Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a complete novice, there’s one thing you know for sure: E-bikes are awesome. They offer a smooth ride, unmatched power, and great flexibility. In fact, they’ve become so popular that even the government is getting in on the action. But before you hit the streets on one of these machines, there are a few things you need to know. Chief among them is the importance of wearing a helmet when riding an e-bike.
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Why Wear a Helmet When Riding an E-Bike?
Safety
Source: mensjournal.com
Safety always comes first when you are a participant in traffic. Even though the law in most states allows riders under the age of 18 to operate an e-bike without wearing a helmet, it is still important to follow safety rules in order to reduce the risk of injury. Here are some safety reasons why you should always wear one when riding an e-bike:
Reduced the risk of head injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 90 percent. Injuries from collisions with other bicycles or pedestrians are the most common type of head injury, accounting for more than 50 percent of all bicycle fatalities each year.
Prevent brain injuries. A study published in The Journal of Head Trauma found that helmets can help prevent brain injuries in cycling accidents. Researchers studied data from over 10,000 cyclists who had been involved in crashes in the last 10 years and found that those who didn’t wear helmets were twice as likely to have a brain injury that required hospitalization than those who did wear one
Become More Visible to Drivers
There are a few ways to become more visible to drivers by wearing a helmet. One way is to make sure that you always have one on hand, even when you’re not riding your bike. Another way is to make sure that your helmet is brightly colored and easy to see. Colors like orange, red, bright yellow, or green are great choices since they are visible from a distance. And lastly, you can try to ride in traffic with the flow of traffic, rather than against it. All of these things will help make you more visible to drivers and hopefully reduce the number of accidents that occur involving cyclists.
Setting an Example for the Children
Source: mdrjump.de
Kids learn by watching and modeling, so if you wear a helmet, they will too. Setting an example for the children is important. Not only will it help them understand the importance of wearing one, but it will also teach them the importance of respecting safety guidelines. By wearing a helmet, you are demonstrating to your children that safety is always number one and that they should always take precautions when riding their bikes or walking around. You can also encourage them to read safety warnings and follow all instructions when it comes to staying safe.
What are the different types of helmets for e-bikes?
Full-face helmets: These are the most common type of head protection and are typically recommended for riders who plan to ride in dense urban traffic or on long rides where they may be at risk of getting hit by a car. They provide good protection from head impacts, but they can be bulky and restrictive when worn. They’re also not ideal if you plan to ride at speeds above 20 mph, as the wind can whip around inside the helmet and cause discomfort. Find one at bicicleta.
Half-face helmets are less effective in protecting against head impacts, but are more comfortable to wear than full-face helmets, as they don’t press against your face as much. However, half-face models aren’t as protective against head injuries in crashes, so if you’re particularly concerned about safety, choose a full-face helmet over a half-face model.
Bike hats are another type of helmet that offers some protection from head impacts but is primarily designed to prevent dust and debris from entering your hair while you’re riding. They telegraph to other drivers that you’re riding a bike, but they’re not recommended for use in dense urban traffic or on long rides.
How to Choose the Right Helmet for Your E-Bike Ride
Source: bikebiz.com
It is important to select a helmet that fits well. Most helmets come in different sizes and shapes, so it is important to find one that will fit snugly and properly. You shouldn’t be able to feel any air circulation on the inside of the helmet and it should sit level on your head.
Second, make sure the helmet you select is DOT certified. This certifies that it has been tested and meets safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Think about how you will use your bike helmet. If you plan on riding at moderate speeds, then a traditional cycling helmet may be sufficient. However, if you are looking to go faster or do more aggressive stunts, then an e-bike-specific helmet may be better suited for you. Some models come with built-in protection for both front and back impacts, while others only protect against frontal impacts. It is important to choose one that provides adequate protection for your chosen activity.
Finally, consider what type of e-bike you have. If you have an electric mountain bike or a dual-sport bike that has an electric assist system (also known as an eMTB), then a standard cycling helmet may not fit properly because these bikes have larger motors and battery packs located between the rider’s legs.
Conclusion
When you ride an e-bike, it is important to wear a helmet because of the risks that come with riding an electric bike. Not wearing one increases your risk of sustaining head injuries, which can lead to long-term damage or even death. If you are ever in doubt about whether or not to wear a helmet, err on the side of safety and wear one! Not only will this decision keep you safer in traffic, but can also make you look cool.
