Scooter Helmets that Keep You Safe and Stylish

So, trying to find an e-scooter helmet out there that won't make you look like a complete dork? Good luck. HA, just kidding! Really, safety first, but no reason you can't do it with a dash of panache.

Companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin offering shareable scooters in urban areas across the country all highly recommend using a helmet. When you download their app and register for their service, you agree to waive any responsibility they may have if you take a spill. In other words, there's nothing between your skull and the pavement, and there's nothing they'll do to help clean up the mess.

But you already knew that because you're a clever, contract-combing citizen who'd never dream of signing up for such potentially-dangerous activities without first understanding the waiver clauses! The next step, therefore, is to add accessories. In particular, helmets.

We've compiled a short list of scooter-acceptable helmet styles that will make people say "Hey, there goes a good-looking, responsible commuter" rather than "Hey, there goes a giant 10-year-old." If Steve McQueen were still around today, this would be his consideration set. Okay, okay, if the King of Cool were still around today, he'd be cruising to the studio on his motorcycle. But, let's pretend for a second that his bike's in the shop and he needs another form of transportation to get him to whatever obviously-awesome movie he's filming at the moment.

Our selection includes a range of helmet styles, all meeting (and many exceeding) the standards required for e-scooters. Just as important, it offers a more fun, hip set of affordable options than you might come across in Walmart. It's all about looking like a cosmopolitan metropolitan in between downtown destinations, right?

Bike Helmet Pick: Thousand Heritage

Not every helmet is a crossover helmet that can be used in different sports like cycling and skating, as we explain in our post on kids' bike helmets. In this case, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute have both deemed bicycle helmets to be acceptable for scooters. This is because scooters reach max speeds of 15mph under their own power, which is below the CPSC's 20mph limit.

Thousand is one of the newer helmet brands on the biking block. Founded by community-minded cyclists, Thousand's products are built with form in mind as much as function. And with retro being in vogue across the social spectrum right now, the brand's vintage-style Heritage line offers the kind of helmet you actually want to wear.

Featuring a finger-friendly magnetic buckle, sweat-free microfiber straps, seven vents with internal air channeling, and a subtle built-in visor, Heritage helmets are primo examples of old-school flair meets new-school tech. They also come with a Helmet Thief Guarantee! The shell's logo pops out to reveal an opening for your chain or U-Lock. This means you don't have to drag it around the office, store, or restaurant with you. Nifty, huh?

Head size (cm)	59–62 Large 57–59 Medium 54–57 Small
Price	$85
Where to buy	Amazon

Collapsible Helmet Pick: Overade Plixi Fit

But I don't want to carry that thing around!

Hey, we get it. Head protection is often bulky and not the easiest thing to fit into your purse, backpack, tote bag, satchel, or whatever else you use to carry your essentials.

But, boy do we have news for you! Our friends at French brand Overade have developed a foldable helmet that complies with all the usual safety certifications. It's one of those inventions that leaves you scolding yourself for not thinking of it first.

When snapped into place, the Plixi features an adjustable fit system, 14 vents for circulation, and chin protection on the straps. When folded, its volume is reduced to a third of its original size. It even comes with a fabric pouch to protect it from wear and tear while rolling around in your bag. Oh, and it looks good. Real good.

Head size (cm)	59–62 XL/Large 54–58 Medium/Small
Price	€99 (approx. $115)
Where to buy	Amazon

Small Motorized Vehicle Helmet Pick: Galaxy AR15

Now we're getting into speedier territory. Things like mopeds, powered scooters (the ones you sit on), motorized bikes, and so on all require a step up from your basic cycling shell. That doesn't mean you need to look like a rolling Storm Trooper, but the additional protection can go a long way when danger strikes. They work just as well on e-scooters, meaning you don't need to go bonkers on an extensive helmet collection.

One design gaining a lot of traction is the low-profile "copter" style. Galaxy Helmet's Sniper AR15 is a sharp, clean example of this retro look in action. Safety is Galaxy's top priority, meaning its products perform just as well as they look. The AR15 features a hard thermoplastic outer shell on top of an impact-absorbing EPS foam layer. Its 3/4, open-face, bobber structure also sports a drop-down face shield for mug protection. Integrated snaps give you the opportunity to attach other accessories like visors, another nice touch.

You've never looked so good on a Lime (or Vespa).

Head size (cm)	61–62 XL 59–60 Large 57–58 Medium 55–56 Small
Price	$95
Where to buy	Amazon

Classic Moto Helmet Pick: TORC T-50

If you've got a range of two-wheeled options in the garage and don't feel like switching back and forth between caps, there's nothing wrong with an all-out motorcycle helmet. If they're good enough to protect Hells Angels on Route 66, they're good enough to protect Birdbrains on Main Street.

And like we said, throwback is in. Few helmet brands understand this as well as TORC, the second largest helmet manufacturer in the world. The classic look and slim fit of its T-50 model sets the standard for vintage authenticity. It also easily checks the box for protection plus comfort. The advanced thermo polymer alloy shell ends in a chrome trim before meeting the ultra-suede inner comfort liner. The cheek pads are removable and washable to keep you feeling clean on the road as well.

The T-50 comes in a range of artistic designs. Plain matte and gloss finishes, patriotic Americana, Magic 8 Ball… they offer something for everyone. After all, like they say, you can't spell moTORCycle without TORC. Cute.

Head size (cm)	63–64 XXL 61–62 XL 59–60 Large 57–58 Medium 55–56 Small 53–54 XS
Price	$95
Where to buy	Amazon

Kid's Helmet Pick: Razor V-17

Even though this particular post is geared toward the adult scooter commuter, some of those adults may very well have kids who will test their mettle on powered metal one day soon. At this stage, a full-fledged TORC may be a bit aggressive (not to mention ill-fitting). Electric vehicles designed specifically for children stay at low speeds for obvious reasons. This once again makes bike helmets a perfectly acceptable protective layer for their fragile, growing domes.

Razor is making its mark on the scene as a manufacturer of all kinds of wheeled fun from scooters to dune buggies. To keep users intact, they also produce safety equipment. Its V-17 hard hat is specifically molded for young riders. Simple yet sleek, the V-17 is certified for multiple activities such as biking and skating, making it popular among the 8–14 crowd. The ergonomic design, 17 air vents, side-release strap buckles, and adjustable padding all represent the kinds of features you'd expect from a safe and stylish modern bike (and scooter) helmet.

For more kids' lids that won't make their eyes reflexively roll all the way to the back of their heads, check out our review of eight of the trendiest youth helmets on the market right now.

Head size (cm)	21.5–23 Child
Price	$30
Where to buy	Amazon

Boom. Five different styles for five different walks (rides?) of life. Regardless of what you choose—whether it's from our humble list or otherwise—the important thing is that you do, in fact, choose something. Not only do we want to keep that gorgeous yearbook photo looking pristine, we know about the short- and long-term effects of brain damage. And when you're flying down the street on a Bird, a fashionable piece of plastic and some foam can make all the difference.

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