Best commuter bike helmets 2024

The finest commuter bike helmets aren’t fully totally different from different helmets. After all, a motorbike helmet is a motorbike helmet and something you purchase has to satisfy rigorous security requirements for the situation you purchase it. That means the largest distinction while you take a look at this checklist is that there is a sure type that works with commuter bikes. Sometimes it tendencies a bit extra sporty, and I’ve included an possibility that ought to really feel at residence on a weekend gravel bike trip, however there’s additionally a utilitarian type which commuter helmets are likely to gravitate in direction of. 

That type is not purely non-functional although. The helmets designed to commute day in and time out work higher with the extra upright type bikes that see frequent use as commuter choices. Commuter bike helmets additionally usually get further lighting so as to add passive security in high-traffic and low-light conditions. Although they would not be an alternative to correct lights chosen from our checklist of one of the best bike lights.

If all that appears like simply the ticket in your each day bike commute, maintain studying to see one of the best commuter bike helmets obtainable as we speak. You may leap all the way down to the underside to seek out all the knowledge it is advisable to show you how to discover one of the best commuter bike helmet for you.

Quick checklist

Best commuter bike helmets obtainable as we speak

Best total

When I take into account what the perfect commuter helmet is, I image the Giro Escape MIPS. The helmet is not the most cost effective available on the market nevertheless it’s additionally not the most costly. At the identical time, it is bought type in spades however not on the expense of high quality options. It’s an ideal steadiness of fashion, options, and worth.

What I imply after I point out options is primarily lights. At the rear of the helmet is a charging port and on both aspect there’s a energy button for the built-in entrance and tail lamps. The battery lasts a very long time and you’ll determine in the event you’d favor flashing or stable lighting. Keep in thoughts although that you’ll have to dig out an outdated type USB cable when it’s time to cost. It’s not the tip of the world however this helmet was new proper earlier than most equipment made the swap and now it’s an outlier.

That small difficulty apart, the Giro Escape MIPS isn’t just trendy but in addition actually comfy. Put it on and it feels unbelievable. Giro does an incredible job with the padding on this helmet and it’s very secure. It’s positively on the heavy aspect however there’s loads of protection entrance and rear with a stable structural peak/brim that helps maintain your face secure in a crash. 

Read extra particulars in our Giro Escape MIPS commuter helmet assessment.

Best funds helmet

Compared to the Giro Escape, the Specialized Mode takes a special method to lighting. You can add it if you need. If that is your choice, you will see that a particular adapter within the field. Clip it to the rear and it lets you add a Specialized Stix gentle, which we have now listed in our finest funds bike lights patrons information, to the rear of the helmet. If you do not assume it is necessary, the surface stays a easy, clear, expanse of a stable color. That color does present fingerprints and decide up scratches although so you will wish to take care with it. The solely factor breaking it up is the rim across the helmet which can be venting to assist maintain you cool even when it is scorching.

On the within of the helmet is the place you will discover a MIPS liner. It is the older type so it is extra apparent and may typically catch on longer hair. The MIPS liner can be paired with the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike certification which implies extra protection and passing greater drop exams. Together these two applied sciences come collectively to make for a powerful #6 Virginia Tech ranking which is at all times good to see.

Overall this can be a high quality helmet with numerous type and an incredible worth. The Giro Escape provides options but in addition lacks Virginia Tech testing and prices extra. 

Best with shiny lights

Often the lighting that is built-in right into a helmet is not that shiny. The level is so as to add a little bit of visibility nevertheless it’s not meant to be actually eye searing. Unit1 is a bit totally different. The helmet features a full 500 lumens of onboard lighting and there is each a entrance and rear LED strip plus a giant, configurable by way of app, lighting matrix beneath the material on the rear of the helmet. When you decelerate, sensors within the helmet comprehend it they usually sign that you’re braking. You may buy non-obligatory bar mounted flip indicators so as to add even visibility for different street customers. Both items cost by way of USB-C and the helmet has an 1850 mAh battery with as much as 10 hours of battery life relying on use.

When selecting a model of this helmet, you will see that 4 color choices. Those colors grace an ABS outer shell which add a little bit of daily resistance, plus the material rear. The material rear does embody particular coatings to withstand water and stains however it’s value noting that it’ll by no means be as simple to maintain clear as the remainder of the helmet. Other good options are the magnetic buckle that is simpler to make use of than the conventional clip and MIPS (although there is no Virginia Tech testing).

Also value noting, all of the built-in tech makes the Unit 1 Faro heavy at 580g. It’s nonetheless effectively balanced, has good air flow and is comfy to put on however it’s on the heavier aspect. 

Read our full assessment of the Unit 1 Faro commuter bike helmet for more information. 

Best for street bike type

The Cannondale Dynam is a street bike helmet. It would not be fully out of line to see it present up on one thing like our finest street bike helmets checklist. It makes this checklist of commuter bike helmets although as a result of it has a mode that lends itself to stretching anyplace between quick street bike and flat bar commuter.

The incontrovertible fact that the Dynam focuses on street bikes using implies that in comparison with many commuter helmets, it is extremely ventilated. There are huge strips of open space on the helmet and in depth exhaust ports as effectively. The MIPS air solely helps with this by being fully built-in into what looks as if customary padding. Unlike some helmets although, the MIPS air padding is simple to take away and wash ought to it is advisable to.

There is a draw back to all that venting although and that’s weight. While it is not heavy within the context of most commuter helmets, it is also not a featherweight street helmet. What it comes all the way down to is that protecting the helmet structurally sound even with a lot venting means including a bit of additional weight. The magnetic buckle most likely would not assist that weight difficulty a lot both however it’s good to have. On the upside, Cannondale features a very good helmet bag that ought to maintain the outside wanting good even when stuffed into one other commuter bag whereas at work.

If you want a sportier commute, the Cannondale Dynam goes to be a sensible choice.

Best for gravel bike type

Sportier commuting would not at all times imply a street bike. The finest gravel bikes are additionally a bit extra upright and far more versatile than the street bikes. That relaxed using place and flexibility makes them a superb selection for commuter duties and if you need a helmet to match, then child’s model Nutcase has an possibility. While you will not discover wild designs such as you do with the children helmets, the design of the Nutcase Vio lends itself to matching with a gravel bike and there are nonetheless numerous colors.

Style is not all that the Nutcase Vio has going for it although. On prime of fashion it additionally consists of loads of venting and passive security within the type of MIPS alongside a dual-density EPS foam liner. As with lots of the finest commuter helmets, the Nutcase Vio additionally consists of built-in lighting. At the entrance there’s a strip of white lights and on the again you will discover crimson. That’s additionally customary however Nutcase takes it additional with lengthy strips of amber lights alongside all sides.

The solely factor you may must be careful for is match. There’s solely two sizes and there is no vertical adjustment to the rear cradle.

You can discover extra particulars in our full Nutcase Vio MIPS assessment.

Best for skate type

Style issues when selecting a helmet. I coated choices for sporty street bike commuters and choices for many who wish to take the gravel bike they commute with off-road on the weekend. If none of these are fairly what you need, you may want an city or skater type helmet. There are numerous choices alongside these strains that make sense however the POC Crane MIPS is one which marries the type to considerate design touches.

While many biking helmets use a lighter in mould development, the POC Crane MIPS goals to carry up. Despite that selection, at 411 grams for a measurement M/L POC has managed to maintain the load in examine. That’s not likely the stand-out function although. What makes the POC Crane MIPS an incredible selection for a skater type helmet is how effectively it handles venting. Sticking to the skater type, there aren’t large strips of venting however reasonably giant rounded squares. The two on the entrance, plus the rear exhaust vents, do an incredible job of protecting air transferring by way of this helmet.

Although this can be a nice helmet, the one factor I’d like to see modified is the MIPS a part of the helmet. While POC, and different manufacturers, has largely moved previous the primary technology MIPS with the big plastic interior, this helmet nonetheless makes use of it. It’s not an enormous drawback in a skate type helmet because the liner mirrors the big blocky cuts of the outer. It nonetheless looks as if a throwback to an older expertise although. 

One small notice when it comes to type, there’s additionally an included brim in the event you favor one thing to assist maintain the solar or rain out of your eyes. To my eye the brim can shift from a skate type to an city type so other than operate, there is a little bit of kind too.

Best for lengthy hair

I haven’t got lengthy hair however as I’ve gone by way of this checklist, I discovered there’s not a ton of fine choices for many who do. Helmets that come down farther on the sides of the pinnacle usually go away little room for pony tails. Even when there’s house, many helmets appear to inexplicably block house within the rear cradle to cross a ponytail by way of. The Bontrager Circuit Wavecel was the helmet I’d initially tagged as the best choice with detachable gentle mounts however after I checked the rear cradle, it is huge and open. There’s all of the room on the earth to cross lengthy hair by way of the rear cradle on this helmet. It ended up being distinctive sufficient I wished to focus on it. 

Aside from the room within the rear cradle, what’s distinctive in regards to the Bontrager Circuit is a mix of an revolutionary rotational tech and adaptableness. For rotational security, there is no MIPS right here. The level of MIPS is to permit the helmet to rotate with out hurting you. Bontrager as an alternative builds that rotation proper into the helmet with a fabric known as Wavecel that may crush in a crash. It makes for higher integration and a lighter helmet that has a better time releasing warmth. Unfortunately it additionally means you may’t attain your head you probably have an itch.

The Bontrager Circuit Wavecel can be distinctive as a result of it’s totally adaptable. It’s not so totally different from the older Bontrager XXX street race helmet so if you wish to apply it to the weekend, it ought to work effectively with a quick bike. During the week, you may add the magnetic gentle mounts and a pair of Bontrager lights for entrance and rear visibility. The rear mount is a bit fiddly however total, it is an incredible possibility for each state of affairs.

You can discover extra particulars in our full Bontrager Circuit Wavecel assessment.

Best for scratch resistance

Commuter helmets can take a beating. They get used on a regular basis and while you get to the workplace, you most likely do not lovingly place them in some particular place. They get dropped right into a bag and bounce round all-day. The nature of issues is {that a} commuter helmet wants to have the ability to stand-up to this type of use and that is what the Kask Moebius excels at.

For the Moebius, Kask makes use of a scratch resistant ABS outer . It’s thick and it is textured in order that even when it does decide up a scratch, it is much less more likely to be noticeable. There’s additionally ten colors obtainable so you may decide one thing to match or one thing to face out. I’ve gone with a shiny blue I feel does an excellent job being each trendy and shiny.

The within the Moebius can be distinctive. The pads are low and have broad protection nevertheless it’s the house in-between them I discover most attention-grabbing. The outdoors of the helmet solely has a entrance consumption and rear exhaust however there is a clear path between them moulded into the helmet. While it’d appear to be there’s not a lot venting, it really works like an aero helmet and maintain air continually transferring. Then on the rear, the rear cradle threads into the straps so you may pull it down so far as you need. This is one other helmet that might be a sensible choice for anybody with lengthy hair.

Unfortunately pretty much as good because the helmet is, anybody with a small head might be out of luck. The smallest possibility is a measurement medium with a 55cm decrease cut-off. There can be a lightweight you may add nevertheless it’s not particularly effectively built-in and as an alternative works with double sided tape. 

If you wish to hear extra particulars, check out our full Kask Moebius assessment.

Best with e-bike certification

More and extra, e-bikes have gotten the usual possibility for commuter bikes. We have a listing of the finest e-bike helmets however lots of the choices are on each lists. If you discovered your self right here and you’re utilizing an e-bike, it is most likely value checking that checklist out. If I’ve to choose just one although, it is the Giro Camden MIPS.

What I like in regards to the Camden MIPS is the combination of e-bike particular certification and options for everybody. You do not must have any particular certification for an e-bike helmet however the Dutch NTA 8776 certification mandates extra protection and passing the next drop take a look at. For these utilizing US type Class III e-bikes at 28mph, that looks as if an affordable factor to have.

The Giro Camden MIPS begins with that certification then provides extra options. At the rear is a giant gentle. It’s not as shiny or configurable because the Unit1 helmet nevertheless it will get the job achieved. At the entrance you will discover an built-in brim and up prime are vents you may shut when it is chilly. There’s additionally a magnetic buckle to make on and off simple. It finally ends up being a very nice feeling helmet to put on.

Downsides embody using the older USB customary plus a bit of additional weight. If these appear to be small particulars, they’re. This is a snug helmet that could be a nice possibility for commuting of any type and particularly in the event you use an e-bike.

Best for locking up

Thousand helmets was way more trend than operate at one level however the model has fully left that persona behind. Today, Thousand makes a complete vary of motorbike equipment which are trend ahead but in addition effectively thought out and a pleasure to make use of. The Chapter MIPS is the helmet that Chapter makes particularly for each day commuting wants.

As talked about, Thousand is a trend ahead model. That implies that even the model’s most operate ahead product continues to be very modern. There are eight totally different color choices and each comes with an identical detachable visor. Thousand additionally sells the visors on their very own although and you’ll combine and match with six visor choices.

As a lot as I’m a fan of trend although, Thousand continues to be coming near focusing a bit an excessive amount of. There’s good air motion out of your brow up and into the helmet. Still, on the most well liked days, extra air is at all times appreciated and openings on the entrance of the helmet would assist even when they impacted the seems to be.

Whatever color you decide, there’s additionally an included rear gentle. It stays off usually however when the sunshine will get low it robotically activates. If you’d favor to make use of it someplace in addition to the helmet, Thousand additionally consists of an adapter to mount the sunshine on a motorbike. Of course chances are you’ll not want it on the bike as we have additionally included the Thousand Traveler lights on our checklist of finest bike lights.

It’s actually not the lights or trend that makes Thousand helmets distinctive although. From the start, the Thousand helmets have at all times had a provision for locking the helmet to a motorbike. The Chapter MIPS is not any totally different. When you get to your vacation spot you do not have to carry your helmet with you. Instead simply pop the duvet off the aspect and thread your lock by way of the opening and now your helmet is as secure as your bike with out having to hold further bulk with you. 

Best for sustainability

I prefer to drop the POC Myelin in each information I’ve an opportunity to. Helmets are one of many least recyclable issues that cyclists use. They are additionally gadgets that periodically want alternative. In response, I’ve seen folks use them as hanging planters however POC thought there is likely to be another choice.

The POC Myelin begins with a commuter define coated by material in a stable color. Underneath the material, although not seen, is a ton of venting. At the entrance of the helmet is an air consumption to assist push scorching air out the vents. Then issues depart from regular helmet design.

Every a part of this helmet considers the tip of life. That begins with utilizing 50% recycled supplies for the development. Then POC places the items along with no glue and with out using laminated supplies. The material outer is not only for type, it is a method across the typical laminated development of helmets. The level of all that is that when the helmet reaches the tip of its life, you may take it aside. Each piece can go to the proper waste stream.

In alternate for all that consideration of finish of life, there are some drawbacks. The Mylen would not have options like lights, it has no rotational impression safety expertise, and it lacks a Virginia Tech rating. I think POC will solely proceed to enhance the main points however that is the place issues are for now. If you care about sustainability, that is the helmet for you.

How to decide on one of the best commuter bike helmet

Helmets are available in an array of various shapes in addition to totally different sizes, so some commuter bike helmets will fit your needs higher than others. For that purpose, it is worthwhile making an attempt on a couple of totally different helmets to see what’s comfy.

Check the match round your head and the adjustability and that the straps are comfy and do not dig in. Beyond that listed here are some tricks to discover one of the best commuter bike helmet in your wants.