Best Scooter and Bike Helmets For Kids
Table of Contents
Safety is always the number one priority when kids are riding a scooter. A helmet provides protection for kids and peace of mind for parents. But buy the wrong one and you will encounter a whole host of problems. Firstly it won't offer the right protection and secondly it's likely your child will refuse to wear it.
It's therefore important to make the right choice. We're here to help. Find below a comprehensive guide on picking the right helmet for your child as well as lots of helmet suggestions to suit all budgets.
What to consider when buying a child’s helmet?
1.) Choose the right size - this is important for obvious reasons. A helmet which is too tight is uncomfortable. A helmet which is too loose will move around and not offer the protection needed.
When buying a helmet, take a head circumference measurement from your child to help you choose the right size. Here is how to measure your child's head:
- use a fabric measuring tape to take a measurement around your child's head. Measure 1 inch above the eyebrows.
- Keep the measuring tape level around the head to get the full measurement.
- If you don't have a fabric measuring tape, use string. Mark the string and then measure it against a ruler.
This measurement is a good starting point, but to ensure the helmet fits correctly it should have about a gap of an inch between the eyebrow and the helmet. If the helmet is too big, it will move around too much. If it is too small too much of the forehead may be visible.
2.) Dial adjustments, straps and pads - most helmets come with straps and pads so you can adjust the helmet according to the size of a child's head and as they grow.
Lots of helmets also have dial adjustments at the back of the helmet which can be easier to use and give an excellent fit.
Some helmets come with a range of inner pads which are interchangeable to help achieve the best fit for a child.
The adjust straps should form a tight v under a child's earlobes. The strap should securely fit underneath a child's chin (snug but not too tight). They should still comfortably be able to open their mouth with it secured.
Foam pads and / or a dial at the back can also adjust to the size of your child's head. They may need adjusting to fit and as they grow.
3.) Ventilation and sweat lining - many helmets have holes for ventilation. This is to ensure a child's head won't get too hot and sweaty which may lead them to want to take it off. Sweat saver lining may be fitted into the helmet to absorb any sweat. Some sweat saver linings are treated with anti bacterial properties. Others are removable and can be fully washed.
4.) Safety - what safety standards does it meet? Helmets in the UK should meet European Safety Standards of EN1078.
5.) Comfort - many helmets have foam linings so the head fits well and is comfortable. It's also worth checking how heavy the helmet is. Lighter helmets will be much more comfortable to wear.
6.) Does it appeal to your child? A good idea to make sure your child will wear the helmet is to get them involved in choosing it. What style would they like? Younger kids may be attracted to gimmicky helmets where older kids will want something more grown up. If you are buying in a store, take them along so they can try some on and pick the one which is most comfortable.
Terms You Might See
EPS foam - the interior of a helmet may contain EPS foam or an EPS shell. EPS refers to expanded polystyrene.
In-mould design / construction - a popular helmet construction. The in mould helmet has a hard plastic outer shell bounded together with an inner shell with EPS foam to absorb impact. They design offers high levels of protection while cutting back on weight.
MIPS technology - MIPS stand for multi-directional impact protection system. The people behind MIPS realise that when people fall from bikes they tend to hit their head from an angle. So, whereas traditional helmets are designed to protect against a direct impact, MIPS technology is designed to produce better protection from angled falls and the rotational force that results from it. It is the latest technology and does tend to cost more. There are arguments for and against MIPS. Some people believe it is a marketing gimmick but others are firm proponents that it offers increased protection from brain injuries.
Polycarbonate - polycarbonate is a type of plastic and is often a material used to make the outer shell of a helmet. It's very tough and therefore very hard to break!
Abus Smiley Kids Cycling Helmet
The German company Abus are well known for making locks but they also specialists in making high quality cycling helemts for children as well as serious cyclists. Their kids helmets conform to EN 1078 safety standards and they make a variety of helmets for kids of all ages.
The Abus Smily 2.0 is a light, well fitting helmet. It comes in lots of different colors and designs.
Size - The small size measures 45 to 50cm and the medium size is 50 to 55cm.
Weight, Comfort - The helmets are super light, with the small size weighing just 240g. Kids are more likely to keep wearing a light helmet because it's more comfortable. Additionally, there are 8 vents to keep little heads cool.
Fit - one of the plus points of the Abus smiley is how it can be finely adjsuted to the size of a child's head. There is a dial adjustment at the back and straps that are easy for adults to adjust (little kids may struggle with adjusting the straps independently though).
Protection - The helmet has an in mould construction with EPS foam on the inner shell to absorb impact. There is also extended protection for the neck and face. The helmet has a visor like front edge for increased face protection and a deeply pulled down temple and neck area.
Giro Children’s Tremor Helmet
Giro is a well respected brand for making both adult and child's helmets, and is of exceptional high quality. So why does the Tremor helmet excel?
Firstly the fit. It has a very easy to adjust dial system. It's large dial with a rubber grip makes it easy to use, especially when it's on a child's head. As the dial adjustment system is so good, the side straps on the helmet won't need adjusting. One less thing to do on a fidgeting child! It features a standard buckle to connect underneath the chin.
It's lined with high end sealed pads made of high quality performance material to absorb any sweat. The 18 vents will keep heads cool in warm weather.
It has a visor which extends out quite far (much more than most helmets) so will protect children's face from the sun.
The helmet is an in-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner.
Finally it comes in lots of different colours to choose from.
Grit Scamp - A Top Choice For Toddlers
Looking for a perfect fit for a toddler or small child? The Giro Scamp is an ideal choice.
It has two sizes, an extra small (43-49cm) and a small (49-53cm)
What really sets this helmet apart from it's competitors is the easy to use adjustment system. It features an easily adjustable dial at the back. The side straps also adjust for an optimal fit. The under chin buckle can be securely fastened to keep it in place. Perfect when trying to fit the helmet on a toddler who won't keep still!
The in mould construction with polycarbonate outer shell and EPS lining is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The helmet has a narrower profile at the back and is well suited to trailer or bike seat use too.
Bell Sidetrack with MIPS Protection
If you're looking for a helmet with MIPS protection, the Bell sidetrack is a well respected brand and an excellent choice.
It features a mountain bike shape and boasts excellent head coverage with lower coverage of the back of the head.
There is a removeable head visor and ventilation is covered with 15 vent holes!
Construction is an in-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner on the helmet which fits a head circumference of 50 - 57cm
Easily adjustment with a sleek dial system for one handed adjustments. It's a smaller dial system than the tremor and no rubber grip, but it does the job! The sliders on the side straps can be adjusted to fit better and the buckle clips underneath the chin.
Lazer J1 Kids Cycling Helmet
Lazer is a Belgian company who have been making helmets for over 100 years. They pride themselves on producing lightweight, adjustable, well ventilated and stylish helmets
The J1 kid's helmet goes big on style. There are many fantastic colour combinations to choose from
The helmet fits a head circumference of 52 to 56cm
The lazer advanced turnfirt retention system is excellent. it's easy to adjust to help you achieve the perfect fit
19 large vents maximize airflow around the head and provides top class ventilation
The in-mold I Piece construction helps keep the weight of the helmet low, it weighs 295g
LA Sports Junior Kids Helmet
LA sports have an affordable budget helmet option. It's sized at 49.55 to 55cm for kids around ages 3 to 8 (as a rough gudie)
It's constructed with an ABS outer shell and EPS inner liner to aborb impact. There is a
11 air vents keep the rider's head cool and comes in lots of different colours.
Skate Hut Helmet
Looking for a colourful kid’s helmet at an affordable price? The Skate Hut helmet be the perfect choice.
Size: There are 5 different sizes. The smallest measures 48cm to 50cm and the largest 58cm to 60cm. So there is a size for most kids and adults.
Construction: It features a high density, injection ABS outer shell and high impact-absorbing EPS inner and it’s tested to EN1078
Comfort and Fit: 11 vents to help keep kid’s head’s cool. For a snug fit, there is adjustable/removable inner foam padding. There are also adjustable chin straps.
Finally there’s a variety of Matt colour finishes.
Lazer Lil’ Gekko kids helmet
Another cool offering from lazer is the lil’Gekko kids helmet.
Aimed at stylish little kids who have a head circumference between 46cm to 56cm
the bright colours on this helmet will ensure they look super cool
its visor helps keep the sun out for your child’s eyes
whats really good about the helmet is its features lasers auto fi retention system, the helmet will nstantly auto adjust to the riders head. The system adjusts each time you put the helmet on so its great fro growing heads, another top feature is the comfort buckle. It connects to the ear to prevent you accidentally pinching your child’s chin when securing the strap
12 large vents keep the kids head cool