If you’re new to electric scooters, you might be wondering if you need a helmet. The answer is maybe. It depends on where you live and the laws in your area. In some states and cities, electric scooter riders are required to wear helmets. In other places, there’s no law either way. In other sites, helmets are a necessity only for riders under a specific age and in other areas, helmets are not a mandate at all.
But as for as safety is concerned, it’s always a good idea to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. Wearing a helmet can protect you from serious injury if you happen to fall off your scooter. And let’s face it, even the best riders can have a spill now and then.
Does an electric scooter need helmet? There is no doubt that an electric scooter needs a helmet. Many places have made it a law to do so. Although it isn’t the law, it is still a wise idea to wear one even if it isn’t required by law. As far as head protection is concerned, wearing a helmet is the most effective way to keep your head safe if you fall off your scooter. Also, it is a very effective way to protect your skin from the sun and wind as well.
One of my friends has an electric scooter and never wears a helmet. One day he faced a road accident and his head was severely injured as he was not wearing a helmet. Luckily he recovered from the injury but it could have been much worse. So, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Would you rather risk a head injury or wear a helmet? I think the choice is clear.
Laws Regarding Wearing A Helmet While Riding An Electric Scooter:
In the United States, there is no federal law that requires people to wear helmets while riding electric scooters. that said, some states and cities have passed laws regarding helmets and other safety gear.
For example, in California, the wearing of helmets by scooter riders is a legal necessity. In Seattle, riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets. And in Boston, riders are encouraged but not required to wear helmets.
In Europe, the laws are a bit different from what they are in the United States. The Netherlands requires everyone who rides scooters to use helmets at all times. In Spain, riders under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets. And in Italy, there is no law either way. As you can see, the laws regarding electric scooters and helmets vary from place to place.
In Australia, there is no federal law that requires riders to wear helmets, but some states have their laws. There is a rule in Victoria that all scooter riders wear helmets while riding.
Benefits Of Wearing A Helmet While Riding An Electric Scooter:
- You might not think that a little fall could do much damage, but even a low-speed fall can result in serious injuries. Head injuries are some of the most common and serious injuries suffered by electric scooter riders, and helmets are the best way to prevent them. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that riders who were not wearing helmets were 14 times more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than those who were wearing helmets.
- Not only do helmets save lives, but they can also save you a lot of money in medical bills. A trip to the emergency room for a head injury is not going to be cheap, and neither will the subsequent hospital stay or rehabilitation costs if your injuries are serious enough to require it. And that’s not even taking into account the possibility of long-term effects from your injuries. Wearing a helmet may be inconvenient, but it’s a whole lot less inconvenient than dealing with a traumatic brain injury.
- Wearing a helmet can also have the benefit of keeping you cool, which is one of the advantages of wearing one. When you ride an electric scooter, you generate a lot of body heat. Wearing a helmet can help keep you cool by allowing air to circulate through your head.
- You can stay visible to other people by putting on a helmet when you are riding a bike. If you ride an electric scooter at night, wearing a reflective helmet can help make sure that other people see you.
- When you’re out riding your electric scooter, you’re not just putting yourself at risk, you’re putting everyone else around you at risk too. If you were to be involved in an accident and sustain a serious head injury, emergency responders would have to divert resources away from other people who might need them to take care of you. In some cases, this could even mean somebody else losing their life because help wasn’t available when they needed it.
- Wearing a helmet protects not only you but also the first responders who might have to come to your aid if you’re involved in an accident. It’s also worth noting that many cities have laws mandating the use of helmets whenever driving electric scooters. Therefore, you could end up getting a hefty fine if you’re caught riding without one.
Risks Of Not Wearing A Helmet While Riding An Electric Scooter:
Riding an electric scooter can be a fun and convenient way to get around. What you don’t know is that if you are riding an electric scooter without a helmet, this could have serious consequences and can be extremely dangerous.
Every year, there are thousands of people who are seriously injured or killed in electric scooter accidents. And many of those accidents could have been prevented if the rider had been wearing a helmet.
1. Head injuries:
Perhaps the biggest risk of not wearing a helmet is a head injury. If you happen to fall off your scooter and hit your head, you could suffer a concussion, a skull fracture, or even a brain injury.
2. Facial injuries:
There is also the danger of facial injuries as a result of not using a helmet. The impact of a fall on your face can lead to broken noses, lost teeth, or even concussions.
3. Road rash:
It is also possible to suffer road rash by not wearing a helmet. This is when your skin scrapes against the pavement. Road rash can be very painful and can lead to infection.
4. Broken bones:
Without a helmet, you are also at risk of breaking your arms, legs, or even your neck if you fall.
5. Death:
Unless you wear a helmet, you put yourself at risk of dying. If you fall and hit your head hard enough, you may suffer a fatal injury.
Tips For Wearing A Helmet While Riding An Electric Scooter
According to a study done in 2018, there are nearly 1 million electric scooter injuries reported every year. And while many of those injured were not wearing helmets, helmets can only do so much. To be fully protected while riding an electric scooter, it is important to wear the proper gear and follow some simple safety tips.
Make sure the helmet fits:
One of the most important things to do when wearing a helmet is to make sure it fits properly. A helmet that is too big or too small will not protect you as well as one that fits properly.
Buckle the chin strap:
You should also buckle the helmet’s chin strap when wearing the helmet to prevent it from coming off if you fall.
Wear the helmet level:
Moreover, a helmet should be worn. This means that the front of the helmet should be level with your eyebrows. If the helmet is not level, it will not protect you as well as it should.
Do not wear a hat under the helmet:
It is also imperative not to put on a hat inside the helmet. This can interfere with the fit of the helmet and reduce its protection.
Replace the helmet if it is damaged:
The helmet is an important part of your bike safety system. If your helmet is damaged, you should replace it. It’s not worth risking your safety for a little bit of money. if you have been in a crash so that it will protect well for next time.
Never ride your electric scooter on the sidewalk:
Sidewalks are for walking, not riding. Riders on sidewalks are a hazard to pedestrians and often get into accidents with cars. Instead, ride your electric scooter on the street with traffic.
When riding on the street, always ride in the direction of traffic and use hand signals when turning. In order to make your ride on an electric scooter as safe as possible, you should follow these simple rules.
Do not ride your electric scooter if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just like driving a car, riding an electric scooter under the influence is illegal and extremely dangerous. If you have been drinking or using drugs, do not ride your electric scooter home. Call a friend or take public transportation instead.
Conclusion:
Based on the observations described above, it can be said that wearing a helmet while riding an electric scooter is very important. This is because it can prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall.
A helmet can be found in a variety of different styles, so make sure you choose one that fits well and is comfortable to wear when you are out on the road.
My name is Sarah and I am a Content writer at eRidesAdvice. I have been writing about electric scooters for over seven years, and I am passionate about helping people find the perfect product for their needs. I am also an experienced rider, and I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest electric scooters. I have got a degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from Ferris State University. Meet our team