When it comes to enjoying your Onewheel, safety should always come first. Whether you’re commuting around town or tackling rugged trails, having the right gear can help protect you in case of a fall. In this blog post, we’ll discuss essential protective equipment including helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and torso and spine protection. We’ll also share some personal gear recommendations and include a handy comparison table at the end.
The Best Protection Is the One You Will Actually Wear
No matter how advanced or high-tech your protection gear is, it won’t help if you don’t wear it. The best protective equipment is the one that fits you properly and doesn’t restrict your movement. Comfort is key—you should feel confident and free while riding, not weighed down by bulky gear. Most brands offer a variety of styles and designs, so you can find protective gear that suits your needs while still looking cool. Whether it’s a new stylish helmet or rugged trail armor, wearing the right gear will not only keep you safe but also enhance your riding experience.
I always say – hockey players don’t wear helmets and pads because they don’t know how to skate. They wear it so they can keep playing. It’s the same with Onewheel or any action sport—you gear up not because you’re scared, but because you want to ride hard and ride longer.
My Personal Gear Setup
I always ride with a helmet and add more protective gear when I hit the trails:
- Helmet: I use the Bell Super 2R helmet which doubles as a traditional helmet or can be converted by removing the chin guard.
- Knee Pads: Kevlar 661 knee pads for high-impact protection.
- Elbow Pads: G-form elbow pads, which balance flexibility with shock absorption.
- Wrist Guards: RollerBlade Evo Pro wrist guards for reliable wrist safety.
- Gloves: Specialized MTB Enduro gloves.
- Casual Riding: I usually opt for a skate helmet when I’m riding casually around town.
I love helmets – they make me look cool, and honestly, I wouldn’t ride without one. I come from a freeride skiing background, where wearing a helmet and other safety gear is just part of the game. It’s second nature. Over the years, I’ve had some pretty crazy falls, including a few broken ribs, dinged-up helmets, and plenty of battle scars—but my head has always been safe and protected. That alone makes it worth it every single time.
As you can see, my Bell Super 2R helmet has a few scratches from falls on my mountain bike—proof it did its job. Nothing happened to my head, and I was enjoying a cold beer after the ride 😎
Helmets: Your Essential First Layer of Protection
A helmet is an absolute must when riding your Onewheel. It not only protects your head in the event of a fall but also boosts your confidence on the ride. Some of the top helmet choices for Onewheel riders include:
- POC Helmet: Renowned for its innovative design and superior impact resistance.
- Tripple-8 Helmet: Praised for its robust protection and comfortable fit.
- Fox Helmet: Offers aerodynamic design combined with excellent safety features.
- Bell Helmet: Trusted by many riders for its long-standing reputation in safety and performance.
Pro tip: One of my favorite versatile picks is the Bell Super 3R helmet. It’s like having two helmets in one—you can pop off the chin guard when you’re cruising mellow terrain or city streets, and clip it back on for full-face protection when hitting the trails. Super practical and super underrated.
My Personal Take on Helmets
I personally like the look and simplicity of a skateboard-style helmet when riding in the city—it’s minimal, cool, and gets the job done. For trails, I switch to a mountain bike enduro helmet, which offers more coverage and safety features like a chin bar.
During summer, I pretty much ride exclusively in an MTB helmet because it’s lighter and has excellent ventilation, which really helps on hot days. In winter, I often throw a beanie or hat under my skate helmet to stay warm.
Some riders even go the extra mile and wear snowboard or ski helmets with goggles in extreme cold or wet weather. Protection is important year-round—just make sure your setup is comfortable and fits properly.
Wrist Guards: Protect Your Hands, Keep Riding
Wrist injuries are one of the most common injuries in Onewheel and skateboarding—and they hurt. A good set of wrist guards can save you weeks of recovery and let you ride another day. Whether you’re new to Onewheel or a seasoned trail shredder, wrist protection is always a smart move.
Recommended Wrist Guards for Onewheel Riders:
- Function Wrist Guards – Durable, stiff guards that protect your palms and wrists.
- Hillbilly Wrist Guards – Similar to Function, great protection with built-in gloves.
- Triple-8 Wrist Guards – Lightweight and breathable with solid palm protection.
- RollerBlade Wrist Guards – A great lightweight option that still offers full protection.
My Personal Take on Wrist Guards
Most skateboard and onewheel accidents and broken wrists happen within the first 4 days of riding. That’s often because beginners don’t yet know how to fall properly. This makes wrist guards a top choice for anyone trying Onewheel for the first time—they give you the confidence to learn and stay safe.
On the other hand, if you’re already an experienced rider, you likely ride faster and tackle gnarlier trails. Trails are far from flat and predictable, and you never know when a surprise bump or root might send you flying. Wrist guards can save your hands in those situations and let you get back up and keep riding.
Knee and Elbow Pads: Essential for Beginners and Trail Riders
If you’re new to Onewheel riding or prefer off-road trails, knee and elbow pads should be part of your gear. These pads often incorporate advanced D3O technology, which provides a perfect balance between flexibility and impact protection. Notable options include:
- Various MTB Brands: Trusted names like 661, Fox, and POC use D3O pads to offer enhanced protection.
- Personal Experience: I ride with Kevlar 661 knee pads for robust protection and G-form elbow pads, which offer comfort and flexibility while ensuring safety.
My Personal Take on Knee and Elbow Pads
One time I had a fall on a mtb trail. I was wearing my helmet and knee pads, but not elbow pads. I went down hard—hit my elbow and shoulder. No broken bones, but my elbow was bleeding pretty bad. I thought I got off easy, but a few days later I developed an internal infection in my elbow. It was hurting for nearly two months, and I had to get medical care and injections.
Just a stupid fall, but it turned into a real problem. Wear your elbow pads, guys. They’re small, light, and can save you a lot of pain and hassle.
Torso and Spine Protection: For the Aggressive Rider
When tackling fast and gnarly trails, adding torso and spine protection can be a lifesaver. Depending on your riding style, you might choose:
- Soft D3O Material: Offers flexibility and effective shock absorption.
- Hard Material: Provides maximum protection and is favored by riders who need robust defense against high-impact falls.
- Various MTB Protection Brands: Many companies offer specialized gear designed for extreme trail riding.
My Personal Take on Spine Protectors
I currently don’t ride my Onewheel with a spine protector, but I do use one for freeride skiing. It’s saved me more than once when I slammed into a hidden rock under the snow or hit some hard ice. I’m still on the hunt for a breathable torso/spine protector that would work well for Onewheel—something that fits my tall frame and doesn’t feel like a sauna.
If you’ve got any solid recommendations, feel free to drop them in the comments below—I’m always open to tips from fellow onewheel riders.
Impact Pants / Shorts: Extra Protection for Trail Riders
For those who frequently ride trails or want additional protection from falls, impact pants are a great investment. These padded shorts provide extra cushioning around the hips and thighs, helping to prevent bruises and injuries.
- Material: Most impact pants are made from soft D3O material, offering both flexibility and shock absorption.
- Recommended Brands: Popular MTB or snowboard brands like Burton, 661 and Fox manufacture high-quality impact pants.
- Best For: Just like torso and spine protection, impact pants are highly recommended for trail riders who want extra protection against unexpected falls.
Comparison Table of Onewheel Protection Gear
| Gear Type | Recommended Options | Ideal For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet | POC, Tripple-8, Fox, Bell | All riders; essential safety gear | Lightweight, impact-resistant, certified; versatile options available |
| Wrist Guards | Function, Hillbilly, Tripple-8 | Preventing wrist injuries | Durable, ergonomic design, effective shock absorption |
| Knee & Elbow Pads | 661, Fox, POC (D3O technology), G-form | Beginners and trail riders | Advanced impact protection, flexible movement, shock absorption |
| Torso & Spine Protection | Various MTB brands (soft D3O & hard material) | Aggressive riding on fast, gnarly trails | Provides extra coverage, flexible (soft D3O) or robust (hard material) |
| Impact Pants / Shorts | Various Snowboard or MTB brands – soft D3O material | Trail riders and those seeking extra protection | Protects hips and thighs from impact, shock-absorbing, flexible |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only. We do not take any responsibility for how you use this information. Always do your own research to ensure you choose and wear the best onewheel protection gear and onewheel safety gear.
Feel free to comment below with your experiences, questions, or additional recommendations. Stay safe, gear up properly, and enjoy your ride!