How to choose a scooter helmet?
Responsible parents and adult riders who do not want to risk their health are faced with the question of choosing a helmet for a scooter. It is believed that the helmet is the best protection for riding a children's stunt or adult electric scooter. At the same time, even people who are quite disciplined in other areas of life often neglect the purchase of equipment, forgetting about safety. But if the question is whether a child needs a helmet, it is worth considering all possible factors - from a dog that accidentally jumped out on the way to an unnoticed lamp post.
The helmet is just one part of the safety precautions, and also another way to make the person on the scooter visible to others. It is definitely not worth neglecting them both during leisurely riding in the park and on special ramps. And what kind of helmet will help protect your head best and whether a bicycle helmet is suitable for this, you need to figure it out in more detail.
Why is protection needed?
A scooter helmet is often viewed by occasional riders as an unnecessary accessory. In practice, protection may never be needed, and in the heat it will contribute to the deterioration of thermoregulation. But this is not a reason to refuse it. And although a helmet is not a mandatory requirement even when driving an electric scooter on transport roads, in an accident it may well save health and life.
In the case of children, everything should be strictly on the part of the parents. It is better not to allow children to ride a scooter without a helmet. When falling, the baby can hit the back of the head or forehead - it is in this case that protection is needed. In trick skating, the use of full protection is also a mandatory element of safety.
In addition, the long hair pulled under the helmet is much less distracting when performing a maneuver or jumping, where the rider's concentration on riding technique is very important.
Choice for stunt riding
When performing jumps and difficult tricks on a scooter, the rider often performs quite risky movements that can easily lead to a fall and injury. In this case, the head is no less vulnerable than the elbows and knees. A protective helmet for stunt riding must:
- provide the most complete protection;
- fit snugly to the head;
- withstand direct contact with a hard surface;
- do not create excessive noise insulation;
- maintain sufficient visibility.
The optimal solution for training and performing tricks in the park and special areas will be full-fledged bowler hat. It completely covers the forehead and back of the head, as well as the temporal regions. It is not superfluous to choose a model with additional chin protection, which allows you to soften the blow when falling face forward. It is very important that the "bowler hat" has a convenient adjustment in size and reliable locks that do not loosen during movement.
Helmet to the child
It is customary to perceive an ordinary children's scooter for preschoolers as a toy. But on a slippery surface or an accidentally encountered obstacle, even such a model can cause serious injuries.... Of course, no one can oblige parents to use equipment. However, it is absolutely necessary for those who learn to ride or are inclined to risky stunts, gaining speed, poorly coordinating movements.
A properly sized helmet will reduce the risk of injury from falls... In addition, the bones of a child's skull are much softer and more fragile than those of adults, and the skin is thin. And you also need to take into account the fact that babies still do not know how to group correctly, therefore they often lean back with their backs. To prevent a concussion or other unpleasant consequences from getting to know your own extreme transport first in life, you should take care of choosing a helmet for your child right along with the purchase of a scooter.
When choosing a children's helmet, you need to pay attention to the following parameters.
- The size. It is determined by the circumference of the head. Children's models are designed for a head circumference of 45-50 cm (S) and 50-55 cm (M).
- Regulation and protection level... It is better to choose models of helmets with non-slip soft straps or special protective pads, a booster for the chin. The child should be able to put on and take off the equipment without assistance.
- Origin of goods... The helmet must be new in any case. In addition, if the fall took place, and the blow fell on the protection of the head, then even in the absence of visible damage, you will have to buy a new helmet. This is a recommendation from the equipment manufacturers, as micro-damage can make the helmet a useless accessory, as it may not provide adequate safety if dropped again.
- Ease. Children's equipment models are produced in the most lightweight version, but without compromising safety.
- Degree of protection. For children, it is better to choose not fashionable "caps", but a full-fledged "bowler hat", especially in the case of extreme or high-speed skiing.
In this case, you will need to supplement the helmet with glasses or a protective visor.
Head protection for adults
Adult skiers do not consider it necessary to wear a helmet on their heads when walking or driving on smooth asphalt. For an electric scooter that moves much faster (up to 40 km / h), and also often on public roads, it is still better to choose protection. The best solution for high-speed or long-term skiing is a fitness helmet with ventilation holes, soft lining and a sun visor.Unlike the helmets used by cyclists, this protection has a shock-resistant booster in the back. Besides, such protection creates less inconvenience than a full-fledged closed "bowler hat".
For riding an electric scooter or high-speed models of ordinary scooters, you can purchase special helmets with a video recorder and built-in headphones. Such protective devices are more expensive, but they allow you to leave your hands free while riding only for control, but also indulge in entertainment. In the event of a collision, a miniature camera will record what is happening, and then help, if necessary, to prove that you are right.
Top brands
Several companies can be noted among the creators of high-quality skiing equipment.
- Wipeout. The American company is a recognized authority on the protective equipment market. Children's helmets are easy to customize with the included stencils and bright erasable markers.
- Globber. French manufacturer, European market leader in the field of protective equipment. You can pick up helmets for children, adults, teenagers. In addition, it presents a wide range of scooters.
- Inflame. A company specializing in motorcycle equipment. Creates helmets for extreme skiing. Products are manufactured in China.
- Reaction. Brand owned by Sportmaster. Budget sports protection for children and adults is presented by helmets of various configurations.
With the equipment of these manufacturers, you can safely go to the busiest paths of parks or city streets, while being confident in your protection.
For information on how to choose a helmet for riding a scooter, see the next video.