Riding a scooter can be one of the most convenient ways to get around your city. It’s becoming increasingly popular in the United States as a means of quick and fuel-efficient transportation. It has been popular in Europe for many years.
If you are planning to ride a scooter, then you need to invest in a helmet to protect your head. Check out this buyer’s guide for the best quality scooter helmets available.
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Do I Need a Helmet for Scootering?
We always recommend safety first in all of your moto or mechanic adventures. It is crucial to invest in a piece of equipment to protect your brain, which is the most important part of your body.
Most states require that you wear a helmet on a scooter. When you are involved in a scooter or motorcycle accident, the risk of injury to your head is around 36%, even while wearing a helmet.
Scooter Helmet Sizing Guide - How to Measure and Fit
Now that you’ve chosen the best product for you from our list above, it’s time to take some measurements to make sure you’re getting the right size. In order for your helmet to offer the most protection, it needs to fit properly. It should fit snugly in the cheeks and head with no pockets or hot spots for airflow.
There are three general head shapes that most helmets come in; round oval, intermediate oval, and long oval. A round oval head shape means that your head is similar sizes, both lengthwise and widthwise. The term intermediate oval, which is the most common head shape, means that your head is slightly longer than it is wide. A long oval head shape means that your head is much longer than it is wide.
image source: nhtsa.gov
Next, we will learn how to find the circumference of our head in order to get the right size. Follow these steps below to measure your head.
- 1Place the end of a measuring tape just above your eyebrows.
- 2Wrap the measuring tape around your head to the thickest part of the back of your head. Record the measurements.
- 3Cross-reference the circumference to a motorcycle helmet size chart to determine your size.
Scooter Helmets Compared
What Type of Helmet to Wear on a Scooter
Helmet Type
The most common models are full face, open face, and half shell. The most protective type of scooter helmet is a full-face helmet. It protects your chin and head, which takes most of the impact. An open face helmet, also called a ¾ helmet, does not protect your chin, but it does protect the top and sides of your head. The least protective is a half shell, which protects just the top of your head.
Usage Frequency
You should consider how often you will use your scooter helmet. If you only ride your scooter a short distance once a week, then a half or ¾ helmet should work for you. If you use your scooter as your daily driver, you should invest in a full face helmet.
Helmet Shell Construction
There are two considerations for the composition of your scooter helmet; the outer shell and inner core. They are usually made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or polycarbonate. Fiberglass is the cheapest, but it is still durable and lightweight. Polycarbonate is the most popular material. It is lighter than fiberglass and more durable. Carbon fiber is by far the lightest and best material, but it can set you back quite a few dollars. The inner lining is made of EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam.
image source: motorcycleid.com
Helmet Weight and Size
When you ride a scooter, you sit more upright. You don’t want your helmet to be too heavy for your sitting position or frame. Check the weight of your helmet before purchasing it. The lightest option is a half shell helmet, while the full face models will be heaviest. You should also ensure that you are getting the right size by referring to our size guide below.
Road Safety Rating
The common safety certifications for scooter helmets are DOT, ECE, and SNELL. The DOT safety rating is required for scootering in the US. Almost 50 European countries recognize the ECE certification. SNELL is the most advanced rating. It focuses more on intense racing motorcycle helmets.
Visibility and Protection
While you’re riding, you need to have an almost peripheral view so that you can see other motorists and vehicles. One important element of any helmet is the face shield. You can use a smoked shield to block out the sun. You can use an anti-fog shield to make sure you can see on cold days.
Convenience, Comfort, and Fit
Your scooter helmet should be easy to use, wear, and clean. Many of the modern helmets have easy to clean outer shells as well as anti-scratch face shields. One comfort feature that is essential for hot weather is a venting system. Most full face motorbike helmets come with forehead vents to expel hot air.
Helmet Closures
Your moped helmet needs to stay on your head at all times. We recommend either a ratchet closing system or double D-rings. The most popular is the double D-ring style with a button clip. These ensure that you get a type fit that will hold. The ratchet-style, or quick release, is much easier to get on with gloves.
image source: fulmerpowersports.com
Price and Warranty
We have included a helmet type for every budget in our reviews below. Full face helmets are generally the most expensive but the most protective. Keep this in mind while shopping. All of the scooter helmets below come with a warranty, so make sure you activate it after you make a purchase.
8 Best Scooter Helmets Reviewed
1. Bell Qualifier
Our Top Pick (Full Face)
Shell Material | Polycarbonate |
Helmet Type | Full-face |
Weight | 3.28 lbs |
Face Shield Protection | Yes |
Certification/Safety Rating | DOT |
Warranty | 5 years |
The first product on our list is the best of the best when it comes to protecting your head in style. We chose the Bell Qualifier Full-Face as our top pick for scooter helmets. It comes with the top-notch materials that will keep you comfortable and safe.
The Bell Qualifier comes with an exclusive quick release face shield system so that you can easily swap out visors. It has an adjustable ventilation system that will keep you cool on your way to work. There’s two vents on the top and one on the chin. It comes with a chin curtain that will significantly reduce road and traffic noise. It includes the NutraFog II face shield that is anti-scratch, anti-fog, and UV protective.
We thought that this scooter helmet stood out from its competition. It comes with all of the bells and whistles that you want but without a huge price tag.
Pros
Cons
2. Vega Helmets
Best Half Face Scooter Helmet for Adults
Shell Material | Polycarbonate |
Helmet Type | Half shell |
Weight | 2.2 lbs |
Face Shield Protection | No |
Certification/Safety Rating | DOT |
Warranty | 5 years |
If you are looking for the best helmet to fit riders over the age of 18, this model may work perfectly for you. We named the Vega Helmet as the best scooter helmet for adults. It comes in a half-shell design so it’s lightweight.
This Vega helmet is simple in its design. It offers protection with a couple of frills but nothing too fancy. It weighs only 2.2 lbs, so it’s basically as lightweight as you’re going to find. It comes with a drop-down sun visor, which is a nice added bonus to a half-shell helmet. It doesn’t come with a full face shield, however. It features a quick ratchet closure system.
We liked that this scooter helmet was simple yet effective. Although half shell helmets are the least protective, they will work for quick trips at slow speeds. We liked that the interior included a fine-tuning dial system so that you can get a perfect fit.
Pros
Cons
3. Razor V-17 Youth
Best Kids Scooter Helmet
Shell Material | Synthetic plastic |
Helmet Type | Half shell |
Weight | 1 lb |
Face Shield Protection | No |
Certification/Safety Rating | CPSC |
Warranty | 30 days |
Check out this one if you are looking for a product for one of the little riders in your family. We chose the Razor V-17 Youth as the best kids scooter helmet. It is not approved for motorized scootering, but it can be used with bicycles and skateboards.
Kids need the right gear too, and that’s why we included this helmet. It comes in a classic skater design that is popular with today’s youth. It is made of a hardshell composite plastic. It has an EPS lining for absorbing impact from falls. This helmet features a secure and easy to fasten buckle with adjustable straps. It is covered with vents to keep the little riders from overheating.
We liked that this helmet is a staple of today’s kids when they’re riding around on their bikes, skateboards, and scooters. It is the best one on the market with its CPSC rating. It gives kids the confidence to ride in style and stay safe.
Pros
Cons
4. Pro-Tec Classic
Best Helmet For Electric Scooters
Shell Material | ABS hardshell |
Helmet Type | Half shell |
Weight | 1 lb |
Face Shield Protection | No |
Certification/Safety Rating | CPSC and ASTM |
Warranty | 60 days |
One type of transportation that is becoming increasingly popular as we become more aware of protecting our environment is electric scooters. We chose the Pro-Tec Classic as the best electric scooter helmet.
This model comes in a similar design to the one featured above, but it has more safety features. The Pro-tec Classic is the standard skateboarding helmet for many pros. This model is certified as an EPS helmet, which gives it an added layer of protection. It comes with 11 ventilation holes that will keep you head cool while riding. This bucket style helmet has a secure clip buckle and adjustable straps to keep it in place.
We liked that this helmet came with the certified EPS liner. It gives it more protection than a standard bucket helmet. It is lightweight and ideal for riding an electric scooter around town.
As Kevin from New Jersey said,
Comfortable, low profile with a matte finish. Can't go wrong with the classic.
Pros
Cons
5. 1STORM
Best Open Face Scooter Helmet
Shell Material | Thermoplastic |
Helmet Type | Open face |
Weight | 4.5 lbs |
Face Shield Protection | Yes |
Certification/Safety Rating | DOT |
Warranty | 3 years |
If you're riding a scooter with a smaller engine, you may not need a full face helmet. We chose the 1STORM as the best open face scooter helmet on the market. Open face helmets provide enough protection at lower speeds so that you can be comfortable and safe.
The 1STORM comes with a dual face shied set up. There is an internal drop-down sun visor, as well as a standard faces shield. It will protect the top and sides of your head, but it lacks a chin bar. It comes with a quick-release ratchet enclosure system that works well with gloves. The interior liner is comfortable and removable so that you can wash it.
One thing that we really liked about this helmet was the dual face shield system. You don’t find that on many budget open face helmets. The internal one is tinted to block UV rays while the external ones protect your eyes from bugs and debris.
Pros
Cons
6. Vega Helmets 8529-223
Best Scooter Helmet for Women
Shell Material | ABS thermoplastic |
Helmet Type | Open face |
Weight | 2.3 lbs |
Face Shield Protection | No |
Certification/Safety Rating | DOT |
Warranty | 5 years |
If you are looking for a product that is geared towards female riders, then check out this model. We named the Vega Helmet 8529-223 as the best scooter helmet for women. It offers unique and stylish graphics that are ideal for all the women riders out there.
This Vega helmet comes in an open face design that offers protection to the top and sides of your head. It comes with a mini sun visor that will help protect your eyes, but we still recommend wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear. It has a moisture-wicking inner liner that will keep your head dry in hot conditions. It features the classic double D-ring enclosure system.
We really liked that this helmet was simple and effective. It doesn’t come with many frills, but it will protect you while riding your scooter. Many of the graphic designs were stylish and cool, with the female rider in mind.
Pros
Cons
7. Westt Rover
Best Helmet for a Vespa Scooter
Shell Material | Polycarbonate |
Helmet Type | Open face |
Weight | 2.4 lbs |
Face Shield Protection | Drop-down sun visor |
Certification/Safety Rating | DOT |
Warranty | 5 years |
Some scooters radiate style, appeal, and Italian craftsmanship. One of the most popular scooters in the US and European markets is the Vespa. If you’re looking for a stylish helmet to match your Vespa, then check out this product. We named the Westt Rover as the best helmet for Vespa scooter.
The Westt Rover helmet comes in an open face design. It includes a drop-down sun visor to block harmful UV rays. The polycarbonate shell is lightweight and durable. The inner lining is washable and comfortable.
The most unique feature of this scooter helmet is the interchangeable side pieces. They come in back, grey, and Westt blue. You can swap them out to incorporate a splash of color into your helmet.
We thought that this scooter helmet was innovative in its stylish design. The interchangeable color pieces are a unique way to give each rider their own sense of style. You can swap out the color pieces to match your Vespa scooter.
Pros
Cons
8. Bell Custom 500
Best Vintage Scooter Helmet
Shell Material | Fiberglass |
Helmet Type | Open face |
Weight | 2.41 lbs |
Face Shield Protection | No |
Certification/Safety Rating | DOT |
Warranty | 5 years |
This model is known to be the helmet that started it all. The original vintage style helmet from Bell is now upgraded from its previous version. We named the Bell Custom 500 as the best vintage scooter helmet available.
The Bell Custom 500 has recently been upgraded to offer a much better fit and profile. It sits lower on your head, so you don't have that bobblehead effect. It comes with a vintage-inspired quilted inner liner. This liner isn’t removable, so keep that in mind when shopping. It comes with five snaps so that you can add a variety of different face shields. It features a double D-ring enclosure that has a quick pull tab.
We thought that this helmet offered an excellent bang for your buck factor in a unique vintage style. We liked that the profile sits low on your head, so it felt smooth when riding with little wind effect.
According to Grant’s review,
Wear this helmet year-round with a bubble shield - so comfortable! Best bang for the buck!
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Scooter Helmet Care Tips
Now that you’ve chosen the best helmet and got the right size, we need to discuss how to extend the life of your helmet. The best way to do this is by maintaining it properly. Two significant components need to be cleaned on your scooter helmet; the outer shell and the inner lining.
To clean the inner lining, you need to remove it by unsnapping the cheek pads and EPS headliner. Next, you should fill your kitchen sink with warm water and a non-harsh soap or shampoo. Submerge the cheek pads and liner and gently rub them with soap. Once they are clean, leave them out to dry overnight.
In order to clean the outer shell, you will need a microfiber cloth, a toothbrush, and a chemical-free soap. Put some hot water and soap on a microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the exterior shell. Use the toothbrush to clean off any trouble spots.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the go-to leading brands for scooter helmets?
Many brands such as Bell, Vega, and Pro-Tec have made a name for themselves by combining the best materials with style and comfort. They are considered the best brands on the market.
How long does it take to break in a scooter helmet?
Do scooter helmets loosen over time? It takes approximately 15 to 20 hours of wearing time to sufficiently break in a helmet. You should start to feel a difference after just a few hours of wearing time. Scooter helmets tend to loosen over time by adjusting to the shape and size of your head.
Full face or open face?
Which is best for scooters? Full face helmets offer the most protection. They protect all of your head as well as your chin. Open face helmets only protect the top and sides of your head. While we tend to recommend the safest options, if you only ride your scooter short distances, then you may be fine with an open face helmet.
Are expensive helmets worth it?
Most of the time, more expensive helmets offer the best safety certifications and features. They tend to use better materials and composite shell components. Some models provide great protection at a great value like the Bell Custom 500 above.
Can I use a bike helmet for a scooter?
If you are riding a scooter that is at least 50 CCs, then we recommend a proper scooter helmet. In most states, it is illegal to ride without a certified helmet. If you are not riding a motorized scooter, then a bike or skating helmet may work just fine.
Conclusion
In this article, we have reviewed and tested the top scooter helmets on the market. We have included a helmet for every budget and need. We have also discussed the elements of a good helmet in our buyer’s guide. But, which scooter helmet is actually the best?
In this roundup, the best scooter helmet is the Bell Qualifier. It comes with the NutraFog II face shield and a quick-change system to swap out face shields easily.