The finest e-bike helmets aren’t essential accent, however they’re an amazing factor to have when driving electrical bikes. The cause for that’s e-bikes journey quicker and weigh extra, creating greater forces and extra momentum within the occasion of a crash. This is very true within the US the place e-bikes can legally journey as much as 28mph.
Beyond security methods, there are quality-of-life concerns as effectively when selecting a helmet for driving an e-bike. Most electrical bike helmets are just like our listing of the very best commuter helmets however when you do not have to work as onerous for the pace you’ll be able to journey, that modifications issues a bit. You’ll rise up to hurry quicker, with much less effort, and extra pace equals extra wind to chill you down, so the helmet’s warmth administration wants shall be completely different.
If all these concerns appear overwhelming, don’t be concerned. I’ve accomplished the analysis for you. For those that need to get straight to the purpose, the Giro Camden MIPS is my favorite general possibility whereas the Xnito helmet is analogous however a lot lighter. If neither of these give you the results you want, although, maintain studying to see our full listing of suggestions for the very best e-bike helmets accessible at present.
As you learn via the next listing, you’re going to hear lots about MIPS rotational affect safety. If you are not positive what that’s, try our what’s a MIPS helmet explainer. It’ll be value understanding as you undergo the article.
We often evaluate our purchasing recommendation and replace them if issues change, a related new product is launched or a product turns into out of date. All the e-bike helmets listed under have been nonetheless accessible and present fashions as of April 2024.
Quick listing
Best overall
Best general
Big brilliant built-in lighting, vents you’ll be able to open and shut, a magnetic buckle, and the NTA 8776 e-bike certification make an amazing general bundle.
Best with turn signals
Best with flip alerts
If you want the thought of built-in lighting but in addition need to have the ability to sign when turning, the Giro Ethos MIPS is a good alternative.
Best for urban style
Best for city model
The POC Crane makes use of an ABS outer formed into an city, skater model, helmet to mix security, sturdiness and magnificence in a single.
Best for scratch resistance
Best for scratch resistance
Urban helmets generally need to take care of a tough life. If that’s a consideration for you, the Kask Moebius makes use of an ABS outer that may take a knock or two on the bus and proceed to be usable.
Best e-bike helmets accessible at present
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Best general
1. Giro Camden MIPS
Best general e-bike helmet
Specifications
Weight: 494g
Rotational security: MIPS
Sizes: S, M, L
Reasons to purchase
Vents you’ll be able to shut
+A giant rear mild
+NTA 8776 certification
Reasons to keep away from
Lacks Virginia Tech testing
–Still makes use of micro-USB charging
–Heavy
One of the large causes you would possibly take into account an e-bike particular helmet is the added pace and weight of e-bikes. As I mentioned above, that is very true within the US the place speeds find yourself being in-between a motorcycle and a motorbike. If that is a consideration for you the Dutch NTA 8776 certification mandates higher protection and better drop checks. It’s not clear minimize that it is completely vital however it’s not going to harm and the Giro Camden provides it as simply one of many issues that make it an amazing helmet.
The cause this helmet will get my nod as the very best general is that there is far more options exterior of the additional certification. You additionally get a giant brilliant rear mild, an built-in brim, and vents you’ll be able to shut when it is chilly and wet. The padding is snug and there is a magnetic buckle closure. It finally ends up being a very nice feeling helmet to put on.
The positives are a lot to beat any negatives however as you take into account additionally, you will need to remember the fact that there are some downsides. One huge one is that Giro hasn’t submitted the helmet for testing with Virginia Tech. That all the time leaves a query even when it should not. On high of that, it is a heavy helmet and the sunshine nonetheless makes use of a micro-usb wire to cost.
Best funds e-bike helmet
2. Specialized Mode
Best funds e-bike helmet
Specifications
Weight: 419g dimension medium
Rotational security: MIPS
Sizes: S, M, L
Reasons to purchase
Included mild mount
+High Virginia tech ranking
+Dutch NTA 8776 certification
Reasons to keep away from
Older model MIPS liner
–Matte outer scratches and exhibits fingerprints
There are a number of helmets on this listing that add the Dutch NTA 8776 certification. Although it isn’t fully clear that it is necessary, having the certification implies that the helmet handed a better drop check and has a design with decrease sides. It’s onerous to see how that may very well be a nasty factor besides that it usually is available in tandem with a better worth. The Specialized Mode helmet bucks the development with each a cut price worth and the NTA 8776 certification. On high of that, there’s additionally a MIPS liner. Unfortunately it is the older model MIPS liner that is much less beloved however, regardless of that, proper now the Specialized Mode is among the high ten highest rated helmets from Virginia Tech.
Although a excessive Virginia Tech ranking is spectacular, it does not take into consideration passive security within the type of lights. Compared to the Xnito, and Giro, helmets that additionally carry the NTA 8776 certification, the Mode lacks built-in lighting. Specialized does tackle that shortcoming although. If you want so as to add a rear mild then there is a small rubber mount that integrates into the design and carries an optionally available Stix mild from our listing of the finest funds bike lights. Even with the acquisition of the sunshine, you’d nonetheless come out forward on pricing in comparison with different NTA 8776 choices. Unfortunately you’ll have to take care of fingerprints and the matte outer will scratch simply if you happen to lean it towards a wall.
Best with brilliant lights
Best e-bike helmet with brilliant lights
Specifications
Weight: 630g
Rotational security : Optional
Sizes: S, M, L
Reasons to purchase
ABS plastic outer
+Emergency name characteristic
+App primarily based mild customization
Reasons to keep away from
Fabric rear is troublesome to scrub
–Weight
The Unit 1 Faro is what you would possibly name a sensible helmet. Like different helmets, you will discover built-in lights entrance and rear however on this helmet, you’ll be able to join through an app and customise the expertise. On high of that, there are flip alerts that you need to use with the included sign buttons mounted in your handlebars and if you happen to ever have an incident then there’s an emergency name characteristic. There’s even a light-weight sensor in-built that alters the brightness relying on ambient mild situations.
Another characteristic that’s good to see is that, like a number of different helmets right here, the Unit 1 makes use of an ABS outer. ABS is an efficient alternative for city helmets as a result of, not like the everyday polycarbonate used for helmets, it may possibly take some knocks. Scrape it alongside a wall and you will nonetheless have a helmet you need to use. The solely downsides of all of the options are that the material rear is troublesome to scrub and it finally ends up being a heavy helmet.
You can learn extra particulars in our full Unit 1 Faro evaluate.
Best with flip alerts
Best e-bike helmet with flip alerts
Specifications
Weight:: 485g (M)
Rotational security:: MIPS
Sizes: S/M/L
Reasons to purchase
The helmet beeps when it activates and if you sign
+Relatively light-weight for this sort of helmet
+The design works effectively to maintain the entrance of the helmet low
+USB-C charging
Reasons to keep away from
High retail worth
–Peak will not take care of a big effect
–Not attainable to show the helmet on from the distant
The Ethos MIPS is a classy addition to the increasing Giro vary of commuter and e-bike-specific helmets. There are 12 vents to assist cooling, together with protection across the again of the ears, and on the rear of the pinnacle, making for a protected but snug match. At the entrance you will discover a rubberized TPU brim that will not add a lot in the way in which of safety however does assist maintain the solar out of your eyes. Although I’ve featured the model with out it, there’s additionally a model with a defend if you happen to’d want it.
The essential characteristic I’ve known as out for this helmet is the lighting although. At the entrance of the helmet you may discover a pair of white LED strips with on on both aspect. Then on the rear there’s one other pair however this time in pink. Use the included wi-fi flip sign buttons and you can sign a flip to different highway customers.
The flip sign characteristic can also be supplied by the Unit 1 however that helmet provides a bit extra weight and good options. The two are actually comparable however it’s possible that riders will want the model of 1 vs the opposite. If you actually simply need flip alerts, select the Giro. It is a bit unlucky although that there is not any low cost on much less performance with the Giro.
You can learn extra particulars in our full Giro Ethos MIPS evaluate.
Best for city model
5. POC Crane MIPS
Best city model e-bike helmet
Specifications
Weight: 411g dimension M/L
Rotational security : MIPS
Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
Reasons to purchase
Included, optionally available, brim
+Relatively low weight
+Lots of venting
+Thick and sturdy outer shell
Style issues when selecting a helmet. It’s okay if that is a part of your shopping for determination, nothing improper with that, and also you would possibly like an city, or skater, model helmet. If so, the POC Crane MIPS makes use of the acquainted form of a skater model helmet then marries it to a considerate design. There are huge vents that do an amazing job letting hot-air out and the outer is a thick polycarbonate development with the additional protection typical of this model of helmet. Instead of the sunshine, however delicate, outer you’ll discover on many biking helmets, the POC Crane MIPS outer can take a bump or two and proceed to maintain you protected. Despite that, at 411 grams for a dimension M/L, POC has saved it to an inexpensive weight. There’s additionally an included brim if you happen to want one thing to assist maintain the solar or rain out of your eyes.
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, have principally moved previous the primary era MIPS with the big plastic interior, this helmet nonetheless makes use of it. It’s not an enormous downside in a skate model helmet because the liner mirrors the big blocky cuts of the outer, however it nonetheless looks as if a throwback to an older know-how.
Best for highway bike model
Best e-bike helmet for electrical highway bike riders
Specifications
Weight: 325g
Rotational security : Wavecel
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Reasons to purchase
Removeable mild mounts for dual-duty use
+Visor may be added for city use
+Wavecel affect safety
Reasons to keep away from
Rear mild mount is fiddly
–Wavecell tech means you cant scratch your head via the vents if you happen to really feel the necessity
As lengthy as you might be desirous about model, the city model may not be your factor. If you’d want one thing extra akin to what’s typical with a highway bike, Bontrager has an possibility. The Bontrager Circuit Wavecel helmet is the commuter possibility within the Bontrager, or Trek, mannequin lineup.
What’s distinctive concerning the Bontrager Circuit is each the Wavecel materials and its adaptability. As far as Wavecel, the thought is to switch a number of the foam and a MIPS liner with a fabric that’s lighter however crushes and permits motion in a crash. It makes for higher integration and a lighter helmet that has a better time releasing warmth. Unfortunately it additionally means you’ll be able to’t attain your head you probably have an itch. On the opposite hand, the general model is, as talked about, about the identical as you’d count on from a highway race helmet. When you might be commuting by e-bike, add a brim or lights, then for a weekend experience simply strip it down and you might be able to go in your highway bike. The rear mount is a bit of fiddly however general, it is an amazing possibility for each scenario.
You can discover extra particulars in our full Bontrager Circuit Wavecel evaluate.
Best for gravel bike model
Best e-bike helmet for electrical gravel bike riders
Specifications
Weight: 432g
Rotational security : MIPS
Sizes: S/M, L/XL
Reasons to purchase
Plenty of built-in lights
+Good venting
+Would work for gravel rides in addition to commutes
Reasons to keep away from
Only two sizes can be found
–The rear cradle does not modify vertically
Sticking with the theme of favor in your e-bike helmet, the Nutcase Vio is another choice. This time as a substitute of seeking to match a highway bike, you’ve got received one thing that works for a gravel bike. Sure, it is maybe foolish to name this a gravel e-bike helmet but when we’re sticking with the theme of utilizing the correct device for the job, model would possibly as effectively be part of that. You can clearly use this helmet with any bike you need, it simply occurs to have a method that additionally lends itself to a gravel bike.
Style is not all that the Nutcase Vio has going for it although. On high of favor it additionally consists of loads of venting and passive security within the type of MIPS alongside a dual-density EPS foam liner. Then for lively security there are lights on each aspect with a white mild up entrance, amber lights on the edges, and pink lights on the again.
The solely factor you would possibly have to be careful for is match. There’s solely two sizes and there is not any vertical adjustment to the rear cradle.
You can discover extra particulars in our full Nutcase Vio MIPS evaluate.
Best for scratch resistance
Best scratch resistant e-bike helmet
Specifications
Weight : 420g
Rotational security: KASK Rotational Impact WG11 Tested
Sizes : M, L
Reasons to purchase
Excellent airflow and cooling properties
+Comfortable
+Durable and hard-wearing
+Easy to take away the height and modify the straps
Reasons to keep away from
Lacks a dimension small possibility for smaller heads
Urban helmets need to put up with plenty of put on and tear that one thing from our listing of the finest aero helmets won’t ever expertise. In and out of luggage, sliding alongside a wall whereas clipped to the surface of a bag, keys dropped alongside in a bag, any variety of day-to-day actions that may scratch up a high quality end very quickly. For the Moebius, Kask makes use of a scratch resistant ABS outer that ought to do job protecting the helmet wanting good for a very long time to come back. It’s an necessary characteristic as a result of the outer floor of a helmet is a part of what helps maintain its integrity. Although appears to be like matter, this can be a characteristic that goes past simply appears to be like.
In truth, a lot of what Kask presents goes past what you’ll be able to see on the floor. Instead of MIPS, or different rotational affect safety applied sciences, Kask takes the stance that these applied sciences oversell an pointless want. Instead, the model has the WG11 test exhibiting that even with out particular mitigation applied sciences there’s sufficient safety. Given how complicated the sphere of affect safety is, it could be right. Not solely that however a snug helmet that could be a pleasure to put on is all the time going to be a plus and Kask makes a number of the most snug helmets available on the market.
ABS is a characteristic the Unit 1 Faro and POC Crane above additionally present. You’ll have to resolve whether or not the good options of the Faro or skate model of the Crane are for you, or whether or not the Kask is the higher alternative.
If you need to hear extra particulars, check out our full Kask Moebius evaluate.
Lightweight e-bike certification
Lower-cost and lighter-weight e-bike licensed helmet
Specifications
Weight: 396g
Rotational security: None
Sizes: M, L, XL
Reasons to purchase
Low weight in comparison with competitors
+Extensive color decisions
+Integrated lights each entrance and rear
+Included material brim
Reasons to keep away from
Lack of Virginia Tech testing
The fact is that the Xnito bike helmet packs a ton of favor into the design. In truth, the model does not truly title its helmet mannequin apart from by the rotating kinds supplied. Still, that is not why the Xnito helmet makes the listing. Xnito makes the listing due to the Dutch NTA 8776 certification.
The Dutch NTA 8776 certification mandates a excessive drop check and decrease sides to the helmet and it is particularly designed for e-bike riders. This is not the one helmet on the listing that has that characteristic although. The Giro Camden MIPS has the identical certification whereas additionally packing in a giant mild and MIPS. That leaves the Xnito possibility for anybody who actually desires the certification however prefers a lighter helmet. You nonetheless get lights right here too, they simply aren’t as huge and brilliant because the one on the rear of the Camden. On the upside, you do get a classy material brim.
Despite the concentrate on e-bike security there is not any MIPS right here. To be truthful although, MIPS is not the one option to get the job accomplished. The greater problem with this helmet is that there is not any MIPS and a scarcity of Virginia Tech testing. Although it meets all of the required requirements it is all the time good to have that testing.
If you need to hear extra particulars, check out our full Xnito helmet evaluate.
Best for sustainability
10. POC Myelin
Best e-bike helmet for environmental sustainability
Specifications
Weight: 373g
Rotational security: None
Sizes: S, M, L
Reasons to purchase
Comfortable padding and rear cradle
+Made of fifty% recycled materials
+Lacks glue and may be disassembled for correct disposal
Reasons to keep away from
Lacks Virginia Tech testing
–Doesn’t depart a lot house for the highest of your ears
–Lacks rotational affect safety
The POC Myelin is not like the rest you should purchase. It begins with a commuter define with a strong color and material over many of the shell. Although you’ll be able to’t see it via the material, there’s a ton of venting on the high of the helmet plus there is a vent on the forehead to assist push the air via. Obviously none of that is dramatically completely different. Where issues begin to change is within the development.
The supplies themselves are 50% recycled however greater than that, the development retains finish of life entrance of thoughts. You will not discover any glue and there are not any laminated supplies. Everything is mechanically secured in order that when it is time to get rid of the helmet you’ll be able to break down all of the items. From there, take each bit and get rid of it as required in your space.
At the tip of the day, there are some drawbacks. The Myelin does not have options like lights, it has no rotational affect safety know-how, and it lacks a Virginia Tech rating. Still, it is a first step and it is necessary to focus on that it exists. Helmets are a number of the hardest issues to take care of once they attain the tip of life. If you care about sustainability, that is the helmet for you.
How to decide on the very best e-bike helmet for you
There is plenty of alternative of helmets on the market. It’s value contemplating in order for you an e-bike-specific helmet or whether or not a extra generic city helmet will give you the results you want. To a big extent, that relies on the place you reside and what you are driving.
If your e-bike is able to greater speeds, an e-bike-specific helmet is a sensible alternative, whereas riders of lower-speed e-bikes might want an city model, or perhaps a highway bike helmet to extend air flow and luxury.
Here are some things to think about when selecting the very best e-bike helmet to your wants.
Do e-bike helmets want particular certification?
Governments all over the world have determined that e-bikes do not want a particular helmet. Every single helmet listed right here passes the related certifications and all are legally offered within the jurisdictions the place they’re accessible for buy.
That mentioned, one of many issues you will notice talked about within the description of some helmets is the Dutch NTA-8776 certification. Helmets with that certification go a better drop check meant to simulate greater power dissipation in crashes that happen at greater speeds. Helmets with that certification additionally present further protection and are available down decrease. If you assume these are necessary options to have, we have highlighted that characteristic the place accessible.
Right now there isn’t any US or EU certification that mirrors the Dutch certification. Should one thing change, we are going to replace this listing to replicate the most recent necessities.
How do I select the correct helmet?
There are a number of components which might be prone to affect your e-bike helmet-buying determination. These are most like going to be: worth, aesthetics, options and match.
Knowing how a lot you need to spend on a helmet will kick-start your search. There are some nice offers to be discovered on high-end helmets, which you could find on our low-cost bike helmet offers web page. But usually, it is a good suggestion to spend as a lot as you’ll be able to on a helmet. It’s an important little bit of package to assist maintain you protected.
Aesthetics, options and match are going to affect the remainder of your determination. Helmets are available in an enormous vary of kinds and colors. If you want the thought of a brilliant pink helmet that can assist you keep seen, relaxation assured there shall be loads of choices. Fit is comparatively straightforward to get proper and most producers can have useful dimension guides. You can measure your head at residence and work from this. You also can head to an area bike store to strive on a helmet to ensure match, however do not then depart to purchase the helmet on-line if the store offers you useful shopping for recommendation and their time free of charge.
Helmets include an increasing number of built-in options now. If you might be commuting lots or driving at evening then an built-in mild, for instance, is perhaps a helpful characteristic to buy. Asking different riders and even making an attempt their very own helmets on for dimension also can assist you resolve what would possibly give you the results you want.
How do I discover the correct match?
E-bike helmets are often sized S/M/L primarily based on head circumference. The producer’s website will point out the vary of head circumference that every helmet dimension is designed to suit, so measure yours and you must be capable of slender down the dimensions of helmet that you simply want.
There’s plenty of adjustability in most helmets, often through a dial on the rear that tightens or loosens the cradle. Further adjustment is often attainable by sliding the cradle up and down in order that it matches under the occipital bone, the lump on the again of your head.
Generally talking, the helmet ought to be capable of cowl the vast majority of your brow with out impairing imaginative and prescient and you must be capable of modify the straps so they’re comfortable beneath your chin with out being uncomfortable.
But helmet shapes differ, some with a extra elongated form entrance to rear and a few extra rounded, so you could be extra snug and have a greater slot in some helmets than others. There’s no substitute for making an attempt before you purchase.
What is MIPS and do I would like it?
Many of the very best e-bike helmets now embody MIPS or one other system to supply extra safety within the occasion of a crash. MIPS is designed to scale back the affect transferred to your cranium and thence to your mind within the occasion of a crash with a glancing affect of your helmet on the bottom or one other object when modelling exhibits that there may be vital shear forces generated.
MIPS features a sliding airplane between the helmet shell and your head, which slips in a crash, absorbing a number of the affect power. MIPS helmets are often rated among the many most secure helmets in unbiased testing by our bodies corresponding to Virginia Tech, which publishes an annual league desk primarily based on its testing.
There are different programs moreover MIPS designed to assist dissipate affect power. These embody Wavecel, utilized in Bontrager helmets from Trek, SPiN utilized in some POC helmets and Koroyd utilized by Endura, Smith and others. Don’t low cost these programs as a result of they are not MIPS.
Should I take into account built-in lights when driving an e-bike?
An e-bike means quicker driving, extra mixing with site visitors and if something does occur, a heavier bike is concerned within the accident.
Sometimes one of the best ways to remain protected does not have something to do with the power of a helmet to mitigate trauma in an accident. An ideal technique is to keep away from accidents altogether and a technique of doing that’s higher visibility. We have an inventory of the very best bike lights accessible, and sometimes electrical bikes have built-in lights, however too many lights are not often a problem. Choosing a helmet with a light-weight is a good way to assist maintain you protected whereas driving an e-bike.
How necessary is venting when selecting an electrical bike helmet?
Ventilation is a large theme with the very best highway bike helmets; nonetheless, e-bike helmets do not have the identical calls for.
On a heat day, you need to expertise the very best quantity of airflow, however with an e-bike, that logic is barely suspended as you need to use the bike’s pedal help to scale back workload and keep away from warmth build-up with out sacrificing pace. You will nonetheless need some airflow via to maintain your head recent beneath the helmet although.
Most e-bike helmets select to ventilate warmth by radiation somewhat than airflow. This permits warmth to flee out of the helmet with out having massive vents that allow rain or an excessive amount of chilly air in.
Could I exploit a motorbike helmet for an e-bike?
The easy reply to that is no. You would possibly assume an electrical bike is rather like a motorbike, particularly for US readers who’ve entry to quicker electrical bikes, however they don’t seem to be the identical. Helmets designs are particular and testing is stringently managed for the supposed use.
Motorcycle helmet designs think about all of the nuances of motorbike use and are not acceptable to be used when driving an electrical bike. Although many corporations are having discussions concerning the necessity of rotational affect safety, you actually can have an excessive amount of of factor.
It’s value noting although that if you happen to purchase an e-bike with a motor that is not restricted a 15.5mph / 25km/h within the UK and Europe, you may have to put on a moped-style helmet somewhat than a cycle helmet to adapt to the authorized necessities.
How can we check the very best e-bike helmets?
The actuality with helmets is that there is some quantity of belief we’ve to have within the guarantees made. I spend time driving bikes and each single time I am going out I put on a helmet. That’s simply as true with e-bike helmets. Thankfully I have never had a possibility to check these helmets in a collision however all helmets need to go related government-mandated checks earlier than hitting the shops in your nation. What I’m bringing you is an inventory of helmets that I’ve hung out in whereas driving an e-bike. I gathered choices that I felt convey high quality, consolation, and one thing distinctive and I put them to the check. Everything here’s a helmet I’m proud to advocate.