The Ultimate Guide to Electric Scooter Helmets

Helmets. They’re not just the law, they’re lifesavers. Wearing a helmet while riding a motorised two-wheeler vehicle is mandatory in India according to the Motor Vehicles Act - a law which is very strictly adhered to in most parts of India, and rightly so. According to a 2022 report on Road Accidents in India, the number of deaths caused by road accidents in India have risen to over 1.5 lakh a year, and wearing helmets - of the right quality - can help significantly reduce this tragic number.

The Motor Vehicles Act also applies to electric scooters in India to protect riders. Despite being loaded with safety features such as FallSafe™, Dual Disc Brakes etc., it is still of utmost importance to wear a helmet before any ride taken on an Ather electric scooter.

In this article, we will look at the electric scooter helmet - why it’s so important, what to look for while buying one, and where to get the right one for your head.

What do helmets do?

A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain. As early as the BC era, man has recognised the need to protect one’s head from potential impact that can be fatal or cause lifelong, irreversible damage. In the modern day, helmets are designed to provide enhanced safety for the head, eyes (visors), mouth, jaws, ears and other parts of the cranial area that are as prone to damage as the skull itself.

In a nutshell, in the event of a high-impact collision, the right helmet can save a life by absorbing maximum impact and reducing the force the skull has to bear in protecting the brain. For riders of Ather helmets, it can also be a really cool style statement as well. Read on to know how.

How to identify the right electric scooter helmet?

In modern times, helmets are designed and made differently for their varied uses. According to the law, you can’t just wear a cricket helmet or construction helmet on the roads - your riding helmet needs to meet certain quality standards, fit a certain way and have certain features. Let us explore these features.

Certification: The difference between a good quality helmet and a bad one could be the difference between life and death. Therefore, certain safety standards must be adhered to by all electric scooter helmet manufacturers. So when you’re buying, look for helmets that meet the safety standards set by trusted certifying organizations, such as DOT, ECE, or ISI (ISI: 4151 is the code for helmet safety standards). This is a guarantee that the helmet has passed rigorous testing, thereby assuring quality.

Type: There are essentially two types of electric scooter helmets that are permitted for use while riding (and for the pillion rider too, in some cities/states of India) based on the amount of protection provided. Full face helmets cover the entire head and face area, including the mouth and jaw, whereas Half face helmets cover the head area, up to the ears. While the decision rests with the user’s comfort level, the extra protection of the Full Face Helmet is highly recommended.

Fit: Getting a helmet of the right size is another absolutely crucial aspect to consider. A helmet that’s too loose could fly off on high impact. A helmet that’s too tight or uncomfortable impairs the rider’s concentration and doesn’t effectively prevent shockwaves from going through the skull and impacting the brain. Just like with clothes - bike helmets come in standardised sizes (small, medium, large etc.) and you can try it on before purchase. The helmet you choose must snugly fit your head and not move around excessively, but also feel comfortable and not too weighty on the head. It should cover the forehead and sit low on the back of the head.

Materials & Construction: Much has evolved when it comes to the choice of material that provides maximum safety to the wearer’s head. While metal and plastic have been used in the past, synthetic materials like polycarbonate, fibreglass or carbon fibre are now being used as they provide both durability and lightness. These offer varying degrees of impact protection and your choice must be made considering your riding behaviour, especially aspects like the type of road and speed in which you ride. The visor, too, must be made to provide clear, unimpaired vision and must be easy to wipe.

Ventilation: An underrated, but essential factor to consider is breathability. Look for helmets that offer adequate airflow, especially for long rides. The right ventilation is essential for the comfort of the rider by preventing excessive sweating and visor fogging.

Accessories: Some helmets are equipped with additional features like Bluetooth that complement other electric scooter accessories. Invest in them if you must, but remember, safety is the #1 priority!

Where to buy the best electric scooter helmets?

Nearly every Indian city has a massive population of two-wheelers, and therefore, a massive supply of good-quality rider helmets. Check out your neighbouring helmet shop and you should get a great variety in a fit and finish that suits you.

Additionally, you can buy helmets and other accessories online on the Ather website as well. These have been created specifically keeping electric scooters in mind and combine the top features of the best electric scooter helmets out there. What’s more, they’re aesthetically sleek and made in colours that match our Ather scooters, making them a pretty nifty style statement for our riders.

Ather Helmets are designed to maximise safety, with features like Anti-rain Fit that makes riding in the rain easier. They come in various sizes, are ISI-certified and come with a 2-year warranty. Inside, they’ve got breathable padding with easy-to-remove foams for cleaning and the outside is coated with UV-resistant polyurethane paint finish so its ‘new’ look doesn’t fade in the Sun.

They look good, they save your life. It’s like our Ather Helmets are real-life superheroes that live on your head as you ride!