Telco super-geek Liam Farr makes bloody case for a full-face helmet

Before and after: Liam Farr upgrades his facial protection. Photo / @LiamFarr

COMMENT:

There's a gentleman who gets around the Auckland CBD on an electric longboard, wearing a Stig-style full-face helmet.

I thought that was a bit over-the-top, until I saw a series of photos posted by telco super-geek Liam Farr.

Farr managed to bash out his two front teeth while wearing an open-face helmet, necessitating some emergency dental work. Today he took delivery of a full-face model.

The Aucklander was actually kayaking when he lost his teeth, still his experience makes a good argument for comprehensive protection.

I won't smirk the next time I see electric longboard guy, or anyone who chooses to wear a mouthguard while riding any e-gadget.

ACC has received 12 claims for dental injuries since Lime launched in NZ in mid-October last year and 64 for facial injuries.

And Tim Wilson is in good company with his shattered knee following an e-scooter fall.

ACC says there have been 118 knee injury e-scooter claims since mid-October.

Overall, there have been 134 fractures or dislocations, 14 concussions, 255 lacerations or punctures and 405 soft-tissue injury claims in the period since Lime launched (which, as Lime is quick to point out, has also seen the sale of about 1000 e-scooters for personal use). Check out the agency's full stats, and their cost here.

Lime recommends a helmet, but says ultimately it's circumscribed by local laws. Here, a helmet is voluntary for low-power e-vehicles such as e-scooters, but the Transport Minister is considering a law change. An e-scooter speed limit is also on the agenda.

Lime co-founder and chief executive Toby Sun told the Herald his company was considering a $5 helmet offer (an idea that's gained traction across the Tasman) or alternatively giving out thousands of helmets for free, as it has done in parts of the US.

Sun said riders didn't like shared helmets, which could become sweaty or dirty.

Meanwhile in Auckland pic.twitter.com/iPYppwB0J6

— Chris Keall (@ChrisKeall) February 5, 2019