No, Bird does not provide helmets for their electric scooter rentals. Most electric scooter companies like Bird, Lime, Spin, etc. do not provide helmets as part of their scooter rental service. The responsibility for bringing and wearing a helmet falls on the rider.
Why Don’t Scooter Companies Provide Helmets?
There are a few key reasons why companies like Bird do not provide helmets:
- Cost – Providing helmets for every single rider would be extremely expensive. Helmets need to be replaced after impacts, and would be constantly lost or stolen.
- Logistics – It would be incredibly challenging for companies to constantly collect, sanitize, distribute and track thousands of helmets in multiple cities. Storing and transporting that many helmets would be a major undertaking.
- Liability – Scooter companies want to avoid any additional liability associated with providing safety equipment. If they provided helmets, it could be argued they are taking greater responsibility for rider safety.
- Lack of Laws – In most cities and states, there are no laws requiring scooter companies to provide helmets for riders over 18 years old.
Overall, the logistical challenges and costs associated with providing helmets at scale make it impractical for most scooter rental companies today. They prefer to put the onus on riders to bring their own helmet.
The Importance of Wearing a Helmet
While companies may not provide helmets, it is strongly recommended that all scooter riders wear a helmet for safety. Here are some key reasons to wear a helmet while riding an electric scooter:
- Reduce Risk of Head Injury – Scooter speeds can reach 15mph+ easily. A helmet protects your head in the event of crashes and falls at high speeds.
- Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries – Brain injuries like concussions can occur easily in scooter accidents without a helmet.
- Follow Safety Laws – Many states and cities legally require scooter riders under 18 to wear a helmet.
- Avoid Costly Medical Bills – Head and brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Set a Safety Example – Wearing a helmet encourages others to follow safe riding practices.
Studies have found that helmet use among injured scooter riders reduces the risk and severity of head injuries by at least 45%. Wearing a helmet is one of the smartest steps you can take for scooter safety.
Scooter Helmet Laws by State
Laws around scooter helmets vary considerably by state. Here is an overview of current electric scooter helmet laws in the U.S.:
| State | Helmet Law for Scooter Riders |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Required under 16 |
| Alaska | No law |
| Arizona | No law |
| Arkansas | Required under 21 |
| California | Required under 18 |
| Colorado | Required under 18 |
| Connecticut | Required under 15 |
As shown, over half of U.S. states currently have no helmet law for adult scooter riders 18 and over. However, many individual cities have passed local scooter helmet laws that require riders of all ages to wear helmets. Always check your local laws to understand the exact scooter helmet requirements where you live.
Recommendations for Buying a Scooter Helmet
If you plan to ride an electric scooter, here are some tips for choosing an effective and comfortable helmet:
- Seek Safety Certification – Look for helmets certified by safety bodies like CPSC or Snell.
- Choose the Right Fit – Helmet should fit snugly and not shift around easily.
- Full Coverage – Opt for a helmet that protects the back of your head too.
- Ventilation – Look for vents to help keep you cool during rides.
- Visible Design – Bright colors and reflectors improve visibility and safety.
- Comfort Padding – Cushioning makes helmets more comfortable to wear.
You can find scooter helmets from brands like Triple Eight, Nutcase, Thousand, and others costing $30-$100+. Try on different sizes and styles to find one that fits comfortably while providing solid protection.
Using a Bicycle Helmet on a Scooter
Can you wear a bike helmet while riding an electric scooter? The short answer is yes – bicycle helmets provide similar protection to scooter-specific helmets. The key differences include:
- Design Styling – Bike helmets have more sporty, aerodynamic designs.
- Ventilation – Bike helmets tend to have enhanced airflow for higher speeds.
- Visor Coverage – Many bike helmets include detachable visors.
- Lighting – Scooter helmets more often integrate safety lights.
- Coverage – Scooter helmets provide more coverage on sides and back.
While their designs differ, from a safety perspective bicycle helmets perform similarly for scooter riding. Pay attention to the fit, ventilation and adjustability to get a good fit. Overall, it is fine to use a bike helmet, though a scooter helmet may be optimized better for this application.
Are There Any Alternatives to Helmets?
Some riders may wonder if there are any alternatives that can provide similar protection to helmets:
- Hats – Regular hats like ballcaps do not provide meaningful impact protection.
- Hair Ties – Securing hair in a bun or ponytail does not substitute for a helmet.
- Headbands – Ordinary plastic headbands provide minimal cushioning against impacts.
While it’s understandable some riders dislike wearing helmets, there are no adequate substitutes. Only proper safety-certified helmets provide the cushioning, hard shell, and adjustability necessary for impact and crash protection. Don’t risk your safety – always wear a real scooter or bike helmet while riding.
Do Helmets Really Make a Difference?
There is clear evidence demonstrating the safety benefits of helmets for scooter riders:
- 45-50% reduced risk of head injury for helmeted riders (Austin Public Health)
- 85% reduced risk of severe head trauma with helmets (Journal of Clinical Neuroscience)
- Up to 88% of scooter accident deaths involve head injuries (Jama Surgery)
- Unhelmeted riders at 3.6x higher risk of head injury (Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Multiple independent studies converged on the finding that scooter helmets reduce the risk of head impacts by around 50% compared to unhelmeted riders. For severe brain injuries, helmets are even more protective. Simply put, helmets dramatically improve safety outcomes in crashes. They should be considered essential safety gear, not an optional extra.
Conclusion
In summary, no – scooter rental companies like Bird do not provide helmets. However, riders are strongly advised to supply their own proper scooter or bicycle helmet. Helmet use is mandated for riders under 18 in many states, can prevent serious injuries, and does not hinder the riding experience when fitted properly. While some riders may resist, studies clearly show helmets substantially reduce the risk and severity of head impacts in the event of a scooter mishap. Protect yourself – always wear a helmet! Let me know if you have any other questions.
