Last modified on March 12th, 2022 at 10:18 am
What You Should Wear When Riding An Electric Scooter
Electric scooters have emerged as a great ‘last-mile solution’ for commuters. For people who want to reduce their commute time, avoid public transport and lower their carbon footprint, there’s no better mode of transport than the e-scooter.
Riding an electric scooter is incredibly fun and is a great choice if you have a need for speed. Some models can even reach speeds of up to 50 km/h, which is why it’s also important to think about what you’re going to wear to protect yourself before you step onto your e-scooter.
This guide will explain:
· Why wearing a helmet is a must
· What types of helmets can be worn
· Other protective gear to wear
Always Wear A Helmet
Every time you get on your electric scooter, you should wear a helmet. While many countries don’t have mandatory helmet laws, a helmet can be the difference between life and death.
Research conducted by the University of NSW showed that cycling fatalities almost halved since mandatory helmet laws were introduced in Australia during the ‘90s. No matter how good a rider you are, a helmet is a necessity because there is always danger from other motorists, slippery roads, and other road hazards.
Choose an electric scooter helmet carefully. Some helmets haven’t been tested and may not be approved to be worn on the road in your country, so always check that the helmet meets safety standards. While safety is your main concern, pick a helmet that you know you’ll wear. There’s no point buying a helmet that is uncomfortable or blocks part of your vision.
What Type Of Helmet Should I Wear?
Some people may ask – can I wear my bike helmet on my electric scooter?
The answer is: yes.
Bike helmets are perfectly fine to wear while riding an electric scooter, and if you’ve already got a bike helmet that you’re comfortable wearing, fits you well and meets safety standards, then there’s no need to buy another helmet.
However, electric scooters can reach speeds much quicker than a regular bicycle so consider wearing a motorbike or moped helmet which offers more protection.
Bicycle Helmet
The advantage of bicycle helmets is that they are light, small, and can easily be clipped onto handlebars or attached to your bag when not in use. Some bicycle helmets are even foldable, so they can be conveniently folded and stored away when needed.
Motorcycle Or Moped Helmet
A motorcycle helmet will give you maximum protection as it will not only protect your head, but also the sides of your face and neck. Many motorcycle or moped helmets also come with a face shield to protect the eyes.
The downside to a moped or motorcycle helmet is that these types of helmets tend to be heavier duty so can be a pain to carry around. They are also more expensive than bicycle helmets, but your personal safety should be your main priority.
What Else Should I Wear On An Electric Scooter?
Just like a motorcyclist, every time you get on an electric scooter you should wear the right protective gear, not only to protect yourself if you’re in an accident, but also from the elements.
Before you go riding, assess the risks and dress appropriately for:
· Riding at night
· Riding in bad weather (eg. snow, rain, fog)
· Riding at high speeds
· Riding on roads with high traffic without bike/electric scooter lane
Protecting Your Hands
Gloves are the best way to protect your hands when riding an electric scooter. It’s instinctive for humans to put their hands out when they fall, which is why our hands usually take most of the impact. We need our hands for so many jobs: writing, typing, cooking, etc., which is why wearing electric scooter gloves can help lessen the blow.
Wearing gloves can not only prevent cuts, but can also keep your hands warm. Rain, wind and snow are just some weather conditions where it’s beneficial to wear gloves. They can also give you extra grip as you whizz along the road.
Protection At Night
Many electric scooters have back headlights, but for extra visibility, consider wearing a reflective jacket or pants. This will allow other motorists to see you better and also provides warmth. Many reflective jackets and pants are lined with fleece to make your ride more enjoyable and comfortable.
In closing, choose the right protection for your electric scooter ride. Here are the key takeaways:
· Motorcycle or moped helmets offer the most protection for the head and neck
· Assess possible risks before you ride
· Gloves protect your hands and keep them warm
· Reflective gear will make you more visible in the evening to other motorists