Top 10 Questions About Kids’ Bicycle Helmets (Answered!)

Has your child reached the age where they’ve started to love bicycle riding? Has it become their go-to escape from boring, stressful homework? If your child is enjoying their time on the bicycle, then it’s the right time to make this experience safe and secure with the right kind of helmet. To help them enjoy their ride without the worry of getting hurt, don’t forget to buy them a helmet. Here are some of the most essential questions a parent might have when buying a bicycle helmet for kids.

Why is it necessary to select the right size of helmet for your kids? 

It is important to choose the right size of bicycle helmet for kids as it ensures the safety and comfort of your child. A helmet that is of the right size will protect against injuries. When a helmet fits properly, it provides maximum protection, but a loose helmet may shift during an accident or an impact. Kids feel comfortable in their right-fitted helmet, which leads them to ride with confidence without worrying about the adjustments of the helmet.

Should all children’s bicycle helmets adhere to safety standards?

Yes, all kid’s bicycle helmets ought to adhere to safety regulations. Before purchasing helmets for their kids, parents should confirm the necessary safety requirements. The ideal option is a helmet that complies with recognized safety standard certifications. Some of the important certificates include:

• United States: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

• Europe: EN 1078

• New Zealand/Australia: AS/NZS 2063

• India: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-regulated ISI mark

These certificates verify that the helmet has passed rigorous testing for overall safety and strap durability and is reliable enough to protect your kid’s head in case of an impact.

Read More: What Is Your Helmet Made of? Protecting Heads, Ensuring Safety

What is the ideal price range for a quality bicycle helmet for kids?

Choosing the right helmet for your kids should be a parent’s priority before teaching them how to ride. The helmet should be the correct size, lightweight, durable, and designed creatively to capture a child’s interest. When selecting a bicycle helmet for your child in India, it’s important to prioritize quality. Prices can vary depending on the brand, materials, and features. Generally, reliable options are available within the ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 range.

How long will a bicycle helmet for kids fit properly and remain effective before it needs to be replaced?

A kid’s bicycle helmet generally fits properly for about 2 to 3 years, depending on the kid’s growth rate. The head size of the kid changes over time, and the helmet needs to be replaced. Also, a kids’ bicycle Helmet must be replaced every 5 years. The helmets for the kids are made up of materials like foam which can be damaged when exposed for a long duration due to sunlight, humidity, and moisture. However, if the helmet for kids is involved in a crash or an accident, it needs to be replaced immediately, no matter what.

Why is Shockproof American EPS foam recommended for kids’ helmets?

The Shockproof American EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam is recommended for bicycle kids helmets. It is designed in a way that it absorbs and dissipates the force or impact due to a fall or an accident. It meets the standard safety standards. Besides that EPS foam is lightweight, durable, and breathable it is often combined with ventilation channels in helmets, promoting airflow and preventing the buildup of heat.

Read More: Choosing the Right Helmet: Finding the Perfect Balance of Cost and Safety

Is it safe to reuse a Bicycle helmet for kids after an accident?

It is not safe at all to reuse a bicycle helmet after a crash, even if it appears to be undamaged. The helmets are made of certain materials like foam, which may compress due to an impact force during a crash or accident. This often reduces the helmet’s effectiveness in providing protection. Cracks or certain internal damage might not be immediately noticeable to you, but over time, such damage can compromise the helmet’s ability to offer full protection.

Is it Mandatory for kids to wear bicycle helmets by law?

In India, it is mandatory by law for children under the age of 12 to wear a bicycle helmet while riding a bicycle. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, helmets must be worn by both the rider and the passenger when traveling on motorized vehicles. However, helmet regulations for bicycles are not enforced uniformly across all regions. Some states and localities may have specific rules or guidelines requiring kids to wear helmets, especially in areas with higher traffic or safety risks. It’s advisable to check local laws to ensure compliance and prioritize safety.

Are Ventilation Holes Important in kid’s bicycle helmets?

Ventilation holes are very important in kid’s bicycle helmets as they maintain comfort and safety, by allowing better airflow during long sunny rides. They stop overheating and ensure your kid remains cool while riding their bicycle. Proper ventilation also reduces sweat buildup, thus minimizing discomfort and the risk of skin infection and irritation. Additionally, a well-ventilated helmet keeps the protective foam intact, enhancing both the safety and long-term durability of the helmet.

Read More: Helmet Safety Testing Procedures

Should a bicycle helmet for kids cover the ears?

A bicycle helmet for kids should not cover the ears. If the ears are covered, it may compromise a child’s concentration while riding, making it difficult for them to hear the traffic or busy areas properly. It can make the fit of the helmet uncomfortable and reduces the helmet’s effectiveness during an impact. Plus, leaving the ears free and exposed promotes comfort and proper ventilation, reducing heat buildup.

What is the right way to choose a kids’ bicycle helmet?

The main concern while choosing a bicycle helmet should be the right size, the perfect fit, and the safety of your kid. First, measure your child’s head with tape, ensuring that the helmet isn’t too tight or too loose, that covers the forehead properly. Always look for certified helmets with safety standards like CPSC, EN 1078, or ISI, indicating impact resistance. Choose a helmet that is lightweight, comfortable, and with good ventilation. Finally, make sure the helmet is durable, constructed with a sturdy outer shell and a foam layer that absorbs shock.

Right Helmet, Robust Ride!