Helmet & Protective Gear Guide for Electric Riders in Utah

Electric motos and fast e-bikes are a blast but they are also quicker, heavier, and more torque-y than most people expect on their first ride.  That's why we tell every new rider the same thing at BHive Moto:  your gear is part of your build.

Whether you're ripping a Rerode, commuting on an e-bike, or cruising an e-trike around the neighborhood, here's a practical guide to choosing the right helmet and protective gear for Utah riding.

Start With the Helmet (Always)

A helmet is the one piece of gear you don't compromise on. The right helmet depends on how you ride and where you ride.

Full-Face Helmet (Best for eMotos + higher-speed riding)

Choose a full-face helmet if you ride:

• Electric motorcycles / eMotos

• Faster e-bikes (especially anything with throttle + higher top speed)

• Trails, dirt, or anywhere you could go over the bars

Why it matters: full-face coverage protects your jaw/teeth and gives better overall impact protection.

Half / Open-Face Helmet (Best for casual, low-speed cruising)

A half helmet or open-face can make sense for:

• Low-speed neighborhood rides

• Casual e-trike cruising

• Short errands on paved paths

But: if youre regularly riding faster or mixing with traffic, a full-face is the safer move.

Fit Check (Quick and Simple)

A helmet should:

• Feel snug all the way around (no pressure points)

• Not roll forward/back when you move it

• Sit level, just above your eyebrows

If it's loose, it wont protect you the way it's designed to.

Gloves: The Most Overlooked Safety Upgrade

When riders go down, hands hit first. Gloves protect you from:

• Road rash and cuts

• Broken knuckles/fingers

• Cold wind (Utah winter and early spring rides are no joke)

Look for gloves with:

• Knuckle protection

• Palm reinforcement

• Secure wrist closure

Eye Protection: Wind, Dust, and Debris

Utah trails and roads kick up dust, sand, and small rocks. Eye protection keeps you seeing clearly and riding confidently.

Options:

• Helmet visor (great for street)

• Goggles (great for dirt/off-road)

• Clear lenses for night/low light

Jackets & Upper-Body Protection

If you're riding an eMoto or doing higher-speed riding, a proper jacket is a smart move.

Street/Commuter Jacket

Good for pavement and mixed riding. Look for:

• Abrasion-resistant material

• Shoulder and elbow armor

• Optional back protector

Off-Road Chest/Body Protection

Great for dirt riding where impacts are more likely:

• Chest protector

• Elbow guards

• Shoulder protection (depending on model)

Knee Pads (or Riding Pants): Your Best Friend on Dirt

Knees take a beating in even minor crashes. For eMoto and trail riding, knee protection is non-negotiable.

Choose:

• Knee guards/pads for casual trail riding

• More robust knee braces for aggressive riding and jumps

Boots: Better Control + Better Protection

Shoes are fineuntil they arent.

For eMotos and off-road riding, boots help with:

• Ankle support

• Impact protection

• Better grip and bike control

Even for e-bikes, a sturdy shoe with a firm sole improves control and comfort.

The Utah Factor: What Changes Here?

Utah riding is unique:

• Temperature swings: cold mornings, warmer afternoons

• Dust + sand: especially on desert trails

• Mixed terrain: pavement to gravel to dirt in one ride

That means your best setup is usually:

• A helmet with good ventilation + a clear option for low light

• Gloves you can layer (or swap seasonally)

• Gear that's comfortable enough to actually wear every ride

Quick Gear Checklist

• Helmet (ideally full-face for eMotos)

• Gloves

• Eye protection (visor/goggles)

• Jacket with armor (or chest protector)

• Knee protection

• Boots or sturdy riding shoes

Need Help Getting the Right Setup?

Gear shouldn't be confusing and it definitely shouldn't be an afterthought.

At BHive Moto Shop in West Jordan, we'll help you match your helmet and protective gear to:

• Your bike (eMoto, e-bike, e-trike)

• Your riding style (street vs dirt)

• Your comfort level and experience

Stop by the shop at 5243 Wells Park Rd #301C, West Jordan,

or call (385) 237-3341 and we'll get you dialed.

Rider-to-rider: the best upgrade you can buy is the one that lets you ride tomorrow.