Yes, they tend to break or undergo wear and tear with the use. There are two main types of bike helmets, the hard shell, and the softshell model. Although they’re not designed to expire, they do eventually lose their protective properties. Helmets work best if they are appropriate for the rider and if they have a snug fit. You should also replace a helmet after a bad wreck, after five years, or if it has been affected in an accident.
Conditions for Expiration of Road Bike Helmets
1. Upon Crashing
Bike helmets need to be replaced after a crash. If you don’t, the impact can cause the helmet to crack and possibly even deform. Moreover, the foam inside the helmet can become brittle and tear away.
2. Exposure to Sunlight and Corrosion
The life of soft-shell helmets is shorter than their hardshell counterparts, at least in the United States. This is due to exposure to low temperatures and humidity. Softshell helmets can lose 25 percent of their protective qualities in just six months if the rider only wears them four or five times a week for 30 minutes or more at a time. On the other hand, hardshell helmets can last for up to five years if stored in a cool, dry place.
3. Wear and Tear
Exposure to the environment and wear and tear can cause premature aging of a helmet. A lot of damage can be done if you use a helmet that is not a perfect fit. Also, if you are using a helmet with an improper fit, it would render less protection, increasing the risk thereon.
What Are Bike Helmets Made up Of?
Most bike helmets are constructed from a composite material. The helmet’s core is made from polymers, which form a thin shell that can absorb impacts. Some bike helmets are sprayed with a resin to improve durability and impact absorption. Moreover, the helmet’s design includes an EPS liner that surrounds the foam padding and helps disperse energy during a crash. Most helmet manufacturers use a combination of three different materials, including expanded polystyrene, styrofoam and polypropylene for the liner material used in their helmets.
How to Prolong the Life of a Bike Helmet?
1. Keep the helmet in a cool, dry place when it is not in use to last for a long time.
2. Examine the condition of your bike helmet regularly to make sure that it remains in good condition and meets all safety requirements.
3. Do not leave your bike helmet in direct sunlight for long periods of time or in areas that are extremely hot because the heat may cause the shell to weaken or rupture.
4. Repair any damage to your bike helmet immediately.
5. Make sure that the straps of the helmet are intact and functioning properly before each use.
Do Bike Helmets provide safety to the rider?
Yes, absolutely! A bike helmet protects a rider’s head from injury during a crash because it is designed to absorb and disperse the impact of a crash. Also, a properly fitted bike helmet will work by using its lightweight construction to protect the skull from bruising and trauma. As for how much protection a bike helmet provides, that depends on the quality of the helmet; however, most can provide at least an A or B rating with an impact reduction of at least 8.
Statistically, in the U.S.A., helmet usage for cyclists is estimated to be approximately 83 percent. It is also estimated that 85 percent of U.S. cyclist fatalities involve the head and brain, and other parts of the body cause only 15 percent. This marks the importance of using a reliable bike helmet for riding through different pathways and terrains.
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Conclusion
Cyclists wear bike helmets to protect themselves in the event of an accident. To prolong the life of a bike helmet, it is best to use it correctly and make sure that it is not exposed to excessive heat or cold. You can also experience less unwanted damage if you replace your bike helmet after a crash.
I hope this article was a good read for you! Happy Cycling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are bike helmets intended to protect cyclists from excessive impact?
A. Yes! This is the very purpose of bike helmets. They are designed to absorb and restrict the effect of a crash over a larger area. Although they can’t completely prevent head injuries, they can lessen them significantly. A head injury can be fatal if not taken seriously and treated promptly, so wearing a helmet while riding your bike is necessary.
Q. Can you be fined for not wearing a bike helmet?
A. In the USA, if you are found guilty of not wearing a bike helmet, you will be fined up to $35. In the UK, the cost for this will be up to £40 if you are found guilty of not wearing a bike helmet. In addition, you will also have to pay a £15 victim surcharge.
Q. Are bike helmets legal?
A. In the United States, bike helmets are legal as long as they comply with certain safety requirements indicating that they have been approved by a certified testing laboratory. The helmets must also have been tested to withstand impact from a specified crash to receive this certification and should also have a label stating the expiration date and other important information about their use.
Q. What are some of the other types of road helmets?
A. Some other types include:
1. Mountain Bike Helmet
2. Full Face Helmet
3. MTB Helmet
4. Bell Helmets
5. Dual Sport Helmets
6. Others
Q. What are some safety equipment that can be used by a biker, other than a bike helmet?
A. Safety gear includes safety gloves, sunglasses, knee pads, elbow pads and sneakers.