TL;DR: A skateboarding helmet is constructed differently, with better coverage and better impact protection. A bike helmet isn’t a true alternative and is not as likely to cover the types of angles needed from skateboarding (or longboarding) falls.
Introduction
Skateboarding has always been a popular activity for people of all ages, but with the rise of social media and skateboarding influencers, the sport has gained even more popularity in recent years. However, with this increase in popularity comes an increase in injuries related to skateboarding accidents.
My children have gone past the years of learning to ride and carve in elementary school. Now they just pick up the board when needed and it all comes back to them.
It is important to understand the risks associated with skateboarding and take steps to protect oneself while participating in the sport. The most critical steps is wearing a helmet. I remind my kids that it just takes one fall to change (or end) your life.
The Importance of Wearing a Helmet While Skateboarding
Skateboarding can be an exhilarating experience, but it also poses significant risks. The nature of the sport involves riders performing tricks that require balance, coordination, and skill while riding on hard surfaces at high speeds.
Falls are common and can result in serious head injuries if proper protection is not used.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “helmets are essential protective gear for skateboarding.” A helmet is designed to absorb shock and protect your head from impact during falls or collisions. The AAP advises that helmets should meet safety standards set by organizations such as ASTM International or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Can You Use a Bike Helmet as a Safe Alternative for Skateboarding?
While wearing any type of helmet is better than nothing, it is important to note that bike helmets are not specifically designed for use during skateboarding activities. Bike helmets are constructed differently from skateboard helmets and may not provide adequate protection against certain types of impacts commonly experienced in skateboarding.
In this article, we will explore whether using a bike helmet as an alternative for skateboarding is safe or whether riders should invest in a proper skateboard helmet instead.
We will examine the differences between bike helmets and skateboard helmets, discuss potential risks associated with using a bike helmet while skating, and offer tips on how to choose and wear a suitable helmet for safe skateboarding.
The Differences Between Bike Helmets and Skateboard Helmets
Skateboarding and cycling are two different activities that require different types of helmets. Bike helmets have a more aerodynamic design with elongated rear coverage to protect the head while riding at high speeds. They also have air vents to keep the rider cool during long rides.
Skateboard helmets, on the other hand, have a rounder shape with more coverage on the back and sides of the head to protect against falls in any direction. Skateboard helmets are also designed to sit lower on the head, covering more of the forehead and temples.
Table: Differences between Bike and Skateboard Certified Helmets
| Parameter | Bike Helmet | Skateboard Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Design | More aerodynamic with elongated rear coverage | Rounder shape with more coverage on back and sides |
| Ventilation | More vents for breathability | Adequate ventilation for breathability |
| Materials | Polycarbonate shells with EPS foam liners | ABS plastic shells with impact-resistant foam liners |
| Certification | CPSC certification for bicycle use | ASTM International or CPSC certification |
| Coverage | Less coverage than skateboard helmets | More coverage on back and sides for protection against falls in any direction |
| Risks | May not provide adequate protection against certain types of impacts commonly experienced in skateboarding | Designed to provide coverage and protection against all types of impacts that can occur during skateboarding |
| Recommendations | Choose a multi-sport helmet certified by CPSC or ASTM | Choose a skateboard-specific helmet certified by ASTM or CPSC |
Explanation of Different Types of Helmets for Different Activities
When it comes to choosing a helmet for specific activities, there are several different types available. For example, mountain bikers typically wear full-face helmets that cover their entire face, including chin guards for added protection during rough terrain and jumps. Road cyclists often wear lightweight aero helmets that have fewer vents for better aerodynamics.
Skateboarders typically use multi-purpose helmets that offer protection against falls from any angle while providing ventilation for breathability. With so many options available, it’s important to choose the right helmet based on your activity level and intended use.
Comparison Between Construction and Safety Features
Bike helmets are often made with lightweight materials such as polycarbonate shells with EPS foam liners, which provide shock absorption in case of an impact during a fall or collision with another object. Skateboard helmets are typically constructed using ABS plastic shells with impact-resistant foam liners.
While both types of helmets provide protection against impacts, skateboarders need more coverage due to their higher risk of falling backward or sideways onto hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
While bike helmets may seem like a good alternative for skateboarding, they are not designed to provide adequate protection against all types of impacts that can occur during skateboarding, making it imperative to invest in a high-quality skateboard helmet.
The Risks of Using a Bike Helmet for Skateboarding
Skateboarding and biking are two different activities with distinct safety requirements. While bike helmets are designed to protect the head from linear or rotational impacts that could occur during a fall off of a bicycle, they may not be sufficient for the specific risks associated with skateboarding.
Skateboarders often experience different types of falls and collisions, such as sliding on asphalt, hitting obstacles or curbs, and falling onto hard surfaces like concrete. A bike helmet may not offer enough coverage or protection against these types of impacts.
Furthermore, unlike biking where speeds are relatively stable and predictable, skateboarding involves a lot more movement in different directions at varying speeds. This means that skateboarders are more likely to fall in awkward positions that can cause rotational forces on the head.
In such cases where rotational forces come into play with bike helmets, such helmets only provide limited protection compared to skateboard helmets that have been designed to specifically address these risks. Using a bike helmet while skateboarding could result in serious injuries like head trauma from severe impacts or brain damage due to repeated concussions.
Additionally, if an injury happens to occur while using the wrong type of helmet (bike helmet), it could lead to legal liability issues if it’s determined that proper precautionary measures were not taken by the individual involved. Therefore it is essential for skateboarders to use appropriate protective gear designed specifically for their needs when engaging in this activity.
Can you use a skateboarding helmet for bicycling?
In general, yes, you can use a skateboarding helmet for bicycling. However, there are a few things to consider when using a skateboarding helmet for bicycling:
-
Certification: Make sure the skateboarding helmet you are using is certified for bicycle use. The most common certification for bicycle helmets is the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certification. Some skateboarding helmets may have different certifications, so be sure to check the label.
-
Aerodynamics and comfort: Weight and aerodynamics are important considerations when it comes to helmets, especially for competitive cycling or other high-performance activities. In general, bicycle helmets tend to be lighter and more aerodynamic than skateboarding helmets, as they are designed with speed and efficiency in mind.
Lighter helmets can help reduce neck strain and fatigue, especially on longer rides. Aerodynamic helmets are designed to reduce wind resistance and improve airflow, which can help improve performance and reduce drag.
While skateboarding helmets may be heavier and less aerodynamic than bicycle helmets, they can still provide adequate protection for casual bicycling or commuting.
- Ventilation: Bicycling helmets often have more ventilation than skateboarding helmets to help keep you cool during rides. If you plan to use a skateboarding helmet for bicycling, make sure it has enough ventilation to keep you comfortable.
Overall, if your skateboarding helmet meets the appropriate certification and provides adequate coverage and ventilation, it should be fine to use for bicycling. However, if your kids do a lot of bicycling, you may want to consider getting a helmet specifically designed for that activity, as it will likely provide better coverage and ventilation.
I used to use my skateboarding, multi-sport helmet for biking to work, and recently switched back to a lighter aerodynamic helmet. Night and day difference in comfort.
Tips for Using a Bike Helmet as an Alternative for Skateboarding
Again, it isn’t really recommended, but it is better than nothing.
Recommendations on How to Choose the Right Type of Bike Helmet:
When looking for a bike helmet to use as an alternative for skateboarding, it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for multi-sport use. These types of helmets are built with a sturdier construction and offer more protection than regular bike helmets. Look for helmets that have been certified by organizations such as CPSC, ASTM, as they meet strict safety standards.
It’s also important to choose a helmet that fits well and is comfortable to wear. Make sure to try on different sizes and adjust the straps properly before making a purchase.
With my kids I have most often had problems with helmets sliding backwards, exposing the forehead. Finding one that minimizes this is key for skateboarding.
Suggestions on How to Adjust and Wear the Helmet Properly:
Once you have chosen the right type of bike helmet, it’s important to adjust and wear it properly in order for it to effectively protect your head while skateboarding. Start by adjusting the straps so they form a “V” shape under each earlobe and sit comfortably snug on your chin.
The helmet should fit snugly but not be too tight, with no gaps between your head and the interior foam padding. Use any additional pads provided with the helmet if needed to customize the fit further.
When wearing the helmet, make sure it sits level on your head – not tilted forward or backwards – and doesn’t obstruct your vision in any way. Using a bike helmet as an alternative for skateboarding can be safer if you follow certain guidelines when choosing, adjusting and wearing it properly.
Always prioritize safety over style when making this decision. Ultimately whether or not using a bike-helmet is right for you comes down careful consideration of personal preferences, comfort, and safety.
Conclusion
It is not recommended to use a bike helmet as an alternative for skateboarding. While bike helmets can provide some protection, they are not designed to withstand the types of impacts that are common in skateboarding. Skateboard helmets are constructed differently and have more coverage, thicker foam padding, and a harder outer shell.
Summary of Key Points Discussed in the Article
Throughout this article, we have discussed the importance of wearing proper safety gear while skateboarding and examined whether or not a bike helmet can serve as a safe alternative to skateboard helmets. We’ve compared the differences between bike helmets and skateboard helmets and highlighted the risks associated with using a bike helmet for skating. We’ve provided tips on how to choose the right type of helmet for skateboarding.
Final Thoughts on Whether it is Safe to Use a Bike Helmet as an Alternative for Skateboarding
While it may be tempting to use a bike helmet as an alternative to a more expensive skateboard-specific helmet, it is essential that we prioritize safety over cost savings. Skateboarding can be dangerous, and wearing proper safety gear can mean the difference between minor injuries and life-altering accidents. Therefore, investing in a high-quality skateboard helmet should be considered necessary by all skaters.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to our kid’s safety while practicing sports like skateboarding where risk management plays such an important role.