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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.
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In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
Understand which personal electric vehicle is best, the choice between an electric bike or electric scooter might already be made for you by some critical factors, including portability and storage capacity.
What's not to love about electric scooters? These ultra-convenient modes of transportation and transforming the way people commute and travel. They're cheaper than cars and more accessible than public transport, so it's no surprise that people across the USA are embracing them.
Despite popular belief, electric scooters are very safe - as proven by RoSPA research. The UK study showed that e-scooters are five times safer than bicycles, with a much lower collision rate.
As their popularity continues to skyrocket, the main priority for everyone is ensuring riders protect themselves - and other road users.
While helmets aren't a legal requirement in many states, nobody would dispute their importance. The right helmet can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries and keep riders safe should an accident occur.
But which helmet is best for you? More importantly, can you get a budget helmet that still meets US safety standards?
Yes, you can.
In this guide, we'll unveil seven great helmets under $50 and a wildcard helmet for people willing to spend a little extra on their protective gear.
Let's dive in.
It's common to see e-scooter riders not wearing helmets, but that doesn't mean it's safe. A traumatic head injury can leave lasting effects and might even lead to fatalities in severe cases. Helmets offer protection from head injuries, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Here are just some of the reasons you should wear a helmet.
A study published by JAMA Network shows that head injuries account for 40.2% of electric scooter injuries.
Fractures accounted for 31.7% and soft tissue injuries accounted for 27.7%. Many participants in the study regularly didn't use a helmet while riding an electric scooter, and all traumatic/major injuries were distinctly linked to not wearing a helmet.
However, wearing an electric scooter helmet can reduce your chances of a severe head injury by up to 85% (Research Gate).
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) refer to any serious head injury. In some cases, only one area of the brain suffers, but many people also have diffused injuries in numerous brain areas.
In the best-case scenario, the injury will fade over time and you'll get back to everyday life, but some TBIs result in long-term disabilities. Cognitive FX states that 80,000 to 90,000 people with brain injuries have disabilities after the event, with many needing special care.
Some people can recover from their injury with help and support, but others might have to live with the impact for the rest of their lives.
These are just some of the after-effects of a traumatic brain injury, but some people can also develop epilepsy and might need full-time care.
Despite many US states failing to make wearing helmets while using an e-scooter, 12 have laws for riders. However, most of these laws only apply to younger riders, so adults still have no legal obligation to protect themselves.
The following states require younger riders to wear helmets:
As e-scooters are relatively new, you'll probably notice that there aren't many options available. Have no fear, though, because most bike, skateboard, and motorcycle helmets are also suitable for electric scooter riders.
There are many helmets to choose between, and the right one depends on how fast you're planning to go - and where you're riding an electric scooter.
Skate helmets are popular among e-scooter riders because they usually have a retro style and won't cramp their credibility when cruising along. A traditional skateboard helmet offers protection from crashes and falls, as many skaters are prone to accidents.
The helmet typically provides more coverage at the back of the head, and it can be helpful for city riders. You shouldn't use a skate helmet if you plan on traveling at higher speeds, and they probably don't provide enough protection for off-road scooters.
Standard bicycle helmets have a hard outer shell and a softer inner lining. When someone falls off their bike or crashes, the cover will take the force and spread it to prevent head injuries, while the foam acts as a shock absorber.
If you plan on using a low-speed scooter, a bicycle helmet will offer adequate protection for your head, but not the face or chin. Ideally, you should only use these helmets if you plan on riding between 10 to 15 miles per hour.
A downhill (or BMX) helmet is suitable for mountain bikers and people that perform stunts. If you plan to travel on roads and will ride at 20 miles per hour (depending on your state's speed limit), a standard downhill helmet will protect you from heavier impact accidents.
Most mountain bike helmets feature a combination of EPS foam and fiberglass or carbon fiber for the outer shell, and many come with a chin bar.
Last but not least is the motorcycle helmet. These helmets are designed for high-speed motorbikes, so they always offer maximum protection for your head, face, and chin.
Most also come with tints and UV protection to enhance a rider's sight during the summer, and there are vents to ensure the helmet doesn't get too hot.
While motorcycle helmets are more durable, they're more suited to high-speed and off-road riders. If you're traveling through the city, you might find a full-face helmet too heavy.
Now it's time to unveil our selection of budget helmets for e-scooters. There's something for everyone here, but to make it easier, here's a quick summary.
| Best For: | Top Choice | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet made specifically for e-scooters | Unagi | Segway |
| Low budget buyers | Outdoor Master | LEVY Basecamp |
| Style | Unagi | LEVY Basecamp |
| Young Riders | TCMT Dot Youth | N/A |
| Ventilation | Rowan | Inmotion |
If you're looking for a sleek helmet that won't let you down, LEVY's Basecamp helmet is ideal. The helmet is suitable for both men and women and adjustable to fit most head shapes, but the showstopping feature is the combination of PC and EPS foam.
When paired with the polycarbonate shell, this helmet meets all US safety standards and has a CPSC certification.
This helmet will protect you if you have an accident and fall off of a mid-range scooter. But, it's not all safety with LEVY, because you can also take advantage of some winning bonus features.
An LED rear light offers three different modes to remain visible in any weather, and the magnetic goggles offer UV protection to make your ride even safer.
The Segway helmet usually retails at $59.99, but if you're a new customer, you can get a discount, qualifying it for this list. Designed by the makers of the Ninebot e-scooters, you'll notice that this compact helmet is understated in design but oh so stylish.
An integrated bonding and molding process ensures that the helmet won't weigh you down on the road, but it's also highly durable and will absorb any shocks. The spin dial is also completely customizable, giving you more flexibility during your ride, and overall the Segway helmet is an excellent choice.
One thing to note is that the helmet is suitable for larger head sizes, with a minimum head circumference of 22.8 inches and a maximum of 24.8 inches.
Overall, the Segway helmet delivers an excellent experience for riders, and as it's designed for e-scooters, you can have peace of mind that it won't let you down.
When it comes to designing a highly effective helmet that won't break the bank, Outdoor Master nails it. The adaptable helmet has two removable linings, so people with smaller head sizes can still use it and feel protected.
Accidents can happen, but the shock absorbent EPS foam and reinforced ABS shell protects your head from injuries and keep you safe on the road. Outdoor Master goes further with its usability features by adding a skin-friendly strap to enhance comfort.
It's rare to see a lightweight helmet that offers it all at such a low price, but the highly versatile offering from Outdoor Master keeps you safe - and stylish.
If you're looking for an enhanced protective helmet, it doesn't get much better than Inmotion. As with many high-quality helmets for electric scooters, it features a combination of EPS foam with an ABS shell, giving you a perfect mix of security and comfort.
It's also suitable for a range of head sizes, and you can have a detachable visor for sunny rides. The sheer amount of customizable elements make this helmet stand out, as you can replace the modules on top of the helmet to fit a dash cam or lights.
With ventilation holes and channels, the Inmotion helmet will keep you cool wherever you are, and it's an excellent option for riders that prioritize comfort.
Following the innovative Model One scooter, Unagi now offers a helmet that embodies retro style without compromising protection. With breathable vents to facilitate comfort, the helmet gives riders an incredible experience.
What makes it stand out is the protective shell that meets the CPSC 1203 helmet safety standards. This certification is only achievable if the helmet offers extra security, and many helmets fall under the CPSC 1078 standard because they lack foam thickness.
If you have an accident while riding, you can be sure the Unagi helmet will keep you safe. The bonus, of course, is the design, which features Unagi's infamous logo.
You'll certainly turn heads while cruising on your equally sleek Model One.
While general bicycle helmets are ideal for city riding, an MTB helmet is best if you plan on going off-road or want some extra protection. These helmets are for downhill mountain bikers and offer more coverage for the back and sides of your head.
Rowan's mountain bike helmet is no exception, with EPS foam to reduce the impact of any shocks and a PC shell that protects you from head injuries.
An impressive 14 vents provide optimal airflow and keep you cool on the warmest days, but that's not all.
The helmets also undergo extensive testing to gain CPSC certification and come with removable interior padding to keep you comfortable and facilitate easy cleaning.
Safety will probably be your biggest priority if you're a parent. Well, it doesn't get much safer than the TCMT helmet, which is specially designed for younger riders. While it's a motocross helmet, it's also suitable for e-scooters and offers complete protection.
Both UV protective and highly durable, you can let your kids ride their scooters with confidence, and the sizes go from 19.5 inches to 22.5 inches.
The heavily cushioned inner lining assures comfort while riding, and each helmet also comes with a pair of gloves and goggles.
Better still, your child will love the range of patterns, which include skulls, fireworks, butterflies, and a spider's web pattern. The TCMT Dot Youth helmet is a helmet that offers safety, style, and comfort.
High-speed riders have plenty of choices with helmets, but unfortunately - a full-face helmet will cost more. However, if you're willing to spend an extra $5.90, you can get a genuinely great helmet that provides all the protection you'll need.
MMG ensures their Model 20 helmet looks stylish while protecting riders from head injuries. With a combined ABS and polycarbonate outer shell, you can enjoy an off-road experience without worry.
The helmet is also scratch-proof, and with a flip-up shield, you can maintain visibility with the larger eye ports.
Overall, the MMG Model 20 is ideal if you're on a budget but want an effective helmet. The polycarbonate material makes it more lightweight than other full-face helmets, but city riders might find it too heavy.
So, now you know the top electric scooter helmets, if you're on a budget, it's time to look at the things you should consider before buying one. There's no right or wrong answer, and the helmet you choose will depend on how you plan to use the scooter.
Here are the things that should contribute to your final decision.
All helmets must protect riders, no matter what speeds they travel at. However, the weight of your helmet doesn't necessarily mean it's not protective.
As technology continues to evolve, materials that offer maximum protection but are lightweight continue to take center stage.
It's best to look for a helmet that makes you feel comfortable but meets US safety standards. It's also important to consider how your helmet will impact ride quality, as heavier helmets will weigh you - and the scooter - down.
For low-speed scooters, bicycle helmets, skate helmets, and lightweight MTB helmets are best. If you use a high-speed e-scooter off-road, a heavier MTB or motorcycle helmet will enhance your safety.
All helmets come in various sizes, and choosing one that fits your head circumference is essential. In general, the standard sizes are as follows:
Some helmets are one size and come with adjustable straps or dials that allow you to tighten them to your requirements.
Getting the right size is vital because a big helmet won't offer the proper protection should you have an accident.
Helmet safety standards depend on the type of helmet you're looking at, as some fall under different certifications than others. It's essential to make sure your helmet is certified for road use, and all manufacturers will list their credentials in the product description.
A CPSC certification means the helmet has the features to ensure it's safe for usage in the USA. Whenever possible, you should look for the CPSC 1203 credentials, because they offer thicker foam which enhances protection.
General bicycles, skateboards, and some e-scooter helmets fall under the CPSC standard, but safety gear for high-speed riders will usually undergo further testing.
Helmets for mountain bikes and medium-speed scooters will often undergo CPSC testing and should have an ASTM certificate. The ASTM F1447 test is a standard certification, but helmets with an F1952 certificate undergo a stricter examination.
If you're planning on buying a motorcycle helmet for your e-scooter, you'll find that all legitimate helmets are under the DOT registration. This registration demonstrates adequate protection and assures the helmet is safe to use.
However, some helmets also have a Snell certification, demonstrating that they're safer than the standard DOT helmets.
Riding an electric scooter in the heat should be a fun experience, but helmets can sometimes make it seem unbearable. While they offer protection, some helmets lack proper ventilation, meaning the foam absorbs that heat and makes you very uncomfortable.
The number of helmet vents correlates with how cool a rider will be while using their scooter. However, helmets with a lot of vents might not offer the same amount of protection, so it's a balancing act.
If you're wearing a lightweight helmet, you won't need as much ventilation, but motorcycle helmets get extremely hot, so choosing one with plenty of vents is advised.
Ok, style isn't a top priority - but it does matter. People on commuter scooters probably won't want a helmet with cartoon characters on it, and there are plenty of sleeker designs that suit adults.
At the same time, getting a child to wear a helmet is an easy task if it has vibrant colors and patterns of their favorite animated characters.
There are loads of choices available for helmets, but it's also important to remember that style should never be a priority over safety and functionality.
When it comes to your budget, there are many things to consider. Not all helmets are made equal, and you'll remember that we added a wildcard motorcycle helmet to this list because there were no (in our opinion) safe options for a $50 budget.
You don't have to spend a fortune on a helmet, but you should choose one with the necessary certifications. A $20 helmet might seem like a good deal, but it's worth spending the extra money if there are no protective features.
After all, safety should always come first.
Well, there you have it; the best electric scooter helmets for $50 and under. With so many helmet types, knowing where to start is challenging. Hopefully, this list gives you plenty of options, and you should choose a helmet that suits your needs.
Before making a decision, we recommend asking yourself these questions:
Doing this enables you to make the right decision and find a helmet that will last a long time and enhance your ride.
It's no secret that scooters aren't the problem, but how people use them. Even the most basic protection can save you from a potentially fatal head injury, and with more US states embracing e-scooters, enthusiasts need to show they can safely ride on the road.
If we all contribute to road safety and take responsibility for our actions, there's no reason why we can't enjoy the freedom and sustainability electric scooters offer infinitely.
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.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*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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