The Best Body Armour For Electric Scooter Riders

We’ll reveal why body armour is essential for e-scooter users, the things you should consider and our top picks to keep you safe and bruise-free.

Electric scooters continue to gain popularity because they’re so convenient! All you need to do is hop on and ride, so, understandably, they’re fast becoming the chosen PEV. People use e-scooters because of their compact design, which makes storage more manageable, and let’s not forget the fun factor.

With countries worldwide legalising e-scooters, it’s only a matter of time before the UK follows suit. So, with that in mind, it’s time to reveal the top body armour for electric scooter riders.

Why Is Protective Gear For Electric Scooters Important?

When most people think of body armour, the first thing that comes to mind is a bulletproof vest. But for PEV users, body armour is essential to prevent serious injuries from happening. Most people know that electric scooter helmets are a must-have, but body armour has some ambiguity.

Body armour includes tops, jackets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards. Depending on the body armour you choose, you might find an all-in-one solution or use separate pads to protect yourself. Let’s take a look at why body armour should be non-negotiable.

They Prevent Serious Injuries From Happening

There’s no doubt that electric scooters and safer than electric skateboards and electric unicycles, but accidents can – and do – happen. Something as simple as a bump in the road or turning your e-scooter too quickly can lead to falls, so you must have the proper armour to decrease any potential damage.

Our first instinct is to put our hands out when we fall, so wrist guards and riding gloves can provide extra padding. Your joints are also susceptible to damage, and if you’ve ever banged your elbow, you’ll know the pain is immense – so of course, you want to protect yourself.

Any padding prevents breaking bones and can save you a trip to A&E, but some forms of body armour, like spine protection, can save your life. An initial investment into a body protection system is a wise decision that could save you years of rehabilitation and physiotherapy in the future.

It Keeps You Warm

Body armour might look thin, but it has innovative material that protects your body – and also keeps you warm. In those cold winter months, your joints will feel the pressure, and it’s common for the elbows and knees to freeze up.

By wearing body armour, you can keep your body warm, making for a more comfortable riding experience.

It Boosts Your Confidence

When you ride an e-scooter, you need to feel confident and relaxed – especially if you’re using it on a public road. While at present only rental scooters are allowed on public roads, things are set to change.

Reflective vests and front and rear lights are essential to ensure other road users can see you, but body armour can help you feel more safe and confident.

If you know you’re protected, you’re more likely to enjoy a safer riding experience because your mind is on the road and not on yourself.

Things to Consider When Buying Electric Scooter Protective Gear

There are many things to consider when buying good body armour, and with e-scooters being relatively new, most armour is specifically designed for e-bikes or motorcycles.

However, while motorbikes naturally come with higher risks, you can still use a range of protective accessories to protect you on your scooter.

Here’s everything you should consider when buying electric scooter body armour.

The Types of Body Armour Available

There are many types of body armour available, and the products generally fall into two categories.

Pads/Inserts

Knee, shin, and elbow pads that fit under your clothes and have layers of material to protect your joints should you fall. Each has its benefits and offers various levels of support, so you can choose which best suits your needs for electric scooter use.

Back Protector Inserts: Protect your spine from injuries and usually come as a separate insert or part of a body armour top.

Elbow Guards: You’ll find elbow guards as part of a long-sleeved armour top, as inserts or with straps. Some also have a sleeve design, which offers more comfort than the traditional straps.

Knee Guards: Traditional biker trousers might be too heavy-duty for e-scooter users, but you can find a range of inserts for your jeans/trousers or choose between a strap or sleeve design.

Shin Pads: Using an e-scooter can result in other road users bumping into you – especially if you don’t have a rear light or effective reflective vest. Shin pads aren’t essential, but they can be helpful.

There are plenty of other support accessories, including neck, hip and kidney pads – but these are more suited to motorbike users.

Standalone Armour

Also known as the safety vest, top, hoodie or jacket (depending on your preference). Standalone armour offers more protection to your body in general. It is easier to use – but traditional motorcycle jackets might weigh you down and can be uncomfortable for e-scooter use.

Vests: If you want some level of protection for your back and check, a vest can be useful. However, you’ll need to buy separate elbow pads.

Shirts: Shirts are similar to vests but offer extra support for your shoulders.

Hoodies: Hoodies are ideal for e-scooter users because they offer good protection and resemble everyday clothing. Hoodies also combine chest, back elbow and wrist protection, so if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, they won’t let you down.

Trousers: Trousers are more suited to motorcycle users, but they can be helpful if you want to protect yourself. We’d recommend choosing leggings or long Johns for your body armour needs because they’re lightweight, and you can easily wear jeans over the top.

The Material

Knee Guards

Whether you’re riding an electric scooter or push scooter, knee and elbow pads are essential for your safety. As body armour usually includes elbow padding, it’s important to think about the level of protection your legs require.

Motorcycle trousers might be too heavy-duty for most e-scooter riders, so if you’re looking for added flexibility, you might want to consider

TLD Speed Knee Sleeve – Best For Flexibility

At first sight, the knee sleeve might not seem very impressive, but Troy Lee Designs offer a great deal of flexibility with this sleeve without compromising on safety features. The lightweight design slips over your knee, and there’s no need for straps to hold it in place.

This knee sleeve stands out because of its use of D30 material, which is flexible in design but hardens as soon as it impacts the ground. This means you get extra protection but can move around freely without feeling too restricted.

Overall, this is a high-end knee sleeve, but if you plan on using your e-scooter regularly, you’ll benefit from the added protection it provides.

Bodyprox Knee Pads – Best For Comfort

The Bodyprox knee pads are designed to fit over the knee without straps, which means they’re more comfortable for users. With a generous layer of padding, these pads will do a good job protecting you from any falls, but they don’t feel restrictive.

You can easily fit your clothes over the top of each knee pad, and once they’re on, you won’t notice you’re wearing knee guards.

Overall, these are great pads for everyday use because their lightweight design offers adequate protection. However, if you plan on riding at high speeds, you might be better off with knee pads that have an outer shell, which will protect you in the event of a fall.

Triple 8 Saver Series – Best Budget Buy

If value for money is top of your priority list, you’ll love the saver pack from Triple 8. It’s a cost-effective solution that offers knee and elbow pads for added protection. The saver pack also includes wrist protection pads with shock-absorbing EVA foam.

The knee and elbow pads have the same EVA material as the wrist guards and offer extra ventilation. This is a budget option with elastic straps to secure the pads but still provides adequate protection so you can enjoy your electric scooter.

However, if you’re planning on using your scooter off-road and at high speeds, we’d recommend you go for something with a little bit more protection.

Choosing the Right Gear For Your Needs

BIO: 

Nely is an adrenaline junkie and one of her life goals is to sky dive, but until that day she gets her kicks from testing fast electric scooters. Part time scooter fanatic & part time SEO analyst. Nely’s favourite scooter is the Dualtron X.