When commuting to work or riding an electric scooter like the Xiaomi m365 I always use some safety gear. What you use as safety gear is up to everyone and personal preferences, here is what I use daily and what I consider to be the best safety gear for riding electric scooters.
The key thing to keep safe is the head with a helmet, if you are commuting with a laptop a hardshell backpack with back support is also a given. Protective clothing is good if you use a high-speed scooter.
I use the Armored hoodie for Lazyrolling, you can find more information in my 1-year in-depth review. Are you have a high-performance scooter then I should look into pairing the hoodie or jacket with the level 2 pads, giving it Certified Level CE 2. Rated: EN 1621-1: 2012. (Lazyrolling level 2 Pad Review).
If you want a $20 off Coupon Code on any Lazyrolling order over $179, like the hoodie in the picture use my code FALLMAN order here.
The electric scooters with their two wheels can be considered quite stable devices. The main risks are slippery roads with wet leaves/snow or a mechanical failure in the folding mechanism. If you want to improve the scooter and make it a bit safer read Xiaomi m365: 9 Upgrades and accessories.
| Safety gear | Equipment |
| Helmet | Triple Eight Gotham Dual Certified MIPS |
| Backpack | Point 65 Boblbee |
| Protective clothing | Lazyrolling Armored Hoodie |
| Headphones | AfterShokz Openmove |
Helmet
A good helmet is needed to protect the head, the most important part of our body. I use a helmet with MIPS technology. MIPS is an acronym for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.
MIPS technology mimics the brain’s protective structure by reducing rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head. The helmet’s shell and liner are separated by a low friction layer which allows the helmet to slide, noticeably reducing trauma to the brain in the case of oblique impacts. These angled impacts are considerably more common in action sports compared to the blunt force impacts for which traditional helmets are typically tested.
I use the Tec Helmets Nice MIPS and another good option is the Triple Eight Gotham Dual Certified MIPS.
For those prioritizing comprehensive coverage, a full-face helmet like the TSG Pass Pro is an added layer of security. Full-face helmets provide protection not only to the top and sides of the head but also to the face and jaw. This design offers a more enclosed and secure fit, further reducing the risk of injuries to the facial area. A full-face helmet is recommended for the more powerful electric scooters where speeds can be over 20mph.
Opting for a full-face helmet ensures that your entire head, including the face, is shielded from potential impacts, making it a valuable choice for riders seeking maximum protection. When considering safety gear, always prioritize personal comfort and the level of protection that aligns with your riding habits, scooter, and preferences.
Backpack and Back Protection
When going back to and from work, I use an older version of the Boblbee from Point 65 for the added benefit of integrated back protection and to keep the laptop safe in the case of a crash. I good backpack protecting you and your electronics is nice to have and makes you don’t worry in case of an accident. The Boblbee is a hard case pack designed for motorcycling, it can be considered overspecified for a scooter or Onewheel.
Headphones
To be safe and aware of the environment during commuting I use the Openmove bone-conducting headphones from AfterShokz. I listen to audiobooks on Audible during my trip and I, therefore, consider headphones also to be a part of the safety gear. If you want to get a month for free use this link.
For more information about being safe and the different options read Best Safe Headphones for Electric Scooter or Onewheel.
Enhancing Visibility with Reflective Gear:
Incorporating reflective elements into your gear is good, particularly when riding during low-light conditions or at night. These reflective additions make you more visible to other drivers and significantly increase your overall safety.
- Reflective Vests:
- Invest in a high-visibility reflective vest, a simple yet effective way to ensure that you stand out in various lighting situations. These vests are lightweight and can be worn over your regular clothing.
- Reflective Bands:
- Wrap reflective bands around your wrists, ankles, or even your backpack. These bands not only add an extra layer of visibility but also offer versatility in their application and take up no space in your backpack.
- Reflective Stickers:
- You can add reflective stickers to your helmet, scooter, or other gear. These small yet impactful additions can catch the light and alert drivers and pedestrians to your presence.
By incorporating reflective gear into your ensemble, you actively contribute to a safer riding experience. Whether commuting or cruising, these simple additions serve as an extra layer of assurance, ensuring that you remain visible and conspicuous in various lighting conditions. Remember, being seen is a key element of staying safe on the road.
If you ride another PEV or personal electric vehicle, then you might want to use some more safety gear. I ride with a little more when commuting on my Onehweel. If you are interested in that complete list check it out at my Onewheel Safety gear list.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
