Scooter and Moped Helmets: What to Wear on a Vespa or 50cc
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Scooters and mopeds are the easiest way to get around town: cheap to run, easy to park and simple to ride. But a fall at 30 mph on a scooter hurts just as much as one on a motorcycle, and city streets are full of distracted drivers. Here's how to choose a scooter or moped helmet that protects you and suits the way you ride.
Quick answer
Wear a DOT certified motorcycle helmet on any scooter or moped, even if your state doesn't require one. Most city riders choose an open face (3/4) helmet for visibility and easy on and off, or a full face helmet for the most protection. Vespa riders often pick a retro helmet to match the bike's classic style.
Scooter, moped or motorcycle?
The definitions depend on your state. In many states a moped is a small vehicle, commonly 50cc or less, with a top speed around 30 mph. Bigger scooters, like a 125cc or 300cc Vespa, are usually treated as motorcycles and need a motorcycle license and registration. Electric stand-up scooters are a separate category with their own rules.
Whatever you ride, your head hits the pavement at the same speed in a fall, so the helmet choice is the same: a DOT certified helmet that fits.
Open face, full face or retro: which is best for scooters?
| Helmet style | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open face (3/4) | Great visibility, easy to talk and wear glasses, light, fits under more scooter seats | No chin protection; you need a shield or goggles | Short city trips, 50cc mopeds, warm weather |
| Retro full face | Classic look with full chin coverage | Often no face shield included | Vespa and classic scooter riders |
| Full face | Most protection, quieter, a shield keeps out wind and rain | Heavier, takes up more storage space | Bigger scooters, highway or long commutes |
| Half helmet | Lightest | Least coverage of any DOT style | Not recommended |
For a deeper look at the trade-offs, read Open Face vs Full Face Helmets.
Our picks for scooter and moped riders
Open face: GDM RENEGADE
The GDM RENEGADE is a DOT certified 3/4 open face helmet with a vintage look, an ABS shell over an EPS liner, and a removable, washable liner. Add the 3-snap bubble shield for eye protection. Want music and calls? The RENEGADE Bluetooth comes with a compact Bluetooth headset in the box.
Retro full face: GDM REBEL
The GDM REBEL is a vintage-style full face helmet that matches classic scooters and cafe racers. It's designed for goggles, or you can add a 3-snap flip-up shield or a 3-snap sun visor. There's also a REBEL with a Bluetooth headset.
Full face: GDM Ghost and VENOM
For bigger scooters and longer commutes, a full face helmet is the safest choice. The GDM Ghost is an affordable DOT full face helmet, and the GDM VENOM comes in pearl white, which helps drivers see you in traffic.
What to look for in a scooter helmet
- DOT certification: look for the DOT label on the back. Avoid novelty helmets. Here's how to spot a fake DOT helmet.
- Eye protection: an open face helmet needs a shield or goggles. Wind, dust and bugs are a real hazard even at 30 mph.
- Visibility: a white or light-colored helmet stands out in traffic.
- Fit: a helmet that's too big can come off in a crash. Measure your head and check the size chart.
- Storage: if you want to lock your helmet under the seat, measure the space. Open face helmets fit under more seats than full face helmets.
Do you need a helmet on a scooter or moped?
It depends on your state and on how your scooter is classified. Some states require helmets for all moped and scooter riders, some only for younger riders, and some treat mopeds differently from motorcycles. Check your state DMV, and see our guide to motorcycle helmet laws by state. Our advice is simple: wear one on every ride.
Scooter and moped helmet FAQ
Can I wear a bicycle helmet on a moped?
No. Bicycle helmets are built for bicycle speeds. Mopeds and scooters are motor vehicles, and where the law requires a helmet it usually means a DOT certified motorcycle helmet.
What helmet do Vespa riders wear?
Many Vespa riders wear open face or retro full face helmets to match the bike's style. Both are fine, as long as the helmet is DOT certified and fits well.
Is an open face helmet safe for a scooter?
An open face DOT helmet protects your head, but not your chin or face. It's a popular choice for short city trips. For highway riding or longer commutes, a full face helmet is safer.
Do I need eye protection on a scooter?
Yes. Many states require eye protection on a motorcycle or moped without a windscreen, and bugs and grit hurt at any speed. Use a face shield or goggles.
Shop open face helmets, retro and vintage helmets and full face helmets for your scooter.
