Can You Use a Bike Helmet for Skateboarding?

When considering whether a bike helmet can be used for skateboarding, it’s important to recognize that the injuries suffered from these two activities can vary widely. This leads to a crucial distinction between the safety standards that bicycle helmet manufacturers and skateboarding helmet manufacturers must follow.

It’s essential to have an understanding of these safety standards to determine which helmets are suitable for each activity or if a single helmet can be used for both. So, can you use a bike helmet for skateboarding? In this article we will help you to know exactly which helmet you can use safely for both activities.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a bike helmet for skateboarding depends on several factors, including the safety standards, helmet design, and personal preference. While some helmets may be suitable for both activities, it’s always best to check the certification label inside the helmet to ensure that the helmet you choose provides the appropriate protection for the activity you plan to engage in.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
* Bike helmets and skate helmets are designed for different impact situations.
* Bike helmets and skateboard helmets need to comply with completely different safety standards.
* Not all skateboard helmets are good for multiple impacts.
* Dual certified bike and skate helmets are highly recommended for anyone wanting one helmet for two activities.

Can you use a bike helmet for skateboarding? This boy is wearing a bicycle helmet falling from skateboard.
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Can You Use a Bike Helmet for Skateboarding?

In the United States, when seeking head protection for skateboarding, helmets complying with the ASTM F1492 standard are necessary. However, bicycle helmets sold in the United States must meet CPSC 1203 certification. The critical distinction between these two standards must be noted as it pertains to their respective activities.

In contrast, Europe utilizes the CE EN1078 certification to cover a broader range of activities, such as pedal-powered bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets, and roller skating helmets. Therefore, those seeking protection in Europe must keep this standard in mind.

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Ultimately, when considering whether a bike helmet can be used for skateboarding, it is crucial to be aware of the various standards and certifications involved. Only a dual-certified helmet can be safely used for both activities, and the relevant certification must always be verified before use.

Bike Helmet Vs Skate Helmet

The main difference between a bike helmet and a skate helmet is in their design and the level of protection they offer.

Skate helmets have a different shape, a round dome, as compared with the winged aerodynamic shape of bike helmets. Additionally, skate helmets usually have a deeper fit and provide more coverage to the back of the head, whereas bike helmets are shaped like a cradle around the head, providing protection to the front and sides of the head, which are the areas most likely to sustain an impact during a fall.

For recreational bike riders, accidents can result from a variety of factors, such as being hit by a car or losing control due to hitting a bump or pot-hole in the road. Mountain bikers, in particular, are vulnerable to falls caused by uneven terrains or excessive speed.

Additionally, mountain bikers who wish to engage in more extreme activities have the option of using a full-face helmet, which may or may not meet ASTM F1952 certification for downhill mountain bike racing.

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In contrast, skateboarders can be subjected to head impacts from any direction. Falling backward and hitting the back of the head is a prevalent concern for skateboarders, leading skate helmets to provide more coverage at the back than bicycle helmets.

There are numerous videos on YouTube that demonstrate skateboarders falling backward and hitting their heads, causing serious head injuries.

Child lying on ground next to overturned skateboard
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It’s important to note that many bicycle helmets advertised as ‘skate-style’ are not suitable for skateboarding unless they have dual certification. Appearance can be deceiving, and it is essential to ensure that helmets meet the required standards before use.

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In conclusion, bike helmets and skateboard helmets cater to completely different tasks, making it difficult to compare them. The unique design of each helmet is tailored to its respective activity, ensuring maximum protection against injuries.

Helmet Durability

When it comes to helmet durability, cyclists and skateboarders have different expectations due to the nature of their activities. Beginner cyclists expect to fall during the learning process, but once they become proficient, they don’t anticipate frequent falls.

Skateboarders, on the other hand, know that falling is inevitable, even for experienced riders when attempting new tricks.

Most bicycle and skate helmets have an EPS (Expanded PolyStyrene) foam liner, which is a hard foam that can crush and absorb impact during a fall. However, EPS is only designed to withstand a single major impact, after which the helmet needs to be replaced.

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If you want a foam liner that can withstand multiple impacts, you should look for EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam or a dual-density EPS foam (two different layers of EPS foam).

It’s worth noting that while some websites claim that all skate helmets have a multi-impact foam lining, this is not accurate. In fact, at best, some skate helmets will have an impact absorbing dual density soft EPS soft foam liner, but many will just have regular EPS foam which is not recommended for multiple impacts.

When looking for a skate helmet, be sure to look for the words “dual density” to describe the EPS foam liner. Never assume that your skate helmet with an EPS liner is multi-impact. Regardless, it’s important to replace your helmet after any significant impact to ensure your safety in case of another fall.

Teenage girl doing tricks on skateboard
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Skate and Bike Helmet Standards

In the United States, helmets designed for cycling must meet the CPSC 1203 (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standard, which has been required by law since 1999 for any bike helmet that is manufactured or imported to be sold.

The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) F1492 standard applies to skateboard helmets, but it is voluntary and not federally mandated. Despite the voluntary nature of the standard, more people have become concerned with safety issues and are opting for products that are of high quality and meet safety standards.

Dual-Certified Skate and Bike Helmets

For those who enjoy both skateboarding and biking, or simply want added protection while biking, a dual-certified helmet that meets both the CPSC 1203 and ASTM F1492 safety standards is worth considering.

With a dual-certified helmet, you can feel secure whether you are cruising down the street on your bike or skating up a ramp. Additionally, for individuals who like to ride their bikes to a local skate park, a dual-certified helmet can be particularly convenient.

However, it is important to examine the label closely on helmets that claim to hold dual certification to ensure that the certifications are applicable to both skateboarding and biking.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, while bike helmets are appropriate for cycling, if you intend to use a helmet for skateboarding, it must meet the additional safety standard, ASTM F1492, if it is to provide the protection that you expect.

Dual-certified helmets are the preferred option for those who want to use the same helmet for both activities, as they offer enhanced protection compared to helmets that meet only one standard. It is important to ensure that any helmet marketed as dual-certified meets the appropriate standards for both activities.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it weird to wear a helmet while skateboarding?

A. It’s becoming increasingly common for skateboarders to wear helmets, and it’s certainly not considered weird to do so. In fact, it could be considered the norm. If you look around your city, you’ll probably notice that almost every pre-teen is wearing a helmet, and many teenagers are now doing the same.

The only ones who might not be wearing helmets are older teens who have a rebellious streak. Unfortunately, some people have to learn the hard way. There are plenty of videos on Youtube that show skateboarders falling, hitting their heads, and having seizures as a result.

You certainly don’t want to be the main character in the next skateboarder-having-a-seizure video, do you?

Q. Why do most skaters not wear helmets?

A. When asked why most skateboarders do not wear helmets, it is important to consider that the situation has changed over the years. The notion that “most” skaters do not wear helmets may have been true at one point, but it is not necessarily the case today.

Change can be difficult for some people, and those who are still not wearing helmets may simply be resisting or thinking that it is not cool to wear one.

However, many young skateboarders now look up to professional skateboarders like Andy Anderson and Tony Hawk who wear helmets, and as a result, are choosing to wear helmets themselves. It is important to prioritize safety over any perceived social pressures or aesthetic concerns.

Q. What should I look for in a skate helmet?

When it comes to selecting a skate helmet, there are important factors to consider beyond its aesthetic appeal. Firstly, it’s crucial to look for a label inside the helmet that indicates it has been certified as meeting either ASTM 1492 or CE EN1078 standards. This is because these standards ensure that the helmet is designed and manufactured to meet strict safety requirements.

Choosing a helmet without either of these certifications could potentially compromise your safety. While style is undoubtedly a consideration for many, it is important to prioritize safety when it comes to choosing the right skate helmet.

I hope we have answered the question of ‘can you use a bike helmet for skateboarding’ to your satisfaction. If you enjoyed this article, take a look at the related reads below for some more interesting reads!

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