Can You Wear a Skate Helmet for Cycling?
Skateboards and bikes are two different activities, but both require the use of helmets. This means that you need to know what kind of helmet you should use for your activity. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between skateboard helmets and bike helmets and when it makes sense to use each one.
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Can You Use a Skateboard Helmet for Biking?
Skateboard helmets are designed to protect skaters from falls, not cyclists. The vast majority of skate helmets are designed to be lightweight, and they’re simply not as beefy or protective as other types of cycling helmets.
Furthermore, skateboard helmets aren’t certified for riding bikes. Most don’t undergo the rigorous testing required by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF). They might have passed some kind of safety test at some point in time, but since then there has been no reason for manufacturers to certify them for cycling use again.
There are some differences between skate helmets and bike helmets.
There are some differences between skate helmets and bike helmets. Skate helmets are designed to be more flexible, lighter and more comfortable than a typical bike helmet. They also have fewer vents, which means they’re less breathable but provide better coverage.
Skate helmets tend to be less expensive than bike helmets.
- Skate helmets tend to be less expensive than bike helmets. The reason for this is that skate helmets are made from polystyrene and are not certified for use on bicycles.
- As a result, skate helmets have less protection in the event of an accident than bike helmets do, which means you’re at higher risk of injury when using one for cycling.
A bike helmet typically has more coverage than a skate helmet.
While skate helmets are designed to protect against impacts from the front and back, bike helmets are designed to protect against impacts from any direction. Bike helmets have extra coverage on the sides of your head, in addition to being thicker than skate helmets.
A bike helmet may be more comfortable for people with long hair.
If you have long hair, a bicycle helmet may be more comfortable for you. Bicycle helmets can be tricky to wear if your hair is more than shoulder length. The straps that secure the helmet in place may not be able to fit around all of your hair, which can lead to discomfort or even injury when riding your bike. Skate helmets are designed to fit snugly around any head shape and size without causing irritation or injury.
Bike helmets are not as breathable as skate helmets.
Bike helmets are not as breathable as skate helmets. Breathability is important for comfort, safety, performance and health—especially if you’re riding in hot weather or on a long ride.
You’ll also find that bike helmet ventilation can be limited by their design. Skate helmets generally have more holes than bike helmets to allow more airflow through the helmet.
Ventilation is a key part of any good helmet. It allows moisture to escape and keeps your head cool, which helps prevent overheating.
There are three main reasons why ventilation is important:
- To keep your head cool, you need to be able to breathe. The more air you can get into your helmet, the better off you’ll be.
- Sweaty hair isn’t good for anyone—it makes it hard to move, it’s stinky, and it can lead to major headaches when it gets tangled in your helmet straps or starts dripping down your face every time you take off or put on the helmet (or even just ride over bumps).
Safety Standards
There are a few different safety standards that apply to helmets. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the standard for all helmets sold in the United States, but not many other countries. ASTM is an American Society for Testing and Materials organization that sets its own standards as well, including standards for bicycle helmets that may be more stringent than those of CPSC. EN means European Norms and AS/NZS stands for Australian/New Zealand Standards, both of which have similar requirements to CPSC’s.
What are the requirements for CPSC and ASTM certification?
The CPSC is a federal agency that oversees consumer safety in regards to products sold in North America. All companies who sell helmets must comply with this standard if they want to be able to sell them through stores like Target or Walmart. If you read an item’s packaging carefully, you’ll see its compliance standards listed as “ASTM F1852” or something similar. This means that it meets all requirements set forth by both CPSC and ASTM International—a process known as dual certification—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any variation within those requirements!
On the other hand, ASTM International is not a government agency; rather it’s an organization made up of private industry members who create voluntary industrial standards (VISS). This means that some manufacturers may choose not to go through this process even if they would otherwise qualify for it; however anyone who does go through this process will still need something called “dual certification” before being able to legally sell their product in North America (and sometimes abroad too).
How do you know what certifications a helmet has?
If you’re looking for a helmet that has been certified by an organization, look for the sticker on the back of the helmet.
When Should You Replace A Helmet?
You should replace your helmet every 3-5 years, depending on how often you wear it.
If you crash in a helmet and suffer an injury, it’s probably time to get another one.
If you are unsure if your current helmet fits properly or if the straps are frayed or torn, replace it with a new one right away to avoid potential injuries in case of a crash.
It’s not safe to use a second-hand helmet
When shopping for a helmet, you may see some used helmets and think it would be cheaper to buy one of these. But this is not the case: you can’t be sure of the helmet’s history, condition, safety and fit.
The only way to know if a helmet has been involved in an accident or if it is well-suited for your head is by trying on different sizes with the help of an expert. You should also know that second-hand helmets are not recyclable—they go straight into landfill once they’ve been worn once!
Conclusion
With so many great options available, the choice of your next helmet shouldn’t be difficult! But keep in mind that just because a helmet is certified doesn’t mean it will work for you. You should always try on a helmet before buying and make sure it fits well. And if you have any doubts about its safety or construction, don’t hesitate to contact us.