Just like riding a bicycle, wearing protective gear is essential when riding an electric unicycle or EUC. There are times when falls, crashes, and accidents can’t be avoided and good protective gear keeps you safe during this time. While there are plenty of EUC protective gears available in shops, there are some essential gears that provide basic protection when riding a EUC.
For newbie EUC riders, here are the must-have gears that can help reduce your risk for injury.
Helmet
The head is one of the most important parts that need to be protected during a ride. Wearing a helmet is essential when riding any open vehicle, including the EUC. It cushions the head during a fall or crash and protects it from anything that could hit it.
A full-face helmet provides the best protection and is most recommended for EUC riders. However, you could also opt for other helmet options. If you’re looking for quality EUC safety gear in Australia, there are some good shops you could trust.
Wrist Guard
The wrist guard protects the wrists from overextending backward. During a fall, it’s a common response to reach out and brace yourself. However, an intense impact can injure your wrists. Wrist guards protectyour wrists from being injured. When riding at high speeds, invest in heavy-duty ones. You could opt for regular wrist guards if you only stroll or ride around at a slower pace.
Elbow Guards
The elbow is another body part prone to injuries. While it’s rare to have an elbow injury while riding an EUC, this type of injury takes a long time to heal. Elbow guards protect your elbows during a crash. Aside from protecting it from scrapes and bumps, it also serves as a protective cushion for the elbow.
Knee Pads
The knee is very vulnerable while riding a EUC. Knee pads protect the knee during a crash or fall. Wearing knee pads doesn’t interfere with riding a EUC, so it’s generally convenient. You could opt for plain ones that only protect the kneecap area or level it up by wearing a knee brace instead.
Padded Hip/Butt Shorts
It’s common to land on your butt when falling backward from a EUC. While it may seem harmless, a strong impact can cause more than just bruises on your buttocks. A broken hip, pelvis, or tailbone are just some of the worst injuries that could happen. Padded hip/butt shorts protectthese parts from heavy impact. It’s typically worn under your clothing as protective padding.
Upper Body Protectors
On bad crashes, it pays a lot if you wear extra protection for the upper body parts. When riding at faster speeds, be sure to wear shoulder pads, chest guards, or an armoured jacket for full protection. It protects the torso, the soft tissues, and the organs inside from heavy impact and injury.
When buying protective gear, consider the type and extent of riding you’ll do to know the essential gears you’ll need.
