Buying Guide: Bike Protective Gears for New Riders

The motorcycle culture in India is changing, with projections indicating that the market will generate US$32.11bn in revenue by 2024. Due to the increased demand for motorcycles, the demand for riding safety gears will also surge. 

The Transport Ministry and road inspectors across the world always advise people to wear helmets, ride in designated lanes at a limited speed, and adhere to traffic rules. Besides that, you can also add a layer of safety by investing on protective gears to prevent injuries.

Typically, owners of superbikes carry essential equipment, while those with smaller bikes/scooters (especially commuters) often neglect to invest in riding gear, despite its importance. On the other hand, majority riders desire to own safety gear, but they often face confusion due to the wide range of options available in riding gear.

How do I choose the best safety gear?

Helmet: Helmets are the undetectable part of riding culture; they save you from outer and inner head injuries. So, it is really important to buy a strong helmet. The American Department of Transportation (DOT) standard and the European ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) are the two globally recognized approvers, as far as the helmet safety standards are concerned. DOT tests two damages at the same spot on the helmet, and ECE tests only one. We assume that a helmet that passes the DOT test will also pass the ECE test. A good helmet starts from Rs 2,500.

Gloves and Jackets: We recommend wearing gloves every time you go on a bike ride. A decent pair of gloves is as important as a helmet. Make sure you buy protection gloves to save your fingers and palms in case you accidentally slip on your bike. 

A good level of protection on your shoulders, forearms, and elbows can be had by purchasing a well padded riding jacket, which can reduce the risk of casualties. Different levels of these jackets are available. While level 1 jackets can protect you from minor scratches, but we recommend a minimum level 2-rated riding jacket for regular riders to be on the safer side. 

Riding Pants with Knee Caps: While riding, you can conveniently carry your belongings in a roomy pocket. These pants come in two variants: with knee protection and without knee protection. Riders can also carry only knee protection (available on the market without pants) because whenever we fall, there's a high chance that we damage our knee caps. 

Riding shoes: Riding shoes are not only more durable than regular shoes, but they also hold significant importance. The sole grip gives you the confidence to reverse the bike uphill, as it comes with strong grips. It saves you from a toe or ankle injury in case of an accident.