What Sort of Helmet Do I Need?
Choosing the Proper Helmet
Getting the proper helmet is a key decision for most people, especially if your head is not as hard as pavement and you value its contents. There are many different types of helmets, some of which are only allowed on bicycles, and some which are approved for motorcycles.
Here are some guidelines:
Bicycle/ebike Helmets
- Not currently required to be DOT (Deportment of Transport) approved. Many options available, lower prices, and they may not be as safe as a DOT helmet.
- May be a good choice if you are only using it for riding your ebike or bicycle but will not do double duty as a scooter helmet.
- Lighter, more comfortable designs are available but the tradeoff is usually the level of safety.
- Less expensive than scooter and motorcycle helmets
Scooter Helmets
Riding a scooter requires a DOT approved helmet. There are many choices and you may want more than one helmet to meet all your needs.
Full Helmet with Face Shield & Chin Guard
If you can afford only one helmet and your primary use is for commuting, the full helmet with face shield is a great choice.
PROS: Best level of protection. Face shield protects against the elements and bugs without the need for goggles or protective eyewear.
CONS: May be heavier/hotter/less comfortable. Hearing may be restricted.
Full Helmet with Face Shield - no chin guard
A good choice for an all around helmet but sacrifices protection to the chin and jaw
PROS: Good compromise of safety and comfort. Easy to talk and keep cool.
CONS: Vulnerable chin and jaw. These types of injurines are quite common Hearing may be restricted.
Full Helmet without Face Shield or Chin Guard
A good choice for an all around helmet but you must wear this with your eyeglasses, goggles, sunglasses, or other protective eyewear.
PROS: Good compromise of safety and comfort .Easy to talk and keep cool.
CONS: Must remember 2 things rather than one: Helmet and eyewear. Hearing may be restricted.
Half Helmets
Best as a “nice day” helmet or for urban cruising, but not recommended as your primary urban cruiser unless you can’t stand having your ears covered.
PROS: Cool (in more ways than one), light weight, does not restrict hearing.
CONS: Lowest level of protection, especially to the lower skull, cheeks, and front of the face. You must remember eye protection.
It’s great to have more than one helmet and it’s also wise to make sure it fits properly and is secured to your head with a convenient chin strap. If you are ever carrying a passenger, it’s great to have a spare helmet nearby – even if the sizing isn’t perfect, at least you’ve got something.
If you want a spare helmet, it’s often good to get something slightly larger that can accommodate something like a hat or a headband for cold weather riding.
Also, check to make sure your helmet choice is compatible with where you want to store it. For example, many scooters have under-seat storage but not all helmets will fit.
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