They are constructed with stronger materials and often feature additional safety features.
For the highest level of protection, especially if you ride a fast electric scooter or engage in off-road riding, a motorcycle helmet is the best choice. Motorcycle helmets are heavier and bulkier but offer the most comprehensive coverage for your head and face. They are designed to withstand high-impact collisions and provide optimal protection against severe injuries.
It is worth noting that full-face helmets, whether in the motocross or downhill variety, offer superior protection compared to open-face helmets. The extended chin bar on full-face helmets provides extra coverage for your face, jaw, and teeth, reducing the risk of facial injuries in the event of a crash. Additionally, the inner padding of the helmet plays a crucial role in absorbing the impact and cushioning your skull.
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Helmet style and comfort
When choosing a helmet for an electric scooter, it is important to consider not only the style but also the comfort of the helmet. While the primary function of a helmet is to protect the head, comfort is also essential. A comfortable helmet will encourage you to wear it more often, increasing your safety while riding.
There are several styles of helmets to choose from, including bicycle, motorcycle, skate, and full-face helmets. Bicycle helmets are known for being lightweight and well-ventilated, making them a comfortable choice. They often feature fun colours, prints, and styles, as well as built-in lights or reflective elements for increased visibility. Urban or commuter helmets are a type of bicycle helmet specifically designed for city riding, with a stylish and streamlined look. Skate helmets are another option, offering a fashionable look with their rounded shape, although they may not have the best ventilation.
If you are looking for maximum protection, a full-face helmet is the way to go. These helmets provide coverage for the head, face, and chin, making them ideal for riders who travel at higher speeds or in challenging terrain. While they may be bulkier and have less ventilation than other types, full-face helmets offer the best protection against head injuries. Downhill helmets are a type of full-face helmet that is lightweight and designed with a breathable mesh for good ventilation. They are ideal for fast electric scooters and can handle higher impact forces.
When it comes to comfort, it is crucial to ensure that your helmet fits properly. A loose helmet can be as useless as not wearing one at all. Before purchasing a helmet, be sure to measure your head's circumference to get the right size. Also, look for features like adjustable straps that allow you to fine-tune the fit to your comfort level. Some helmets even have advanced heat-releasing features and moisture-absorbing lining to keep your head cool and dry. Additionally, consider the weight of the helmet, as lightweight helmets can enhance comfort and reduce neck strain.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that you should replace your helmet after any impact or crash where your head was involved. The foam in helmets is designed for one-time use, and even if there are no visible signs of damage, the helmet may no longer provide the same level of protection. By replacing your helmet after any head impact, you can ensure that you always have the maximum level of protection.
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Helmet safety standards and certification
When choosing a helmet for an electric scooter, it is important to consider safety standards and certifications. While there are no helmets made exclusively for e-scooters, there are several options that can provide adequate protection. These include bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, skate helmets, and full-face helmets.
In terms of safety standards and certification, there are several reputable organisations that certify helmets for their safety and quality. Here are some of the most common helmet safety certifications:
- DOT (US Department of Transportation): This is a government-recognised standard in the United States. Helmets with this certification have undergone impact and penetration tests and meet requirements for labelling and user information. DOT-certified helmets are crash-tested twice to assess the intensity of impact.
- SNELL: Snell-approved helmets are widely accepted as an indicator of quality and safety, even though they are not mandated by any government. The Snell Memorial Foundation is a private, non-profit organisation that sets rigorous standards for impact resistance, beyond those required by the DOT, ECE, and ISI ratings.
- ECE: This European safety rating is recognised in over 50 European cities and by motorsport bodies such as Formula USA and MotoGP. ECE-rated helmets undergo impact assessments, penetration tests, and labelling and user information standards. They are also tested in independent labs before being released to the market.
- ISI (India): ISI-certified helmets meet the regulatory safety requirements in India and are considered legal and safe for use in the country. These helmets are tested for impact resistance and chinstrap strength, similar to ECE-certified helmets.
- SHARP (UK): Developed by the United Kingdom government, SHARP-rated helmets meet specific safety standards and are labelled as such.
In addition to these international certifications, there are also specific standards for helmets in the United States. For example, bicycle helmets must meet CPSC bicycle helmet standards (16 CFR part 1203) to reduce the risk of serious injury and death. This includes requirements for labelling, certification, and lab testing. Similarly, motorcycle helmets in the US must obtain at least one safety certification, such as the DOT or Snell approval, to be legally sold.
When selecting a helmet for an electric scooter, it is important to choose one that meets the relevant safety standards and certifications for your region. Additionally, consider the fit, weight, and ventilation of the helmet to ensure both protection and comfort during your rides.
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Helmet visibility
When choosing a helmet for electric scooter riding, visibility is a key factor to consider. While there are no helmets made specifically for electric scooters, there are several types of helmets that offer adequate protection and can enhance your visibility to others.
Firstly, it is important to understand the risks associated with electric scooter riding. Electric scooters can reach considerable speeds, and riders are vulnerable to collisions with vehicles, bicycles, and fixed objects such as lamp posts and signs. Additionally, there is a risk of falling due to hidden hazards like potholes. Wearing a helmet is crucial to protect your head in the event of a collision or fall, as head impacts can lead to severe and even fatal injuries, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
To enhance your visibility to others and improve safety, it is recommended to wear a helmet that is brightly coloured and has reflective elements. This will make you more noticeable to vehicles, pedestrians, and other scooters, especially in low-light conditions. Some helmets also offer the option to mount a light, which can further increase your visibility during night-time rides. For example, the Bontrager WaveCel helmet, which is e-bike rated, includes a backlight mount.
When choosing a helmet, it is essential to select one that meets safety standards and has the appropriate certifications for road use. In addition to visibility features, ensure that the helmet has a hard outer shell and adequate inner padding to protect your head in the event of an impact. A full-face helmet offers the most protection, covering the entire face, jaw, and neck. However, some riders prefer an open-face or downhill helmet to improve their field of vision, especially when riding in urban areas where they need to be vigilant for potential hazards.
It is worth noting that helmet laws for electric scooters vary depending on your location. While some places do not legally require riders to wear helmets, it is always advisable to prioritise your safety by wearing one. Additionally, remember to replace your helmet after any impact or if you notice any signs of damage, as the protective foam is designed for one-time use only.
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Helmet ventilation
When choosing a helmet for an electric scooter, it is important to consider ventilation. While the primary function of a helmet is to protect your head, comfort is also key. You'd feel uncomfortable if your helmet makes you sweat, so you need to buy helmets with air mesh and vents for proper ventilation.
Downhill helmets are ideal for e-scooters and come with a breathable mesh that allows for good ventilation. They come in two types: the type that only protects the head, and the full-face option, which also protects the jaw and face. If you’re looking for an e-scooter helmet that provides excellent protection against head injury, then you should buy a full-face helmet.
If you are riding at higher speeds, you may want to consider a motorcycle helmet. These are heavier and bigger but are the safest option. A full-face helmet is great protection and is definitely something you will want if you plan on riding off-road and in areas where you might get hit in your face by twigs and branches.
Some other options for electric scooter helmets include bicycle helmets, skate helmets, and full-face helmets. Bicycle helmets in Europe must have at least the EN1078 certification or any higher certification before you may use them.
When choosing a helmet, it is important to consider the riding conditions. If you ride in hot weather, you will probably appreciate better ventilation. On the other hand, a less-vented helmet may be more comfortable in cold or wet conditions, and an aero helmet will probably have less ventilation.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific helmet for electric scooters, so you can select any bicycle, e-bike, downhill, or motorbike helmet available on the market, depending on the purpose of your electric scooter. If you plan on riding at high speeds, consider a full-face helmet for maximum protection.
The most important feature of a helmet is that it fits your head properly. You should also look for a certified helmet with recognised safety standards. Other features to consider include ventilation, visibility, and advanced impact protection technology.
Wearing a helmet can save your life. Electric scooter riders are vulnerable to collisions with cars, bicycles, and other obstacles, and the majority of electric scooter injuries reported in emergency rooms involve head injuries. Wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of a head injury by 51%.
