When Should You Replace Your Bike Helmet?

Is it time to replace your bike helmet? Even if it doesn’t have a scratch on it, you may be due for an upgrade. Helmets are the most important part of your ride, and your safety is worth spending money on.

When should you replace your helmet? Here are a few important facts and tips on how to know when to replace your bike helmet.

When to Replace Your Bike Helmet

After a Crash

• You should always replace your helmet after a crash. Even if it doesn’t look that bad, there may be dangerous internal damage.

If it’s Cracked

• If you dropped your helmet or it got run over, or anything else cracked it, you should replace it. A cracked helmet will not protect you in a serious accident.

After about 3 Years of Use

• Different helmets will last different amounts of time, but it’s impossible to tell which ones will last. A helmet’s life can depend on your environment, how you use it, and even the types of sunscreen and bug repellent you use! For these reasons, you shoud replace otherwise undamaged helmets every 3-5 years.

How to Replace Your Bike Helmet

Do Your Research

• Do research on the best types of helmets. Explore your options for special circumstances like unusual heat or sweating.

Don’t Be Too Cheap

• Investing in a quality helmet can end up saving you thousands in medical bills, so be willing to spend a little extra. Besides, the better the helmet, the longer it will last, in general.

Don’t Donate the Old Helmet

• Unless your “old” helmet is actually still new, don’t donate it when you replace it. If your helmet isn’t good enough for you, it probably isn’t good enough for anyone else. Donating an old or slightly damaged helmet can put its future owner in danger.

Protecting yourself is a very important part of cycling. Head and brain injuries can be devastating, but are preventable with a good helmet. Do yourself a favor by making sure you always have a proper bike helmet.

We take pride in being Utah’s Bicycle Lawyers and specialize in bike accident cases. We will work with you, your doctors, and the insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.