Skateboard helmet guide
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- ASTM F1492 kids skateboard helmet. Best for: Children and teens learning to skate. See options on Amazon
- Dual-certified skate and bike helmet. Best for: Riders who also bike or scooter. See options on Amazon
- Adult skateboard helmet. Best for: Adult skaters and longboarders. See options on Amazon
Fit checklist
| Check | What a good fit looks like | Sign of a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Snugness | No spaces between foam or padding and head | Moves front to back or side to side |
| Front rim | Lines up with the eyebrows | Tilted back, forehead exposed |
| Side straps | V shape under and slightly in front of the ears | Straps sit behind or over the ears |
| Chin strap | Centered; one or two fingers fit underneath | Helmet does not pull down on a big yawn |
From the CDC HEADS UP Skateboard Helmet Safety fact sheet.
Sizing before you buy
- Bring the skater. The CDC and CPSC both suggest bringing a child along so the helmet can be checked for fit.
- Measure. Wrap a soft tape around the head just above the eyebrows and ears, level front to back; a string and ruler work too.
- Use the brand's chart. Sizes vary from brand to brand.
- Ask how it feels. Snug, but not so tight that it causes headaches.
- Hairstyle. Try it with the hairstyle worn while skating.
- Back of the helmet. It should not touch the top of the neck.
Adjusting the straps
Strap fit does a lot of the work on a skateboard helmet. The CDC describes three checks:
- Side straps: adjust so they form a V shape under, and slightly in front of, each ear.
- Chin strap: center it under the chin and tighten until no more than one or two fingers fit between chin and strap. If needed, pull the straps from the back of the helmet to adjust.
- Yawn test: have the skater open wide; the helmet should pull down. If it does not, tighten the chin strap.
Once fastened, the helmet should not move in any direction. The CPSC adds that the helmet should sit level, not tilted back or pulled too low, and that you should not add padding or make adjustments that are not in the maker's instructions.
Skateboard helmet or bike helmet?
The CPSC's "Which Helmet for Which Activity?" table lists the skateboard helmet, meeting ASTM F1492 or Snell N-94, for longboarding, aggressive or trick roller and in-line skating, and skateboarding. It lists a bicycle helmet for bicycling and kick scooter riding, and says a CPSC-compliant bike helmet can also be worn for recreational in-line or roller skating.
The CDC says some companies make multi-use helmets for biking, skateboarding and other activities. Before using one for skateboarding, make sure it has an ASTM label certifying it for skateboarding. See our bike helmet guide for cycling.
Labels and impacts
Look for a compliance label, usually inside the liner, on the shell or on the chin strap, the CPSC says, and do not rely on a helmet's name, looks or packaging claims. The CDC suggests a helmet with a date of manufacture, which helps if there is a useful-life limit or a recall.
The CPSC notes that a helmet meeting the F1492 standard is designed to withstand more than one moderate impact, but only for a limited number of impacts; replace it if it is visibly damaged, such as a cracked shell or crushed liner, or when the maker directs. The CDC says a skateboard helmet must be replaced after a serious crash. The CPSC also warns against novelty and toy helmets and anything that sticks out from the shell, and says no helmet has been proven to prevent concussions.
Care and storage
- Check for damage. Do not use a cracked or broken helmet or one missing padding or parts.
- Clean inside and out with warm water and mild detergent; no soaking, high heat or strong cleaners.
- Store it out of the car, away from direct sunlight, in a room that is not too hot or cold, and do not let anyone sit or lean on it.
- No stickers or paint unless the manufacturer says it is fine; the CPSC adds that coverings or attachments not supplied with the helmet can affect performance.
- Age. Without maker guidance, the CPSC says replacing within 5 to 10 years of purchase may be prudent.
For snow sports, see our ski and snowboard helmet guide, and for team sports, our football helmet guide.
What to look for when you buy
ASTM F1492 kids skateboard helmet
Best for: Children and teens learning to skate
The CPSC lists ASTM F1492 skateboard helmets for skateboarding and longboarding.
Watch out: Check for a label certifying it for skateboarding.
See options on AmazonDual-certified skate and bike helmet
Best for: Riders who also bike or scooter
The CDC says multi-use helmets exist, but they need an ASTM label for skateboarding.
Watch out: Confirm both the bike and skateboard certifications on the label.
See options on AmazonAdult skateboard helmet
Best for: Adult skaters and longboarders
The same F1492 skateboard helmet type covers longboarding in the CPSC table.
Watch out: Replace after a serious crash or visible damage.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can I use a bike helmet for skateboarding?
- The CPSC lists a separate skateboard helmet type (ASTM F1492 or Snell N-94); use a dual-certified helmet if you want one for both.
- How should a skateboard helmet fit?
- Snug, front rim at the eyebrows, side straps in a V under the ears, and one or two fingers under the chin strap.
- Do I need to replace a skateboard helmet after a fall?
- Yes after a serious crash or if it is damaged; it can take only a limited number of moderate impacts.
- What helmet do I need for longboarding?
- The CPSC lists the skateboard helmet type, ASTM F1492 or Snell N-94, for longboarding.
- Can I put stickers on my skate helmet?
- Check with the manufacturer first, the CDC says, since decorations may affect safety.
Sources
- Get a Heads Up on Skateboard Helmet Safety (fact sheet) (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Which Helmet for Which Activity? (cpsc.gov), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission