Having the proper motorcycle gear isn’t just recommended – it’s a must. With the right equipment, you can significantly decrease your risk of being injured in an accident. On top of that, some gear is required under Florida law. Use this checklist to keep yourself safe when it’s time for your next ride.
At Rubenstein Law, were the one-stop resource for riders across Florida. In addition to keeping you safe on two wheels and working to grow the local biker community, if you or a loved one need legal help after an accident, call us at 800-FL-LEGAL (800) 355-3425. We are here for you 24/7 – 365. Consultations are 100% free, and you pay nothing unless you win money. Remote and virtual appointments are also available.
A helmet is the most critical piece of motorcycle gear you can wear. Under Florida law, all riders under 21 must wear helmets. Once you reach 21, you can choose to ride without a helmet. But, if you do, you must have an insurance policy with at least $10,000 in health coverage. An insurance policy for your car or truck does not cover you on your motorcycle.
Even if a helmet is not technically required, do yourself a favor and pick a high-quality one you can wear comfortably. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. We all know wearing a helmet can save your life in the case of an accident, but as important, wearing a helmet significantly reduces your chance of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in a crash. Trust us when we say TBI’s are no joke.
Full-face, open-face, and flip-front helmets offer a wide range of choices to meet your needs & riding style.
When selecting your clothes for a ride, leather is a common choice. Avoid clothing that’s baggy or loose, as it can get tangled. On that same note, stay away from clothes with loops, dangling parts, or accessories.
You should keep it simple for your safety. It’s a good idea to choose clothes with reflective materials, bright colors or wear a reflective vest to your wardrobe, especially for nighttime driving. In Florida, a ventilated jacket with protective features, open-weave fibers or quick-dry fabrics, and strategically-placed protective materials to provide safety while helping you stay cool. Think about whether you want standalone motorcycle clothes or items you can layer over your streetwear.
Even on slow rides through town, you need eye protection. This should be non-negotiable for every ride since a flying rock or leaf can cause severe eye damage. If your helmet has built-in face protection, you can skip the goggles and opt for glasses. You might still need slimline sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Otherwise, look for goggles with a frame made from injection-molded plastic or nylon. You want something durable enough to stand up to high-speed winds. You should also look for goggles with impact-resistant lenses. If you are in a crash, you don’t want shattered glass causing long term damage to your sight.
When you fall, you stick your hands out to brace yourself. If this happens on a motorcycle, you need sturdy gloves, so you don’t shred your hands.
Gloves should have a snug fit, but anything too tight can limit your movement. Here in Florida, a rainstorm can pop-up out of nowhere, so it’s smart to have a pair of waterproof gloves that will help you get home safely if your ride is interrupted by Mother Nature. In our hot climate, lightweight mesh gloves with mesh webbed between each finger and on the back of the hand are a popular choice.
Your feet and legs often suffer the most in a crash or fall. Look for boots that offer a tight fit and rigid construction through the feet and up past the ankle. While this limits ankle mobility, it protects your ankles from twists and breaks. If you genuinely can’t tolerate tall boots, durable high-top tennis shoes are a decent second choice. If you choose ankle-height shoes, don’t sacrifice quality because the proper footwear will protect you in an accident.
For riders who keep their boots on all day, select something comfortable enough to wear for daily activities or carry a spare pair with you. Just like we recommended with gloves, you may want to spring for waterproof boots. The ride home can be miserable when you’re soaked through to your socks. If you’re more worried about riding in the heat, look into textile boots with ventilation.
Rubenstein Law offers unparalleled support to the Florida motorcycle community, promotes safe riding, and provides riders and their families with unrivaled legal representation.
While armor is not required or even recommended by all riders, it can protect you from some of the worst types of motorcycle injuries. The armor that goes under your jacket protects your spine from spinal damage, and an armored vest can limit damage to your internal organs in a crash. The armor is designed to be more protective than comfortable. This means that it may feel a little restrictive when you first start using it. However, it must fit snugly to do its job.
Direct exposure to the highway and city noise can take a significant toll on your ears and mind. A long ride can leave you with a headache or migraine if you don’t muffle the sounds around you. You’ll want to select earplugs that are strong enough to dampen the white noise around you but not so effective that they block out horns and other warning noises.
If you find yourself with a broken-down motorcycle far from home, you will need a few items to keep you warm and safe. You should make this kit small enough to fit in your bike’s tool kit or under your seat.
Keep a waterproof jacket or poncho if you get caught in the rain, an extra jacket liner, and emergency gas money to get yourself home. You may also want to keep a charged battery pack for your phone, so you can call for help if your phone dies.
Having the right gear with you on every motorcycle trip decreases your chances of being seriously injured in an accident and offers peace of mind to those who worry about you while you’re riding.
Whether you’re a new rider or you’ve been riding for decades, check out our resources and blog for more helpful tips.
Rubenstein Law is here for you whether you’re just setting out on a new adventure or if you’ve been the victim of an accident.
No matter what you need, call our expert motorcycle attorney team today at 800-FL-LEGAL (800) 355-3425. We are here 24/7/365 to answer your call. All consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless you win.
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