The thrill of skateboarding and biking brings risks. CDC reports show cycling leads to over 600,000 head injuries each year. Skateboarding has around 6,000. So, wearing helmets that meet safety standards is key.
Skateboard helmets for biking might seem okay, but each sport has specific needs. Skateboard helmets handle many small impacts. Bike helmets are made for one big impact. Knowing about helmet safety and differences helps you choose right.
Is a dual-purpose helmet good for you? Think about protection, coverage, ventilation, and comfort. Helmets cut the risk of brain injury by 51% and lower death risk by 44%. These facts help you pick a helmet wisely for safety.
Understanding Safety Standards for Helmets
Choosing the right multi-use helmet means knowing its safety standards. CPSC, ASTM F1492, and EN1078 are key for protection during biking and skateboarding. These standards gauge how effective helmets are. Each one focuses on specific safety features.
| Standard | Scope | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| CPSC | Bicycle Helmets | Regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Focuses on impact protection and single-collision resilience. |
| ASTM F1492 | Skateboard Helmets | Designed for multiple mild impacts. Emphasizes both high-impact and multi-impact resistance. Not always legally required. |
| EN1078 | International Bicycle Helmets | European standard similar to CPSC. Focuses on impact protection and aerodynamics. |
About 11 helmet models meet both CPSC and ASTM F1492 standards. Yet, some skateboarding helmets lack the ASTM F1492 certification. This can raise questions about their protection. Look for the ASTM sticker to ensure skateboarding helmets meet safety standards.
Skateboarding tends to have fewer crashes than biking. But, when accidents happen, they can be severe. Bike helmets must meet CPSC standards for U.S. sale. Skateboard helmets don’t need strict certifications unless offering extra protection. This might mean following ASTM F1492 or Snell standards.
Knowing these safety standards is important. Helmets that meet multiple certifications boost your safety. They can lower the risk of brain injury by about 51%. They can also cut the risk of dying by 44%.
Differences in Design and Construction
It’s key to know how skateboard and bike helmets differ in design and construction. This helps make sure we choose the right protection for different sports. Skateboard and bike helmets aim to protect your head, but they’re designed differently. They need to meet the demands of each sport.
Skateboard Helmet Design
Skateboard helmets have round, hard shells and thick foam inside. They’re made to endure lots of low-speed hits, which often happen in skateboarding. They cover more of your head, including the back, for better protection. These helmets also have fewer vents to keep you safe, focusing on withstanding many impacts.
Bike Helmet Design
Bike helmets, however, are shaped longer with more vents to keep you cool. This design is great for biking fast and far. They have lightweight, tough shells for high-speed crashes. Their shape helps you move quicker, and they still protect your head well.
Skateboard helmets follow standards like ASTM F1492 or CPSC for many impacts. Bike helmets comply with CPSC or global standards like EN1078 for one big impact. So, deciding between a skateboard helmet and a bike helmet means thinking about what each offers. This ensures you stay safe and perform your best.
Can Skateboard Helmet Used for Biking?
When thinking about biking with a skateboard helmet, know how each helmet is different. A skateboard helmet is made for skateboarding, and a bike helmet is for biking. They meet the specific safety needs of their sports.
Impact Absorption and Protection
Skateboard helmets face many low-speed falls. They have extra protection at the back of the head. Bike helmets, however, are built for one-time high-speed impacts to keep cyclists safe during serious crashes. This shows why it’s key to use the right helmet for each sport.
Coverage and Protection Areas
Skateboard helmets cover more of the sides and back of the head. This is because skateboarders often fall backwards or sideways. Bike helmets, on the other hand, focus on protecting the back of the head and might have visors. They’re designed to cut down on head injuries by more than 40%.
The benefits of using a skateboard helmet for biking include being light, comfy, offering clear vision, and good air flow. But, they usually don’t protect as much as bike helmets, lack eye shield, and adjustment features. So, while you can bike with a skateboard helmet, it may not be the best for serious biking.
| Feature | Skateboard Helmet | Bike Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Protection | Multiple low-speed impacts | Single high-speed impact |
| Head Coverage | Sides and rear | Full head and face |
| Primary Use | Skateboarding | Biking |
| Ventilation | Better ventilation | Less ventilation |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier |
Ventilation and Comfort
Skateboard helmets and bike helmets are designed differently, especially when it comes to ventilation. Skateboard helmets have fewer and smaller vents. This can make them hotter during intense activities. Bike helmets, on the other hand, have more and bigger vents. This means they are cooler during long rides. This difference is crucial to understanding helmet design.
Comfort is key in how long you’ll happily wear a helmet. Choosing between a multi-use helmet or one made for a specific sport depends on what you like best. It also depends on what your sport requires. The way a helmet is vented affects not just how hot you get but also how sweaty you might become. This changes how comfortable the helmet feels overall.
Let’s compare ventilation and comfort features of skateboard helmets and bike helmets:
| Characteristics | Skateboard Helmet | Bike Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Vents | Fewer | More |
| Vent Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Heat Dissipation | Lower | Higher |
| Suitability for High-Intensity Activity | Less Suitable | More Suitable |
Choosing the right helmet is crucial for both performance and safety. Whether it’s a skateboard helmet for skating, biking, or a multipurpose helmet, think about ventilation and comfort. Making the right choice helps ensure you stay comfy. This, in turn, boosts your endurance and how much you enjoy your sport.
Weight Considerations for Multi-Use Helmets
Choosing a helmet that works for both skateboarding and biking isn’t easy. Each kind of helmet has its own design goals that affect how much it weighs. This is important when thinking about getting one helmet for both activities.
Comparing Weight and Comfort
Skateboard helmets are often heavier. They need to handle impacts from all directions, offering strong protection. This makes them durable, but they can be uncomfortable on long bike rides. It can lead to feeling tired quicker. Bike helmets, on the other hand, are made to be light. This makes them more comfortable for long periods of time.
Using a lighter skateboard helmet for biking might work, but you could lose some important safety features. It’s important to think about how the helmet’s weight feels on your head if you want one for both uses.
A study by the Doctors Skate says bike helmets focus on being aerodynamic and well-ventilated. This makes them lighter. But, this might not be enough for skateboarding, where falling can happen a lot, and you hit hard surfaces.
It’s very important to consider a helmet’s weight and how comfortable it is if you do both activities often. Finding the right balance between protection and comfort can make a big difference. You enjoy your activities more without giving up on safety.
Versatility: Dual-Purpose Helmet for Biking and Skating
If you love biking and skateboarding, a dual-purpose helmet is a smart choice. These helmets ensure safety for both activities, meeting standards like EN1078 and ASTM F-1849-07. With brands like Cadomotus leading, you get a mix of protection, comfort, and style. This is perfect for those valuing practicality and versatility.
When picking a versatile helmet, think about the impacts in each sport. Skateboard helmets can take many low-force hits and often use EPP foam that springs back. Bike helmets, made with EPS foam, protect against one high-force impact and then need replacing. This key difference shows why considering single-use versus multi-hit helmets is important.
Ventilation and comfort are also big factors. Skate helmets typically have fewer vents, which can make longer rides less comfy. However, helmets like the Cadomotus Omega balance this with smart vent design. This works well in both hot and cold weather. Plus, these designs keep you safe without sacrificing aerodynamics, making them great for both biking and skateboarding.
If safety and proper certification matter to you, especially for a skateboarding helmet you can bike in, check out resources. The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s guide “Which Helmet for Which Activity” is a good start. It helps ensure your helmet is safe for any sport you choose.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!