The 2-V-1 Fitting Rule
A helmet only works when it fits. Trauma physicians teach a memorable check called the 2-V-1 Rule — three quick fingers that confirm your helmet is positioned correctly every time you ride.
Eyes: 2 fingers above your eyebrows
The front edge sits two finger-widths above your eyebrows — never tilted back. Look up and you should still see the bottom rim of the helmet.
Ears: V straps under each ear
The side straps form a clean V under each ear, with the buckle centered under your chin — no twisting or slack.
Mouth: 1 finger under the chin strap
Snug enough that only one finger fits underneath. Open your mouth wide — the helmet should hug your head and pull down slightly.
Choose an NTA-8776 certified e-bike helmet.
Standard bike helmets are tested for impacts around 14 MPH. E-bikes can crash at twice that. NTA-8776 helmets are specifically certified for higher-speed impacts and cover more of the back and sides of your head — the areas most often hit in e-bike accidents.
California Helmet Laws
Helmet required on ALL e-bikes
California Vehicle Code §21212 — anyone under 18 must wear a properly fastened, certified helmet on Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes, everywhere: streets, bike paths, and sidewalks. No exceptions.
All riders must wear a helmet
California Vehicle Code §21213 — every rider on a Class 3 (28 MPH) e-bike must wear a helmet, including adults. Passengers count too.
Hospital Recommendation
At 28 MPH, wear a full-face helmet.
Trauma physicians at Washington Hospital strongly advise Class 3 e-bike riders — who legally travel up to 28 MPH — to wear a full-face helmetwith a fixed chin bar. Half-shell bike helmets do not protect the jaw, teeth, or nose.
- At 28 MPH, face-first impacts commonly cause jaw fractures, dental avulsions, and severe facial lacerations.
- Full-face helmets certified to NTA-8776 or motorcycle standards (DOT / ECE 22.06) protect the entire face.
- For Class 1 and Class 2 (20 MPH) riding, an NTA-8776 half-shell is the trauma team's minimum.
Zero Headphones
No headphones. No earbuds. Not even one.
Wearing any headphones or earbuds while riding an e-bike is extremely dangerous — wired, wireless, bone-conduction, or noise-canceling all count. Your ears are your earliest crash-avoidance system.
- California Vehicle Code §27400 makes it illegal to wear headphones or earplugs covering both ears while riding a bike or e-bike on any road or path.
- Sirens, car horns, shouted warnings, and the whir of a car approaching from behind all disappear when your ears are covered.
- Even one earbud is dangerous — it removes your ability to locate where a sound is coming from.
If you want music, leave it for after the ride.