Motorcycle/scooter helmet advice??

Question

I just got a new scooter, 150cc, so it's classified as a motorcycle.

I need a helmet though! Which is safer, a full face helmet, or a modular helmet??

Are they about as same? I mean, they cover the same amount, right??

Take in mind that I'm not going to be riding faster than 40 mph, and I'm only going to be driving it to work (5 miles away) and to school (4 miles away). I live in a small city, and the speed limit is 35 mph.

So any advice is helpful!! Thanks!

Answer 1

A full-face helmet will always be safer just because of its structure - no joints or pivots to break away in an accident.  However, a modular helmet would do just fine for you.  You wont be traveling at hyper speeds and it's probably more convenient to be able to flip up the face in some cases.  

You might even consider a half helmet (like the link below) if you want, but it won't protect your face and jaw if you fall flat  and skid on the asphault.  

Shoei makes good modular helmets and Shoei and Arai make good full face, among others (HJC, Suomy, AGV, Shark, Vemar).

Answer 2

I'm a Biker and a E.M.T. Ask yourself this...How much is your head worth ? Even at low speeds  crash a persons head most always will hit something and damage will be done to some degree. Take a watermellon and hold if at the height of your head and drop it to the road pavement...not nice. Now travel at 40 mph and drop it ...Not nice at all. From the bike crashes I've been dispatched to as an E.M.T.,thoses who wore full faced helments were way better of than those who didn't. I have seen fractored skulls....faces torn off and minor abrassions. The diff was the speed involved and the type of helmet the rider was wearing. I don't mean to scare or gross you out but these are the facts that bikers don't like to hear.The bottom line is the more protection you have the better you are.

Answer 3

Full face helmet offers more protection and keeps the wind out of your eyes.  If nothing else it will help protect your face.

Answer 4

A full face helmet is the only way to go.  In most crashes, the majority of the impact occurs where the other helmets leave off (the chin/face area).  As another posted, take a look at Arai, Shark, and Suomy.  They have all have very lightweight comfortable helmets with crumple zones.

http://www.scootforum.com

Register today for great scooter resources such as downloadable owners and repair manuals, tips, and tutorials!