Driving a bicycle is governed by certain safety rules. These are valid for all cyclists, including e-bike riders. If every cyclist must comply with the Highway Code, they must also equip themselves with certain accessories required by legislation.
To date, wearing a helmet when e-bike is subject to debate. What does the law really say? Is wearing a helmet a real obligation? Are there separate regulations for adults and children? This is what we invite you to discover in the following lines.
What does the law say about wearing a bicycle helmet?
The question of the obligation to wear a helmet on a bicycle is the subject of much controversy. Sports cyclists are well aware that this accessory is more than essential. However, urban users often consider it cumbersome and presenting certain inconveniences. Legally, it is imperative to have a helmet, only for certain users, and exclusively for a specific category of cycles.
Wearing a helmet is compulsory for children under 12 years old
According to certain writings indicated by the law, in particular those contained in the Highway Code, if a driver or passenger rides a bicycle in traffic, he must have a helmet securely attached and strapped to his head. This, to the extent that his age is less than 12 years old. The helmet in question must comply with the CE standard. This is stipulated by article R431-1-3, Chapter 1 of the Highway Code.
This means that if a child under 12 years old rides their own bike or is a passenger, whether in a trailer or a child bike seat, they must wear a helmet. Also, you must choose the helmet with the greatest care. The child must have a model that is perfectly adapted to their size.
Therefore, even if you are transporting a young child or even a baby in a bicycle seat, you must provide protection adjusted to their head. If you deviate from the rule of compulsory possession of a helmet on a bicycle, you risk receiving a fixed financial penalty. It would always be best to respect the law. Especially since your safety and that of your children are at stake.
Rules relating to wearing a helmet for a cyclist aged over 12
You will probably have understood that after the age of 12, wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle is no longer an obligation. This is valid whether you are the pilot or the passenger. However, if to date this accessory essentially has a protective function, you should know that it also represents a real way of life for cyclists. Indeed, much more than simple safety equipment, this equipment is considered as part of cycling. It has a city style, both comfortable and secure.
Apart from this, in France, adults who drive a bicycle must honor the Highway Code and certain traffic regulations. Violation of the Highway Code or mandatory provisions relating to the mandatory use of certain equipment may generate a fixed penalty which varies depending on the situation. The amount of the fine can range from €11 to €135.
It should be noted that the amount of the sanction may be increased if the driver repeats his acts of non-compliance. Despite this, rest assured, this will have no impact on the points on your driving license. However, fines can quickly increase if your repeat offenses are too frequent.
What about the legislation regarding the compulsory wearing of a helmet on an e-bike?
Because it is considered a traditional bicycle, the electrically assisted bicycle is subject to the same rules. So, if you ride an electric cargo bike, you must follow the regulations governing the muscle bike. This means that when you travel on a two-seater electric bike, you are not required to wear a helmet if you are over 12 years old. Here, the helmet is therefore only an option.
Still, you need to know how to distinguish between a classic electrically assisted bike and a speed bike. Indeed, the speed bike is a fast electric bike. However, its speed can go up to 45 km/h. Basically, the speed bike is not in the category of classic bicycles, but in that of motorized two-wheeled vehicles.
As a corollary, if you are traveling on an e-bike that can travel up to 45 km/h, you will need to wear a helmet. Categorized as a moped, this type of two-wheeler follows similar rules to the latter. Regardless of the age of the driver, the compulsory helmet comes into force on a speed bike, both for the driver and for the passengers.
In any case, cyclists riding an e-bike, limited to 25 km/h or up to 50 km/h, will benefit from better safety if they wear a helmet. In reality, given its high speed, the e-bike is more dangerous than a conventional bicycle. To avoid accidents , injuries or falls that can be more serious, or at least mitigate them, a helmet can be beneficial. If you have a preference for these models of electric-assisted bicycles, specific helmets are available on the market.
The VAE helmet: a beneficial solution for optimal safety on the road
Whatever happens, whether you are traveling on a traditional bicycle, an electric fatbike or a speed bike, it is strongly recommended that you bring a helmet. And for good reason, when it comes to cycling, head trauma following a cycling accident is one of the main sources of death among cyclists.
When riding in the city, with traffic jams and heavy traffic, cyclists are more exposed to the risk of accidents than car drivers. For this reason, even if a helmet is not among the mandatory equipment for cycling, it is always better to wear one. Unfortunately, many cyclists neglect it, for fear of not having style, for discomfort... But it must be repeated, this accessory is essential.
Recommendations for wearing a helmet for a baby when traveling on an eBike
Like other passengers on a bicycle, a baby must obey the Highway Code. So, as parents, you will have to provide him with a bicycle helmet that suits him. This rule applies whether the child is installed in a trailer, on the bike itself or in a baby bike seat.
If you think your little one might be uncomfortable with their helmet, be aware that some retailers sell moon cushions. They will be able to support the little one's head and provide him with more comfort. It will then be easier for the child to have a helmet.
What are the alternatives to helmets for adult cyclists?
The legislation clearly mentions the subject. If a cyclist is over 12 years old, the obligation to wear a helmet is no longer effective, when it comes to a classic bicycle. This therefore includes the VAE which travels at 25 km/h. Of course, this excludes speed bikes, since their circulation speed is higher.
But it must be said, if you want to benefit from better comfort and increased protection, you can always choose to have a protective device, in this case the airbag helmet. Much more than an ordinary helmet, it includes an airbag to be placed like a necklace. If you ever fall from your VAE, it swells to provide a cushioned shock.
Able to benefit from connectivity, this protection system is adjustable and discreet. It will be of great help to you in preventing serious injury. You can wear it without others noticing.
Other safety accessories, besides the helmet on the VAE
Apart from the helmet, cyclists must equip themselves with certain mandatory equipment in order to optimize their safety when piloting their car. Even if they are not protection per se, these accessories help the cyclist to remain visible on the road and signal their presence. This will allow you to protect yourself from accidents and use the big wheel electric bike in complete safety.
Under the Highway Code, possession of a warning vest is an obligation for e-bike drivers. This is when they are traveling outside of built-up areas, and especially when there is little lighting. In addition, it is imperative to place reflective gadgets at the back, front and sides of the 2-seater electric bike.
Alongside all of this, the Highway Code requires that a bicycle be equipped with an audible signal device, such as a bell, which has the capacity to ring at least 50 m away. Do not use any other sound system, as models identical to the doorbell are the only ones authorized. By deviating from these regulated provisions, remember that you risk a fine, the amount of which may change, depending on the case.
