Buying a helmet or set of pads seems simple, until you have to choose between a cycling helmet, skateboard helmet, children’s helmet, inline skating helmet or complete set of skate protection. A low price tells you little about fit, materials or intended use. Equally, a higher price doesn’t automatically mean a product is right for your activity.
As Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on verifiable features: size range, construction, adjustability, ventilation, included components and the activity the product is designed for.
A helmet that wobbles, sits too high on your head or causes pressure points won’t fit properly in practice. Measure your head circumference at its widest point, roughly just above your eyebrows. Then check the product’s size chart.
The same applies to knee, elbow and wrist guards. Elastic straps and hook-and-loop fastenings should fit securely without unnecessarily restricting movement. Guards that are too loose can shift during a fall.
A hard shell catches your eye, but the inner layer also plays a part in how the protection is constructed. Many helmets combine an ABS or PC outer shell with an EPS inner layer. Guards often use ABS or PVC on the outside and EVA foam as a soft intermediate layer.
Think about maintenance, too. Removable liners are practical if you cycle, skateboard or inline skate regularly. With guards, check that the straps, seams and shells are still intact after use.
An EN1078 helmet is designed for activities such as cycling and certain skateboarding and roller sports. That doesn’t automatically make it suitable for motocross. Scooter, cycling and skateboard helmets can also differ in shape, fit or construction.
So check the recommended activity first. For motocross or off-road riding, a motocross body protector or protective motorcycle jacket is a different product category from separate knee and elbow guards.
An adjustable helmet with a dial or adjustment strap can accommodate small differences in head circumference. The chin strap should sit flat under your chin and mustn’t hang loose. For children, it’s a good idea to check the fit each time, especially if the helmet is worn with a thicker hat or different clothing.
For a set of guards, long hook-and-loop fastenings and adjustable nylon straps are useful for different body shapes. Wrist guards with a thumb hole can help keep the guard in place, but always check that your hand can still move naturally.
An ABS shell is hard-wearing and resistant to abrasion; EPS foam is often used as a shock-absorbing inner layer in helmets. PC, also known as polycarbonate, is used as an outer shell on some children’s helmets. Guards may also use EVA foam, PVC, PE or TPU.
The product description won’t tell you everything about performance in every possible fall. Treat material information as a practical comparison, not a guarantee that injury will be prevented.
Ventilation openings and removable liners are useful for longer cycle rides, skate parks and summer outings. Breathable protective gear can feel more comfortable when you’re active, but also check that the guards stay in place.
The ACTION children’s helmets in this selection list seven ventilation openings. The RoyalBaby helmet lists ten openings and a removable liner. OutdoorMaster lists a ventilation system and two removable liners on various Oryx helmets.
For the children’s and multisport helmets in this selection, the product information states tested to EN1078 and CE certified. EN1078 is the European standard for helmets for activities including cycling, skateboarding and roller skating. Always check the product page to see which activity the helmet is intended for and whether the size is right for you.
Replace a helmet after a heavy impact, even if there’s no obvious crack. A damaged helmet mustn’t be modified or repaired with your own parts.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for children aged 3 to 7, this set includes knee, elbow and wrist guards for cycling, scootering, skateboarding and roller skating.
The adjustable straps help prevent the guards from shifting during gentle outdoor play. Make sure they fit each child properly.
A complete set with two knee guards, two elbow guards and two wrist guards; PVC outer shell with a breathable inner layer.
Why it suits this profile: An adjustable multisport helmet for skateboarding, cycling, BMX, MTB, scootering and inline skating, with two removable liners.
The stated size of 54-60 cm and the dial adjustment make it possible to find a suitable fit rather than guessing with a one-size-fits-all option.
ABS shell, EPS core, ventilation and two washable liners; suitable for a range of recreational cycling and skating activities.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for adults who take part in off-road riding, motocross or other activities involving a higher risk of falls.
This isn’t a separate children’s or skate guard, but an upper-body protection system with adjustable shoulder straps, a waist strap and protective panels for the chest, back, shoulders and elbows.
PE protective shells, EVA padding, breathable mesh and removable protective panels; available in several sizes.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose a helmet designed for your activity and check the size, chin strap and adjustability. An EN1078 helmet may be suitable for cycling and certain skating activities when this is stated in the product information. A standard cycling or skateboard helmet isn’t the right category for motocross.
They should fit snugly without digging in and shouldn’t slide down when you move. Bend your knee or arm and check that the guard stays in place. Adjust the straps again if the guard turns or shifts.
It depends on how it’s used, stored and whether it’s damaged. There’s no fixed lifespan that applies to every helmet or guard. Replace a helmet after a heavy fall or impact, and replace guards as soon as you notice cracks, loose seams, distortion or badly worn fastenings.