Page 38 - Lady Rider June.cdr
P. 38
“Temu motorcycle gear, when it comes to actual
riding safety, is mostly trash.”
Major Flaws: Safety Foundation Coach: Facebook Marketplace, and
“You can't skimp on gear. If it Craigslist often have lightly used
· No ankle protection or
reinforcements. doesn't meet a verified gear for half the retail price.
standard, it's just cosplay.” 2. Look for CE Level 1 Gear:
· Slippery soles.
· Julia Mendez, Crash Entry-level gear from brands like
· Sole separation began Analyst, Vancouver: BILT, Sedici, Speed & Strength, or
within 50 miles of use. “In a slide, the difference even some in-house brands from
Even a light tip-over could crush the between proper gear and stores like Cycle Gear offer real
ankle in these. They lacked any of cheap alternatives is skin protection on a budget.
the crush protection or heel/toe grafts. Some of the stuff 3 . P r i o r i t i z e P r o t e c t i o n
reinforcements expected of coming from marketplaces H i e r a r c h i c a l l y :
motorcycle boots. like Temu or Wish is not just If you can only afford one solid
ineffective—it's dangerous.”
Verdict: Stylish enough for photos, piece of gear, make it the helmet.
· Mike Gallagher, Former Next: gloves, jacket, boots, then
but unsafe for any serious riding.
P a r a m e d i c & B i k e r : pants.
User Testimonials: Hope,
Frustration, and Regret “I've seen what happens
when people wear knockoff Final Verdict: Total Trash or
We gathered feedback from over helmets. They're basically Budget Treasure?
50 riders who'd purchased gear decorative.”
from Temu via Reddit, YouTube Let's not sugarcoat it: Temu
comments, and online moto motorcycle gear, when it comes
forums. Here's a sample of what we The Budget Buyer's Dilemma to actual riding safety, is mostly
heard: Let's be honest—riding isn't cheap. trash. While some pieces may
Gear, registration, maintenance, pass for low-speed commuting or
· J o h n , C a l i f o r n i a insurance—it adds up fast. For new casual use, none of the safety
(sportbike rider): “The or low-income riders, Temu gear tested meets the standards
gloves lasted two rides. The
stitching unraveled. My represents a tempting solution. demanded by real-world riding.
hand would've been toast in So what can you safely buy on Temu's marketplace is a goldmine
a crash.” Temu? of cheap accessories and flashy
styles—but when your skin, bones,
· Lisa, Texas (commuter): Better bets: and life are on the line, it's worth
“The pants were actually · Non-critical accessories
pretty okay. The pads felt (phone mounts, mirrors, spending more for something that
works. Buy smart. Protect yourself.
legit. But I wouldn't trust turn signal bulbs). Don't become a cautionary tale.
them above 40mph.”
· Storage items (saddlebags, LHR
· Dan, UK (new rider): “I tail bags).
bought the helmet. It's For More Info On;
lightweight and cool- · Decorative gear (for photos
looking, but something felt or cosplay). Bikers 4 Epilepsy
off. My instructor took one What to avoid:
look and told me to bin it.”
· Helmets.
· Chloe, Canada (budget · Jackets without verifiable
shopper): “For photoshoots CE armor.
and the odd scooter run,
sure. But for touring or · Any safety-critical gear
track? Not on your life.” lacking transparent safety
testing.
Expert Opinions: Would They
Wear It? Alternatives to Temu That Won't
Break the Bank
We reached out to safety experts, Contact: Winter
motorcycle instructors, and crash 1. Buy Used from Reputable
investigators for their take. B r a n d s : 081 084 5840
Sites like RevZilla's outlet section,
· Ben Arledge, Motorcycle
Lady Rider Magazine 38 June 2025
