In any situation or accident, protecting the head is always the first thing to do. In sports like cycling and skateboarding, you should have a good helmet.
It will help you protect the most important part. What is the difference between bicycle helmet vs skateboard helmet? Join us to find out right here!
1. Is there a difference between a bike helmet and a skateboard helmet?
The answer is yes. Bicycle helmet and skateboard helmet have many differences:
- Certifications
- Design
- Reliability
- Inner material
- Outer shell
With two different sports, specialized equipment for them will have different effects. Especially the helmet. Each of the above sports will have different collision situations.
Therefore, helmets designed specifically for each type will have many differences. Follow the analysis below to see them clearly.
#1. Certifications
First, any type of helmet needs to meet minimum standards. The standards will be the criteria to judge whether the quality of the helmet is good or not. This is also one of the points you should consider carefully when buying a helmet.
Each country has its own product quality assessment committees and councils. In the US, helmets have to go through many inspections and tests.
From there, it will decide whether the hat is qualified or not. It is also the process of evaluating the quality of a bike helmet and a skateboard helmet.
Bicycle caps in the United States are all CPSC compliant. This is the standard level that can help riders best protect their heads when there is a strong impact. But only in one go with a very strong collision.
The standards will be the criteria to judge whether the quality of the helmet
Skateboard helmets need to meet ASTM standards. It can protect the player’s head repeatedly for moderate impacts. At this standard, the helmet cannot protect you against strong impacts.
Currently on the market there are many types of helmets that meet both CPSC and ASTM standards. These are the best quality helmets.
It can keep you safe both when cycling and skateboarding. It is also a product that we recommend.
#2. Design
The biggest difference between a bicycle helmet and a skateboard helmet is the design. Biking and skateboarding are two completely different activities. That’s why their head injuries are completely different.
The design of bicycle helmets will often provide more protection at the front and top of the head. This point is because when riding a bike, the rider is always facing forward.
When a collision occurs, following inertia and speed go forward. Riders will run the risk of head and head collision with obstacles.
This is absolutely correct. Surely you have seen many cases of bicycle falls. Almost all of them were wounded in the front head.
The design that focuses on protecting the front end of the bike helmet is completely reasonable.
In contrast, the skateboard helmet has a design that focuses on protecting the back of the head, which is the upper part of the nape. This is also very easy to understand.
Most injuries when skateboarding will fall backwards. According to inertia, the player will smash the rear head down.
The enhanced protective design at the back of the head will help players avoid serious injuries. Moreover, the design of the skateboard helmet also has a wider coverage.
This causes it to extend the range it can protect.
Some helmets will also have comprehensive protection. It can be considered the perfect hat for both sports.
#4. Reliability
The durability of the helmet will determine your safety and your pocket. If it really can’t last for long. You will have to buy new things constantly.
Almost all helmet bikes can only withstand one extremely large impact. Even with CPSC-compliant hats.
The manufacturer designed them to best protect you in a single moment of danger. After each hit extremely hard and save you from death. It will stop working, at this point, your job is to replace it.
Meanwhile, skateboard helmets will withstand more bumps. But all these old collisions can only be in the mid-range. With strong impacts, the standard skateboard helmet is completely defenseless.
The durability of these two helmets is really different
Summary, a bicycle helmet can take a hard hit and be replaced soon after. But the skateboard helmet can withstand many mid-range impacts. It also can’t resist a strong impact.
The main reason for this is the material inside!
#5. Inner material
The material inside is also one of the most important reasons for the difference. It is the part that prevents injuries caused by impact forces.
Without this part. The helmets are no different from a stainless steel pot. Can resist rust but will be dented on impact.
Common helmet lining materials these days are EPS, Styrofoam or Expanded PolyStyrene.
Bicycle interior lining material is usually EPS. This is a lightweight, crushable and inexpensive foam. They will break apart after a single strong impact.
Although it is fragile, it is a good protective material. Since they will last until the only collision they can act on occurs. To better ensure the user, it is not recommended to use EPS again. Replacing is the work you need to do right away.
In skateboard helmets usually use EPP or Expanded PolyPropylene. They are slightly viscous materials and are easily reconstituted. When there is a collision, it can still return to its original state after a period of time.
This type of foam helps the helmet to withstand a few mid-range impacts. However, they cannot protect the user when there is a strong impact.
Some helmets will also use foams with other technologies. Some typical examples such as EPU, E-PLA,…
#6. Outer shell
The outer shell of a helmet is usually made of many different materials. Typically, carbon fiber, glass fiber, thick plastic,… These are all materials that make the thick outer shell of the helmet.
Light bike helmets usually have a rather thin plastic shell. They will ensure ventilation and lightness for the user. Others are used in more dangerous fields such as racer, mountain bike or adventure game. These hats will be made from carbon fiber or hard plastic.
Most skateboard helmets are stiffer than cycling helmets. However, depending on the material and price, there are also thinner ones.
Another point is that a bicycle helmet will have better ventilation than a skateboard helmet. This is because the bike helmet has a lot of ventilation holes. Helmet skateboards are also available but they are not designed to work well for ventilation.
2. Are skateboard helmets safe for biking?
In some cases, skateboard helmets are safe for cycling. That’s when you use standard skateboard helmets to participate in gentle cycling. For example, gentle cycling in the park, cycling on the empty road.
When strong shocks are less likely, a skateboard helmet is actually safer than a helmet bike. Because the structure of the helmet skate is very hard and solid. It is also impact resistant in the mid-range many times.
On the contrary, when you use the bicycle to participate in long trips, go hiking or go on busy roads. A standard helmet will be the best choice. It protects you from the most dangerous situation you may find yourself in.
Therefore, we must consider carefully when choosing a helmet for each trip and accompanying equipment. Don’t be too careless and protect your head is important work.
3. Is a skate helmet ok for cycling?
It may be suitable. To make the skate helmet truly suitable for cycling. You should choose a helmet that meets both ASTM and CPSC standards. This is a hat that can protect your head comprehensively in any activity.
It can protect all parts of the top most safely. Some improved helmets can also withstand multiple hits. You won’t have to worry about getting a new one in the event of an accident.
In any case, a helmet that meets two standards will keep you safer.
===== Frequently Asked Questions =====
Can the skate helmet meet both ASTM and CPSC standards for mountain biking?
Yes, you can. A skate helmet that meets both ASTM and CPSC standards will be of very good quality. It will protect your head best in any collision.
What kind of helmet is suitable for cycling in the park in winter?
It will be a bit of a surprise, but your answer is a skateboard helmet. That’s right, for a gentle cycling experience in the park you should use a skateboard helmet.
It’s safe for mid-range crashes and its air vents work poorly. Poorly functioning air vents in the summer are bad. But in winter, it keeps your head warmer.
When do I change my helmet?
You should change your helmet when:
- Scratches, bumps, or cracks appear on the outer shell
- Appearance of cracks or signs of aging on the inner shell
- Belt or buckle not working
- Adjustment issues
- The helmet bike should be changed immediately after experiencing a strong impact.
Conclusion
Helmets and important items help protect your life. To compare the better between bicycle helmet vs skateboard helmet. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Can’t rate all.
Both of these helmets will be the best when they meet both ASTM and CPSC standards. Hopefully, through this article you will realize the difference between the two types of helmets. From there choose the type of helmet that best suits you!
Leave a Reply