Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
Enjoy a safe ride
Regardless of where you live and whether your local laws require helmet wearing, you need to protect your head if you're riding an electric scooter.
This may sound like a no-brainer (pun not intended), but with conflicting legislation surrounding helmet usage and protective gear, many scooter riders are confused about whether they should wear one.
We'll make it easy for you: get a helmet and protect your head (and life).
But, here's the million dollar question - which is the best helmet for electric scooter riders? Wait, what??That's right, with so many different electric scooter helmets to choose from, how do you know which is the right one for you and your needs?
Let's find out...
What do I need to consider when looking for a helmet?
- Don't choose style over substance. What does that mean? It means pick a helmet that is well designed and fits you properly, as ill-fitting helmets can be just as dangerous as not wearing one at all. Measure the circumference of your head and look for electric scooter helmets within that sizing category.
- Buy certified safe helmets. Only buy a certified electric scooter helmet that complies with recognized safety standards (more on that below).
- Bike helmets aren't always suitable for riding an electric scooter. Don't be fooled into thinking just because you have a bike helmet on you're protected. Bike helmets don't prevent all concussions or other brain injuries, especially during high speed crashes or crashes at oblique angles.
- Look for a MIPS helmet. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. A MIPS helmet is constructed from two layers that rotate against each other, similar to the rotation of the brain's own cerebrospinal fluid, which is the body's natural defense against oblique impacts.
- Don't buy second hand. Of all the times to save money, shopping for a helmet for your electric scooter is not that time. Even if the second hand helmet looks intact, it could have been dropped heavily or involved in an accident. Don't risk serious head injuries for the sake of saving a few cents.
- What type of riding do you do? If you're racing off road, downhill helmets are a must. If you're commuting to work, a lightweight helmet is likely all you'll need.
What is the best type of helmet for me?
When choosing an electric scooter helmet, you need to consider both your speed and environment, however, there is no unifying body providing information about this. So, a general guide is this: bicycle helmets are acceptable for low-speed rides, while a motorcycle helmet offering full facial protection is best for higher speeds.
Consider your speed
Are you planning to go off-road with your electric scooter? Reckon you will be riding at greater speeds than 20 mph (32 km/h)? Then an e-bike or motorcycle helmet will do the job.
Although much larger and heavier than the other types, full-face helmets are the best choice for maximum protection on high-speed electric scooters or during journeys at higher speeds and in higher-risk environments. Bear in mind though, motorcycle helmets reduce some of your peripheral vision due to the more protective style, and if you plan to ride your scooter in the suburbs or for long trips, you probably won't want the weight of a hefty helmet putting strain on your head, neck, and shoulders. The trade off is, being full-faced, your face is better protected.
As a general rule of thumb, the level of protection your need depends on the speed you're going at:
- Minimum (<20 mph): Bicycle Helmet
- Moderate (>20 mph): Downhill Helmet
- Moderate (>20 mph): e-Bike Helmet
- Maximum (>20 mph): Motorcycle Helmet
How to choose the best electric scooter helmet?
Safety Rating
Safety rating is the first and most crucial element to consider when looking for an electric scooter helmet.
- For bike helmets, look for helmets that meet the United States' CPSC Bicycle, Snell B90A, Snell B95 standards. This means helmets have been tested for various types of impact, the strap, and roll off tests, as well as how well they protect your head.
- For downhill helmets or BMX helmets, look for a helmet that meets safety standard ASTM F1952 or ASTM F2032. This means the helmet has been tested at higher impacts. These types of helmet offer better protection than a bike helmet.
- For maximum protection, choose a helmet that has the Dutch NTA-8776 e-bike standard, or a motorcycle helmet meeting Snell M-2010, Snell M-2015, or DOT FMVSS-218
Ventilation
When it comes to any decent helmet, ventilation and ventilation holes are vital. After all, you don't want to be riding about with a sweaty head. The idea is that the ventilation holes allow the moisture, sweat, and heat to escape from the back of the lid. At the same time, it funnels cool air via the front.
The design can vary from helmet to helmet, ranging from larger rectangular openings to small circular holes. Also, helmets with more air vents are usually cooler and lighter, which might impact their protection levels. So, try to find a balance between being protected and keeping the head cool.
Fit
An excellent electric scooter helmet should fit comfortably and snugly onto your head and provide the best possible coverage god forbid there is a collision. Thus, you must take the time to correctly measure the circumference of your head and find the correct and suitable size. A bike helmet that's too small or too larger won't actually protect your head since a small one will be uncomfortable, and a large one will keep shifting around.
Padding
Finally, a key element to the helmet's overall comfort is the padding on the inner side of the lid. This is what helps keep the helmet snug on your head without causing any irritation or sores over long periods of use.
What's more, it even wicks sweat and keeps you feeling fresh by keeping your head cool, sweat-free, and dry. In some helmets, the padding is removable too, and some even provide extra padding in the box.
Our choice of best electric scooter helmets
- Thousand Poplock Anti-Theft Bike Helmet
- Basecamp Aircross Helmet
- Closca Loop Helmet
- Lumos Ultra Smart Helmet
- The Triple Eight Dual Certified Helmet
- The S1 Lifer Helmet
- Flybar Multisport Helmet
- Razor V17 Youth Multi-sport Helmet
- Lumos Matrix Helmet
- Unagi Helmet
1. Thousand Poplock Anti-Theft Bike Helmet
Source: Thousand LLC
The great thing about this bike helmet is that it really protects you and looks good while doing it. This is the perfect helmet if you are looking for overall safety and want to look good while heading to the office on your e-scooter.
It has a solid shell to keep you protected from falls and hits, yet the interior is lined with a plush material to keep your head cozy. The best thing about this helmet is the anti-theft Pop-Lock that allows you to conveniently and safely leave the helmet with your electric scooter.
Available in 12 exciting shades, this helmet has everything going for it – safety and style. The helmet boasts a low profile and vintage minimalist aesthetic that allows it to sit elegantly on your head while protecting it. There is no compromise on safety with CPSC and EN1078 certifications. Thanks to the in-built low-profile visor, your eyes are protected from everything from the glare of the sun to flying debris.
The helmet has excellent ventilation with seven air holes that allow hot air to channel out and cool air to come in and keep your head dry. It also has a clever magnetic fastener on the strap, which allows you to put it on and take it off quickly.
Pros
- Anti-theft guarantee
- Minimalist design
- Many colors
- Triple certified
- Pop-hole for locking
- Lightweight helmet
- Stylish
Cons
- A bit pricey
2. Basecamp Aircross Helmet
Source: Base Camp
This helmet is the most recent addition to the Base Camp range of bike helmets. The Basecamp Aircross Helmet is a lightweight and well-ventilated helmet that is designed for road cycling. It meets DOT and ECE safety standards, and it features a number of innovative design features that make it a comfortable and stylish choice for riders of all levels.
One of the most notable features of the Aircross Helmet is its aerodynamic design. The helmet has a sleek, streamlined shape that helps to reduce drag, which can improve your speed and efficiency. The helmet also features deep internal channels and large vents that help to keep your head cool and comfortable, even during long rides.
Another great feature of the Aircross Helmet is its magnetically fastened optical shield. The shield provides wraparound eye protection with exceptional optical clarity, and it is easy to flip up or remove with one hand when appropriate. The shield is also fog-resistant, so you can be sure that your vision will be clear even in wet or humid conditions.
The Aircross Helmet is also equipped with a rear light that helps to make you more visible to other road users. The light is powered by a CR2032 battery, and it has three different modes: steady, flashing, and off.
Overall, the Basecamp Aircross Helmet is a great choice for road cyclists who are looking for a lightweight, well-ventilated, and stylish helmet with a number of innovative design features.
Lightweight
At just 10 ounces, the Base Camp Aircross Helmet is probably one of the lightest helmets of all. Weight in bike helmets is pretty important as it can affect the stability and balance of the bike. Not only that, but the lighter it is, the less it is felt by the user, and the less it affects the riding experience.
Don't let its lightweight design fool you, though, as it's still packed with features, such as vents for comfort, lots of padding for 360 protection, and a great urban style, so you get the aesthetics too.
Adjustable Light
The Basecamp Aircross Helmet has an adjustable rear light that can be used to make you more visible to other road users. The light is powered by a CR2032 battery, and it has three different modes: steady, flashing, and off.
The light is located on the back of the helmet, and is adjustable so that you can position it in the best location for your needs. The light is also removable, so you can take it off if you don't need it.
To adjust the light, simply loosen the screw on the back of the helmet and then move the light to the desired position. Once you have the light in the desired position, tighten the screw to secure it in place.
To change the light mode, simply press the button on the back of the helmet. The light will cycle through the three modes: steady, flashing, and off..
Pros:
- Lightweight and well-ventilated
- Aerodynamic design
- Magnetically fastened optical shield
- Rear light
- Meets DOT and ECE safety standards
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey
- Some users have reported that the shield can fog up in cold or humid conditions
3. Closca Loop Helmet
Source: Closca
When Closca Design first launched a few years back, its goal was to make simple, elegant, and thoughtful products that were good for the planet. This led to the introduction of the company's popular water bottle and a cycling helmet, both of which stood out from the crowd thanks in no small part to their unique design aesthetic. Those elements were so strong that the bottle and helmet were recipients of the prestigious Red Dot Awards for design excellence.
The Closca team has released an updated version of the helmet that embraces its urban roots even further. The Closca Helmet Loop is the newest collapsible helmet model in the range. It's lighter, smaller, and less expensive than the original without sacrificing safety or looks. Available in two sizes, the helmet comes equipped with an elastic headband that is not only comfortable to wear but provides a secure fit for all cyclists. Integrated ventilation grooves help enhance comfort even further by keeping the air flowing throughout a ride.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the Loop is its ability to collapse down in size for easy storage. Closca says that when it is in its folded state, the helmet takes up 45% less space, which is handy when storing it in a backpack or messenger bag. And since it weighs a little less than 12 ounces, it doesn't add much in the way of bulk or weight when carrying it around either. Most importantly of all, the collapsible nature of the Loop's design doesn't impact its ability to protect a rider's head during impact, as it still maintains both an EN-1078 and CPSC safety rafting.
As with Closca's previous designs, the Helmet Loop features a clean explicitly created with the urban rider in mind. The company's latest model is a bit more aerodynamic than the previous helmet and uses color combinations to give it a distinct look all its own. Customers can customize the helmet's body and back, choosing from various colors that provide 15 unique combinations in total.
The Closca Loop electric scooter helmet is a unisex model that fits men and women. This helmet is well-padded, protecting the head in case of a fall or other accident. It dissipates shocks and impacts the entire surface of the element. The helmet has a unique folding system that reduces its size for easy transport and storage. It has a built-in safety feature that prevents the helmet from folding in case of an accident. However, adjusting the buckle under the chin is complicated.
It has an elastic band that adapts to the shape of the user's head for comfort. The clasp on this model is adjustable, fitting a wide variety of people. This helmet has an aerodynamically sound design that provides efficiency. It's available in about 15 different colors, appealing to a wide variety of people, and it has a well-ventilated design that allows continuous airflow.
Pros
- Incredible folding design
- Compact design
- Ventilation system
Cons
- Buckling up is not easy
4. Lumos Ultra-Smart Helmet
Source: Lumos Helmet US
Lumos has been making smart helmets with integrated lighting and electronics for years. However, their new Ultra is their first attempt at a proper performance road helmet that still packs in the safety and visibility tech.
The Ultra adapts Lumos' smart safety tech into a performance aero road helmet that is meant to be an affordable helmet for urban commuters and recreational cyclists.
Its tech appeal
The highlight of the Lumos Ultra is its integrated lighting – a bright front-facing white light and two even brighter rear red lights. The lighting is specifically intended to be high up to offer the best visibility in traffic while not being obstructed by mud or anything else on the bike.
Lumos doesn't state the official output of the lights as they are still being finalized for production. But I would say my pre-production beta test helmet put out around 5-10 lumens front & rear based on similar LED lights I have used. That puts it into a decent quality of visibility but is not really intended for any illumination level when riding in the absolute dark of night.
When riding home late at night, the LED lighting is beneficial, helping you see bumps and cracks in the walkway. The new Ultra steps up a notch from a styling perspective, with a sleek aerodynamic profile and open ventilation on par with many mid-range aero road helmets that don't include any extra safety tech.
Pros
- Crash-tested certified as a standard
- Cheaper
- Bright front light and rear turn signals
- Lighter and better ventilation than previous models
Cons
- Aesthetic is not to everyone's taste.
5. Triple Eight Dual Certified Helmet
Source: Triple Eight
The word ‘Dual' literally means that this helmet is certified twice. The Triple Eight is certified four times, twice for both riding and skating. This helmet complies with US CPSC Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmets for Persons of Age 5 and Older and ASTM F-1492-08 Safety Standards for Skateboarding.
This helmet takes all of Triple Eights' knowledge of helmet design and incorporates it into the timeless classic helmet shape. One of the models comes with the patented MIPS Technology low-friction layer, which reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts, reducing chances of injury.
It features durable construction along with some innovative engineering, which means if you fall at 30 mph, it's got you covered. The helmet is comfortable, too, with a solid outer shell and ultra-soft and plush padded interior helping to wick the sweat from your face.
More importantly, the helmet is certified, complying with several regulatory bodies, including ASTM Safety Standards and CE EN1078. Besides having the ASTM and CPSC bike and skate certifications, there's a lot more to this good-looking and versatile helmet. Of them all, one of the best things is that the helmet is very, very comfortable and won't cause any discomfort even if you're wearing it all day long.
We also recommend the Triple Eight Sweatsaver Liner Skateboarding Helmet, which is a slightly different model but has many of the same features and is more affordable than the Dual helmet. It also happens to be one of the best helmets for scooters.
This helmet can take the brunt of impacts and bumps made from reliable ABS material. On the inside, the helmet is integrated with the SweatSaver Liner Technology that wicks moisture and leaves your head feeling dry, comfortable, and cool.
Pros
- Comfortable snug fit
- ASTM and CPSC certified
- Versatile
- Sleek and stylish
- Available in many colors
- Adjustable straps
- Affordable
Cons
- No visor
6. S1 Lifer Helmet
Source: S1 Helmet Co
This electric scooter helmet is impressive for several reasons - the safety reliability of this helmet is excellent, with the fusion foam construction helping to shield your head from impacts. The S1Lifer is also very comfortable; with the S1's Deep Fit design, it sits lower than other helmets helping to enhance comfort.
This great helmet is also certified to offer more protection from low force multiple impacts (ASTM Standard) and single high impacts (CPSC Certified). So it will always keep you safe regardless of the conditions. The design comes in a variety of colors and finishes.
Pros
- High certified (Certified Multi-Impact [ASTM] and Certified High Impact [CPSC])
- Proven to be one of the safest helmets on the market
- Affordable
- Many colors
Cons
- Sometimes too small (best get the size up)
7. Flybar Multisport Helmet
Source: Flybar
The Flybar is a lightweight yet practical electric scooter helmet suitable for adults and kids. It has a sturdy ABS shell for the ultimate safety protection and an EPS foam liner for comfort. It's not a premium option, though, but a lightweight and good alternative to the expensive helmets.
Scooter riders love this bike helmet. This one is available in three different sizes. The helmet features an ABS outer shell that can withstand heavy impacts and bumps, for starters. What's more, it's comfortable too due to the plush inner EPS foam liner that also provides cushioning. This very soft foam extends to the inserts, allowing the helmet to sit snugly on the head.
However, the best feature about this helmet is that it combines such high levels of protection with affordability. The helmet comes in a host of vibrant colors and also meets ASTM and CPSC safety-certified standards. It's also suitable for rollerblading, so it's multifunctional.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- ASTM and CPSC certified
- Many colors
- Great fit for kids
Cons
- Not very sleek for urbanites
8. Razor V17 Youth Multi-sport Helmet
Source: Razor
This electric scooter helmet is just brilliant and is an all-time favorite. It's excellent for electric scooter riders, but it is also suitable for going skating, biking, or just about any other sport involving wearing protective headgear. It's lightweight, and thanks to the high-impact, carbon fiber design, the helmet is reliable and durable, with excellent head protection.
The ergonomically designed helmet also ensures almost no wind resistance when you're riding on your scooter. The Razor V17 provides a comfortable fit with its generous padding. That means your head feels ideally suited for the helmet, and the padding forms itself around the shape of your head.
In addition, extra adjustable cheek pads are included for the sake of fitment. The helmet also comes with adjustable straps and a secure buckle to ensure the helmet does not come off when you are on the move.
The helmet features 17 top and side vents to keep your head cool on hot days. There is also a wide selection of fun colors.
Pros
- Stylish and comes in many colors and sizes
- Adjustable strap with side release buckles
- Lightweight and durable
- Ergonomically designed padding, plus additional sizing pad set
- 17 vents
- Head sizes it fits: 22 to 23.5 inches; appropriate for ages 8 to 14
- CPSC certified helmet
Cons
- None
9. Lumos Matrix Helmet
Source: Lumos Helmet US
The Lumos Matrix Helmet is the star of their urban helmet range. It's a smart helmet that features integrated front and rear LED lights. The 7x11 RGB LED panel lights can be customized to different patterns and colors, making you more visible to other road users.
The Lumos Matrix Helmet has a built-in turn signal system that allows you to signal your intentions to other road users. The turn signals are activated by a small remote control that you can attach to your handlebar. It's also equipped with a 360-degree light system that ensures you are seen from all angles. The front lights are bright enough to be seen in daylight, and the rear lights are even brighter so that you can be seen from a long distance.
The Lumos Matrix Helmet is made from a durable ABS shell and EPS foam liner, which provides excellent protection in the event of a crash. The helmet also meets the safety standards of the CPSC, ASTM F1447, and EN1078.
It has a 10-hour battery life, and the best part is that the Lumos Matrix weighs a mere 580g. That's exceptionally light when you consider the amount of tech and safety features included. The helmet can also connect to the Lumos App and share data with Apple Health/Google Fit.
Pros:
- Integrated front and rear LED lights
- Built-in turn signal system
- 360-degree light system
- Meets CPSC, ASTM F1447, and EN1078 safety standards
- Stylish and comfortable
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey
- Battery life is not very long
- The turn signal system can be a bit finicky
10. Unagi Helmet
Of course we couldn't talk about the best electric scooter helmets without mentioning our own.
Impeccably designed, the Unagi Helmet is a stylish and well-ventilated helmet that meets CPSC 1203 safety standards, meaning you stay safe while riding in style.
The Unagi Helmet is made from a durable ABS shell and EPS foam liner, which provides excellent protection in the event of a crash. The helmet also features 11 vents that help to keep your head cool and comfortable, even during long rides.
The Unagi Helmet has a built-in rear light that helps to make you more visible to other road users. The light is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 4 hours of light on a single charge. The helmet is available in two sizes: small and large and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Stylish design with a large Unagi logo
- Durable ABS shell and EPS foam liner
- 11 vents for airflow
- Built-in rear light with rechargeable battery
- Affordable price
- Meets CPSC 1203 safety standards
Cons:
- We couldn't find any...
Should I wear a full-face helmet for an electric scooter?
While it's not necessary to wear a full-face helmet while riding an electric scooter, it will offer more protection in case of an accident or a collision. Suppose you are primarily riding your scooter in an urban area. In that case, we recommend that you opt for full-face helmets because they'll provide more protection in the crazed, traffic-ridden environment.
However, if you live in a suburban area where the streets are usually devoid of vehicles, there's no need to go for full-face helmets or motorcycle helmets. That said, always choose a helmet that you're comfortable wearing 100% of the time.
E-scooter and bike helmets are the same
There are currently no helmets explicitly made for electric scooters, so e-scooter and bike helmets are the same. Not all helmets are created equal, so not every bicycle, mountain bike helmet, or skateboard helmet will be suitable for your needs — but there will be one out there that is just right for you.
However, a regular bike helmet or those rated for bicycle safety standards will only protect you when riding your electric scooter below 20 mph and in low-risk conditions.
If you need a helmet to protect you at high speeds and in high-risk conditions, you should opt for a motorcycle helmet.
Final thoughts
Studies prove that helmets save lives and provide protection during accidents. Even if you're an experienced electric scooter rider and you've never crashed, it only takes one bad accident to change everything. Our selection of beautifully designed helmets will help you choose the right one for your scootering needs.
The first step is picking the right helmet type for your speed. If you're going at low speeds under 20 mph, a standard bike helmet gives you the minimum amount of protection. A downhill helmet is the better choice, even at lower speeds. We recommend motorcycle helmets for high-speed scooters that hit 30-40 mph. Full-face ones protect your skull, face, and some of your neck.
Once you've narrowed down your helmet choices a little, think about features like safety certifications, ventilation, weight, and size. If you try a helmet and you don't like it, keep looking.
A helmet isn't useful unless you're actually wearing it on every ride, so make sure it's comfortable and checks off all your must-haves. If you ever do get into an accident, you'll be grateful you picked the right helmet.
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
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*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
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