Scooter helmets: choosing and fitting one

Falls are part of learning to ride a scooter, and most are minor. But a fall onto a hard surface can cause a head injury, which is why every safety authority we cite puts a helmet at the top of the list. This guide explains what the rules say, what to look for when buying a helmet, how to fit it and when to replace it.

This guide is general information written in our own words, based on the official sources listed at the end. It isn't legal or medical advice. Road rules and e-scooter trials change, and councils can put up local signs that override the general rules, so check the current rules with Transport for NSW and follow any signs where you ride.

What the rules say

For kick scooters, Transport for NSW recommends wearing a helmet and protective gear. For shared e-scooters in NSW trial areas, the NSW Government says riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times. Rules differ between states: the Better Health Channel, published by the Victorian Government, notes that in Victoria scooter riders are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet. Whatever the rule where you ride, wearing a helmet is the safest choice.

Why helmets matter

The Better Health Channel explains that if a child falls from a fast-moving scooter onto a hard surface, the brain can be thrown against the inside of the skull, causing bruising and swelling, and skull fractures and bleeding are also possible. It notes that research suggests safety helmets greatly reduce the risk of head injury. Helmets work by using a foam liner that crushes on impact and absorbs energy that would otherwise reach the head.

The labels to look for

Transport for NSW advises looking for a helmet with a certification label such as BSI, Global-Mark, SAI Global or AUS. These labels show the helmet has been certified against a recognised standard.

The ACCC's Product Safety Australia website explains that bicycle helmets sold in Australia must comply with a mandatory safety standard, the Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard. It lists the standards a helmet can be made to and the markings required. Buying from a reputable Australian retailer makes it more likely the helmet complies, but always check for the label inside the helmet.

Choosing a helmet

When you're choosing a helmet:

• Try it on. Helmets come in different sizes and shapes. Better Health Channel advises making sure the helmet fits comfortably before you buy it.
• Check the label. Look for a certification label as described above.
• Choose bright colours. A bright helmet helps drivers and other path users see you.
• Look for good ventilation for Sydney summers, so the helmet is comfortable enough to wear every ride.
• Avoid second-hand helmets. Raising Children Network advises against buying a second-hand helmet, because you can't be sure it hasn't been in a crash.

Children's helmets come in smaller sizes and often have adjustable dials at the back. Buy a helmet that fits now, not one to grow into.

How to fit a helmet

Better Health Channel sets out these fitting points:

• The helmet should sit level, just above the eyebrows, not tilted back on the forehead.
• A correctly fitted helmet can't be moved forwards, backwards or sideways on the head.
• The chinstrap must always be fastened firmly and never twisted.
• Ponytails and hair clips shouldn't be worn under a helmet, as they stop it sitting properly.

Raising Children Network describes a simple push test: once the strap is done up, try pushing the helmet back and forth. If it moves enough to uncover the forehead or slips back, adjust the straps or try a smaller size. Many people use the "two fingers" guide: about two fingers' width between the eyebrows and the helmet, the side straps forming a V just under each ear, and room for about one finger between the chin and strap.

Wearing it every time

A helmet only works if it's on your head and done up. Better Health Channel advises making sure children wear their safety equipment every time they ride, even in the backyard. Adults who wear helmets set a good example. Make putting the helmet on part of getting the scooter out.

Caring for your helmet

Clean your helmet according to the manufacturer's instructions; Better Health Channel warns that some cleaning products can damage helmets. Don't leave a helmet in a hot car for long periods, don't paint it or add stickers unless the manufacturer allows it, and store it where it won't be crushed.

When to replace a helmet

Better Health Channel advises always replacing a helmet after an impact or accident, or if the materials split or deteriorate. A helmet may look fine after a crash but have compressed foam inside that won't protect you next time. Replace a child's helmet when they outgrow it. Many manufacturers also recommend replacing helmets after a certain number of years; check the instructions that came with yours.

Helmets for different riders

Young children need a helmet that fits their smaller head; many have an adjustable dial. Teenagers often prefer skate-style helmets, which can be fine if they carry a certification label and fit well. Commuters may prefer a lightweight, ventilated bicycle helmet. Skate park riders may want a helmet with more coverage at the back of the head. Whatever the style, the label and the fit matter most.

Common helmet mistakes

Common mistakes include wearing the helmet tilted back so the forehead is exposed, leaving the chinstrap undone or loose, wearing a cap underneath, using a helmet that's too big "to grow into", and continuing to use a helmet after a crash. Check fit each time your child puts their helmet on, as straps can loosen.

Try the "Where can I ride?" checker

Our free ride checker lets you choose a kick scooter, a private e-scooter or a shared e-scooter, then pick a place, such as a footpath, shared path or road, and the time of day. It shows what the general NSW rules say, with a link to the official source. It runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere. It's a guide only: local signs and changes to the rules always take priority.

Where our information comes from

Factual statements in our guides are based on official and authoritative sources, including Transport for NSW, the NSW Road Rules 2014, the NSW Government's e-scooter pages, Fire and Rescue NSW, the ACCC's Product Safety Australia, the Better Health Channel and Raising Children Network. We link to each source at the end of the page and write everything in our own words. We don't invent statistics, fines or prices, and where official sources disagree or change, we say so.

Rules change

Road rules, fines and e-scooter trials change from time to time. The NSW Government has said it's exploring options to change the rules for e-scooters, and trial sites open and close. Councils can also add local signs that ban scooters in particular places. Before relying on any rule, check the current information from Transport for NSW and follow the signs where you ride.

Riding with others in mind

Footpaths and shared paths belong to everyone. Riding at a sensible speed, keeping left, giving way to pedestrians and walking when it's busy make scooters welcome on Sydney's paths. Every rider who rides considerately helps keep paths open to scooters, and makes it easier for children to keep scooting to school and the park.

A note for parents and carers

Children learn by watching adults. If you ride a scooter or bicycle, wear your helmet, keep left, slow down near people and walk across roads. Talk about the rules as you go. Transport for NSW's Safety on Wheels information for parents is a helpful starting point, and Raising Children Network has practical advice on bike, scooter and skateboard safety.

Key points

• Transport for NSW recommends a helmet on kick scooters; helmets are compulsory on shared e-scooters in NSW trials.
• Look for a certification label (BSI, Global-Mark, SAI Global or AUS).
• Fit it level, just above the eyebrows, with a firm, untwisted chinstrap.
• Don't buy second-hand, and replace after any impact.
• Wear it every ride, even in the backyard.