It all depends on where your riding takes you. You can ride an electric unicycle in most countries and states that allow it. However, some areas have age restrictions or require all riders to wear helmets.
Our advice: Our advice? Your skull and brain, which are the most important parts of your body, are protected by a helmet. A well-known saying says that it is better to be safe than sorry. Road vehicles are no exception.
You can find a complete guide to international laws governing e-unicycle on our blog. We will be returning to this topic in the near future. Below is a brief summary of the major countries and states that regulate electric unicycle riders’ helmet use.
United States
The electric unicycle has been a huge success in America, with only four states declaring them illegal or not allowing them to be used.
New York, for example, had been in a long-standing state of war on an electric unicycle. However, it recently legalized them and made helmets mandatory for riders under 18. Massachusetts is making progress. Although electric unicycles are technically illegal in the state, Massachusetts is currently considering a bill that would legalize unicycle use and require helmets from riders younger than 16.
Twelve of the 44 other states require electric unicycle riders in their vehicles to have a helmet. The rest, however, simply recommend them (or don’t mention helmets at all).
Europe
Electric unicycles fit seamlessly onto the streets of Europe, thanks to the abundance of infrastructure for cycling in many cities. Although electric unicycles are legal in some European countries (e.g., Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK), there is not a common position between European countries or cities regarding helmet laws.
Only France and Sweden have made electric unicycle helmets mandatory across their countries, but this law applies only to people under a certain age. Other countries have not made helmets mandatory for their citizens.
But, countries are looking for ways to regulate electric cars, like Romania which proposes a bill that would require everyone under 16 to wear a safety helmet.
Australia
The laws in Australia have changed recently to allow electric unicycles to be legal.
Despite this, only four states — the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia — require that all e-unicycle users wear helmets. Others encourage helmet use or allow electric unicycles to be used on private property such as New South Wales and South Australia.
Helmets are also recommended.
Although each country has its own laws regarding helmet use, the reality is that you can choose to wear one or not. We believe that helmets are an essential part of safety, and they shouldn’t be overlooked.
The number of e-unicycle riders is increasing at an alarming rate. This is not surprising considering the expansion of these unicycles in high-traffic areas and the absence of dedicated infrastructure.
The Journal of the American Medical Association Surgery (JAMA) Surgery found that less than 5% of injured riders used helmets in 2019. This is alarming considering that almost a third of all e-unicycle injury cases involve the head. It has also been repeatedly shown that helmets are associated with lower head injuries.
A study of over 6,000 bicycle-related injuries found that helmets had a 52% and 44% lower chance of brain injury, respectively. Don’t let chance win! Protect your head with a helmet.
Types of helmets
There are many options for bike helmets today, including Road bike, Skate/BMX and Mountain Bike (MTB), Trail (half-face), Mountain Bike (MTB), Trail (half-face), MTB Full Face (split into Enduro, Downhill subcategories), Motorcross (MX), and Motorbike Helmets.
Road Bike Helmets (RB)
These helmets are specifically designed to allow you to ride on roads. They are light and compact, provide great ventilation, and offer decent protection for your head and top. To keep the helmet snug, there is often a head retention system at the back of the helmet.
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Skate/BMX/Dirt Jump Helmets
Specifically made for BMX/Skating. They have a hard outer shell (which covers the back of your head swell), and a soft EPS in their middle. The pro core is a thicker lining. Overall, the helmet provides great protection to your head’s top, front, and rear. The helmet weighs a bit more than a road bike helmet due to its extra strength and materials. Although the helmet is ventilated, it’s not as good as a road bike helmet.
Enduro helmets (MTB)
These helmets are specifically designed for enduro riding. They offer decent full-face protection. They also have a higher front peak to provide protection from the sun, rain, wind, and mud. They offer high levels of complete face protection.