Ride Smart, Ride Safe: Choosing the Right E-Bike Helmet

Bicycling is a great way to stay active while enjoying the outdoors. Electronic bikes (also known as e-bikes or pedelecs) are becoming more popular as they are providing riders with more efficient ways of getting around. If you choose to let your family ride e-bikes, it is important to be as safe as possible while riding as not all e-bikes and helmets are created equally.

Classification of E-bikes

California and most U.S. states have categorized electric bicycles into three different classes. 

Bicycles in Classes 1 and 3 are what are called “pedal assist” bikes, meaning that the motor only provides electric power when the rider is pedaling. That means if you don’t pedal, there is no electric power going to the wheels. The difference between Class 1 and Class 3 bikes is that the motor will stop delivering power at certain speeds. Class 1 bikes will stop delivering motor power at speeds greater than 20 mph, while Class 3 bikes can reach 28 mph before electric power is cut off.

Class 2 bikes have a hand throttle that triggers power delivery up to 20 mph, so riders can operate without pedaling.

Which helmets should you use for E-bikes?

Here in California, all Class 3 riders must wear bicycle helmets. For Classes 1 and 2, helmets are required statewide only for riders under 18.

If we fall or collide with something, helmets are designed to take the brunt of the energy that is generated. They are engineered to protect our head and brain against fractures and severe brain injuries. It is important to note that no helmet will offer complete protection, but wearing a helmet can save lives and prevent serious injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the group responsible for developing safety standards for various products and they came up with a set of guidelines that helmet manufacturers must meet. Bicycle helmets that were made after 1999 must meet the following CPSC standards:

• “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older.”
• “Certified by GB, CE, CPSC safety standard”
• “CPSC & EN1078 Safety Certified”

However, the CPSC standards were developed at a time before e-bikes became commonplace, back when the speed of riders topped 10 to 15 mph. As we know, the motor on Class 1 and 2 will assist riders up to 20 mph, and Class 3 e-bikes can hit 28 mph. Helmets manufactured with the CPSC standards are not rated for the higher speeds that an e-bike will provide.

A group in the Netherlands came up with a set of safety standards called NTA-8776, which was designed with riders of electric bikes in mind. Helmets that receive this certification offer improved protection at higher speeds. They are slightly bigger to provide more coverage for our noggins. When you shop for helmets, look for the following statements:

• “Complies with CPSC and NTA8776 standards.”
• “HELMET CERTIFICATION: CPSC, CE, NTA-8776"
• “Safety Certifications: Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older, EN1078, NTA8776”

If you notice, helmets with the NTA-8776 rating already meet the CPSC standards, so they offer optimal protection when riding e-bikes.

There is another level of protection that some helmets offer called MIPS, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Whenever you see a helmet with a yellow MIPS sticker on it, you will know that it will help to decrease the rotational force of an accident to reduce the risk of suffering a brain injury.

One last thing: Replace a helmet if there is a crack in the foam. Damaged helmets will not offer the same protection as one that is structurally sound.

Here’s a handy table to help you remember what there is to know about E-bikes and how to pick the right helmet for your child!

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Edmund To, DO

Pediatric Resident

Dr. Edmunt To is a third-year pediatric resident at Valley Children’s Hospital with plans to pursue a career in primary care. Originally from Sacramento in California, he earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. He worked as an elementary school teacher before pursuing medicine. He has a strong interest in public health, preventive care, and reducing disparities for children with chronic conditions. Learn more about Dr. To here.