Do You Must Wear a Helmet When Riding an E-Bike in USA?

With climate change and the current state of traffic congestion in the US, it is evident that the popularity of electric bikes will continue to rise. E-Bikes allow you greater mobility without producing any emissions of carbon. They are also far more economical than bikes or cars; only the expense of charging an electric bike every day would run you about $24 per year, not including the price differential. In addition, Biden's tax credit measure won't promote the purchase of more electric bicycles unless it clears the Senate and is enrolled.

But purchasing an e-bike is one thing; riding it safely is quite another. Legality and the safety of the driver's person are what we mean by "safely." In past articles, we talked to you about safety and the legal requirements for eBikes. Helmets are one aspect of this matter that still needs explanation.

Is A Helmet Actually Necessary?

Similar to e-bike regulations, different states have different helmet rules. The majority of states mandate that Class 2 eBike riders always wear helmets. Here's a short reminder in case you were wondering what these were:

Class 1 eBikes have a pedal-assist system and can only go 20 mph; Class 2 eBikes have a throttle mode and can only go 20 mph; and Class 3 eBikes have a pedal-assist system and can go up to 28 mph.

The Class 2 category applies to Delfast eBikes. On racetracks and other areas where riding an e-bike with a motor greater than 750W is permitted, a rider can switch to faster speeds.

Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Delaware, New Mexico, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania all require helmet use regardless of the class of e-bike.

And according to the rider's age, the following states have helmet laws for Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes:

All cyclists under the age of 18 must wear helmets in California, while those under the age of 16 must wear them in Connecticut, Georgia, Tennessee, and New Hampshire. Local and state bike helmet laws are in place in New York.

Only local bike helmet laws apply in Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and Wisconsin when it comes to helmet use.

Your best bet is to research and abide by local laws regarding bike helmet use. Wearing a helmet when using your Delfast eBike is strongly recommended, even if your state or county does not mandate it. The best form of protection is a helmet, which should always be worn.

What to consider when selecting a helmet?

Cycling safety is largely dependent on the helmet you choose. It might be challenging to choose the proper helmet for you because there are so many different types and designs on the market. We will go through what to consider while selecting a helmet that suits your needs in this chapter.

1. Comfort: Comfort should be your priority while choosing a helmet. It's crucial that it fits comfortably because you'll be wearing it for extended periods of time. Polystyrene foam and polycarbonate, two lightweight materials that offer both comfort and protection, are used in the construction of modern helmets. A comfortable and adjustable harness system that holds the helmet in place is something to look for in a helmet.
2. Safety: A helmet's main purpose is to safeguard your head in the event of an accident. Hence, while selecting a helmet, safety should be your top priority. It is crucial to buy a helmet that complies with the safety requirements established by your nation because helmets are made to absorb the shock of an accident. Seek for helmets that have received certification from reputable agencies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US or the CE mark from the European Union.
3. Style: For many cyclists, style is just as important as safety and comfort, if not more so. Your personality and sense of style should come through in the helmet you select. Thankfully, there are many fashionable options on the market. There is a helmet to fit every preference, from svelte, aerodynamic designs to bold, vibrant artwork.
4. Fit: For your helmet to offer sufficient protection, a proper fit is crucial. It's important to accurately measure your head and select the appropriate size. Wrap a flexible material, such as a measuring tape, around the area of your head that is the largest, right above the eyebrows, to get the size of your head. Make a note of the measurement and contrast it with the manufacturer's sizing chart. In the event that your measurement lies between two sizes, always go down rather than up.
5. Ventilation: Ventilation is important if you live in a hotter environment, so look for a helmet that has enough ventilation. In hot weather, proper ventilation makes sure that air can circulate through the helmet and keep your head cool and comfortable. Choose helmets with several vents that permit air to flow freely.
6. Off-road Rides: Choosing a helmet with full-face coverage is crucial if you intend to go on a lot of off-road rides. A full-face helmet will give you ample ventilation while shielding your jaw and face from dirt and debris. To further protect yourself from the sun and branches, look for helmets with visors.

Choose a helmet that is comfortable to wear, approved to meet industry safety regulations, and offers enough ventilation and protection. Finding the ideal helmet that suits your demands is now simpler than ever thanks to the market's abundance of possibilities.

Can I ride my handy bikes with a conventional helmet?

The use of a helmet is crucial for safety when using a practical bike. The level of protection needed, however, may differ based on the type of riding you want to perform because not all helmets are created equal. We shall investigate whether a standard bike helmet complies with Class 2 standards in this chapter.

A standard bike helmet can be adequate for protection when riding under Class 2 regulations, which often feature a default power level for electric bikes like the Delfast TOP 3.0. These helmets are made to shield your head from collisions at reasonable speeds, which is normally what you will experience while using a practical bike in these conditions.

But, a standard bike helmet might not be sufficient if you intend to ride at higher speeds or go off-road. You will require a helmet that provides higher protection in these circumstances, such as a motorcycle helmet or a helmet with a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS).

By keeping the head fixed inside the helmet during a collision, MIPS technology lessens the rotational forces that can result in concussions and other potentially fatal head injuries. Off-road riding, where the terrain is more unpredictable and there is a higher chance of falls and collisions, benefits greatly from this technology.

No matter what kind of riding you want to perform, staying safe on the road should always come first. While riding a Delfast eBike is safe, you can lower your chance of injury in an accident by following safety measures like wearing a helmet.

A typical bike helmet can offer adequate defense when riding in accordance with Class 2 regulations. However, a helmet with superior protection, such as a moto helmet or a helmet with MIPS, is advised if you intend to ride at faster speeds or participate in off-road riding. Always put road safety first and always wear a helmet, especially on short trips.

Conclusion

In the USA, wearing a helmet while riding an electric bike is a personal choice that is influenced by your location, age, and the model of electric bike you are using. Despite the fact that some towns and states have regulations requiring e-bike users to wear helmets, it is nevertheless strongly advised that you always wear a helmet to protect your head. It's crucial to take into account aspects like comfort, safety, fit, ventilation, and style while choosing a helmet. It can be difficult to find a helmet that satisfies all of these requirements, but it is well worth the effort to protect your safety while using your e-bike.