The main difference between a skateboard helmet and a bike helmet is how each one is designed to protect your head during the types of falls and impacts common in their sports. Bike helmets focus on high-impact protection and often have more ventilation, while skateboard helmets usually cover more of the back of your head and offer better protection against multiple, smaller impacts.
Wearing the right protective gear is important, especially when it comes to helmets. If you choose the wrong type, you might not get the right kind of protection your sport needs. Understanding how skateboard helmets and bike helmets are different can help you stay safer while riding.
Skateboard Helmet vs Bike Helmet – Key Differences
Skateboard and bike helmets may look similar but are made for different risks. Each type of helmet has key features that affect safety, coverage, and how they handle impacts.
Design and Construction
Bike helmets are typically more aerodynamic and have large vents. Ventilation keeps your head cool when riding. The outer shell is usually made from lightweight polycarbonate.
Many bike helmets are shaped for speed. They are often slim and designed with racing in mind.
Skateboard helmets use hard ABS plastic or sometimes fiberglass for the shell. Their design covers more of the back and sides of your head. Skate helmets rarely have as many vents. They focus on providing strong protection where you might hit your head during falls or tricks.
Bike helmets often use EPS foam that is intended for a single serious impact. Skate helmets use foams that can handle more than one minor impact. This is key for repeated falls in skating.
| Feature | Bike Helmet | Skateboard Helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Shell | Polycarbonate | ABS Plastic |
| Vents | Many | Few or None |
| Usual Shape | Aerodynamic, Elongated | Round, Covers More |
Coverage and Protection
Skateboard helmets protect more areas of your head. They often cover your forehead, the back of your head, and the sides above your ears. This helps shield you in falls that may come from any angle.
Bike helmets focus coverage on the top and upper sides of your head. They leave more of your lower head exposed.
Extra coverage in skate helmets helps in preventing head injuries during stunts or falls onto hard surfaces. More protection around the back and sides reduces risks like traumatic brain injury.
Bike helmets are best suited for forward falls, like in road biking or mountain biking. They are not designed for the side or rear impacts common in skateboarding.
Impact Protection and Resistance
Bike helmets use foam that compresses to absorb energy from one major crash. After a strong impact, you need to replace your bike helmet. They are made for single-impact protection.
Skateboard helmets can handle several smaller hits. The foam inside is designed for multi-impact resistance. This allows you to continue using the helmet even after small knocks from frequent falls.
Multi-impact protection is critical in skateboarding, where you may fall multiple times in one session. Bike helmets do not provide the same level of ongoing protection after repeated impacts.
Both helmet types aim to prevent head injuries and absorb impact. But bike helmets focus on reducing damage from one big crash, while skateboard helmets are built for repeated use and frequent falls.
Safety Standards and Certifications
When choosing a helmet, it’s important to know which safety standards apply. Different helmets follow different rules based on how they are used and where they are sold. Understanding these standards helps you pick the safest option for your needs.
CPSC Standard for Bike Helmets
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the main safety standard for bicycle helmets sold in the United States. Bike helmets must pass the CPSC standard to be legally sold in stores. This standard checks how well a helmet can protect your head in a single hard impact, like a fall or collision on a bike.
Key points of the CPSC standard:
- Single Impact Protection: Helmets are tested for one strong crash.
- Strap Strength: The straps must keep the helmet in place during an impact.
- Coverage: The design covers enough of your head while balancing comfort and airflow.
- CPSC Certification: Look for a sticker or label inside the helmet.
CPSC approval is important for bicycle helmets but does not cover skateboard use.
ASTM F1492 and Skate Helmet Certification
Skate helmets usually follow the ASTM F1492 standard. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) created this standard to handle the kinds of impacts common in skateboarding and inline skating. Helmets with this certification are tested for multiple, smaller impacts instead of just one big hit.
Main parts of the ASTM F1492 standard:
- Multi-Impact Score: Helmets must protect the head over several impacts, not just one.
- Lower Rear Coverage: These helmets often cover more of the back of your head.
- Durability: The helmet shell and liner are built to handle repeated falls.
- ASTM Certification: Find a label with “ASTM F1492” to know the helmet meets this rule.
A helmet that is both CPSC and ASTM F1492 certified can be used for both biking and skateboarding.
EN1078 and Other International Standards
The EN1078 is the main helmet safety standard used in Europe. It covers both bicycle helmets and skate helmets sold in many countries outside the United States. EN1078 focuses on shock absorption, strap strength, and helmet coverage for single and multiple impacts.
Important facts about EN1078:
- Applies to both bike and skate helmets.
- Tests for impact resistance, retention system (straps), and coverage.
- Helmets carrying an “EN1078” mark have passed official safety tests for Europe.
- Some other standards you may see include AS/NZS 2063 (Australia/New Zealand) and SNELL B95 (US).
Always check for the right certification mark when buying a helmet, as each standard ensures specific types of protection.
Materials Used in Skateboard and Bike Helmets
When choosing a helmet for skateboarding or biking, it’s important to know what materials are used inside and outside the helmet. The type of foam and outer shell each play a key role in how well the helmet protects your head.
EPS Foam vs EPP Foam
Most bike helmets use EPS foam (Expanded Polystyrene). EPS is a hard, light foam that absorbs energy from a single hard impact, like a crash or fall. Once damaged, EPS foam cannot protect you again and the helmet must be replaced. This makes EPS foam helmets “single-use” for impacts.
Skateboard helmets often use EPP foam (Expanded Polypropylene). EPP is more flexible and can handle multiple smaller impacts without losing its ability to protect you. This is why many skate helmets are designed as “multi-impact” helmets.
Key Differences Table
| Type | Used In | Impact Protection | Reusability |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Foam | Bike Helmets | Best for hard, single hits | Single-use |
| EPP Foam | Skate Helmets | Good for repeated impacts | Multi-impact |
You should check the label, as some helmets may use a mix of foams or advanced versions for added safety.
Outer Shell Materials
The hard shell of a helmet protects the foam inside and helps spread out the force of a hit. Skateboard helmets and bike helmets use a few different outer materials.
ABS plastic is popular in skate helmets. It is tough, a little flexible, and handles scrapes well. Polycarbonate is another common material and is lighter and more rigid; many bike helmets use polycarbonate for a light, strong shell.
Some higher-end bike helmets use fiberglass for added strength and less weight. Rarely, PET plastics might be found in entry-level helmets, but ABS and polycarbonate are most common.
Most bike helmets have more open vents in the shell to help you stay cool during rides. Skateboard helmets usually have fewer vents and more coverage at the back and sides for extra protection against falls.
Helmet Fit and Comfort
Choosing the right helmet is not just about safety. It’s also about how well the helmet fits on your head and how comfortable it feels while you ride.
Adjustability and Sizing
A well-fitting helmet is important for both safety and comfort. Most bike helmets use adjustable straps and a dial-fit system at the back so you can fine-tune the fit. Skateboard helmets, on the other hand, often come in fewer sizing options and rely more on different pad thicknesses inside.
Bike helmets usually sit higher on the head and are designed to fit snugly without shifting. Skateboard helmets fit lower and cover more of the back and sides of the head. Always check the brand’s sizing chart, and make sure the helmet feels secure without being too tight.
Quick fit checklist:
- Straps form a “V” shape under each ear
- Helmet is level, not tilted
- No gaps between the helmet and your head
If your helmet moves around when you shake your head, try different sizes or adjust the straps and pads.
Ventilation and Air Circulation
Ventilation helps keep your head cool while you’re active. Bike helmets usually have many large vents and channels for air to flow through. This makes them lighter and more breathable, especially on hot days or during long rides.
Skateboard helmets have fewer, smaller vents. They focus more on coverage and impact protection than on airflow. Air circulation in these helmets is limited, which can make them warmer during use.
If you plan to ride a lot in hot weather, you might find a bike helmet more comfortable due to its ventilation. For skating, you may have to trade a bit of airflow for the extra protection that skateboard helmets offer.
Aerodynamics and Helmet Design
The shape and structure of your helmet can affect comfort, airflow, and even your performance. The design also impacts how well it protects your head in different activities.
Aerodynamic Features of Bike Helmets
Bike helmets usually have an elongated, streamlined shape. This helps air flow smoothly over the helmet when you ride, cutting down on wind resistance. Aerodynamic design is especially important for road bike helmets, where speed matters most.
You will notice that most cycling helmets have large vents. These vents increase airflow and help keep your head cool during long rides. Some mountain bike helmets also use these vents, but often have more coverage at the back for extra protection.
For racing, special aero helmets offer even more streamlined profiles. They focus on reducing drag so you can maintain higher speeds with less effort. The look is different from everyday bike helmets because every feature serves the goal of maximizing aerodynamics and minimizing wind resistance.
Skate Helmet Designs
Skateboarding helmets have a rounder, smoother shape compared to bike helmets. They cover more of the back and sides of your head for extra safety during falls, which are common in skateboarding and similar sports.
Unlike most bike helmets, skate helmets typically have fewer and smaller vents. This reduces airflow but adds to the helmet’s strength and ability to handle multiple low-speed impacts. The hard shell is designed to absorb and spread out the force of a hit.
Many multi-sport helmets follow the skate helmet style because they can be used for activities like BMX, scootering, and rollerskating. The focus is on all-around protection rather than speed or wind resistance, which is less of a concern at lower speeds.
Use Cases and Sports Applications
Not every helmet works for every sport. Different activities and environments require helmets with specific designs, safety standards, and certifications.
Cycling-Specific Helmet Use
Cycling helmets are designed to protect you in accidents that happen at higher speeds. This includes road bike helmets and mountain bike helmets, which are both types of cycling helmets. These helmets usually do not cover as much of the back and sides of your head as skateboarding helmets. Instead, they focus on covering the spots most likely to get hit in a crash.
A cycling helmet is made for one main impact. If you crash hard and it hits the ground, you should replace it even if it looks okay. Most cycling helmets are tested and certified to CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards in the United States. These helmets are best for cycling on roads, trails, and mountain paths, but not for tricks or repeated falls.
Cycling helmets feature vents to keep your head cool and lightweight materials for comfort over long rides. If you only ride bikes, a certified cycling helmet is usually your best choice.
Skateboarding and Extreme Sports
Skateboarding helmets are made for repeated, lower-speed impacts. These helmets cover more of the back and sides of your head, making them better for falls in skateboarding, rollerblading, and scootering. They are usually tested under standards like ASTM F1492, which focus on protecting against many common types of impacts experienced in skateboarding.
A skateboarding helmet may have a thicker shell and dense foam that can handle more than one minor crash. If you skate, do tricks, or ride BMX, you need a helmet that meets these tougher impact standards. Many skateboarding helmets are also multi-sport helmets that can be used for activities like snowboarding or in-line skating.
Some helmets are dual-certified for both cycling and skateboarding. These give you broader protection, but make sure you check for labels showing certifications like CPSC and ASTM F1492 before using the helmet for any activity.
Durability and Lifespan
How a helmet handles impacts and how long it lasts are two of the main factors you should consider before making a decision. The type of use, level of impact resistance, and maintenance all make a difference in how safe and effective your helmet is over time.
Single-Impact vs Multi-Impact Helmets
Most bike helmets are single-impact helmets. This means they are designed to protect your head during one hard crash, like falling off a bike and hitting the pavement. The foam inside crushes on impact, absorbing energy to protect you. After a significant hit, you need to replace a single-impact helmet, even if it looks fine.
Skateboard helmets are usually multi-impact helmets and are built to handle multiple moderate impacts. These helmets use tougher foam and stronger materials, which helps them last longer if you fall more than once. Multi-impact helmets do not protect as well in one big crash but are more durable for the repeated knocks that happen in skateboarding, scooter riding, or rollerblading.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Helmet Type | Main Use | Impact Resistance | Lifespan After Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Helmet | Cycling | Single-Impact | Replace after one hard hit |
| Skateboard Helmet | Skating/Scooter | Multi-Impact | Can withstand several minor impacts |
Helmet Replacement and Maintenance
Regular inspection is necessary, no matter what type of helmet you have. If you spot cracks, dents, or a crushed liner, replace your helmet right away. The straps and buckles should also be checked for wear and tear that could lower protection.
For single-impact helmets, you must replace your helmet after any crash, even if there is no visible damage. The foam inside may be crushed where you can’t see it. For multi-impact helmets, replace them if the liner is cracked or the fit has changed. Even these helmets only handle a certain number of impacts before protection drops.
Cleaning your helmet with mild soap and water, storing it in a cool, dry place, and avoiding long sun exposure helps extend its lifespan. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and replacement. Regular care and proper storage help maintain durability and keep your helmet reliable when you need it most.
Additional Features and Accessories
Different helmets come with special features designed to enhance comfort and protection. When choosing between a skateboard and a bike helmet, it’s smart to look at added elements that can make a difference for your needs.
Visors and Full-Face Protection
Bike helmets often have built-in or removable visors. A visor shields your eyes from the sun and can help keep rain or debris out of your face. This is especially helpful if you ride during the day, on trails, or in rough weather. Most skateboard helmets do not include visors because visibility is a higher priority, especially for tricks or skate parks.
Full-face helmets give the most coverage. They are more common in mountain biking, downhill racing, or BMX, where falls can be more serious and your chin and jaw need protection. These helmets cover your entire face and head. In skateboarding, full-face protection is rare unless you are doing high-speed or extreme downhill skating. For regular street or park skating, most riders choose helmets without visors or face shields for better sight and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skateboard and bike helmets might look alike, but they have major design and safety differences. The right helmet depends on the type of activity, the safety standards it meets, and how it’s been tested to handle impacts.
What are the key differences between skateboard and bike helmets?
Skateboard helmets usually cover more of the back of your head and have a rounder shape. They are designed to protect against more than one smaller impact.
Bike helmets are often lighter and have more vents for airflow. They focus on protecting against a single major crash, like falling off your bike at high speed.
Can a skateboard helmet be safely used for biking?
Some skateboard helmets are also rated for biking, but not all are. Check for a sticker or label inside the helmet showing it meets bike helmet safety standards, like CPSC or EN1078.
If a skateboard helmet is not certified for cycling, it might not protect you well in a serious bike accident.
How does the safety of skateboard helmets compare with bike helmets for cycling?
Bike helmets are tested to handle faster impacts, which are more likely when riding a bike. Skateboard helmets are made for slower falls but might not be enough for a high-speed bike crash.
Using the proper helmet for your activity is important for the best protection.
What should I look for when choosing a helmet for skateboarding?
Choose a helmet with a hard outer shell, comfortable padding, and a secure fit. Look for models that meet the ASTM F1492 safety standard for skateboard helmets.
Make sure the helmet covers the sides and back of your head well.
Are there any certification differences between bike and skateboard helmets?
Yes. Bike helmets should meet CPSC or EN1078 standards. Skateboard helmets are usually certified to ASTM F1492.
Some helmets have dual certifications, making them safe for both activities. Always check the helmet label before use.
What are the safety implications of using a bike helmet for skateboarding?
Bike helmets protect against single hard impacts but may not do as well with multiple small falls, which are common in skateboarding.
If you use a bike helmet for skateboarding, you might have less protection after the first hit, and it may not cover the back of your head as well as a skateboard helmet.