There are many types of helmets out there for electric scooter riding. But which one is the best? And safest?
Well, if you just want the safest one, the answer is easy, it is the motorcross full face helmet which you can check out in the pictures below.
But not everyone wants to ride around in this type of helmet, and it can be a bit too excessive right? 🙂
Joking aside, we havent just made our job easy by recommending the most safe helmet for you. Instead, the best helmet for you according to us and most experts is a helmet which is suitable for the level of risk you are taking by riding.
In plain words is means: choose a helmet which protects you against possible accidents you may encounter if you fall or crash.
To do so, you need to consider speed, terrain, other vehicles and traffic, your own strength and body dynamics.
In this guide, we cover all you need to know about helmets, and we will give our recommendation to which helmet is the best one for you depending on what type of profile you have. Just read on and you will get all the answers.
Table of contents
Safety standards – Electric scooter helmets
Which safety standards exist for electric scooter helmets? Well, there are a few depending on country. In the United States, different departments control and recommend design guidelines and regulations to be met for helmets.
Here is a quick recap of different helmets for different vehicles in the U.S.A:
- Bicycle Helmets: In the U.S., bicycle helmets must meet the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These standards ensure that helmets provide adequate protection against head injuries sustained while cycling. Look for the CPSC sticker inside the helmet to ensure it meets these requirements. Additionally, some helmets may also meet standards set by organizations like ASTM International or Snell.
- Motorcycle Helmets: The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets the standards for motorcycle helmets in the U.S. Helmets that meet DOT standards are designed to provide effective protection against head injuries in the event of a motorcycle crash. Look for the DOT sticker or label on the helmet to ensure it meets these standards.
- Moped Helmets: Helmets for riding mopeds typically fall under the same standards as motorcycle helmets since both activities involve similar risks. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a helmet that meets DOT standards for moped riding.
- Rollerblading and Skateboarding Helmets: While there are no specific federal standards for helmets used in rollerblading and skateboarding, it’s recommended to choose a helmet that meets CPSC standards. These helmets are designed to provide protection against head injuries in activities with similar risks, such as biking.
- Other Standards: In addition to federal standards, some states and local jurisdictions may have their own regulations regarding helmet use for specific activities. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with any local laws that may apply to ensure compliance and safety.
When choosing a helmet for an electric kickbike, prioritize safety standards and certifications. Look for helmets that meet or exceed established safety standards such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States or the European Committee for Standardization (CE) in Europe.
These standards ensure that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing to provide effective protection against head injuries.
Helmets being sold without fulfilling any standard are not recommended.
Helmet Type
There are many types of helmets out there and we will explain and show them to you here. The names of the helmet-types are often referring to the most common use-case of the helmet, for instance a bicycle helmet is called just that because this helmet type is used mainly by bycyclists.
Bicycle helmet
The most common type is the normal bicycle helmet as it is often called.
This type of helmet gives good protection while it is also comfortable, providing good visibility and ventilation as well.
This is recommended by most for riding kickbikes up to approximately 20mph in urban areas.
Skateboard-helmet
This type of helmet is popular amongst skateboarders, rollerbladers and other guys doing tricks in a skateboarding-pit or similar.
It has been tranding for some time now, and is considered looking “cool” by many. It has quite good ventilation, and is quite comfortable just as the bicycle helmet, but with slightly less ventilation and sligthly better durability and protection.
People riding inlines or rollerblades, kickbikes in pits, skateboard like these styled helmets.
The picture to the right illustrates how it looks.
Motorcycle helmet
This type of helmet is much more robust, durable and protective. And it is understandable, since it is intended for motorcycles which have a far greater speed than any kickbike does.
Higher speed means higher protection need. These kinds of helmets have poor ventilation and less comfort compared with bicycle helmets, but to the added benefit of much more protection.
They are a bit excessive for everyday commuting with your kickbike, but they are good helmets!
Most of these motorcycle helmets have visirs, or protective glass which can be folded down.
Motorcross helmet
This type of helmet is one of the most durable and protective helmets out there. This protects you really well, but is again providing less comfort, ventilation and visibility.
This type of helmet is not recommended for riding electric scooters (kickbikes), even if you are doing it in pits offroad, since they are intended for much higher speeds than what can be achieved with todays kickbikes.
But some people find them fun, cool or part of their style, and that is of course okay, as long as you are comfortable.
Just be careful with the hearing, you will most likely hear less in urban areas.
Electric kickbikes are often used for short commutes and urban transportation, so lightweight and well-ventilated helmets are ideal for enhanced comfort, especially during hot weather. Look for helmets with ample ventilation channels and breathable padding to keep you cool and comfortable during rides.
But for you guys who ride offroad or on tracks, or perphaps in pits and do tricks, you should choose a more robust helmet with more protection, perhaps chin protection even.
There are many types of helmets out there.
Electric scooter helmet fit
Proper helmet fit is essential for maximum protection. Ensure that the helmet fits snugly on your head without being too tight or too loose. Use the sizing guide provided by the manufacturer to determine the correct helmet size for your head circumference. You can easily measure it yourself at home.
We cannot provide a size-guide here, because all manufacturers have different measurements, and there is no standardized way. Just as with shoes, and shoes guides for different brands (a size 9 will be different in length between Nike and Rebook for example).
The typical way to measure is to take a measurement tape or similar and measure around your head.
Additionally, consider helmets with adjustable straps and retention systems to customize the fit according to your preferences.
Impact Protection
Opt for helmets with multi-impact or MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology for enhanced impact protection. MIPS helmets are designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during angled impacts, providing an additional layer of safety in the event of a crash.
This feature is available on multiple helmet types, and can be found in the middle-priced range to upper prices.
Durability and Construction
Consider the durability and construction of the helmet, especially if you plan to use it regularly for commuting or recreational riding. Look for helmets with durable outer shells made from materials such as polycarbonate or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) for increased impact resistance. Additionally, check for quality construction and secure attachment of straps and retention systems.
Anti-choking straps
A lot of helmets have straps as you know. The old straps did not release upon high force or pull. Nowadays many straps have build-in release mechanisms which opens the straps when there is a high-force pull.
This is to avoid being choked/strangled by the helmet straps if there is an accident. Make sure your helmet has these straps. Test it by simply pulling them apart.
Budget for helmet
What price is best for a helmet for electric scooters? Well, we recommend price-ranges of $50 and upwards. This ensures that most of the bad brands and poor-quality helmets out there are avoided. However, not to say there are no poor-quality helmets in upper prices, you must be careful when you shop.
Ensure you have confirmed all your needs before buying the helmet. Check for standards covered, comfort, ergonomics, ventilation, visibility, hearing and more covered above.
Best helmet-type for electric scooter
The best helmet-type, which we recommend as well as most experts, is according to the table below:
| Helmet Type | Recommended use-case |
|---|---|
| Bicycle Helmet | Commuting, recreational use, going shopping, weekly rides in urban areas. |
| Skateboard Helmet | Pits, doing tricks, sports. |
| Motorcycle Helmet | Higher speeds than 30mph (48km/h) in urban areas, flat and paved surfaces. |
| Motorcross Helmet | Higher speeds than 30mph (48km/h) in offroad terrains, mountains, pits, tracks. |