If carrying around a bike helmet bothers you as much as me, then you’ve probably contemplated getting a foldable helmet. However, convenience aside, your safety is of utmost importance above everything else. The big question is, are foldable bike helmets safe?
Foldable bicycle helmets are safe if they meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards of bicycle helmets or similar standards like the EN-1078. Always check for the CPSC sticker before buying a foldable helmet to ensure it protects your head from cycling crashes or falls.
Prioritize your safety over convenience at all times. Although you can have both by ensuring your foldable helmet meets the safety standards.
Are Foldable Bike Helmets Safe?- The Bike Helmets Standards
Different countries or regions have bike helmet standards you should pay close attention to when shopping to ensure your foldable helmet keeps you safe. For instance, when buying a foldable bike helmet in the United States, make sure it is CPSC certified.
Canada has the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), while Europe has the EN-1078 standard approved by the European Committee for Standardization or “CEN” applied across the member states. Additionally, Japan has its standards, while New Zealand and Australia merged their standards.
Remember that these standards may differ, meaning that a foldable bike helmet that’s EN-1078 certified may not be CPSC certified. Therefore, research extensively and always the certification before finalizing a purchase.
A CPSC sticker tells you the helmet is safe for use because it won’t obscure your vision, performs well under various weather conditions, the straps fit well, and protects against impacts.
What Key Factors Should I Consider When Buying A Foldable Bike Helmet?
Besides ensuring the helmet meets the standards for bike helmets, take the following factors under serious consideration.
1. Collapsibility
This factor is what makes carrying a foldable helmet much easier. Some helmets fold by 30%, while others reduce their size by half.
It is up to you to pick a foldable helmet that suits your space requirements. Foldable bike helmets collapse in three ways.
- Flatten top to bottom
- Accordion-style
- Fold in half from the middle down
2. Ventilation
Bike helmets are designed with holes to provide ventilation. Without proper ventilation, your head will become hot and sweaty; that’s why you should make sure the collapsible bike helmet has a proper ventilation system.
If you value breathability as much as foldability, FEND Foldable Bike Helmet (View on Amazon) is an excellent choice. FEND set out to make well-ventilated bike helmets, and the foldable capabilities came naturally.
It is comfortable, folds by 50%, lightweight, certified, and suitable for mountain biking, road biking, scooters, and cruisers.
3. Comfort
Just because it is safe doesn’t automatically mean it is the best bicycle helmet for you. How you feel wearing it also counts, which is why you should ensure your foldable bike helmet is neither loose nor too tight.
Wider straps are also better because narrow ones will dig into your chin, causing discomfort or pain. If the helmet is too tight, it will cause head pain, while a loose one won’t offer the kind of protection you’d get from a snug-fitting helmet.
Size is the key to comfort and getting the best security from your foldable bicycle helmet. Therefore, check the sizing guidelines and helmet’s size whether you buy it online or from a brick-and-mortar store.
A good example of a comfortable foldable bike helmet is the Overade Plixi Fit Foldable Bicycle Helmet. It has lockable dividers, an adjustable fit, inner fitting pads of different thicknesses, and extra pads to give you the best fit.
4. Price
The bike industry offers many foldable bike helmets sold at different prices depending on the brand and quality. You can get a basic foldable helmet at a low price, but you’ll have to allocate more money if you want extra features.
You don’t have to buy an overly expensive foldable bike helmet but don’t go too cheap either because that will compromise your safety.
5. Durability
Some foldable helmets are made to protect against a single hit, while others can withstand brutal beatings and still offer protection. Determining a helmet’s durability isn’t easy because you have to rely on customer reviews and the manufacturer’s claims.
Check what other riders are saying about the foldable bike helmet you are considering buying to get an idea of its quality and durability.
6. Weight
Foldable bike helmets were quite heavy in the past, with the first-once to be made weighing 500g. Fortunately, they weigh much less today, with others even being lightweight.
Before you start searching for foldable helmets, determine your ideal weight. These accessories come in diverse weights, with others leaning more towards the lighter side and others in the heavier category.
7. Design
Bike helmets are not the most attractive biking accessories, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get one that complements your style. Foldable helmets are made in different shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to restrict yourself to the basic designs.
Find something that goes with your dressing style, like Closca Helmet Loop (View on Amazon). This helmet is aerodynamic, comfortable, adjustable, lightweight, and has a casual style that makes it ideal for everyday use as a scooter and city bike helmet.
FAQs
1. Are Foldable Bike Helmets Safe?
Foldable bike helmets are safe and offer protection if they meet the set standards for bike helmets. It is up to you to ensure you have a certified helmet.
2. Are More Expensive Bike Helmets Safer?
A more costly helmet will suit you better if you ride frequently or on rougher terrains. A foldable bike helmet costing more than $80 will give you more coverage, comfort and comes with slip plane tech or impact protection.
3. Is A Cheap Helmet Safe?
Cheap helmets can just be effective as expensive ones, albeit having fewer features. The effectiveness of a helmet lies in its ability to limit the amount of shock that passes through your skull to your brain.
4. Are Some Bike Helmets Better Than Others?
All bike helmets have the same safety certifications/ standards despite their price. However, helmets that cost more likely weigh less, offer better ventilation, look better, and are made using higher quality materials.
In Conclusion, Are Foldable Bike Helmets Safe?
A certified foldable bike helmet gives you proper protection and the added benefit of being compact and easy to carry around. You wouldn’t dread wearing your bike during your commute and worrying about where to put it afterward with such a helmet.
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