Top 10 Essential Safety Gear for Electric Skateboard Riders

Electric skateboarding offers a thrilling blend of speed and fun, but it also carries significant risks. Ensuring you have the right protective gear is crucial for a safe ride. For parents concerned about their children riding electric skateboards, it’s essential to understand the safety aspects specific to kids. Learn more about how safe electric skateboards are for kids. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top 10 essential safety gear for electric skateboard riders.

1. Helmet

The most critical piece of safety gear is undoubtedly the helmet. A helmet protects your head from severe injuries in case of a fall or collision. For electric skateboarding, a full face helmet like the TSG Pass is highly recommended as it provides comprehensive protection for your entire head and face. Whether you prefer to wear a helmet or half-shell brain bucket for lower speeds or a full face helmet for higher speeds, wearing a helmet is non-negotiable. This protective gear significantly reduces the risk of head injuries, making your ride safer.

2. Knee Pads

Knee pads are a close second to helmets in the hierarchy of protective gear. Falling on asphalt or concrete can cause serious damage to your knees. High-quality knee pads, designed specifically for skateboarding, offer the necessary protection. These pads should be comfortable, durable, and capable of absorbing impacts to prevent injuries. Wearing knee pads not only protects your knees but also gives you the confidence to ride safely at higher speeds. Try out Ortho Bracing, they carry the highest quality for orthopedic surgery recovery and pain relief. They also give guides like how tight should my knee brace be.

3. Elbow Pads

Elbow pads are essential to protect your elbows from scrapes and fractures during a fall. Like knee and shoulder pads, they should be robust and comfortable, allowing for a full range of motion while providing substantial protection. Falling on your elbows can lead to painful injuries, so this gear is vital for anyone riding an electric skateboard.

4. Wrist Guards

Wrist guards are crucial for protecting your wrists from sprains and fractures. When you fall, your natural instinct is to extend your hands to break the fall, which puts your wrists at significant risk of injury. Wrist guards, wrist pads, or wrist braces can absorb the impact and prevent severe injuries. This safety equipment is particularly important as wrist injuries are common among electric skateboard riders.

5. Gloves

Gloves serve a dual purpose: they protect your hands from abrasions and enhance your grip on the board. In addition to providing cushioning during falls, gloves help you maintain better control, especially when riding at higher speeds. Choosing gloves that offer both protection and grip can improve your overall riding experience and safety.

6. Shin Pads

Shin pads might not be as commonly used, but they offer excellent protection against pedal strikes and other impacts. If you’re riding an electric longboard or skateboard, shin pads can protect your legs from unexpected injuries. These pads are especially useful for beginners who are still mastering their control over the board.

7. Protective Jackets

Protective jackets, often equipped with padding on the shoulders, back, and chest, are worn to provide an extra layer of safety. These jackets are designed to absorb impacts and reduce the risk of severe injuries during falls or collisions. They are particularly useful for riders who enjoy pushing the limits and riding at higher speeds.

8. Tail Lights and Reflective Gear

Increasing your visibility is crucial for safety, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Tail lights and reflective gear can make a significant difference by ensuring that other road users and pedestrians can see you. Attach tail lights to your electric skateboard and wear reflective vests or accessories to enhance your visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

9. Slide Gloves

For those who perform slides and tricks, slide gloves are indispensable accessories. These gloves come with built-in pucks that allow you to slide your hands on the pavement without injuring your palms. They are a favourite among electric longboard riders who enjoy performing advanced manoeuvres.

10. Proper Footwear

Last but not least, wearing the right shoes is essential. Skate shoes or sneakers with a flat, grippy sole provide better control and stability on the board. Avoid sandals or any footwear that doesn’t offer adequate support and grip. Good footwear can prevent slips and falls, ensuring a safer ride.

Electric skateboarding is an exhilarating activity, but safety should always come first. Investing in these essential safety gear items will not only protect you from injuries but also enhance your riding experience, allowing you to enjoy the thrill with peace of body and mind. 

Bonus Tips for Riding Safely

While having the right protective gear is crucial, practising safe riding habits is equally important. Here are some bonus tips to help you ride your electric skateboard safely:

1. Learn to Fall Correctly: Despite all precautions, falls can happen. Learning how to fall correctly can minimize injuries. Try to roll into your fall rather than extending your arms to break it, which can reduce the impact on your wrists and elbows.
2. Regular Maintenance: Keep your electric skateboard in top condition by performing regular maintenance checks. Ensure the wheels, trucks, and batteries are all in good working order. Regularly inspect your board for any signs of wear and tear and address them promptly to prevent accidents.
3. Know Your Limits: It’s essential to understand your skill level and ride within your limits. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to accidents. Gradually increase your speed and try new tricks only when you feel confident and comfortable.
4. Ride in Safe Areas: Choose safe and suitable areas for riding. Avoid busy streets with heavy traffic. Parks, dedicated bike paths, and skate parks are ideal locations where you can ride without posing a risk to yourself or pedestrians.
5. Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on the path ahead for any obstacles or changes in terrain. Staying alert will help you react quickly to avoid potential hazards.
6. Communicate with Other Road Users: Use hand signals to indicate your intentions to other road users. Whether you’re turning, stopping, or changing lanes, clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and accidents.
7. Increase Visibility: Besides using tail lights and reflective gear, consider wearing bright-coloured clothing during the day. This can make you more visible to drivers and pedestrians.
8. Use a Safety Belt: Some advanced riders use safety belts or harnesses for additional security during high-speed rides or downhill descents. These can provide extra stability and control, reducing the risk of falls.
9. Wear a Full Face Helmet for Higher Speeds: For those who enjoy riding at higher speeds, a full face helmet offers superior protection. It covers your entire face, reducing the risk of facial injuries during high-impact falls.
10. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest safety tips and gear innovations in the electric skateboarding community. New products and techniques are constantly being developed to enhance rider safety.

Electric skateboarding is a thrilling and enjoyable activity, but it comes with inherent risks. By investing in the right safety gear and practising safe riding habits, you can minimize those risks and enjoy the ride with confidence. Always remember that safety should be your top priority, and taking the necessary precautions can make all the difference.