In general terms, yes, you should wear a helmet on a rental bike, even where the law does not require one, because a helmet gives head protection if you fall or are involved in a crash. A rental bike is often an unfamiliar machine, ridden on unfamiliar roads, in a place you do not know well. That combination makes a fall more likely, not less, and a helmet is the simplest protection you can wear.
Rental bikes are now common in cities around the world, from docked bike-share schemes to holiday rentals and hotel bikes. They are a convenient way to get around, but they come with a problem: the bike is rarely supplied with a helmet. Many riders therefore set off bare-headed, often on busy streets, in traffic they do not know, and on a bike whose brakes and gears they have not yet learned.
Why is a rental bike riskier than your own bike?
Your own bike is set up for you. The saddle is at the right height, the brakes feel familiar, and you know how the gears work. A rental bike is set up for everyone, which means it is set up for no one in particular. The saddle may be too high or too low, the brakes may feel different, and the bike may be heavier than the one you ride at home.
You are also more likely to be riding in an unfamiliar place, perhaps on the other side of the road, in a city with different traffic rules, or on roads with surfaces you do not know. Add in the fact that many rental rides are short, casual trips, often taken without planning, and it is easy to see why a fall is more likely. A helmet does not prevent the fall, but it can reduce the force of a head impact.
Do rental bike schemes provide helmets?
Most large bike-share schemes do not provide helmets. The bikes are shared by many riders, and a shared helmet raises questions about hygiene, fit, and damage. Some schemes have tried helmet vending machines or helmet hire at docking stations, but these are still rare. A few holiday rental shops do lend helmets with their bikes, and some include a helmet in the rental price.
If you are hiring a bike for a day or longer, ask the shop whether a helmet is included, and check that it fits and is in good condition. If no helmet is offered, ask whether you can hire or buy one. In general terms, a bike hire shop that does not offer helmets at all is worth noting, because it suggests they are not thinking carefully about rider safety.
What should I do if no helmet is available?
If no helmet is available, you have a choice to make. The safest option is to ride more slowly, stick to quiet streets or cycle paths, and avoid busy traffic. Keep both hands on the bars, look well ahead, and give yourself plenty of space from other vehicles. Avoid riding at night or in wet weather if you can, because both make a fall more likely.
Another option is to buy a cheap helmet from a nearby shop, or to carry a folding helmet with you when you travel. Folding helmets pack down small enough to fit in a bag, and they meet the same safety standards as a normal cycle helmet. Some travellers also carry a lightweight helmet in their luggage if they know they will hire a bike on holiday.
Is a helmet legally required on a rental bike?
The law depends on where you are. Some countries and states require a helmet for all cyclists, including rental bike riders, while others require it only for children, and others have no helmet law at all. The rules can also change from city to city, so check before you ride. A rental bike shop should be able to tell you the local rules, but do not rely on that alone.
Even where the law does not require a helmet, wearing one is still a good idea. The law sets a minimum, not a recommendation. Many cycling organisations advise wearing a helmet on every ride, including short rental rides, because most crashes happen close to home, at low speed, and on familiar roads. The same is true on a rental bike in an unfamiliar city.
What kind of helmet is best for a rental bike ride?
A standard cycle helmet that fits well and meets a recognised safety standard is the right choice. Look for a helmet certified to a standard such as EN 1078 in Europe or CPSC in the United States, and check the label inside the shell. A light, well-ventilated helmet is comfortable for city riding, and a bright colour helps other road users see you.
If you travel often and hire bikes, a folding helmet or a lightweight helmet that packs flat is worth considering. Some helmets include a slip layer such as MIPS to reduce rotational forces in an angled impact. Whatever helmet you use, check that it sits level, feels snug, and stays in place when you shake your head gently. A helmet that does not fit is not worth wearing.
How do I check a hire bike before I ride it?
Before you set off, check the brakes by squeezing both levers while you walk the bike forward. The wheels should stop firmly. Check that the tyres are pumped up and not soft, and that the wheels spin freely without wobbling. Check that the saddle is at a height where you can reach the pedals comfortably, and that it is clamped tight.
Check the chain, the gears, and the lights if you will be riding at dusk. If anything feels loose, damaged, or wrong, take the bike back and ask for another one. A rental bike that has been used by many riders can develop faults, and it is better to spend a few minutes checking than to discover a problem in traffic. Wear your helmet for the check ride as well as for the main ride.
Do I need a helmet for a short rental bike ride?
Yes, in general terms, it is wise to wear one even for a short ride. Most falls happen at low speed and close to the start of a journey, and a helmet takes only a moment to put on. A short ride is not a safe ride just because it is short.
Can I share a helmet from a rental shop?
You can, but check it first. Look for cracks in the shell, check that the straps and dial work, and make sure it fits. If the helmet is damaged or does not fit, ask for a different one. Some riders prefer to carry their own helmet for hygiene and fit.
What if the rental bike has no helmet and I have to ride?
Ride slowly, stick to quiet streets or cycle paths, and avoid busy traffic, night riding, and wet weather. Keep both hands on the bars and look well ahead. If you can buy or borrow a helmet nearby, do that instead, because it is the simplest way to protect your head.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
