In today’s society, electric scooters are increasingly favored as an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation. しかし, safety is one of the key factors to consider when using electric scooters. Choosing a suitable helmet is a crucial part of ensuring riding safety.
This blog will introduce the key points to consider when selecting a helmet for your electric scooter, helping you enjoy the ride while ensuring your own safety.
May every friend who uses an electric scooter ride freely and safely.
Why Do You Need a Helmet?
According to the report, between 2014 と 2018, the number of injuries among scooter users in the United States increased by 222%.
Among all patients injured while riding electric scooters, nearly one-third suffered from head injuries. The most reported injuries were 27% fractures, 23% contusions, と 14% abrasions.
Due to the powerful motors of electric scooters, which can reach top speeds of 30mph or higher, riders face a significant risk of severe concussions and fatal head injuries without this essential protective gear.
Wearing a helmet while riding an electric scooter is necessary to protect the head from unexpected injuries, as falls or collisions can occur during riding.
Helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries and protect the rider’s safety. Studies show that wearing a helmet can decrease the risk of head injuries for cyclists by 51%.
したがって, wearing a helmet is a very important safety measure when riding an electric scooter.
U.S. Laws on Age Requirements for Wearing Helmets
Although helmet laws vary by region, country, and city, we strongly recommend wearing a helmet when riding an electric scooter.
The States
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Age Requirement
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Michigan, Minnesota
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Ages 12 and under.
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Virginia
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Ages 14 and under.
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Utah
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Ages 15 and under.
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Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Nevada, Ohio
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Ages 16 and under.
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Louisiana
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Ages 17 and under.
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New York, California, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota
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Ages 18 and under.
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European Laws on Age Requirements for Wearing Helmets
Country
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Age Requirement
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Britain
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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フランス
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Ages 12 and under.
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ドイツ
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Austria
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Belgium
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Denmark
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Finland
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Italy
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Hungary
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Netherlands
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Recommended but not mandatory to wear a helmet.
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Types of Helmets
Suitable electric scooter helmets are those that provide ample coverage of the head and have appropriate padding to withstand the impact of a fall. 不幸にも, there are no helmets specifically made for electric scooters.
したがって, the best options are bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, skateboarding helmets, full-face helmets, and other types that offer sufficient protection.
Protective Gear
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Description
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Images
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---|---|---|
Bike Helmet
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Ensuring that your protective gear is certified can help protect your head from low-force multiple impacts and single high-force impacts.
Helmets typically consist of an outer shell and an internal cushioning layer. The outer shell is usually made of materials like plastic or polycarbonate, which helps distribute and absorb impact forces. The internal cushioning layer is usually made of foam materials, such as polystyrene foam, which reduces the force of impact and protects the head from injury.
The design of the helmet also considers ventilation and comfort to ensure that the rider stays cool and comfortable during the ride. しかし, a downside is that it does not protect the chin and other parts of the face.
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Full-face Helmet
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Full-face mountain, all-mountain, and enduro helmets are designed for all-day comfort. They feature removable chin guards, cheek pad ventilation, goggle ports, and camera mounts.
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Skate Helmet
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Most skateboard helmets have softer foam than bicycle helmets, so they cannot withstand the impact of a fall as well as bicycle helmets. Skateboard helmets are not designed to handle high-intensity impacts. Instead, they are well-suited for the low-intensity impacts generated in skateboarding.
それでもないし, the outer shell is hard enough to disperse the force of a fall, providing reasonable protection. さらに, skateboard helmets tend to offer better protection for the neck and face compared to bicycle helmets, as they are designed to withstand falls from different angles. So if you are just riding at low speeds, this might be your choice.
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Downhill Helmet
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They are typically made from lightweight, sturdy materials and internally padded with energy-absorbing materials such as foam or gel to absorb and disperse impact forces.
Downhill helmets are also designed with aerodynamic features to reduce wind resistance and increase the speed of downhill riders. Helmets usually come equipped with adjustment systems to ensure a proper fit and comfort, as well as appropriate ventilation systems to keep the head cool and dissipate heat.
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How to Choose the Right Helmet for You
When choosing an electric scooter helmet, there are several standards you must consider:
- Certification
- Weight and Size
- Ventilation
- Protection Level
Certification
Below are the U.S. and European certification standards for motorcycle and bicycle helmets for your reference.
U.S.
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ヨーロッパ
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Motorcycle Helmet
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DOT Certificate
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ECE No. 22
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Bicycle Helmet
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CPSC 1203
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EN 1078
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Weight and Size
A helmet that is too loose may come off upon strong impact. A helmet that is too tight or uncomfortable can distract the rider and will not effectively prevent shock waves from passing through the skull and impacting the brain.
How do you choose the right one? There are two ways:
- You can try it on before purchasing. The helmet you select should fit snugly on your head without excessive movement, yet be comfortable and not overly burdensome. It should cover the forehead and sit lower at the back of the head.
- Getting the correct size is important, and you can also choose to measure your head circumference.
Measure the head circumference, which is measuring the size around your head from the brow bone to the back of the head.
When selecting a helmet, choose one that is 2-3 cm larger than your head circumference to ensure the most comfortable fit.
一般的に, the sizes for riding helmets mainly include L (58-62cm), M (55-58cm), and S (51-55cm).
Ventilation
Ventilation in a helmet is important because it helps keep the head cool and comfortable.
If a helmet lacks good ventilation, the head can easily become sweaty, leading to discomfort and even fatigue.
さらに, good ventilation can help reduce moisture and bacterial growth, keeping the head dry and clean, and thus reducing the risk of infections and skin issues.
Protection Level
Different speeds correspond to different levels of protection, and you can refer to the following table to choose a more suitable helmet.
スピード
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Helmet Recommendations
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Below 20mph
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Bike helmet
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20mph and more protection
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Downhill helmet
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20mph and higher
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Motorcycle helmet
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20mph and higher
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Full-face helmet
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結論
When selecting an electric scooter helmet, first ensure it meets safety standards. 次, consider the helmet’s comfort and ventilation, choosing the right size and a design with air vents. さらに, consider the weight and durability of the helmet, opting for lightweight and durable materials.
ついに, you can choose different styles and colors based on personal preference, but safety and comfort should always be the primary considerations.
Hopefully, these tips will help you choose the right electric scooter helmet and enjoy a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.