Navigating safety: Your guide to choosing a standard helmet

In Shanghai's extensive transportation network, convenient and efficient travel is essential. Electric scooters are gaining popularity among expats as an eco-friendly, cost-effective and speedy option, particularly for short city center trips.

With a non-motor vehicle safety regulation mandating helmets for nearly two years in Shanghai, the use of electric mopeds has become widespread.

When opting for electric scooter travel, it's vital to remember a crucial point: choose a compliant helmet to ensure your safety while riding. The most recent national helmet standards, effective nationwide since July 1, were jointly released by the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Non-compliant or low-quality helmets can lead to issues such as inadequate collision energy absorption, weak penetration resistance, and pressure resistance. To guide you, here's a breakdown of what qualifies as a standard helmet under the new regulations:

For motorcycles and electric mopeds, helmets are classified as A or B.

Electric moped helmets must display visible blue shading, bear a black "B" logo, and feature reflective markings.

The helmets are also available in three different styles. Riders who are quick can choose a complete helmet that covers the entire chin.

The 3/4 helmet does not cover the chin but provides better ear protection.

The half helmet primarily protects the head and neck.

Children are also taken into account in the revised requirements.

Previously, helmet sizes were large, medium and small. It now comes in two new sizes: "extra small" and "extra large," with the former suitable for children aged 4 to 10.

The new standard also adds two new components to the helmet quality test, friction force and shear force, and specifies standards for helmet goggles.

Riders should select helmets that fit their head circumference so that when they shake their heads, the helmet does not shake.

When wearing the helmet, the rider must buckle the strap so that the helmet does not fall off in the event of a collision.

If the helmet has been involved in an accident, it should be replaced, even if it does not appear to be damaged.

Helmets have their own service life, which is often two to three years.

Credit: Imaginechina

Attention:

Keep in mind that riding is exclusively allowed on non-motorized lanes, with a maximum speed limit of 15km per hour. Avoid any alterations to your electric bike.

An adult can transport a child below 12 years old on the attached seat behind the driver. When the children is under the age of 6, a fixed seat must be used. Both drivers and child passengers are required to wear safety helmets.

Lastly, ensure batteries are not charged in areas that compromise safety, such as residential building stairwells or passageways.