Helmets

Overview

If an EUC rider is going to buy one piece of gear, it is the helmet. A fall at 20 km/h on a commuter wheel ends with a helmet scratched and the rider walking away. The same fall without one ends with a concussion at minimum. Serious EUC riding at 40-60 km/h is motorcycle speed, and the helmet decision should reflect that: a bicycle helmet is not adequate protection at those speeds.

The two main categories are full-face and half-shell. Full-face helmets (Ruroc Atlas, Leatt MTB Gravity, Bell Super DH with chinbar) protect the jaw and face and are what experienced EUC riders wear above 30 km/h. Half-shell helmets (Smith Forefront, Bell Super series, Troy Lee) are lighter, cooler in summer, adequate for slow commuter use. Motorcycle helmets (Shoei, AGV, HJC) are the highest protection and what riders on flagship wheels at 70+ km/h should really be using.

Certifications matter. ECE 22.06 is the European standard for motorcycle helmets. DOT is the US motorcycle standard. SNELL M2020 is the independent US standard with tougher impact tests than DOT. EN 1078 covers bicycle helmets only and is not sufficient for high-speed EUC. For the EU market, look for ECE 22.06 on any helmet rated for over 30 km/h use.

Frequently asked questions