No one ever thinks that they are going to be in an accident. We all like to believe that it can’t happen to us; it’s always supposed to be the “other guy.” Well, the truth of the matter is you are pushing your luck if you really believe this. Wearing a helmet is the smartest thing to do because it covers and protects the part of your body that lets you make this very decision – Your Brain.
So, once you’ve made this smart decision for yourself and/or your kids, the question comes how to find the best scooter helmet? This is where we come in. We reviewed today’s safest and most comfortable helmets for adults and kids to wear on a scooter. See which one suits your style and budget!
Reviews of the Top 5 Best Scooter Helmets Available Today
01 Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver Helmet
Why it stands out to us
Triple Eight was born on the New York City streets back in 1996 and since then, they have manufactured some amazing protective gear for the action sports market. One of their most popular helmets, the Certified Sweatsaver hits that sweet spot between top-level safety and optimum comfort. It has already saved hundreds of people from serious head injuries like TBI and who knows this might also save yours.
Our experience with the Triple Eight THE Certified Sweatsaver
Safety
With CPSC compliance, this helmet can keep your head safe from hard falls that usually result from high speed, especially when riding an e-scooter. If you check out the reviews online, you will be surprised by how many people have been saved from severe brain injuries by the Sewatsaver. It does take beating like a champ. Don’t forget to replace your helmet after a collision or even a hard knock.
Fit
It’s not easy to make a scooter helmet look good but Triple Eight shines in that department. You won’t look dorky like many other helmet designs out there. Instead, you will be receiving praise from your fellow companions. It sits a bit high on the head but is still super comfortable. The Sweatsaver liners facilitate the best possible custom fit so it stays snug and doesn’t hamper your concentration when scootering.
Padding
You will love the extra set of interior padding if the inner padding ever wears out. The padding is adjustable for a snug fit. Here’s a tip – try to swap the front or back pad with the extra thicker pads for a better fit
Ventilation
The vents circulate air inside the helmet while the removable liner absorbs moisture. The Sweatsaver feature works great. It keeps your sweat out of your eyes effectively and you can wash the padding.
Weight
This is highly recommended for those who prefer lightweight headgear. It’s surprising how such a rigid body comes without much weight!
What we didn’t like
Those with 24″ head circumference and more did not find the XX Large size comfortable to wear. Perhaps the XX Large is not true to the size
What could be improved
The clips and the lining lose their level of comfort when filled with a day’s worth of sweat. Triple Eight should do something about it
Specifications
- Color options: 20
- Size Options: 4 (X Small – X Large)
- Certification: CPSC Safety Standard, ASTM F-1492
Pros
- Cool looking
- Super sturdy
- Great fit
- Comfortable padding
- Nice ventilation
Cons
- No MIPS technology
- A little expensive but worth every penny
02 Razor V-17 Youth Multi-Sport Helmet
Why it stands out to us
Razor V-17 is so popular that we don’t need to introduce this to our audience. With 7 different colors to choose from, this is perfect for children aged between 8 to 14 years for riding scooters, bikes, and skateboards. The V 17 is named considering there are 17 vents on the helmet to vent off heat on hot summer days and keep your sweet kid’s head cool to make scooting a pleasing experience.
Our experience with the Razor V-17
Safety:
The V-17 complies with the CPSC standards. But how does it perform when there’s an impact? We know you do not want to make any compromise here. This helmet has already protected several wearers’ heads over the years just like the Sweatsaver. Any good scooter helmet should offer top-level protection and this helmet does its job really well.
Fit:
This multipurpose helmet fits great but picking the right size is always important. So many users fail to choose the exact size they would need for their children and when they notice that there is no snug fit, they believe it’s the helmet’s fault.
Ventilation:
With 17 large specially-shaped vents on such a small helmet for an optimum level of air flow possible, you won’t have to worry about whether your kid will sweat more than normal.
Weight:
It weighs around 0.98 lbs – a little heavier when compared to 0.57 lbs helmet (the lightest helmet for kids). But it’s still not bulky and your kids won’t complain about the weight.
Padding:
Aside from the nice glossy finish there is thick padding for comfort. The package also comes with an extra set of padding just like the Sweatsaver.
What we didn’t like
The straps became stiff after a few months of use. Not sure if other users had the same issue
What could be improved
We need better instructions for proper fitting and adjustment from Razor
Specifications
- Color options: 7
- Size options: For head sizes 21.5” to 23”
- Target age groups: 8 to 14
- Certification: CPSC Safety Standard
Pros
- Safe & comfortable
- Nice design
- Inexpensive
- Great ventilation
Cons
- No instructions for the right size
03 JBM Skateboard Helmet
Why it stands out to us
These JBM helmets are also quite popular in the scootering community. Not only do they look cool but they are fairly strong and lightweight with enough padding to make you feel comfortable. This means you can fully concentrate on doing your tricks and up your game without having to worry about a proper helmet fit.
Our experience with the JBM Skateboard Helmet
Safety:
This helmet does not have any official certification but that does not mean that you should be concerned about your own or your little one’s safety. It has also proven itself as a reliable helmet and saved many youth and kids from severe head injuries.
Fit:
Fits great. There are small, medium, and large sizes with an adjustable strap so adults can wear it with enough flexibility so their riding performance is not compromised.
Padding:
There is enough padding with removable pads. But no extra padding is provided by JBL. Also, the padding inside may not hold for long as this happened to many users. However, we’ve used it for months without such issues.
Ventilation:
The helmet breathes nicely because of the several air holes so you do not end up overheating yourself on warm days.
Weight:
Another stunning lightweight headgear from JBL that won’t be heavy on your kid’s little head.
What we didn’t like
The interior padding is not up to par and may fall out after a few days of use. Many failed to keep it in place with super glue. This really deserves JBL’s attention.
What could be improved
One of our volunteers found the strap a bit short around her chin. She put a Velcro strap through the loop to prevent the chin strap from popping off.
Specifications
- Color options: 7
- Size options: Small, Medium, Large
- Target age groups: Kids, Youth, Adults
- Certification: None
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Safe & comfortable
- Inexpensive
- Great ventilation
Cons
- Padding a come off soon
04 Vega Helmets Warrior
If what you seek is a real stylish and cushy helmet, Rebel Warrior from Vega Helmets is the latest designed motorcycle that has been launched. This half helmet that is the supreme answer for motorbikers. It is lightweight, gives half-face coverage and is a heavy-duty technology-driven design, with a comfortable and cool fit.
The belligerent flag design is patriotic and showcases U.S.A. pride or you can pick the solid colors for that extra slick look. The Rebel Warrior is a skull cap helmet that has no equal for both ladies and gents. It is crammed with features that present you with a more laidback, custom beanie motorcycle helmet.
High-density EPS liner fully vented for intense strength, safety, and cooling.
Multi-position sun shield that is drop-down, optically correct and shelters from the sun, rain, and bugs.
Wick-Dri liner system from Comfort-Tech.
Weighing a mere 2.2 pounds only, neck stress is abolished on those extended runs with your motorbike, scooter, moped, electric scooter or whatever be the wheels of your fancy.
A quick-release system employing straps and padding.
An ideal custom fit through an updated custom fit dial adjuster – just right for those hard-to-fit compact heads.
DOT approved to FMVSS 218. This helmet offers top-class protection at a price that is affordable.
Random testing of every helmet batch to ensure safety standards are satisfied.
Limited warranty of five-years guaranteed to be defect-free in materials and craftsmanship for the helmet’s lifetime.
Note: Availability of Audio Ear Pads that are sold separately.
Pros
- The quick-release chin strap is of superb design
- Large drop-down vizor
- Adjustment dial for a perfect fit
- Well certified
- Stylish artwork
- Suitable for both women and men
Cons
- No full-faced shield offered as additional
Our Verdict
We take the fit of a helmet seriously. You won’t last long on the saddle otherwise. We tried the adjustment dial and the chin straps and they do an admirable job. A minor drawback is that on a windy day, the helmet tends to ride back a little because of the small vizor in the front. It is removable so it’s not a deal buster. For the money, it offers a good value and we don’t think you can go wrong getting this.
05 Thousand Adult Anti-Theft Guarantee Bike Helmet
Thousands go by a simple ideology. Minimalistic yet functionally superior with a broad range of specs, their avowed goal is to get more people to don helmets. It comes in a great fabric bag which is handy to carry your helmet These helmets have brown leather strips on them giving them a hipster look. Dark foam plastic constitutes the inner layer to which is glued the outer layer. It has a retro feel about it.
A thousand helmets have at the back and at the top, cooling-off channels. This is absent in other skull cap helmets.
The unique feature of this helmet is the discreet pop lock. A small hatch with magnets is provided at the bottom rear. It virtually goes unnoticed because it’s the logo. A rubber band that is detachable is affixed so that the bike lock also takes in the helmet. We tried it at a local store selling locks and but one type, it fitted all. You can leave the helmet securely there and it is anti-theft. In fact, Thousand offers to replace your helmet free if it were to get stolen.
We thought the strap system was a bit too minimalistic but it stood up well to our tests. The attaching system utilizes a magnetic buckle. We mimicked helmet-on-head tests but it held. We tried to simulate crash conditions but the strapping system and buckle stood their ground. For peace of mind, we feel the magnet should be stronger.
Comfort and fit are not like in traditional helmets that use a knurled knob at the back. Here, the adjustments are by the strap and it gives a great fit.
It comes in three sizes-small, medium, and large, the large weighing just 490g.
It meets CPSC standards as well as EN 1078 standards. This involves intense testing on the field of vision, shock absorption, the fastening device, and retention system.
Pros
- Guarantee of anti-theft
- Lightweight
- Great choice in selection.
- Cute looking & Stylish
Cons
- No XS size
- Doesn’t support locks with a 27mm width.
Our Verdict
A helmet has one purpose only; to protect your head in a crash. If you do get involved in a crash, your helmet’s integrity has been compromised. Change it. Thousand helmets have their own special niche. It’s ideal for commuting but not for mountain biking. You can use it while riding a Ripstick. It is a great buy and is available for sale in many colors including gold with an impeccable rubberized finish.
Why You Need a Scooter Helmet
This is oft-repeated and will be till people fully appreciate that it is no different from DUI. A misconception is that scooting does not attain the high speeds that can cause injury in a fall. Totally wrong. You can reach breakneck speeds especially going downhill and a fall will certainly not leave you unscathed. For that reason, you need other protective gear like padded shorts, elbow and knee guards too.
Scooter helmets are not very expensive and the quality is important. Invest in a good brand and a chin strap is a crucial element so that the helmet is not dislodged. A knock on the head can be fatal not to mention hospital costs. So get wise. Don’t ride without a helmet.
What to Look For in an Ideal Scooter Helmet
1. Build Material
A conventional scooter helmet is a composite of two principal protective components. There is the outer shell that is hard and thin. It can be of polycarbonate plastic, Kevlar or fiberglass. Kevlar is the strongest of the three.
A thick, soft liner is the second component. This is located as an inner liner and consists of expanded polystyrene or a foam compound known as polypropylene “EPS”. A large number of helmets in use by motorcycles and scooters employ this construction arrangement. The outer shell absorbs the impact and distributes it over the helmet; the inner liner dampens the shock further.
2. Fit
Helmets should position themselves low so that the entire forehead is encased but eyebrows exposed. Once placed on the head, take a moment to verify that your field of vision is not impaired or obstructed in any way. If you look up, the rim of the helmet should be clearly visible. Skull shapes are varied.
So when purchasing a helmet, verify all aspects that it is a good fit. It should never be too constricting nor slack. If it does not fit well, do not buy it.
3. Road Safety Rating
Do make sure your helmet is certified for scooter riding. Federal protocols are in place that make it mandatory for companies to certify their products. If it does not, avoid buying it. Audio pockets are provided in some helmets which enable the rider to hear external sounds.
A majority of helmets abide by DOT FMVSS 218 and also M2010 standards. The most indicative is a CPSC (Consumer Protection Safety Commission) rating which is a genuine guarantee. It is a mandatory certification for a helmet to be sold in the US. But sadly wearing a helmet in all State is not compulsory.
4. Weight
Does wearing a helmet make your head heavy? Then you need to take a closer look into the helmet you are using. All is not lost. The market has a wide range of lighter and heavier models. A general rule is that the heavier a helmet is, the stronger it is. For toddlers below 2-year old, make sure the weight is not too much.
A material frequently used is ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and polycarbonate. This is alright for short trips. But longer hauls will make your neck ache which drags in another problem. Helmets that are lighter are more aerodynamic and easy on the neck. They are constructed of thermoplastic shells.
5. Face Shield
Choosing a helmet with a face shield is of great importance. There is a wide choice here to fall back on. A recommended face shield for regular riders is the one that comes with a full face visor. This will protect the face from bugs, debris, dust, and wind. They can wreak deadly damage at higher speeds.
The other option is a half visor which protects the upper half of the face. Vision is better with these and the eyes are well protected. These helmets are for average users.
6. Outer Shell & Color
Here we are talking thermoplastics or fiber-reinforced composite. This is rugged stuff. The force of impact is absorbed and efficiently absorbed by compression diffusing the destructive energy well before it can be transmitted to your head.
Color is another important part of the helmet. We recommend users choosing bright colors so they are detetable from every where. Visibility is important when you are down the road. You can choose beautifully bright graphics too. Some are funny, some scary. The bottomlime is, they should grab attention for the purpose of safety. Most common colors are white, shiny black, teal, purple, bright yellow, orange, pink, gold, blue, cyan and red.
7. Impact Absorbing Liner
This is the second field of defense. The dense layer of polystyrene padding is provided to cushion and soak up any residual shock.
8. Field of Vision
Avoid helmets that do not afford a full uninterrupted field of vision. Any compromise on this could be fatal. The eyeport area should be enlarged so you enjoy a full field of vision including a reasonable peripheral range. It should be provided with top vents so that you can avail the Shutoff options.
9. Type
- a) Open Face- You need to smoke or to scratch your face. Maybe it is a hot day and you need some wind on your face. If you are a Harley hog and need to share banter or listen to what is going on around you. Then this type will suit you admirably. You have fewer blind spots too. A word of caution, protect your eyes by strapping on sunglasses.
- b) Full Face- This encompasses the whole of your face and gives the maximum protection from the elements, noise, and bugs. There is no need to don sunglasses additionally. Aerodynamically they are superior. The mini air vents would provide enough ventilation.
- c) Modular or Flip-up- This type is a hybrid of the above two. The vizor is in two sections; upper and lower. The lower flap can be flipped up and you have a semi-open face type of helmet. So you actually end up with the best of both worlds. For testing, they are treated as full-face. Stay advised, it is an offense to ride with a helmet in the open position if it is unapproved.
10. Comfort
When it comes to skating shoes and helmets, you can’t compromise with the level of comfort. Two features contribute to the level of comfort. One is weight. Lightweight helmets sit easily and on long runs do not put any strain on your neck. Secondly, it must have a top-rated air-flow venting mechanism. Noise muffling is next on the list.
11. Ventilation
Decent ventilation is extremely important from the angle of comfort and also for health. Clean air keeps your head cool and fresh under the lid. You need to look carefully for inlet and outlet vents at the top and sides and the spacing. The vents should be designed such that they can be operated with gloved hands.
A good ventilation arrangement should allow wind to flow onto the face and head. The capability of complete shutoff is a must. Vents on the chin are very desirable as they do not allow fogging up of the vizor.
12. State legislation
In the US there are three separate provisions that may be adopted by states- Universal law, Partial law, and No law. The Federal Government has always tried to encourage states to implement Universal law. Some observations- 97% of riders in states that have adopted Universal law wear helmets with 87% being federal safety compliant. The Universal law is applicable to both rider and pillion.
19 states have adopted Universal law, 28 have some laws and 3 have no laws.
13. Warranty
This is an important consideration just as it would be were you to buy a new motorcycle or whatever. People who have purchased low-end helmets may not be so particular but for those who have shelled out serious bucks, it takes a different outlook.
First, we need to enquire, when does the meter start clocking. Usually, this would be the purchase date. Or it could be the date of manufacture. Sometimes both. But in all fairness, it should be from the date it came into your possession.
What is covered exactly is the other aspect. Cutting through the legal-speak, basically, buyers are protected from faulty workmanship or defective materials. Damage to a helmet arising from a crash or if it has been modified in any way whereby the integrity is compromised is not covered. Manufacturers use vague terms like improper storage and misuse to wriggle out.
On the topic of length of the warranty, this can be a measly 12 months, a 3-year or 5-years which is the maximum offered.
Scooter Helmet Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Helmets are meant to be used at all times and in all conditions- rain, mud, heatwaves, slush, well you get the picture. It fulfills an important role; safeguarding your head. It is continually battered by the ordeals of the road. With the knowledge of how to clean and maintain your helmet, you will be rescued from being engulfed by the clammy interior lining but will also lengthen the life of your helmet.
1. Things You’ll Need
- Microfiber rags
- Toothbrush
- Baby shampoo
- Warm water
- Compressed air
2. Remove external accessories and all electronics
This is commonly overlooked and can be disastrous. They will get damaged when you get down to washing the helmet.
3. The helmet’s interior needs to be removed
This differs from make to make. Generally, a few strategic tugs are all that is required. Some are attached with snaps, magnets or some such artifice. Be guided by your manual.
4. The helmet’s outer shell is to be prepared
Caked-on dirt and bugs should be loosened first. Take a microfiber towel, soak it in warm water and cover the helmet’s exterior with it. This will gently soften up the dried up gook making cleaning easy later without scratching the helmet. Leave the towel on for some time.
5. Clean the internal lining
The interior is one area that requires thorough cleaning. Remove the liners and pads and dunk them in a bucket of warm water with baby shampoo. Scrub and clean each piece separately. Baby shampoo is both gentle and effective. Allow drying well.
6. Clean the helmet’s exterior
Remove the microfiber towel and using a fresh one, wipe down with warm water. Use the toothbrush for hard to reach spots. Never use solvents or cleaning solutions. Just plain, warm water.
7. If needed, blow out the vents
Vent channels do get clogged with dirt or bugs. A zap of compressed air will do the trick in clearing them.
8. Clean the Face Shield
Indiscriminate rubbing of the face shield will have the protective coatings eroded. Modern helmets have coatings for UV protection, anti-fog and so on. Follow the same procedure as with cleaning the exterior. Again use just plain warm water.
9. Wipe down the internal sun shield
Internal sun shields do not get dirty. A drop-down vizor can get a bit dusty. A quick spray of water followed by a microfiber cloth wipe down is all it takes.
10. Reassemble the helmet
Start with the internal ling and pads. Then refix the face shield and other parts you have removed.
Your helmet is now as good as new. Bear in mind never to use solvents and carry out this maintenance routine regularly. A clean, nice smelling helmet is the foundation of an enjoyable ride.
Final Words
Helmets are responsible for protecting a vulnerable part of our body; the head, and that’s why we’ve left no stone unturned in reviewing these products. We ran tests, evaluated reviews, and spoke to manufacturers/experts to cover all crucial parts. The things that matter the most when choosing the perfect helmet are the fit, the weight, and the cooling.
Don’t fall over the flashy looks of a helmet. Focus on comfort, security, and convenience. Don’t forget to wear a helmet every time you ride. Get yourself a quality scooter helmet and ride responsibly.
FAQs
1. What is the best way for a scooter helmet to fit?
Ans.
- When donned with a helmet that is full-faced, the cheeks and helmet should maintain contact with the sides of the helmet when you swivel your head to either side, that is the helmet must move with your head. If the head rotates freely, the helmet is too big.
- The chinstrap should only allow only two fingers in the gap of the strap and jaw.
- Place a hand on the helmet’s back and push it forward. Now try to insert your small finger between the vizor aperture that is your helmet lining and forehead. If room exists that accommodates more than the tip of the little finger, you have a bigger helmet.
- With the chin strap secured, push up chin bar with one hand. The helmet, if it gets dislodged, is too big. Place a hand at the back of the helmet and push upwards this time. Same result? The helmet is oversized.
- Lastly, wear the helmet for a minimum of 10 minutes to gauge the feel. Hidden pressure points being created will show up.
2. How are scooter helmet sizes measured?
Ans. The circumference of your head at the forehead is the measurement we are looking for here. Helmet sizes reflect this measurement. The measuring tape should be drawn tautly and level over the ears, across the forehead, and around the natural bump at the back of the skull.
3. How much do stunt scooter helmets cost?
Ans. The affordable ones come for less than $100 and a top-of-the-line model will set you back by $1000. You can get pretty decent helmets in the range $150-$200.
4. Are helmets mandatory for scooter riders?
Ans. Many states have their own legislation about this and you need not wear a helmet. But the bottom line is wearing a helmet is cool, not the other way round.
5. Can a scooter helmet be used for biking?
Ans. Generally speaking a CPSC certified helmet can be used for both biking and for riding a scooter but not for other activities such as mountain biking or long boarding.
6. Which scooter helmet is rated safest?
Ans. The Razor V-17 is a good bet because it fits both adults and children. The Bell Qualifier is another good choice. In general, a full face helmet is the safest.
7. Does riding an electric scooter require the need to wear a helmet?
Ans. Absolutely you should. Many people refrain from it in an attempt to look cool or do not want to mess up their hair. But the right thing to do is to wear a helmet. Some states do not require wearing a helmet.
8. Which states are exempt from helmet laws?
Ans. Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshir have no helmet laws in place
8. Should I replace my helmet after a collision?
Ans. Yes. This is because most helmets belong to the “single impact” category and their EPS cores are unable to regain the original form or strength once compressed due to a hard knock or collision.
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