As electric bikes continue to grow in popularity due to environmental concerns and urban congestion in the U.S., they offer a cleaner and more affordable alternative to cars or motorcycles. Charging an eBike costs about $24 per year, making it an economical choice. With potential tax incentives from Biden's proposed bill, eBike sales could skyrocket if it passes the Senate.

While purchasing an eBike is exciting, riding one safely is another story. Safety involves both legality and personal protection. We’ve previously discussed eBike regulations, but one critical aspect remains: helmets!

Is a Helmet Really Necessary?

Similar to eBike laws, helmet regulations vary by state. Many states mandate wearing a helmet when riding a Class 2 eBike. For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick recap:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist systems reaching up to 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-mode eBikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist eBikes with a top speed of 28 mph.

Delfast eBikes fall into the Class 2 category, but riders can push higher speeds in certain areas. Some states require helmets regardless of the eBike’s classification, including Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Delaware, New Mexico, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

Other states enforce helmet laws based on the rider’s age:

• Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia have local helmet rules.
• California requires helmets for anyone under 18.
• Connecticut, Georgia, Tennessee, and New Hampshire require helmets for riders under 16.
• New York has both state and local helmet laws.

In Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and Wisconsin, helmet requirements depend on local regulations. Always double-check your local laws and follow them. Even if your area doesn’t require a helmet, we strongly recommend wearing one. Helmets are your primary safety gear and provide crucial protection.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Helmet?

A good helmet should be comfortable, safe, and stylish—yes, style matters! Bike helmets typically consist of polystyrene foam on the inside and polycarbonate for the outer shell. This combination ensures lightweight comfort while providing durability.

Some modern helmets come equipped with a dial-fit system for precise adjustments and a snug fit. Proper fit is essential—measure your head before buying. Here’s how:

1. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows.
2. Compare the measurement to a helmet size chart. If your result falls between two sizes, always choose the smaller size.

If you live in a warm climate, prioritize helmets with advanced ventilation. For off-road enthusiasts, closed-face helmets are ideal to shield your face from debris and protect your jaw.

Can I Use a Regular Bike Helmet?

For casual rides under Class 2 settings (the default power mode for our TOP 3.0), a standard bike helmet will suffice. However, if you intend to go faster, consider upgrading to a motorcycle helmet or one with a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS).

MIPS technology secures the head within the helmet during impacts, reducing the risk of concussions and severe brain injuries. This feature is especially important for off-road riders. Remember, safety always comes first. Even short rides demand helmet usage. Delfast eBikes are designed with safety in mind, but adding a helmet amplifies your protection exponentially.