PHOTO COURTESY OF @geneyoon
Bike helmets aren’t just for bikes anymore. If you’re one of the many folks who enjoys zipping across the city on an electric scooter — or you’re thinking about becoming one of those folks — keep reading. Your dome will thank you.
The right helmet can help protect you from serious impacts while you’re cruising at high speeds in and around traffic or among crowded pedestrian areas. At Thousand, we’re all about helmet safety and that’s why we put together this ultimate guide completely focused on helmets for electric scooters.
E-scooters are one of today’s most popular forms of micromobility. In many cities across the country, scooter shares have popped up all over the place to help make that last mile to your nearby destination easier and breezier than walking. And, more and more commuters are choosing electric scooters to get them to work, class, or the store. They’re good for the environment, faster than walking or biking, and highly portable. Oh, and they’re fun to ride, too!
New research suggests that the electric scooter market is rapidly growing and expected to reach nearly $645 billion by 2028. Will you be part of the upward trend?
The short answer: Yes. It’s important to always wear a helmet while riding an electric scooter. That even goes for scooter shares. Why? E-scooters can reach higher speeds between 15 MPH and 30 MPH. Some even exceed the latter. If you accidentally fall, you could pay the price. So let’s make sure your noggin’ is covered.
At the time of this writing, a number of states require electric scooter riders to wear head protection (aka it’s the law):
Interestingly, California has the most robust set of scooter laws in the country. This is likely due to the number of scooter technology companies that have launched in the state. No matter where you live or your age, be a safe and smart rider. Always wear a helmet like your life depends on it — because it does.
There are many different types of helmets out there on the market. That can make finding a bicycle helmet that also works for e-scooters more challenging. Before you end up doom scrolling down the Amazon rabbit hole, here’s what to look for in a multi-sport helmet that will go the extra mile. The best electric scooter helmet should have a comfortable fit, come in a design that combines safety and style, and offer a damage warranty. Here’s why...
PHOTO COURTESY OF @geneyoon
Many riders prefer a lightweight helmet, especially since they’re often carried in or attached to a bag while it’s not being worn. Seriously, there’s nothing more annoying than schlepping around a heavy, clunky helmet.
Comfort can mean many things to different riders, which is why it’s important to consider a couple of not-so-minor details:
PHOTO COURTESY OF @geneyoon
We know design is pretty subjective. Though, we’d like to think we designed a multi-sport helmet beloved by many people. Our feelings aside, let’s take a look at the basics.
Helmets designed for BMX to e-bikes and roller skating to skateboarding are largely made with an EPS liner (expanded polystyrene) and covered with a hard outer shell. The inner lining, while kind of boring but extremely important in offering protection, might be built with MIPS technology (like our Chapter MIPS Helmet). MIPS stands for multidirectional impact protection system, and it’s a slip plane on the inside of a helmet that reduces the rotational forces of falls at certain angles.
Inner lining aside, we’d like to think the outer shell is where things start to get interesting. We’re talking colors, designs, and even thoughtful touches just for riders like:
It’s helpful to consider where you ride, how often you plan to use e-scooters, and what type of rider you are on the spectrum of casual to commuter.
When you purchase a helmet in the U.S., you can rest easy knowing it passed the U.S. CPSC safety standards. All helmets must be CPSC certified in order to even hit the shelves. Currently, there is no specific standard for electric scooter helmets so a bicycle helmet is going to be your best bet for low-speed e-scooters. Some helmets, including the Thousand Heritage, are dual certified. In particular, an ASTM certification means the helmet passed rigorous requirements to be worn while skateboarding.
If you take your scooter off road, or are planning to do so, you might invest in a full-face helmet similar to what someone who rides a mountain bike (MTB) might wear. This type of helmet will offer jaw protection in the event that you hit a rock or tree root and take an unexpected spill.
For those of you who ride a fast e-scooter (one that exceeds speeds of 20 MPH), it’s recommended that you wear a motorcycle helmet instead. Look for the DOT FMVSS 218 certification, which is the minimum required standard. Other certifications, including SNELL M2015 and EC 22.05, mean the helmet underwent additional safety testing and can help to protect your brain from high-impact crashes. You might also invest in other protective gear like knee and elbow pads as well as wrist guards.
Some helmet brands offer warranties on their products. Always check the product description or the footer of a website online for warranty information before purchasing a helmet. If you’re shopping in a store, you’ll want to ask the sales rep.
At Thousand, our Free Accident Replacement guarantee is an extra layer of peace of mind. We’ll replace your helmet for free if you ever happen to be involved in an accident and your helmet is damaged. Of course, we hope you’re never in an accident!
The rise in electric scooter popularity shows no signs of stopping. The fun factor is real. Plus, scooters get you around town faster, are an eco-friendly transportation option, and require little commitment if you’re not ready to buy.
Whether you own or share, a helmet is going to offer the safety and protection you need (and deserve!) while operating an e-scooter. Every rider has different needs, and we’ve learned that comfort, design, and safety are three main factors when considering a helmet.
Now, you get to choose the best electric scooter helmet for you. Compare our Heritage and Chapter collections to see if one is the right fit.
