Download Helmet Safety Sheet: English | Spanish

Children should wear a helmet while they are riding on their bikes, scooters, skateboards or in-line skates. Helmets protect the head and brain from getting hurt. They are like “seatbelts” for your head.

• Look for a helmet with a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) sticker inside to show that it has been safety tested and approved. 
   
• Choose a helmet with a round, smooth plastic outer shell. 
   
• The helmet should sit low on the forehead, about 2 fingers above the eyebrows. 
   
• The fit of the helmet should feel snug, but not tight. 
   
• The front and back straps should form the letter “v” just below the ears.  
   
• Only one finger should fit between the chinstrap and the chin. 
   
• The helmet should not move more than ½ inch in any direction. 
   
• Use knee and elbow pads when riding scooters. 
   
• Do not use wristguards when riding anything with handlebars, such as bicycles and scooters. (It is hard to grip the handlebars when wearing wristguards). 
   
• Stay away from streets and surfaces with water, speed bumps, sand and gravel. 
   
• By law in California, everyone age 17 years and under must wear a helmet while bicycling, riding a scooter, skateboard, roller skates and in-line skates.