E-Bikes can travel at speed. To help support your safety you need to wear gear that will protect you at these speeds. So what type of helmet do you need to keep you safe on your E-bike?
Riding an E- BikeÂ
Riding an E-Bike is a different experience to a standard bike. This is for a number of reasons but the thing you notice the most is how easy it is to go fast. To safely ride at a greater speed you need to be more aware of your surroundings and ride in a defensive way. If you were to get into an accident it would happen at speed giving you less reaction time and increasing the forces of impact. This means you need to be equipped with gear that will do a good job of protecting you.
The best E-Bike helmet should have the ability to give you this type of protection.
The best E-Bike helmet should provide visibility, so others can see you when you are travelling at speed.
Does an E- Bike Helmet need to be different to a standard helmet?
While your helmet does not need to be a special helmet we do recommend a performance helmet with the design features a fast road rider or technical mountain biker would expect – good impact absorption, added protection from rotational forces (MIPS) and a wrapped or molded liner.
There are certified E-Bike helmets in the international market. This means they have been designed to match the type of impacts an E-Bike rider can create in an accident….greater impact force due to greater speeds. (E-Bikes can regularly reach speeds of 45km/hr or more). These specific E-bike helmets have greater head coverage, some including ear coverage, molded or wrapped liners and thicker liners to match the potential for greater impact force.
This is a rapidly expanding area for bike helmet brands so we can expect some new helmets to be released into the market and hopefully into NZ as well.
Features of an E-Bike Helmet (Performance Level Helmet)
MaterialsÂ
The inner liner of a helmet, the foam, EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) is important. The foam is what manages the energy of your crash. The foam a helmet is constructed from can be very different from helmet to helmet. This is where a lot of the hidden benefits in a performance helmet can be found. The foam in a helmet absorbs any impact. When this foam has been strengthened, thickened or doubled in layers you will get better protection. How this liner/foam is attached to the outer shell of your helmet also gives you better strength as it keeps the helmet together. The photo shows an example of wrap molding on a helmet which adds significant strength to the helmet.
Design
The shape of the bike helmet. should give you good head coverage and it is smooth and round like your skull/head. Your helmet needs to stay on your head in an impact so a quality adjustment system will allow you to fit the helmet to your head.
- good quality liner (EPS foam) that has had strengthening added
- good head coverage, sitting low at the side & back of the head
- outer shell should be molded to inner liner not glued or taped
- must have adjustment system to fit to the shape of your head
- MIPS (multi-directional impact system) is recommended. MIPS redirects impact force because it allows the helmet outer to independently rotate
Visiblity
Choose bright colours or patterns for your helmet so others can see you.
You could consider a helmet that has an integrated light or can be popped in and use this light night or day to help you be seen
Choosing an E-Bike Helmet
goRide has selected helmets to match E-Biking. Choose the Helmet that suits the type of E-Biking you do.
What is the right Bike Helmet solution for you?  Your success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solution
Bike Helmets
Stories and Support – Bike Helmets. Enjoy all our Bike Helmet stories on one easy to navigate page
Bike Helmet Buying Guide
Get tips for buying the right Bike Helmet for the type of riding you do. Learn about fit, sizing and features. Use our Buying Guide and get the right solution.
Mountain Bike Helmet Buying Guide
What is the best MTB helmet for the type of riding you enjoy? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our Buying Guide to get the right bike helmet solution.
How to Size and Fit a Bike Helmet
Learn how to measure for the right size helmet, then adjust that helmet for a great fit.
MIPs Explained
What is MIPS and how does it improve your safety?
The right bike helmet
What features to look for in a helmet to suit your riding
Ride More Places
Read stories about NZ trails, tracks and parks. Find our what other families and riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?
Want more from your riding?Â
Be supported to Ride as a Family, Progress Your Riding and/or receive Seasonal Inspiration. So you can SMILE when you ride.
All new members are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.
SMILE when you ride
Support & Inspire other riders and familiesÂ
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes.Â
All entries are automatically entered into our Seasonal Prize Draw.