Question for those who actually own both a bicycle and scooter/motorcycle helmets - m'cycle helmets to bike??

Question

I've been looking at bike helmet statistics and reading motorcycling books.

Do you think electric cyclists (ebikers - usually don't pedal, and don't get sweaty) would be safer overall by using a DOT-approved helmet for ebiking?

Is a full-face motorcycle helmet too restrictive for bicycle use in the city, in your opinion?

I've heard from downhill cyclists that the Giro full-face "foam" helmet's chin guard breaks on impact, and broke their jaws. Would a motorcycle helmet have prevented those injuries? Or, simply transfer the impact-force into another part of the head, such as the brain?

The motorcycle helmet seem to have more cushy material inside, and thus makes me wonder if electric bikers (top speed 32KPH) should be using more protection.

Stats seem to indicate that bike helmets are no more than 40% effective on impact, imho. What about motorbike helmet -- they any better?

Thanks for all suggestions.

Answer 1

I use a bike helmet with my bike and a MC helmet with my motorcycle. I normally am not riding my bike in traffic so only have to deal with an impact of 20mph or less should I crash. It's rare I go that fast. My sustained speed is around 14mph on a good day.

A scooter or motorized bike rider at 30mph will probably require more protection then you can get from a bicycle helmet. Also, you are dealing with traffic which may be traveling at much higher speeds. I would opt for an MX style helmet. They are not as restrictive as a road helmet but will offer full protection in a crash. Some of the new helmets for trail riding are great. Some of them have a flip-up or removable face guard for those hot days.

As always try and avoid falling down!

Answer 2

Most bicycle helmets are safe up to 40 mph. One thing to look at is the safety inspections. Snell is more strict than ANSI as far as what they will certify.

I've been in several accidents on a bicycle where I was bounced on my head so I can vouch for their protective abilities but no matter what type of helmet you decide, remember to replace it after an accident or drop of any kind because the slightest impact can effect the shell.

I commute on a 50cc scooter (does 40 mph tops) using a DOT approved helmet with a faceshield. In my state the helmet is required due to scooters being categorized as motorcycles. I have a full face helmet but it's only for cold weather. I'd check your state laws but if your state considers an electric bicycle as a moped (in my state their illegal) you'd probably be required to wear a DOT approved helmet.

Downhill helmets are the same design as a motocross helmet. The problem the downhill cyclist had was probably a design flaw.

Thinking about it, the average person on a bicycle can't get up any faster than 20mph and not at a steady pace, the average speed would be 10-15mph so the average bicycle helmet is more suitable for them. Being that your not pedaling and can do a higher speed for longer periods you may be better off with a DOT approved helmet since it is more of a motor bike.

Either way you decide, remember that safe and defensive riding are the best ways to prevent accidents.

Answer 3

If they're really concerned about safety then everyone should be wearing a fullface helmet, as with normal bicycles you can get up to very high speeds too, except maybe in city traffic.

You can always crash, and you can always have good or bad luck. On all sorts two-wheelers, gas or electric or man-powered, you can seriously get your head bashed in even with, say, 10 mph.

But as around here most people don't even wear a bicycle helmet when riding bicycles (although it's the law), for whatever reasons, I doubt that they would put on heavy full-face helmets.

As the first answerer says, dirtbike helmets are a good compromise as they offer full protection, but are not as restrictive. Plus you can go without goggles if you don't mind eating the bugs, so it's even closer to a bicycle helmet. And they look the best ;)

So bottomline, yes I think considering safety everyone should wear full helmets or MX helmets.

Answer 4

I sometimes wear a helmet when on my motorcycle.
I would never strap a styrofoam cooler to my head to ride a bicycle.