The 'Rule of Thumb' Surrounding Helmet Replacement

Above: Safety first onboard an Evolve Stoke X! Credit: Evolve Skateboards

You Have One Head, Look After It

It's your choice, however a helmet is one of the most crucial pieces of safety equipment for any PEV rider; whether you're riding an electric skateboard/longboard, Onewheel, EUC, eMTB, eScooter or anything else. It's a little bit like putting on your seatbelt when you get into a car.

That said, many riders don’t realise that helmets have a shelf life. The general rule of thumb, as recommend by Mips, is to replace your helmet every three to five years to ensure it does the best job possible.

Context: Mips is a safety system developed by a brain surgeon and a biomechanics scientist. They're on a mission to reduce head injuries and save more lives... which is their motto. The team has created a low-friction layer for helmets that moves slightly on impact. This helps redirect rotational motion away from your head. They're collaborating with over 150 helmet manufacturers, so look out for the yellow Mips logo when you're helmet shopping.

Why Should I Replace My Helmet?

Over time, exposure to sunlight, sweat and environmental factors can degrade the materials used to manufacture your helmet, reducing their effectiveness in the event of an accident. Even if your helmet doesn't receive an impact, daily usage affects the integrity of its construction.

There are a few things to note when buying a helmet, especially if you need to save some money by purchasing one second-hand:

• Check the date of manufacture, which is usually printed on a sticker inside the helmet. This is crucial when buying second-hand or if the helmet is 'on sale', as helmets in excess of 5 years old may not meet current safety standards or could have weakened with age, making them less effective at absorbing an impact.
• As well as routine replacement, a helmet should be immediately discarded and replaced after any impact or crash. Helmets are designed to absorb the force of a single impact, so even a minor accident can compromise their protective abilities. The outer shell may not show any visible damage, however the inner foam could be crushed or weakened.

You Are Loved, Stick Around.

Ultimately, a helmet is a small investment for the safety it provides. Regularly replacing your helmet and ensuring it is free of damage can make all the difference in preventing serious head injuries. Prioritising helmet safety means prioritising your well-being. Power on, helmet on, let's ride! ⚡️

Helmets Don't Need To Be Boring!

As Evolve Skateboards have shown, pick a helmet that you actually like and you'll be as happy as the dude in this video... 😎