Can I use a skateboard helmet for biking? A helmet is considered one of the essential safety gear for different outdoor sports activities, including skating, biking, cycling, and many more.
Regardless of the types and shapes, a helmet is supposed to protect your head from impact in case you fall on the surface while riding.
Can I use a skateboard helmet for biking? That was my first question some years back when I had nothing rather than a skateboard helmet, but I wanted to go biking.
If you are looking for the same answer, then you are at the right place. In this article, you will find everything about skateboard helmets, including whether they can be used for biking or not.
Why You Need to Use Helmets!
No one can say that they won’t fall while riding, be it a skateboard or a bike, regardless of the skills the person has. Helmets are one of those life-saving gears that can protect you from several injuries related to the head.
New skateboarders often practice without any helmets as they think that no serious accident can occur performing such a minor street sport as skating.
But, if you fall upside down while skating, that would be enough to have a severe injury, and you might hurt your head badly.
The same goes for biking also. When you are riding at high speed, a minor accident can lead to severe injuries. That’s why it is a better option to use a helmet in whatever sport you are performing.
Skateboard Helmet vs. Bike Helmet
You can experience accidental falls and injuries in both skateboarding and biking. A helmet can be a savior regarding this. But do a skateboard helmet and a bike helmet provide the same protection?
There are obviously some differences between them considering the nature of the two activities, following the key differences between these two safety gears. You will be able to decide if a skateboard helmet will be enough for the bike or not.
Head Coverage
A common concern of a skateboarder is hitting the back part of their head during a fall. If you have noticed any skateboarder or watched videos of other people practicing, you might see that there always remains a tendency of falling on the back.
But this doesn’t happen when it comes to riding a bike.
That’s why skateboarding helmets are offered with extra stuffing and coverage on the back part to protect your head more than bike helmets with partial head coverage.
Ventilation Issues
For long hours of biking, a rider needs a helmet to ensure proper airflow in the head to keep it cool without sweating much. Biking helmets have large vents to release heat through the air.
Skateboarding is more like a sports activity of a shorter duration. One doesn’t skate for hours, whether as a fun outdoor hobby or in any competition.
Skateboard helmets might have vents, but they are very small and can’t always provide all-direction ventilation.
Difference in Construction
Generally, skateboard helmets are bucket-shaped, and the outer shell is made of hard plastic, Kevlar, or fiberglass composite carbon fiber. On the other hand, bike helmets are polycarbonate plastic made and have a thin layer of expanded EPS foam under the outer shell.
Inside every type of helmet, foam cushions are used to minimize impacts and provide protection. As skateboarders experience more accidental falls than bikers, these helmets are constructed with EPP and EPS material for preventing multiple bumps and collisions.
EPP is a versatile foam type with features like high energy absorption, several impact resistance, and high strength. For bike helmets, only regular EPS is used, which is ideal for a single impact.
Standards and Certifications
Almost every type of helmet needs to meet certain standards and certifications, whether for skateboarding or biking. These certifications represent how safe these helmets are while using them for specific sports and other activities. For skateboard helmets, ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) F1492 is considered the safety standard. This certification checks the design and preventive measures of the helmets and decides if they are really protective against the negative impacts of skateboarding or not.
In the case of biking, the bike helmets need to pass the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) 1203 certification. When a bike helmet goes through this standard procedure, it is tested for different bike activities to ensure safety against head and brain injuries.
Skateboard Helmet for Biking – Is It Safe?
Not everyone can afford different helmets for every sports activity, and sometimes it can be a hassle too. Then what will you do?
Are skateboard helmets safe for biking?
A helmet that is specifically made for skateboarding can’t be a suitable option to use for biking. In the same way, a bike helmet can’t give you proper protection against the falls and accidents that you might experience while skateboarding.
But if a helmet could ensure dual protection, then you can surely give it a thought about using it for both skateboarding and biking.
You will find various brands producing high-quality helmets with extreme durability, suitable for all types of biking, longboarding, and skateboarding.
These are mainly called dual-certified helmets as they meet both CPSC 1203 and ASTM F1492 certifications.
There is a huge difference in the shape and design of a skateboard helmet and a biking helmet.
Skateboard helmets are round-shaped for covering the head and have fewer vents but bike helmets provide more ventilation and only protect the upper part of the head.
Though dual-certified helmets are safe and comfortable, you should be careful about using them because compromising with safety can never be expected from anyone.
The standard safety helmet is designed to protect the head and brain in the event of a fall or collision. It should fit snugly and provide adequate coverage to the head and ears. In addition, the helmet should be durable and able to withstand impacts from falls and collisions.
can I use a skateboard helmet for mountain biking?
The best skateboard helmet for mountain biking will vary depending on the type of mountain biking you are doing. However, some general tips that may be of help include choosing a helmet that is lightweight and has a good ventilation system. Make sure the helmet fits well and is comfortable to wear and be sure to adjust the straps if necessary. Remember to always wear a helmet when you are riding your bike, and be aware of traffic laws in your area.
Is Bike Helmet Safety Essential?
Bike helmet safety is of the utmost importance when riding a bike, as a fall from a bike can result in serious injuries. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that your bike helmet is safe and secure when you are riding:
Always wear a bike helmet when riding a bike. This is mandatory in most states, and it is the law in most countries.
Make sure that the bike helmet is properly fitted to your head. It should fit snugly but not be so tight that it creates a choking or pressure sensation.
Wear the bike helmet while riding on an incline. An incline can increase the speed at which you are traveling, and this can lead to a more serious fall.
Be sure to inspect the bike helmet for tears, cracks, or other damage every time you ride. If you notice any problems, take it to a nearby bike shop for repairs or replacement.
Skateboard Helmet Safety Standards!
When it comes to skateboarding, safety is of the utmost importance. That is why it is important to know the facts about skateboard helmet safety.
It is important to always be safe and wear a helmet when you are out on the boards. There are a few skateboard helmet safety standards that you should be aware of when skateboarding, and one of these is the CPSC safety standard. This standard was established in 1978 and is designed to protect children from hazardous products.
The CPSC safety standard requires that all skateboards and skateboard components meet certain safety requirements. This includes a warning label that is permanently affixed to the skateboard or skateboard component and a certification mark that is placed on the product. The certification mark indicates that the product meets all of the safety requirements of the CPSC standard.
If you are buying a skateboard or skateboard component, it is important to make sure that it meets the safety requirements of the CPSC standard. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or even death.
There are three types of skateboard helmets: full face, half face, and open face.
Full-face helmets are the most protective and are designed to shield the entire head and upper face. They are also the most expensive and require the most adjustment.
Half-face helmets protect the front and sides of the head, but not the back. They are less protective than full face helmets and are more affordable.
Open-face helmets do not protect the head at all. They are designed for skating on ramps and are the least protective option.
Is a skate helmet safer than a bike helmet?
There is some debate on this topic, as both helmets have their benefits and drawbacks. Skate helmets typically have a smaller impact than bike helmets, and they are designed to protect the head from rotational forces. However, skate helmets are not as protective against falling off of a skateboard or falling off a bike.
Bike helmets, on the other hand, are designed to protect the head from frontal impact. They also have a larger impact than skate helmets, and they are designed to protect against falls from a bike. However, bike helmets are not as protective against falls from a skateboard or falling off a bike. They also do not protect the head from rotational forces.
Ultimately, it is important to choose the helmet that is most appropriate for your needs. If you are primarily concerned with protecting your head from rotational forces, then you should choose a skate helmet.
Do I Need A Helmet For Longboarding?
Yes, you definitely need to wear a helmet when longboarding. The decision of whether or not to wear a helmet while longboarding depends on a variety of factors, including the type of longboarding you are doing, your experience level, and the environment you are riding in. For beginners, it is generally recommended that you wear a helmet, as it can help reduce the risk of head injuries.
If you are an experienced longboarder who is comfortable riding in rough environments, then you may choose not to wear a helmet. However, if you are riding in a park or on a smooth surface, it is always recommended to wear a helmet to avoid unnecessary injuries. Remember to always use common sense and protective gear when longboarding!
Final Words
One particular helmet can’t be used in different activities as it might not be suitable. But you can surely use a skateboard helmet while biking, which has passed the CPSC 1203 standard so that you can remain secure.
So, can I use a skateboard helmet for biking? What are your thoughts after reading this article? I hope you have got your queries cleared.
Hi, my name is Gabriel. I am completed my MBA from private university and my subject was IT (Information Technology) and also I complete my graduation form South East University and Department from CSE (Computer Science & Engineering). I am author and blogger of this website who loves to write about different topics that are related to the board sport. From beginner tips to intermediate advice, I want to offer you quality content that will help improve your skill set and make you a better rider. Thanks for checking out my site!