Protect Your Noggin’: Buying an Electric Scooter Helmet
There’s certainly no shortage of selection when is comes to shopping for a scooter helmet these days, but it’s critical that you get the right safety gear for yourself or your children. Many people make the decision to buy a helmet along with their scooter purchase but take little time in ensuring they get the right size and fit. They spend weeks researching the right scooter but the helmet winds up being an afterthought!
Don’t be like that. If you have been shopping for the best electric scooter (and we’re glad to have you!) then please put a bit of effort into your helmet choice as well. If your helmet doesn’t fit correctly you’ll be less likely to wear it after those first couple of days on your new scooter. As many times as you will admonish your kids to wear their helmets, they’ll be more likely to do so if they fit right and feel comfortable. And cool. Kids love cool helmets.
What Kind of Helmet is Required?
As electric scooters fall into the bicycle category in most states, cycling helmets are perfect for a scooter. DOT and Snell approved helmets are not required as they would be for larger motorbikes. Multi-sport helmets, such as the ones offered by Bell Faction are ideal for commuters.
If you are shopping for a child, Razor makes great starter helmets for kids that will match their Razor scooter. When purchasing, you want to ensure that the helmet covers as much of the whole head as possible. Again, fit is very important, and many scooter helmets for kids cover a range of sizes based on age. It’s best, though, to know the exact size of your child’s head so you won’t be confused by generic labeling such as large, x-small, etc.
So how do you make sure to get the right size and fit for any age? Simple-you measure your head! Grab a tape measure and just start measuring. If this is for your child and the scooter is supposed to be a surprise, then make an excuse to measure your child’s head. Tell her she’s a princess and you’re wanting to make sure you get the right sized crown. Whatever it takes to get the correct fit. If you are measuring for yourself then grab the tape and let’s do it.
How to measure:
- Wrap the tape measure around your head right above the ears. Make sure it’s as level as possible and go all the way around above the eyebrows. You may want to do this in front of a mirror.
- Where the two ends meet, write down the measurement, in both inches and centimeters.
If you don’t have a flexible tape measure then use a piece of string. Mark off the point and then lay it flat to compare to a yardstick or ruler. Write down the measurement. Compare to the below chart to find your size:
Inches | Centimeters | USA | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
20 1/2 - 20 7/8 | 52 | 6 5/8 | XX-Small |
21 - 21 1/2 | 54 | 6 3/4 | X-Small |
21 3/4 - 22 1/4 | 56 | 6 7/8 | Small |
22 1/2 - 23 | 58 | 7 18 | Medium |
23 1/8 - 23 3/4 | 60 | 7 3/8 | Large |
24 - 24 5/8 | 62 | 7 5/8 | X-Large |
24 7/8 - 25 1/2 | 64 | 7 3/4 | XX-Large |
Which Helmet Material is Best?
Helmets come in several different materials including plastic and fiberglass. Carbon fiber helmets are the most durable and provide the greatest resistance to shock, but are also more expensive. ABS hard-plastic shell exteriors are the most common multi-sport helmets found
If trying on the helmet prior to purchase, you should look for a snug fit: tight is good as the padding inside will flex as the helmet wears. The chin strap should not be uncomfortable or pinch but sit firmly against your skin. Also, consider any extra features you might like. Electric scooter helmets can come in a range of patterns and colors with varying logos and designs. Extra features like air vents will help keep your head cool and some come with face screens or shades.
So take some time when choosing a scooter helmet. Make sure it has a great fit and is comfortable to wear. Money should not be an option here-the difference between a good helmet and a great one might just be $20. If you’re taking the time to research the best electric scooter, then get the best helmet to go with it.
