Electric Scooter Helmet

Is it mandatory to have a helmet to ride an electric scooter?

To answer clearly and succinctly, wearing a helmet on an electric scooter is not compulsory to date (2020). But for more safety we can only recommend that you wear a scooter helmet. Even if you are careful on the road, the other vehicles you meet on your way may not do the same and a scooter, in addition to being a relatively small object, has no protection against shocks. It is therefore strongly advised to wear a helmet to ride a scooter in complete safety.

What do the regulations say?

The latest regulations to date came out in July 2020. The law says that the helmet is not compulsory, knowing that children under the age of 12 are not allowed to be on an electric scooter . But faced with the ever-increasing influx of electric scooters in France, it is possible that this will change in the years to come so that everyone is protected on the road. More and more cyclists are wearing helmets when riding their bikes. The movement should then logically follow the same path for users of electric scooters.

What about insurance?

Still according to the latest regulations, the law makes it compulsory to have insurance to ride with your electric scooter , at least civil liability insurance. This compulsory insurance covers all the damage you may cause to third parties, i.e. to the vehicle or equipment or person, while traveling on an electric scooter. This insurance must be associated with a single vehicle. For example, if you have several scooters, it is important that each one has its own insurance .

Ultimately, it is therefore likely that insurers will increase their rates if electric scooter users do not wear helmets. According to the insurer Luko , 40% of electric scooter injuries occur in the head . If it represents an additional cost, this insurance can also cover theft of the scooter. Very useful when investing in a high-priced electric scooter.

What other equipment is required to ride a scooter?

Other accessories are essential for riding an electric scooter. The fluorescent vest is mandatory when riding in low light. So remember to equip yourself well if you have to ride at night, or even simply when you return home in winter after a long day of work. As night falls precipitously, it is useful to anticipate well by equipping yourself correctly for a smooth journey.

The other mandatory equipment is generally present when purchasing a new adult electric scooter. Since 2020, these machines must be sold equipped with a white front headlight, a red rear light, reflectors (or reflective strips) on the sides of the scooter, as well as a non-electric bell. . If you bought your vehicle before this date, it is necessary to equip yourself with these accessories on your own if your scooter does not have one, under penalty of a fine of 38 euros .

What are the different types of helmets for electric scooters?

Several types of headphones are available to ride an electric scooter. But the question that most electric scooter users ask themselves: Which scooter helmet to choose? Because indeed everyone knows helmets for bicycles or motorcycles, but are there specific helmets for scooters?

Not really. But then what type of helmet is suitable for trotters? If there are no helmets specific to electric scooters, it is quite simply that the different styles of helmets on the market are perfectly suited to the practice of the scooter.

As with any equipment, the choice of helmet depends on your own needs . Some helmets are better suited for speed , others for night commuting , off-road riding, or simply urban riders, etc. It is important that the helmet you choose suits you so that you do not don't leave it aside when you go out on an electric scooter.

The bicycle helmet

Light and compact , bicycle helmets are perfectly suited for use with an electric scooter. If your main selection criterion is based on lightness, they are the most comfortable option for you.

Many models are available, ranging from foldable models to store them in a small bag, to models equipped with LEDs on the back to optimize visibility at night. The price range of bicycle helmets can vary depending on the different options you want to own.

On the other hand, bicycle helmets are the least protective of electric scooter helmets. Especially if you plan to exceed the 25 km/h authorized on public roads. This is not to say that the protection is bad, just that other types of helmets cover the head more effectively. But beyond the purely safety aspect, don't forget that the helmet that protects the most is above all the one that you don't hesitate to put on every time you go out on a scooter .

The snowboard or skateboard helmet

The snowboard helmet or skateboard helmet is undoubtedly the most suitable choice for the electric scooter . Both in terms of comfort and safety, these are the helmets offering the best compromise. In addition to bicycle helmets, they have reinforced protection at the back of the skull as well as on the sides up to the ears.

Some models are even equipped with a visor to better protect you from the wind. If you do not hesitate to exceed the regulated 25 km/h with your powerful electric scooter, this can be an excellent choice in order to keep the lightness of a helmet (like those for bicycles) while maximizing your safety.

Designed with a hard shell of ABS and polycarbonate, the snowboard helmets are subjected to very high impact resistance tests. It is normal that these helmets effectively protect against falls given the speed of a snowboard on snow. If the average speed is around 35 km/h (close to an unbridled scooter speed), it is not uncommon for some snowboarders to exceed 90 km/h on snow.

Another big advantage of the snowboard helmet is to be better ventilated than a motorcycle helmet to let your skull breathe. But if these helmets allow air to pass through, they are also very practical in winter . Indeed, the ears on this type of helmet are generally covered and thus protected from the cold by a very soft fleece coating. This can make all the difference if you are used to riding your scooter in cool weather. It is thus possible to use your helmet all year round with comfort and safety.

The cross helmet

Designed primarily for off-road practice , the cross helmet is above all suitable for off-road enthusiasts with their electric scooter. Driving on rough and unpaved roads is very different from a classic urban route. Obstacles and various jolts can generate more electric scooter falls.

With an extended chin bar to better anticipate impacts on the front, the cross helmet is suitable for sporty driving. Well ventilated to prevent perspiration, these helmets are not equipped with a visor. It will therefore be necessary to invest in a removable mask or glasses in order to avoid dust and possible projectiles.

The motorcycle helmet

Offering the best protection for the head and neck, the motorcycle helmet is the heaviest and bulkiest helmet for riding a scooter. But it is also the only one to effectively protect you from all head shocks. Also intended for long journeys, the motorcycle helmet is generally very comfortable except for its weight.

Motorcycle helmets can be classified into three categories: full-face motorcycle helmet, jet helmet and modular helmet:

The jet motorcycle helmet

The Jet helmet is light and open concentrating the protection from the forehead to the neck passing through the ears. This type of helmet therefore does not offer protection on the front face by not having a chin guard. It is often intended for owners of electric scooters who want good protection while maintaining a light weight for a motorcycle helmet. Sporting both a vintage look and a very modern look, the jet helmet with or without visor is very popular with users of two-wheelers in town when summer arrives.

The full-face motorcycle helmet

With foam surrounding the skull as well as the cheeks, jaw and chin, the full-face helmet is the one you need if you want to practice electric scooter at high speed. We remind you all the same that on public roads, it is not possible to exceed 25 km/h. If this type of product is the safest, it is also the one that weighs the heaviest with a volume far superior to the others.

With a reduced visual field, this type of helmet is not suitable for riding a scooter in town. With a full-face motorcycle helmet, you are also isolated from surrounding noise and therefore less alert to possible dangers. It is above all recommended for electric scooter users wishing to make long journeys at high speed.

The modular motorcycle helmet

Modular helmet, also called modular, is a helmet that can be both integral, as well as having the chin up. Depending on your wishes, it is possible to use the maximum protection by lowering the chin guard if, for example, you have to drive very high above the speed limits outside built-up areas (well above 25 km/h). But it is also possible to take advantage of the urban environment in warmer weather to breathe more on an electric scooter as on a jet helmet. But who says double possibility, also says higher than average price. This type of 2-in-1 helmet certainly offers excellent head protection, but at a significant cost.

How to choose the size of your scooter helmet?

Too small or too big, an ill-fitting scooter helmet will not make the wearer feel comfortable. But on top of that, a helmet that is not the right size does not provide effective protection in the event of an accident. This is why it is important to choose a helmet adapted to the morphology of your skull.

To know your helmet size, a tape measure can do the trick in order to take the measurements simply. If you don't have one available, a simple thread placed around the head can replace it. It is then enough to transfer the wire flat on a measuring ruler.

Like bicycle helmets, the different models for electric scooters can come in mixed sizes. Depending on the different brands of helmets, it is necessary to take the right measurements in order to buy a perfectly adapted model.

Once the size selection has been made, it is essential to wear your helmet properly. For this, the helmet must be installed horizontally in order to cover the forehead as well as the back of the head . You must then attach the strap enough so that it stays in place without going over the chin, nor however being too tight in order to be able to turn your head correctly .

What are the different helmet standards?

When you invest in a helmet, it is essential that it complies with European standards in order to protect you perfectly. The protection of your head is ensured both by the shell and by the strap used to keep the helmet firmly in place in the event of a fall. Here are the different standards to check before buying a scooter helmet:

• For a bicycle helmet or skateboard helmet: NF EN 1078
• For a snowboard helmet: NF EN 1077
• For a motorcycle helmet: ECE 22-04 or ECE 22-05 followed by the letter P (for integral models), PJ (for modular helmets) and J (for Jet). It should be noted that only modular helmets including P/J can be used in circulation in the open or closed position.

Our selection of the best helmets for electric scooters

To find your way more easily among all our helmets available in our shop, we have made a Top 5 of the best helmets for riding an electric scooter:

• THOUSAND bike helmet

This American brand of vintage-looking helmets is available in many different colors. Inspired by the 70s, Thousand helmets are ideal for use on electric scooters. A real favorite !

• Integral and modular helmet RUROC RG1-DX

Particularly light (700g) for a full-face helmet, the RUROC is basically designed for extreme skiing and snowboarding. Its unique style is available in a multitude of colors for sporty electric scooter practice.

• LIVALL BLING BH62 connected bike helmet

Equipped with 80 LEDs on the back, this helmet serves as a turn signal to simply indicate to other drivers that you want to turn. Very safe, this headset is also equipped with a loudspeaker so you can listen to your music or simply communicate by phone.

• Folding bike helmet OVERADE PLIXI FIT

Convenient to store in a bag, the Plixi Fit helmet from the French brand Overade provides comfort and safety in very compact dimensions. Once folded, its volume is divided by 3! It will be your best security ally, while protecting you in style.

• ABUS HYBAN 2.0 ACE cycling helmet

With excellent ventilation, the ABUS Hyban 2.0 ACE has both an integrated visor and an LED system at the back of the helmet to be even better visible to others on the road in low light conditions.