Best and Safest Electric Scooter Helmets (in 2023)

Like any two-or three-wheeled rider, whether kick or electric, safety is a paramount consideration for you to enjoy the full benefits of the ride. The most important part of safety is, of course, the helmet. The helmet protects the head from injury caused by a fall or impact with objects at head level such as tree branches or vehicles.

Best Electric Scooter Helmets

Image

Model

Features

Check Price

Best Value

Triple Eight Dual Certified

  • 4 Certifications

  • MIPS Available

  • Several Colors

Best Looking

Thousand Helmet

  • 3 Certifications

  • Hole for Locking

  • Classy Design

Best LED

Lumos Matrix

  • 5 Certifications

  • Integrated Lights

  • Brake Lights

Most Protective

TSG Pass

  • 3 Certifications

  • Full Face Protection

  • Rated as safest Helmet

What is the Best Electric Scooter Helmet?

My top pick is the Triple 8 Dual Certified.
This helmet is indeed dual certified as the name suggests, yet holds two other certifications on top of this. As such, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that the helmet has become one of the most popular helmets among skaters and BMX bikers, as well as being ranked among some of the best on the market.

Check out the “Triple 8 Dual Certified” on Amazon

Why do we need to wear a Helmet when riding an Electric Scooter

Wearing a helmet every time you go riding your scooter, even if it’s just to run down to the corner for the morning paper is a habit you should practice. Just like you automatically reach over your shoulder for the seatbelt in a car, your hand should unconsciously reach for the helmet every time your thoughts turn to going out for a ride on your electric scooter. Yes, there’s the odd one out who thinks they look like a dork when wearing a helmet. I’d rather look dorky and be alive and with a fully functional brain than cool bareheaded one minute and a drooling vegetable – or worse, a cold corpse – the next. Mishaps can happen at any time. Remember, on an electric scooter, you’re moving much faster than on a kick scooter, and your body is therefore exposed to exponentially more danger. Cultivating the positive habit of wearing a helmet is worth the little time and effort required. What’s more, this habit could save your life, literally.

As for the dorky look of older helmets, designers have been creating some amazingly fashionable helmets in all sorts of shapes and colors. Modern helmets are made to satisfy the needs of all-electric scooter riders, from the corporate commuter to the young riders on sporty weekend outings. What’s more, helmet designs also vary according to the activity the rider is involved in.

There are three basic helmet designs: Half-shell, full-face and hybrids. The titles speak for themselves, and we will go into some details of the features of each design. We will also look at the top helmets in each category, while also addressing their pros and cons.

A properly fitted helmet should be firm and comfortable, without constricting movement, vision, hearing or breathing.

Another consideration when it comes to choosing between modern helmets is the materials they are made of. Apart from affecting the price of the helmet, these materials also give different levels of impact protection. Cheaper helmets are usually composed of an outer shell of injection-molded ABS polymers and an interior of EPS foam, which give a good balance between impact protection and shock-absorbing properties.

Fiberglass composites cost more than ABS polymers but offer more impact protection. Carbon fibers offer the best protection for their weight but are only available to the higher end of the market because, for now, they are the most expensive.

In this review, I aim to enable you to choose a helmet that enhances your safety while riding your electric scooter, while keeping you looking flash without burning a hole in your pocket.

Let’s take a look at some electric scooter helmets!

Best Half-shell Helmets for Electric Scooters

A half-shell helmet allows you to enjoy the wind in your face while riding along. These helmets have a retro-look and feel. Because they don’t cover the entire head, they are the lightest types of helmet. Half-shells don’t protect the whole face but are also more versatile when it comes to field of vision and ventilation.

Half-shell Helmet Certifications:

CPSC StandardEN 1078ASTM F1492AS/NZS 2063MIPS Available
Triple 8 Dual Cert
S1 Lifer
Triple 8 Gotham
Bern Watts
Thousand Helmet
Pro-Tec Classic Cert

Triple 8 Dual Certified

“Dual” suggests that this helmet is certified twice. In fact, the Triple 8 is certified a total of four times; twice for both riding and skating. This helmet complies with US CPSC Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmets for Persons of Age 5 and Older, and ASTM F-1492-08 Safety Standards for Skateboarding. This helmet takes all of Triple 8’s knowledge of helmet design and incorporates it into the timeless classic helmet shape. One of the models comes with the patented MIPS Technology low-friction layer, which reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts, reducing chances of injury.

Complies with CE EN 1078 – Helmets for pedal cyclists, skateboarders, and roller skaters and with AS/NZS 2063 – Bicycle Helmets

Price: $29 – $100 (size and MIPS included dependant)
Check the price here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ 4 certifications, guaranteeing premium protection
+ MIPS available
+ Available in several colors
Cons:
– Sometimes too small (better size up)

SIZE CHART – To ensure a perfect fit, measure the circumference of your head starting in the middle of your forehead and match it with the sizes below.

Size inchcm
XS/S 19.7 – 21.5 in50 – 55 cm
S/M21.5 – 22.75 in55 – 58 cm
L/XL22.75 – 24 in58 – 61 cm

Thousand Helmet

This is an extremely light helmet, ranging from 410g (S) to 450g (M) to 490g (L). The Thousand is built to meets CPSC, CE EN 1078 and ASTM F1492 Safety Standards. The default package includes two sets of interior padding for custom fitting and a secret pop-lock for locking the helmet with your scooter.

It’s convenient, stylish and comfortable without compromising the safety!

Price: $90
Check this model here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ Triple certified
+ Pop-hole for locking
+ Good Looking
+ Lightweight
Cons:
– Poor Ventilation
– Pricey

If you can’t choose between sizes, the company recommends taking a smaller size.

S1 Lifer

The S1 Lifer Helmet is constructed with Fusion Foam, a special formulation of EPS foam that gives %x more protection than soft foam helmets. Featuring S1’s Deep Fit design, that allows the helmet to sit lower than other helmets, the S1 Lifer is more comfortable to wear than its contemporaries. This helmet is also certified to offer more protection from low force multiple impacts (ASTM Standard) and single high impacts (CPSC Certified).

The design comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

Price: $60
Check the price here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ High certified (Certified Multi-Impact [ASTM] and Certified High Impact [CPSC])
+ proven to be one of the safest helmets on the market
+ Choice of many colors
Cons:
– Sometimes too small (better size up)

Triple Eight Gotham

Developed by brain surgeons and other scientists, MIPS is a revolutionary new standard in helmet safety. It features a non-friction layer that absorbs much of the rotational force during a fall or crash, reducing the incidence of injury. The Gotham helmet, which is Dual Certified, also features the patented ConeHead EPS liner, Triple 8 logo vents, and an understated brim. Other features like SweatSaver Fit Pads, an adjustable Fit Dial System with reflective dial to create a custom fit and grooved EPS padding for improved airflow place the Triple 8 Gotham helmet far ahead of the class in safety, comfort, and style.

Dual Certified: Complies with U.S. CPSC Bike and ASTM Skate Safety Standards

Price: $45 – $95 (size and MIPS dependent)
Check the price here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ Dual certified
+ Snazzy design
+ Great cold weather helmet
+ MIPS available
Cons:
– No Air Vents | could overheat in hot weather

SIZE CHART – To ensure a perfect fit, measure the circumference of your head starting in the middle of your forehead and match it with the sizes below:

Size inchcm
XS/S 18.9 – 21.3 in48 – 54 cm
S/M21.7 – 22.8 in55 – 58 cm
L/XL23.2 – 24 in59 – 61 cm

Bern Watts

Bern has gone all-out to reach the blue-collar electric scooter rider with the Watts. The hard visor is inspired by baseball caps and the helmet is versatile across seasons and occasions; on bike paths, during the morning commute, on the evening drinks run, on the ski lift and shopping at the local farmers’ market. The Crank Fit dual-adjustable fit system, EBS/ABS structure and a premium lining that controls moisture all combine to make the Watts a perfect 10 for fit, looks and feel.

What’s more, the Watts is a certified all-season lid, passing both bike and snow certification tests.

The list of options and features is by no means complete. Using the tried-and-true ABS hard outer shell and EBS foam for the interior, the Watts helmet is light but strong and durable. The Watts is customizable with a range of seasonal upgrades. A two-hole mount at the rear of the shell accommodates both Asteroid and Meteoroid bike lights. The Crank Fit system meets Safety Certification CPSC, EN1077B, EN10778.

Price- $60 – $80 (size dependant)
Check it out here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ Triple certified
+ Bike light compatible
+ All-season customization
Cons:
– Air vents don’t accommodate many locks (Too small)

SIZE CHART: To ensure a perfect fit, measure the circumference of your head starting in the middle of your forehead and match it with the sizes below:

Size Hat Sizecm
S 6 1/2 – 752 – 55.5 cm
M7 – 7 3/855.5 – 59 cm
L7 3/8 – 7 7/859 – 62 cm

Pro-Tech Classic Cert Helmet

The Pro-Tec helmet comes with ESP certified lining passing ASTM F1492 standards. Coming in a wide arrange of sizes, this helmet is cited as being a good option for those with bigger heads. With adjustable straps and compression-molded liner pads, this helmet contains decades of Pro-Tec heritage lending to its style and comfort.

The helmet passes safety certifications for CPSC, CE, ASTM, and AS/NZS. 2063:2008.

Price: $40$65
Check it out here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ Multi-Certified
+ Stylish
+ 8 Air Vents
Cons:
– Some users report deteriorating liner pads
– Users report finding issue with lack of adjustment to the helmet

Helmets With Integrated LED’s for Night riding on E -Scooters

LED Helmets have improved rider visibility in poor conditions and at night by integrating LEDs on both the front and back of their helmets.

LED Helmet Certifications:

CPSC StandardEN 1078ASTM F1492AS/NZS 2063MIPS Available
Lumos Matrix
Lumos Street
Lumos Kickstart

Lumos Matrix

The popular Lumos helmet has now an upgraded model. The Matrix has a bigger LED Panel at the back of the helmet with which you even can “program” your backlighting modes. With handlebar-mounted wireless turn indicators and 10-hour battery life, the Lumos Matrix weighs a mere 580g! That’s extremely light when you take into consideration the amount of tech and safety features included. The helmets can also connect to the Lumos App, and share data with Apple Health/Google Fit. Check it out on their website.

As if all this cool tech isn’t enough, Lumos helmets also carry a host of Safety Certifications; four in all – CPSC/F1492/EN1078/AS2063! Ride easy, your cranium is guaranteed cool looks and VIP security.

Price: $270 – $290
Check it out here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ Multi-Certified
+ Stylish
+ Front and Rear LEDs
+ Turn Signal Indicator
+ MIPS available
Cons:
– Pricey

Lumos Street

Lumos Street is a bit simpler than the Matrix and only has three LED stripes integrated into the back of the helmet. White LEDs at the front and red ones at the back dramatically increase your visibility at night, increasing your safety. It gets even better; accelerometers built into the helmet detect acceleration and braking; when braking is detected, the back of the helmet glows brighter. Turns can be indicated by blinking arrows, which point out the intended direction of the turn. This helmet has received tons of rave reviews and is a fan favorite. You can take a detailed look at their website.

Price: $220 – $240
Check it out here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ Multi-Certified
+ Stylish
+ Front and Rear LEDs
+ Turn Signal Indicator
+ MIPS available
Cons:
– Pricey

Lumos Original

The Lumos Original is an LED helmet with bright red lights in the back and while ones in the front, which will guarantee a safer ride. Furthermore, it has built-in accelerometers so that you have functioning brake lights. You can also indicate your turns with the blinking arrows on the helmet. It’s loved by most customers, boasting great reviews to mirror this. Check it out here.

lumos helmet

Price: $160 – $180
Check it out here on Amazon.

Pros:
+ Multi-Certified
+ Front and Rear LEDs
+ Turn Signal Indicator
+ MIPS available
Cons:
– Pricey

Best Full Face Helmets for Electric Scooters

Full face helmets are the best protection when riding your electric scooter. This is especially true when your regular route involves interacting with other road users; cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and other riders/skateboarders. Full face helmets cover the entire head and face as well as the mouth and chin. This means that these are also the heaviest helmets. The question you then face is whether you are willing to lose some comfort for extra safety.

With these helmets, your head is protected in all directions and at all angles. You’re also protected from stray missiles like small rocks or stones from the street, unintentionally tossed your way by passing cars, trucks and motorcycles. A full-face helmet protects your face from the harm these objects may cause, especially to your eyes. You’re also protected from riding around half-blind because of the wind turning your eyes teary.

Fullface Helmet Certifications:

CPSC StandardEN 1078ASTM F1952
TSG Pass
Predator DH6-X
Bell Sanction

TSG Pass

The TSG Pass consists of a glass fiber shell hat is multi-layered to give a high surface area to weight ratio, resulting in a strong but light full-face helmet. Designed around the human head, the shell is shorter in the front than other helmets and gives a wide viewing angle that doesn’t obstruct peripheral vision. A combination of ventilation that draws breath out of the helmet and an anti-fog coating, the TSG Pass is designed not to fog up during use. Ear slots allow for clear reception of ambient noise and adjustable cheek pads allow for comfortable custom fitting for different heads. The inner lining is removable for washing.

International Downhill Federation Certified as the best Lon, and lined with EPS Impact Foam, the TSG Pass offers good penetration resistance and energy distribution. EPS liners are standard for action sports. The helmet features two spherically rounded visors; one Electric Silver and the other Clear. Both offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Find out more about the TSG Pass in our review.

It’s ASTM F1952 and EN1078 rated, as well as being certified by the International Downhill Federation as the best Longboard Downhill helmet available on the market.

Price: $290 on Amazon
Price: €260 on their website

Pros:
+ Full-face construction protects your entire face
+ Wide field of view
+ 2 safety standard certifications
+ considered as the Safest longboard downhill helmet by International Downhill Federation
Cons:
– Pricey
– often out of stock

SIZE CHART – Measure around the forehead by wrapped the widest part of the head with a measuring device.

Size inchcm
Small21.3 – 22”54 – 56 cm
Medium22 – 22.8”56 – 58 cm
Large22.8 – 23.6”58 – 60 cm
Extra Large23.6 – 24”60 – 61 cm

Predator DH6-X

Meets CPSC standard and is CE 1878 certified

The Predator DH6-X is designed with a full carbon shell, has EPS Foam, meets CPSC standard and CE-1878 certified. In comparison to their previous models, Predator has further designed this helmet with a substantial chin bar and back part for maximum impact protection. Besides being designed to ensure a good peripheral vision, it also features both a Silver Mirror visor and Black Tinted visor that are easy to switch between as the weather changes, no tools needed. It’s a One size fits all, modifiable to fit snugly to your head. Included with the helmet is a fit kit with a variety of helmet liners and cheek pads. Furthermore, the double D-ring chin strap further ensures maximum fit, comfort, and, of course, safety!

Price: $490.00
Check it out here on their website.

Pros:
+ Lightweight – only 875 gramm
+ 2 safety certifications
+ Attractive, minimalist design
+ Comfortable – Well ventilated, anti-fog and great during any season
Cons:
– One size helmet | Customizable, but only one size
– No rear adjuster

Bell Sanction Adult Full-face Bike Helmet

This Bell helmet is an ABS shell piece with an adjustable visor. It’s an economical option for you just starting out that are worried about safety. It is a lightweight helmet that runs smaller in its sizes, has a hand-laminated fiberglass shell and a minimalist design, and weighs in at 950g. While it’s not completely airtight, it’s a decent pick for electric scootering, pricing under $100 despite being a full-face helmet! Made especially for juniors, this helmet is CE EN1078 and CPSC Bicycle certified.

Price: $90
Check it out on Amazon

Pros:
+ Affordable full-face helmet
+ 15 vents (perfect for summer rides)
+ CE ENC1078 and CPSC certified
Cons:
– Lack of sizes – Small sizes
– Some users report it being uncomfortable for long rides

Best Convertibles/Hybrids – Half Shell and Full Face Helmets for Electric Scooters

Hybrid helmets provide the rider with multiple purpose protection without having to carry bulky extra helmets. Detachable parts are easier to carry in a backpack than whole helmets. Often referred to as dual-sport helmets, Hybrid helmets are halfway between full-face helmets and off-road helmets. They have large visors and lower chin bars, but with the interior padding and comfort of a full-face helmet.

Convertible Helmet Certifications:

CPSC StandardEN 1078ASTM F1952MIPS Available
Bell Super 3R
Giro Switchblade

Bell Super 3R (MIPS)

The Bell Super 3R is a combo half-lid and full-face helmet. Its unique detachable chin-bar makes it more like two helmets in one. The chin bar can be carried separately during long road cruises and then locked in place for fast rides or on technical terrain. The easy, tool-free installation takes seconds.

With breakaway screws, the Bell Super 3R visor will break away in a hard fall to prevent overstretching your neck. The helmet also includes an integrated breakaway camera mount.

Along with MIPS, the Bell Super 3R also has CE EN1078, CPSC Bicycle Safety Certifications.
The Bell Super 3R MIPS has two safety certifications: CE EN1078, CPSC Bicycle

Price- $209.95 – $325.00 (size dependant)
Check the current price on Amazon here.

Pros:
+ Comes with MIPS
+ 2in1 Helmet
+ Wide field of view
+ 2 safety certifications
+ Breakaway safety feature
Cons:
– It doesn’t have top Certifications

SIZE CHART  – Measure around the forehead by wrapping a measuring device around the widest part of the head.

Size inchcm
Small20.5 – 22 inch52 – 56 cm
Medium21.7 – 23.2 inch55 – 59 cm
Large22.8 – 24.4 inch58 – 62 cm

What is MIPS?

MIPS is a revolutionary new standard in helmet safety technology. It was developed by brain surgeons and scientists to reduce rotational forces during angled impacts to the head.

Giro Switchblade MIPS

The Giro Switchblade MIPS is an ATSM Downhill Certified Full-Face helmet with a removable chin bar. The detachable chin bar can be carried separately during and attached for sporting activity or technical terrain, turning the Giro Switchblade into a 2-in-1 helmet. The simple, tool-free attachment and removal chin bar, similar to the Bell Super 3R MIPS, turns the mode of the Giro switchblade from cruise to wild in seconds!

While offering better crash protection than the Bell Super 3R, the Giro loses out when it comes to ventilation channels, making it less comfortable in hot and/or humid conditions.

The Giro Switchblade MIPS satisfies ASTM-1952-DH, CE EN1078 & CPSC Bicycle (with and without chin bar) Safety Standards.

Price: $220 – $334 (Size dependent)
Check the current price on Amazon here.

Pros:
+ Comes with MIPS
+ 2in1 Helmet
+ Wide field of view
+ 3 safety certifications
+ ATSM-Downhill certified
Cons:
– Lack of ventilation
– Pretty Heavy

SIZE CHART – To determine the correct helmet size, wrap a measuring tape around the head, keeping the tape just above the ears and level front to back. Use the guide along with the measurement to determine size.

Size inchcm
Small20 – 21.65 in51 – 55 cm
Medium21.65 – 23.25 in55 – 59 cm
Large23.25 – 24.8 in59 – 63 cm

Foldable Electric Scooter Helmets

Foldable Helmet Certifications:

CPSC StandardEN 1078
Morpher Helmet
Overade Plixi

Morpher Helmet

On November 1st, 2013, Morpher launched a crowd-funding effort. They aimed to launch a new range of foldable riding helmets. The resulting product was a CPSC Certified helmet with four internal magnets, which kept the helmet flat when folded.

Overade Plixi

A foldable hardshell helmet, the Overade Plixi has a complex folding mechanism. Rated “Very Good” in Consumer Reports’ 2016helmet impact performance review, the Plixi was however rated below par when it came to fit and ventilation.

Check out my Helpful Overview on the Best E-Scooter Protective Gear!

Check out also my Definitive Guide on the Best Electric Scooter Gloves and Wrist Guards!

electric scooter handle bar

Things to Consider Before Buying a Helmet for Electric Scootering

There are several key factors to think through when choosing a helmet to protect your head when riding your Electric Scooter. Impulse buying is strongly discouraged here; careful consideration should be given to the following factors in order to make an informed decision. The bottom line is getting a helmet that will keep your electric scooter ride as safe and comfortable as possible.

  • Half-shell or Full-face helmet? The most striking difference between these two types of helmets is that full-face helmets, in addition to protecting the top, front and sides of the head, also protects the chin and jaw area. This is suitable for high-performance riders, who need the extra protection afforded by full-face helmets. Daily commuters riding their electric scooters at more sedate speeds (up to 25km/h) often prefer half-shell helmets, which are less visibly striking than full-face lids.
  • Size and Fit: Being your primary protection against mishaps, it is very important that your helmet fits snugly and feels comfortable. While we can stick a baseball cap back-to-front, or angle a beanie to fit the latest fad, your helmet should sit horizontally on your head, preferably as low as possible without affecting comfort and visibility.
    • The measurements on the chart: Now that you’ve successfully measured the circumference of your head, you can begin shopping online for your helmet! For that, you just need to look at the size charts provided and look for your circumference.
    • Tips for the Perfect Fit: An expensive helmet doesn’t always equal a comfortable one. To ensure your helmet has a perfect fit, you should primarily adjust the width of the helmet. This is most commonly done with an alterable strap.
    • Check: Ideally, your helmet should not fall off if you shake your head or bend yourself over without closing the chin strap. Secondly, we adapt the chin strap: The chin straps should run flat and tightly past the ears down to the chin. One finger should advisably fit between the strap and your chin when the buckle is closed and the chin strap is adjusted accordingly. 
    • Check: This goes without saying, but with an adjusted and closed chin strap, you should not be able to pull the helmet away from or over your head.
  • Speed: What speeds do you expect to average on a typical ride? If you will regularly ride your electric scooter at over 25km/h, you would be better off with a full-face helmet. A fall at that speed can result in serious injuries, even broken bones. Without a helmet, you could break your jaw or lose some teeth! Your head needs protection from such injuries. Your eyes also need a shield to prevent grit, insects and high winds from causing impaired vision. Riding an electric scooter half blind due to teary eyes is not safe.
  • Safety Standards: If you’re a normal human being, you only have one brain. If you know anyone who has more than one, contact the local and international tabloids and sell the story for a fortune! But, seriously, brain damage can change your life from being the life of the party to a drooling vegetable in the blink of an eye. So, please, invest in the safest helmet you can get. The protection quality of a helmet is indicated by Certified Safety Standards, which feature impact ratings. A helmet’s outer shell is usually made of polycarbonate plastic, Kevlar or fiberglass. The core is typically constructed of polystyrene or polypropylene foam which gets crushed on impact. This process absorbs the energy which would otherwise have been focused on your skull. So, after an impact (which can also occur if a helmet is dropped on the ground), it won’t be able to provide the same level of protection even though the outer shell may still look like it’s in good condition. The hard grey or black foam inside a helmet is called EPS (expanded polystyrene). EPS absorbs the majority of impact force, so make sure the EPS is certified by CPSC standards. The EPS being certified doesn’t necessarily mean the helmet is, so watch out for that. Certification Standards differ across national and international zones, but some standards are accepted
    across multiple zones. Here are some of the World Certifications and Certifying bodies:
    • AS/NZS – Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand
    • ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials International
    • CPSC – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    • CSA – Canadian Standards Association;
    • DOT – Department of Transportation;
    • EN – Euro-norm or European Standard from the European Committee for Standardization;
    • Snell – Snell Memorial Foundation.
  • You will likely come across these certifications:
    • CPSC Standard: Safety Standard of “The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission” for Bicycle Helmets
    • ASTM F1492: Standard specification for helmets used for Bicycling, Skateboarding, Trick Roller Skating
    • ASTM F1952: Safety Standard for Downhill Mountain Bicycle Helmets
    • ASTM F1447: Safety Standard for bicycle helmets
    • Snell N-94: This Standard describes helmets for use in non-motorized sports which includes bicycling. Helmets certified to this Standard, by the fact of this certification, have met all the requirements for the Snell Memorial Foundation’s Standard for bicyclist helmets. The Snell Memorial Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research, education, testing and development of helmet safety standards.
    • EN 1078: European Safety Standard for Helmets for pedal cyclists, skateboarders, & roller skaters
    • AS/NZS 2063: Australian/New Zealand Safety Standard for Bicycle helmets.

      IMPORTANT! Make sure at the LEAST that the helmet has the weakest certification. The bare minimum is the ATSM F1492 certification for helmets.
  • New vs. Second Hand: As with lots of sporting and leisure disciplines, there is always a market for used parts, accessories, and add-ons. HOWEVER: Used Safety Gear is a definite no-go area, especially when shopping for a helmet! Not only would you be poking your nose into someone else’s sweat- (and heaven know what else!) soaked helmet, you also don’t know what the previous owner’s safety history. If they have had a hard fall while using it, it could well be structurally weakened and therefore a danger to you. Better safe than sorry; go for a new helmet every time.
  • Field of View: While riding an electric scooter, the rider must pay particular attention to the Field of View (FoV) afforded by the helmet. Keeping in mind that an electric scooter is motorized and therefore moving faster than a kick scooter, this means that events occur faster. In urban areas and where traffic is heavy, the rider’s helmet should have a fairly wide FoV and you should also be constantly on the lookout for traffic from all directions.
  • Weight: If you’re at all like me, you are not comfortable with a heavy weight on your head. Not only is it annoying and distracting, but it also tires the neck very quickly, requiring a rest every few minutes. When trying out a new helmet, check the weight given in the packaging/manual, plus with add-ons. Think about your daily commute/ride and the terrain. Can your neck take it? Choose carefully, your neck deserves the best you can afford. After all, it keeps your head up, literally!
  • Price: Conventional wisdom (as opposed to the sharpie street vendor) says, “Cheap is expensive!” You only have one head and, unlike other parts of your body, no one is even close to finding a way to transplant a whole human head, so keeping the one you have as healthy as possible is a top priority. Buy a helmet from a recognized brand at a reasonable price. Protect your head and you’ll thank yourself! Good helmets with Warranties and Certifications are available at a wide range of prices. Get basic protection according to your budget and work your way up!
    • A half lid helmet will normally set you back $30-90
    • A full-face helmet may cost anywhere between $150-400
  • Design and Graphics: Get yourself a helmet you like. No, the graphics won’t protect you in a crash, but you don’t want to find yourself not wearing a helmet because you don’t like the look of it. What’s more, graphics could provide additional visibility when bright luminous high-visibility paints are used.
  • Climate / Weather: The helmet design you buy will also be influenced by the climate of your region. If you live in the tropics, where it is hot and humid most of the time, your head will appreciate a helmet with plenty of well-placed vents. If you’re in cooler climes, some insulation from the cold will prove useful, because your ears don’t like to be chilled.
  • Cooling and Air Vents: Air vents are the holes you see on and around the helmets. They function as the cooling system. The size and number of vents on helmets vary between brands. The shape and placement of these vents also matter. Clever designers create airflow around the head not only to cool the rider but also to clear condensation off of visors and control humidity. Look out for these features and request to see some demonstrations.
  • Sweat Liners and Hygiene: When you’re out riding your electric scooter, the odds that you’re going to produce some sweat are very high. Riding around with rivers of sweat running down your face and neck is not the image you want to portray, and sweat in the eyes stings and could cause the further humiliation of a crash. A good sweat liner helps to minimize the amount of sweat that runs down your face while riding. One thing to note is that sweat liners should be replaced regularly as they tend to build up bacteria and stinky body oils over time.
    Another thing; get a helmet that is easy to clean. You don’t want flies and other insects mistaking you for a dumpster every time you roll by because the dirt won’t come off. Get a lid that looks and smells as good as new after a few minutes’ attention with a cloth.
  • Why Not Use a Motorcycle Helmet? Motorcycle helmets are designed for use at much higher speeds than an electric scooter can get to – 65kp/h and more – and have much more EPS to handle crashes at those speeds. This makes them much heavier than scooter riding helmets. When it comes to scooters, motorcycle helmets are overkill. They have a bad FoV, are uncomfortable to wear and will give you a painful crick in the neck every chance they get.
  • Helmet Types That Do Work
    • Bicycle helmets
    • Skateboard helmets
    • Longboard helmets

When should I replace my E-Scooter Helmet?

Helmets are built to protect the head and are therefore quite tough. Though it takes a lot of banging around to break a helmet, you shouldn’t wait for destruction before replacement. Manufacturers

Electric scooter helmets are designed as one-time-impact protective gear. The foam that protects against the blow is designed to get crushed under pressure without rebounding back to its original state. So, once a section of foam is crushed, it will not give the same protection on subsequent crashes and the whole helmet needs to be replaced.

Should I Replace a Helmet After Dropping It?

Generally, the answer is probably no. Helmets are designed to be quite durable and not get busted after an accidental dropping. However, frequent dropping or spiking a helmet on the ground, or other hard surfaces may eventually degrade the helmet’s performance. Similarly, if the helmet falls to the ground at highway speeds unoccupied, the owner must be aware that some degradation may have occurred. In general, the real damage comes when the helmet impacts an object while the head is inside it. The impact is transferred to the absorbent material between the shell and the head, protecting the head, but crushing the absorbent material. Remember, electric scooter helmets are one-use items, but are quite durable otherwise.

Summary:

  • Did you crash? Replace it.
  • Did you somehow drop it hard enough to crack the foam? Replace it.
  • Is it from the ’80s? Dude… please just replace it.
  • Is it just the outside foam or cloth instead of plastic. Replace it!
  • Still can’t get it to fit correctly? I beg you, replace it.
  • Do you still like wearing it? If not, it’s time for a new one!

Final Thoughts – Now it’s Your Turn

As the riding world transitions from the kick to electronic scooters, buying and wearing a helmet is becoming an inescapable fact. The initial whining we heard only a few years ago of people saying, “It makes me look like a sissy!” is changing. Now, the fool is the macho guy trying to pull stunts while riding without a helmet.

All it takes to be part of the new cool is to treat your body with respect and care – spread the word!

I hope you enjoyed reading my article. If you have comments or reactions or would like to recommend another helmet, I will be very happy to hear from you in the comments! Now it’s your turn!

Which helmet do you like most and why?

Let me know in the comment section down below!

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