Are you thinking about selling your old bike helmet? Well, before you do, there are some important things to consider.
It’s obviously not illegal to sell a second-hand bike helmet, but there are safety concerns that you should be aware of.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether or not it’s safe to sell a used bike helmet, and what you should know before putting it up for sale.
So, let’s dive in and find out if selling second-hand bike helmets is a good idea!
Can I sell old bike helmets?
No. You should not sell old or used bike helmets. Helmets are meant to protect your head in the event of a crash.
I know there are many reasons why someone might want to sell their old bike helmet, such as upgrading to a newer model or no longer needing it, but the question remains – is it safe and ethical to sell a second-hand bike helmet? The answer is NO!
Of course, people can try to sell old helmets, but nobody in their right mind should buy a used or old helmet. Helmets are actually very cheap now, and you can get a really good one on Amazon for as low as $20 or less.
You have to consider that a used helmet may have been involved in an accident or have internal damage that is not visible from the outside, which could compromise its ability to protect your head in case of another accident.
There is absolutely no reason for anyone to buy a used one. Not when you can get a brand-new helmet at cheap prices. Most good bike helmets on Amazon fall in the range of $20 to $40.
You will find tons of cheap helmets on Amazon, but my favorite is the Zacro Adult Bike Helmet, and that’s the one I recommend because it’s light and very comfortable. And you will find it in different colors, so you can choose one that fits your personal style.
Another great inexpensive helmet is the Moon Adult Bike Helmet. It’s also comfortable and fits very snugly, plus it looks very stylish and goes for $23 to $25.
Should I buy a used bike helmet?
No, you should not. I strongly recommend that no one buys a used helmet for a couple of reasons; the first reason being that you don’t truly know the integrity of the helmet.
I believe you already know that wearing a helmet is for your own safety, and staying safe is always a priority when cycling.
A helmet that has already been used by someone else might have been involved in a crash or simply have worn out with time, which could compromise its ability to protect your head in case of an accident.
Even if the seller tells you that the helmet is okay and has never been in a crash, can you truly be sure that they’re telling the whole truth? Remember that people lie all the time, especially when money is involved.
Therefore, I would advise against buying a used bike helmet unless you are absolutely sure about its history and can guarantee that it hasn’t been damaged or used excessively.
It’s better to invest in a new helmet that fits you well and meets the appropriate safety standards. Remember that it’s for your own safety, and your brain will thank you for it!
5 Reasons not to buy used helmets
If you’re still not convinced that buying a used helmet is not the right thing to do, well, here are 5 reasons for you not to buy a used helmet.
Safety concerns
You should always think about your safety first. A used helmet may have been involved in an accident, which could compromise its ability to protect your head in case of another accident. Even if the helmet looks fine from the outside, it may have internal damage that is not visible on the outside.
Unknown history
This is one of the biggest reasons to stay away from used helmets. When you buy a used helmet, you have no way of knowing how it was treated by the previous owner. It may have been dropped, stored improperly, or exposed to extreme temperatures, all of which can affect its integrity.
Wear and tear
Helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a fall or collision, which means that their protective foam can be damaged over time or with use. A used helmet may have worn-out foam that no longer provides adequate protection. You may not know this, but helmets do expire.
Fit issues
Helmets need to fit properly in order to be effective. A used helmet may not fit your head shape and size correctly, which could compromise its effectiveness in protecting you from injury.
Standards and regulations
You may not think of this, but the safety standards and regulations for helmets are constantly evolving, with new technologies and materials being introduced all the time. A used helmet may not meet current safety standards or may not be certified for use in your region.
How do you know if a helmet is still good?
It’s simple. If your helmet is less than 5 years old and has never been in a crash, then it’s still good.
To be more thorough, there are a few things you can check to determine if your helmet is still good or not.
The first one is obviously the impact history. If you have never received any hit or blow to the head while wearing your helmet, or your helmet has never been dropped from a significant height, then it’s probably still good.
I say probably because you also have to consider the age of the helmet. You may not know this, but helmets gradually lose their ability to provide maximum protection for your head over time.
So, even if your helmet has never been in a crash, but you have been using it for 5 years or more, then you may need a new one. Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 3–5 years, even if they haven’t been involved in an accident.
The most obvious way to know that your helmet is bad is if it has visible damage. Visible damage can include cracks or dents. If the shell is cracked or the foam is compressed, the helmet may have been compromised and should not be used.
If you ever have any doubts about the condition of a helmet, it’s better to err on the side of caution and replace it with a new one. Your safety is worth the investment!
How many years can you use a bike helmet?
I’d say do what the helmet manufacturer says. And some bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every 3–5 years, even if they haven’t been involved in an accident.
Also, the Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that you should get a new helmet every 5–10 years (unless manufacturers recommend otherwise).
It’s important to replace your helmet after a certain number of years because the foam material used in the helmet can degrade over time, which can reduce its ability to absorb impact in case of a fall or collision.
In addition, normal wear and tear, exposure to sunlight, and the buildup of sweat and bacteria can also affect the helmet’s integrity and effectiveness over time.
It’s important to note that if a helmet has been involved in an accident, it should be replaced immediately, even if there is no visible damage.
The impact of a collision can cause internal damage to the foam that may not be visible from the outside, which can compromise the helmet’s ability to protect your head in case of another accident.
Can you use an old helmet?
Yes, you can. But only if the helmet is not damaged and has never been in a crash.
As I mentioned earlier, bike helmet manufacturers generally recommend replacing helmets after a few years of consistent use, even if they haven’t been involved in an accident.
However, if an old helmet has been well-maintained and has not been involved in any accidents, it may still provide some level of protection. In this case, it’s important to inspect the helmet carefully for signs of wear and damage before using it.
If the helmet has any cracks, dents, or visible damage, it should not be used. The foam material inside the helmet may also have degraded over time, so you should check for any signs of compression or crumbling.
Also, you shouldn’t use a helmet if it no longer fits properly or feels loose.
What should I do with an old helmet?
If your bike helmet is no longer suitable for use, there are several options for disposing of it:
Consider recycling
Some cities and towns have recycling programs that accept plastic materials like bike helmets. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept helmets.
Donate your helmet
If the helmet is still in good condition, you could consider donating it to a local bike shop or organization that promotes bike safety. When you donate a helmet, they may be given to schools to use as props, or emergency services may take them for training purposes.
Repurpose them
There are several creative ways to repurpose old bike helmets, such as using them as planters, hanging baskets, birdhouses, target practice, or even as part of a Halloween costume.
Dispose them properly
If none of the above options are available, the helmet can be disposed of in the regular trash. Before doing so, make sure to remove any removable padding or straps, as these can be recycled separately.
By properly disposing of your old helmet, you can ensure that it doesn’t end up in a landfill and potentially harm the environment.
Wrapping up
To sum it up, selling second-hand bike helmets may not be the safest option for both the seller and the buyer.
It’s always best to invest in a new helmet that meets current safety standards to ensure maximum protection for your head.
If your old helmet is no longer suitable for use, consider recycling, donating, or repurposing it instead of throwing it in the trash.
Stay safe out there and always wear a properly fitting helmet when riding your bike!
