E-Moto Safety Gear Guide: What to Wear and How to Take Care of It
Emirali MazanovA Sur-Ron or Talaria can hit 40+ mph in a few seconds. Your body doesn't know the difference between that and a gas dirt bike, so your gear shouldn't either. Here's what to wear, how to pick it, and how to take care of it so it actually works when you need it.
The gear list
- Full-face or MX helmet. The most important thing you'll ever buy for your bike. More on this below.
- Goggles. Roost, bugs and branches go straight for your eyes. Clear lenses for dusk and trees, tinted for bright days.
- Gloves. Your hands hit the ground first. Get real riding gloves with palm protection, not winter gloves.
- Boots. MX boots or at least sturdy over-the-ankle boots. Pegs, rocks and the bike falling on your foot are how ankles break.
- Chest and back protection. A roost guard or body armor takes the hit from crashes and flying rocks.
- Knee and elbow pads. Cheap, easy and they save you from the most common injuries.
- Long sleeves and pants. Riding jersey and pants, or at least something tougher than shorts and a t-shirt.
- Something bright for night rides. A reflective vest like our Night Ride Vest helps people see you.
Picking a real helmet
Look for a safety certification sticker on the helmet, not just on the box:
- DOT (FMVSS 218): the US minimum for motorcycle helmets.
- ECE 22.06: the current European standard, with updated impact testing.
- Snell M2020: a voluntary standard with its own impact testing.
A bicycle helmet is not made for motorcycle speeds. Skip "novelty" helmets and fakes with no real certification. If a deal on a big-brand helmet looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Fit matters as much as the brand. It should be snug all the way around with no pressure points, the cheek pads should push your cheeks a little, and it shouldn't roll forward or back when you push on it with the strap done up. Always buckle the strap. A helmet that comes off in a crash does nothing.
When to replace your helmet
- After a crash where you hit your head. The foam inside crushes to absorb the hit and doesn't bounce back, even if the outside looks fine. Some brands offer an inspection if you're unsure.
- If you drop it hard on concrete, check it for cracks and dents. A small drop with no head inside usually isn't the end of it, but if in doubt, ask the manufacturer.
- About every 5 years of use. Glues, padding and foam break down over time. Snell calls five years a prudent rule of thumb, and many helmet makers say the same.
- If it doesn't fit anymore. Packed-down pads or a growth spurt both count.
Helmet care
- Clean the shell with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. No gas, solvents or harsh cleaners, they can weaken the shell.
- Wash the liner and cheek pads if they're removable. Hand wash with mild soap and let them air dry.
- Don't store it on your mirror, bar end or seat. That can dent the foam liner. Use a helmet hook or a shelf.
- Keep it out of heat. Don't leave it in a hot car or in direct sun for days.
- Check the strap and buckle before every ride.
Taking care of the rest of your gear
- Goggles: rinse mud off with water before wiping, or you'll scratch the lens. Swap lenses when they're scratched or fogged, and replace the strap when it stops holding tight.
- Gloves: replace them when the palm wears through or the stitching splits.
- Boots: clean the mud off so the leather and buckles last, and check buckles and soles for damage.
- Armor and pads: look for cracks in hard plates and worn-out straps. Replace anything that's cracked.
A quick pre-ride bike check
Good gear works best on a bike that's in good shape too. Before every ride, take two minutes:
- Brakes: both levers feel firm, pads aren't worn down, no leaks.
- Tires: right pressure, no cuts or bulges.
- Chain or belt: right tension, lubed, no stiff links.
- Bolts: bars, stem, pegs, axles and brake mounts all tight.
- Throttle: snaps back closed when you let go.
- Battery: no swelling, damage or strange smells, and it's charged.
Is a helmet required?
California law requires helmets for ATV riders on public land, and most OHV parks and tracks require one for everyone. Rules for e-motos change by place, so check where you ride. Honestly though, the law isn't the reason to wear one. Your head is.
Questions about gear or parts for your bike? Email support@forged-racing.com.