Let’s be honest—helmets can get expensive. If you already own a skateboard helmet, it’s tempting to think, “Can’t I just use this on a motorcycle too?” I’ve seen this question pop up more times than I can count. And honestly, I get it. But after diving into the facts and comparing both types, it’s clear that using a skateboard helmet on a motorcycle is a bad idea—and I’ll explain why.
They Might Look Similar, But They’re Built Worlds Apart
At first glance, a skateboard helmet and a motorcycle helmet might not seem all that different. Both cover your head. Both are made of hard plastic shells with foam padding inside. Some even come with chin straps and decent ventilation. But the similarities end there.
When you really dig into how they’re built, it becomes obvious that these helmets are designed for completely different types of crashes.
- Skateboard helmets are made for multiple low-speed impacts. Think: falling off your board while trying a trick at 15 mph.
- Motorcycle helmets are designed to protect your brain in a single high-speed crash. We’re talking 40, 60, or even 100+ mph impacts.
That’s a massive difference. The physics behind the crashes are not even in the same ballpark.
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The Safety Standards Are Totally Different
Each helmet type has to pass very specific safety standards. And no—they’re not interchangeable.
- Skateboard helmets are usually certified under ASTM F1492 or CPSC standards. These tests focus on lower-speed falls, usually under 15 mph.
- Motorcycle helmets are held to tougher standards like DOT, ECE 22.06, or Snell M2020. These tests involve higher speeds, harder impacts, and even include penetration tests.
One key difference? Motorcycle helmets have to withstand a pointed object striking the shell at high speed. Skateboard helmets don’t. That might sound extreme, but on a motorcycle, debris or even a curb edge at 60 mph can cause serious trauma if your helmet isn’t built to handle it.
What Happens in a Real-World Crash?
Let’s put it into perspective.
Imagine you fall off your skateboard while cruising down a street at 10 or 15 mph. You’ll probably slide, maybe hit your elbow or hip, and if your head hits the pavement, it won’t be too hard. That’s the kind of fall a skateboard helmet is designed to handle. It spreads out the force, absorbs a bit of shock, and keeps you mostly safe.
Now picture this: You’re riding your motorcycle at 60 mph and a car cuts you off. You go flying, hit the pavement, and tumble across the road. Maybe you even hit a guardrail. In that moment, you need a helmet that can take a massive impact, resist shell cracking, and keep your head stable through the chaos. A skateboard helmet would fail—completely.
It’s not just about the speed. It’s about energy. The energy involved in a motorcycle crash is way higher. Skateboard helmets are like sneakers—they’re fine for walking. But motorcycle helmets? They’re steel-toe boots designed for construction zones.
Chin Bar or No Chin Bar?
This is another big one. Most skateboard helmets don’t have a chin bar. Some people think that’s not a huge deal, but here’s the thing: in many motorcycle crashes, the rider hits face-first. Your jaw, chin, and nose are right in the danger zone.
Full-face motorcycle helmets come with strong, rigid chin bars that are tested for impact. Skate helmets? They leave that whole area exposed. There’s no real support to stop your face from smashing into the road.
Even if you pick a half-face motorcycle helmet, it’s still going to offer more protection than a skate helmet because of the stronger shell, better foam, and overall construction.
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Foam Types: Single Impact vs. Multi-Impact
Here’s something most people overlook: the foam inside your helmet matters just as much as the shell.
Skateboard helmets usually use EPS (expanded polystyrene) or EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam. EPS is made for single impact. It crushes on a hard hit and then it’s done—just like an airbag. EPP is a bit more forgiving. It can bounce back and handle multiple low-energy hits, like if you keep falling while learning new tricks.
Motorcycle helmets almost always use multi-density EPS, carefully layered to absorb massive energy from one hard hit. That’s because in a motorcycle crash, you typically have one big impact followed by rolling or sliding.
So here’s the trade-off:
- Skate helmets = built for repeated small falls.
- Motorcycle helmets = built for one huge impact.
Using a skate helmet while riding a motorcycle is like showing up to a gunfight with a Nerf vest. It’s just not built for it.
Retention and Fit: Staying On Matters
A helmet that flies off mid-crash is worse than no helmet at all.
Skateboard helmets use basic straps. They do the job for low-speed impacts, but the chin straps and fasteners aren’t made to hold during violent, high-speed tumbles. There’s a risk the helmet could shift, twist, or fly off if you’re sliding at 60 mph.
Motorcycle helmets go through retention system testing. The straps, D-rings, and buckles are all stress-tested. Many full-face helmets hug your head snugly, almost like a glove, with padded liners and secure cheek pads.
Plus, a motorcycle helmet is designed to stay put when you hit the ground—front, side, or back. That’s something a skate helmet just can’t guarantee.
Skateboard vs. Motorcycle Helmets
| Feature | Skateboard Helmet | Motorcycle Helmet |
| Primary Intended Use | Skateboarding, roller skating, recreational scootering | On-road and off-road motorcycling, moped/scooter riding |
| Typical Shell Materials | ABS plastic | Polycarbonate, Fiberglass composites, Carbon fiber, Advanced composites (Kevlar) |
| Typical Liner Types | EPS, EPP (for multi-impact), Dual-density foams | Multi-density EPS |
| Dominant Impact Design | Multi-impact (ASTM F1492), Single-impact (if only CPSC certified) | Single high-energy impact |
| Key Certifications | ASTM F1492, CPSC 1203, CE EN 1078 | DOT FMVSS 218, ECE 22.06, Snell M-Series |
| Average Weight Range | 300-500 grams (10-18 oz) | 1400-1800 grams (3-4 lbs); can vary with material and type |
| Typical Head Coverage | Deep fit, good rear and side coverage; “bucket” style, full-cut options available | Varies: Full-face (most comprehensive), Modular, Open-face (3/4), Half-helmet |
| Ventilation Characteristics | Multiple passive vents for airflow during exertion | Active vent systems (intake/exhaust) in full-face; high airflow in open-face/off-road designs |
| Field of Vision Considerations | Wide, unobstructed peripheral vision prioritized | Good forward and peripheral vision via visor; meets FoV standards; eyeport design can vary |
| Rotational Impact Systems | Increasingly common (e.g., MIPS) | Becoming a factor (e.g., ECE 22.06 testing, some proprietary systems, MIPS in some models) |
Safety Standards: Are They the Same?
When it comes to safety, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of helmet certifications.
Skateboard helmets are usually certified by standards like CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) in the U.S. or EN 1078 in Europe. These standards focus on low-energy impacts since skateboarding tends to involve more controlled, predictable falls at lower speeds.
On the flip side, motorcycle helmets meet much stricter certifications like DOT (Department of Transportation) or ECE 22.05. These standards demand that helmets can withstand much higher impact forces—think about crashes happening at speeds of 30 mph or more. Motorcycle helmets also have more advanced testing for things like penetration resistance and the ability to absorb energy from rotational impacts (something that happens when your helmet twists during a crash).
Motorcycle helmet certifications also consider the risk of brain injuries, especially when you’re skidding or tumbling at high speeds, which is why they tend to be more advanced in terms of safety.
What does this mean for you? If you’re riding a motorcycle and opting for a skateboard helmet, you’re missing out on that higher level of protection. Skate helmets are designed for falls, but motorcycle crashes? A whole different ball game.
Comparative Overview of Key Helmet Safety Standards
| Standard | Certifying Body/Region | Primary Intended Activity | Key Test Focus | Mandatory/Voluntary |
| ASTM F1492 | ASTM International (Global) | Skateboarding, Roller Skating | Multiple moderate impacts, coverage | Voluntary |
| CPSC 1203 | U.S. CPSC (USA) | Bicycling, Recreational Skating | Single high impact / multiple low impacts (primarily single impact focus) | Mandatory (for bike) |
| CE EN 1078 | CEN (Europe) | Bicycling, Skateboarding, Roller Skating | Single high impact, puncture resistance | Mandatory (in EU) |
| DOT FMVSS 218 | U.S. DOT/NHTSA (USA) | Motorcycling (on-road) | Single high impact, penetration resistance, retention system strength | Mandatory (in US) |
| ECE 22.06 | UNECE (Europe & Global) | Motorcycling | Single high impact, rotational impact, penetration, chin bar, multiple test points | Mandatory (in EU) |
| Snell M2020/M2025 Series | Snell Memorial Fdn. (USA) | Motorcycling (esp. racing) | Very high-velocity single impacts, chin bar strength, shell rigidity, penetration | Voluntary |
FAQs
1: Can I use a skateboard helmet for motorcycle riding?
A: No. Skateboard helmets aren’t built for high-speed impacts. Motorcycle helmets meet safety standards for road use and offer much better protection.
2: What’s the difference between a skateboard helmet and a motorcycle helmet?
A: Skateboard helmets protect against minor falls. Motorcycle helmets protect at higher speeds and cover more of your head and face.
3: Are motorcycle helmets heavier than skateboard helmets?
A: Yes. Motorcycle helmets use thicker padding and strong shells, making them much heavier than lightweight skateboard helmets.
4: Why do motorcycle helmets cover the face and jaw?
A: They offer full-face protection, especially for the chin and jaw, which are common impact points in road crashes.
5: Do skateboard helmets meet DOT or ECE safety standards?
A: No. DOT and ECE standards apply only to motorcycle helmets. Skate helmets usually follow ASTM or CPSC rules for lower-impact sports.
6: Can a motorcycle helmet be used for skateboarding?
A: Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. They are heavy, hot, and limit your field of view—better to wear a helmet made for skating.
7: What helmet should I wear if I ride both a skateboard and a motorcycle?
A: Use a skateboard helmet for skating and a DOT- or ECE-rated motorcycle helmet when riding a bike. One can’t replace the other safely.
8: Why do motorcycle helmets feel tighter than skateboard helmets?
A: Motorcycle helmets fit snug to prevent movement during crashes. Skate helmets have a looser fit for comfort in slower-speed use.
9: Are there dual-certified helmets for skating and motorcycling?
A: No. Helmets are rated for specific impact types. No single helmet meets both motorcycle and skateboard standards today.
10: Which is safer—skateboard helmet or motorcycle helmet?
A: Motorcycle helmets are much safer. They’re made for high-speed impacts and offer more head and face protection than skate helmets.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you’re doing and how much protection you need. Both skateboard helmets and motorcycle helmets have their place, but they’re designed with different activities in mind.
If you’re skating, a skateboard helmet will serve you well. They’re designed for the specific impact dynamics of skateboarding—protecting your head during low to medium-speed falls. They’re lighter and provide more comfort for shorter sessions or casual riding.
But, if you’re hitting the road on a motorcycle, don’t even think about swapping your helmet for a skateboard version. Motorcycle helmets are built to handle much more serious impacts. The heavier construction, better coverage, and advanced safety features like full-face protection make them a must for anyone riding at highway speeds. Your brain deserves that extra level of protection.
In summary:
- Skateboard helmets are great for low-speed falls with less risk of severe impact.
- Motorcycle helmets are a necessity for high-speed, high-impact protection.
Choosing the right helmet is about understanding the risks and choosing a helmet that matches the demands of your sport. Whether you’re skating down the street or cruising on your bike, always prioritize your safety.
