Safest Bike Helmets for Commuting: Top 7 in 2024

As more of us opt for the bike as our mode of transport to get to work, many of us have had to consider upgrading our previous once loved helmets for more modern and safer ones.

Luckily, the market is now full of innovative helmet designs and safety features in order to keep our heads protected during an impact to the head.

Safest Bike Helmet

Are Some Bike Helmets Safer Than Others?

In general, yes some helmets are safer than others due to the added technology that many of them now feature, for example many helmets have special rotational impact protection to better protect the brain from injury during a side on bump.

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Moreover, other safety features that are not structural can also include having lights or reflectors built into the outside of the helmet. This is to help riders be seem by other bike path or road users.

However, all helmets have to pass extensive testing from a third party which focuses on physical impacts to the helmet. This testing determines if a helmet is safe for riders to wear and if it’ll protect them adequately in a crash.

Do Bike Helmets Have Safety Ratings?

• All cycling helmets have to pass third party testing
• Each country / area has specific safety certifications for helmets
• In the US their certification is CPSC
• In Europe their certification is EN 1078
• In Australia their certification is AS/NZS 2063
• Safety ratings are most reliable from third party testing facilities
• Virginia Tech who independently test helmets have their own rating system
• Virginia Tech work on a 5 star rating basis

Cycling Helmet Safety Ratings

Safety ratings for cycling helmets are determined by the findings from the tests which then find if said helmet passes the minimum safety measures required to be sold in certain areas.

For example, different countries and continents have different regulations. Below you can see the different level ratings awarded from the independent Virginia Tech helmet testing company in the US.

Virginia Tech Helmet Testing Ratings

MIPS vs WaveCel vs SPIN

discuss some of the leading helmet safety technology, compare the three leaders (table would be great

MIPS stands for multi-directional impact protection system and has been added to most major helmet brands. The MIPS built in technology was developed in Sweden by a brain surgeon and accounts for rotation motion caused by sideways impacts by sliding relative to the brain to reduce brain injury.

On the other hand WaveCel has exclusivly teamed up with Bontrager (Trek’s componentry brand) and is built in to the helmet. WaveCel works by absorbing and distributing the impact energy through its network of cells. It absorbs impact forces like the crumple zone of a car.

Then, SPIN from POC consist of specifically placed small pads inside of the helmet that allow for rotational impact protection during a bang to the head during a crash. Similar to MIPS, the SPIN pads also allow the the helmet to move relative to the head to reduce brain injury.

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Safest Bicycle Helmets for Commuters (Top 7)

Now looking specifically into helmets that are safest for commuters, we have our favourite pick of the 7 safest helmets.

These helmets are from a range of different styles and brands but most have added technology to ensure safety and protection in the unfortunate event of a crash.

Safest Cycling Helmet

1. Bontrager Charge WaveCel Commuter Helmet

• £150
• $160
• €160

Prices are approximate

Safety Rating: ★★★★★ (Virginia Tech rating)

Certified: CPSC, NTA 8776 (and approved for S-EPAC)

WaveCel advanced helmet technology

BOA® Fit System lets you easily secure and adjust helmet fit with just one hand

The rear Blendr mount system easily integrates Bontrager light accessories

The Crash Replacement Guarantee provides a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership

The Bontrager commuter helmet features WaveCel technology that absorbs shocks to the head in the event of a crash. It also has a rear Blendr mount for Bontrager light accessories to improve visibility. The BOA fit system allows for easy adjustments to ensure a comfortable and proper fit.

The helmet is available in three stylish colors: Black, Battleship Blue, and Radioactive Yellow/Black. It comes in sizes Small (51-57cm), Medium (54-60cm), and Large (58-63cm).

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2. Lumos Matrix Smart MIPS Helmets

• £130
• $150
• €140

Prices are approximate

Safety Rating: (Virginia Tech rating not available)

Certified: CPSC, ASTM F1492, EN1078, AS2063

Ability feature your own personal style by customising symbols, patterns, and messages on the Matrix display

Prevention: be seen on the roads with 1000 lumens of front and rear lighting visible at eye-level from 360 degrees

Protection: impact resistant EPS foam liner and ABS shell (Certified: CPSC, ASTM F1492, EN1078, AS2063)

The Lumos smart helmet offers physical and visual protection with 1000 lumens of front and rear lighting. Its Bluetooth system allows for customizable patterns and messages on the Matrix display. It comes in a standard model or with MIPS for extra protection.

The helmet is only available in one size, M-L (22” to 24” / 56 to 61cm), and two color options: Charcoal Black and Jet White.

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Is MIPS Worth the Extra Money?
MIPS is worth the extra money as it helps to specifically protect your head from rotational movments during a crash and therefore prevents brain injuries: you can’t put a price on your brain health!

3. Bontrager Circuit WaveCel Road Bike Helmet

• £150
• $160

Prices are approximate

Safety Rating: ★★★★★ (Virginia Tech rating)

Certified: CPSC

WaveCel advanced helmet technology

The BOA® Fit System lets you easily secure and adjust your fit with one hand

FlatStrap semi-fixed strap dividers lay flush and move fore and aft for a perfect fit

The Blendr magnetic mount system easily integrates a GoPro camera and Bontrager lights

The Bontrager Circuit road helmet features the WaveCel technology that absorbs impact for increased safety. It also allows for mounting of a go pro or Bontrager lights for better visibility.

The helmet has comfortable and moisture-wicking pads that are removable and washable. It comes in Black, White, Radioactive Yellow, Viper Red, and Mulsanne colors and is available in sizes ranging from Small (51-57cm) to X-Large (60-66cm).

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Safest Budget Bike Helmet

4. Giro Fixture MIPS Cycling Helmet

• £43
• $70
• €65

Prices are approximate

Safety Rating: ★★★★☆ (Virginia Tech rating)

Certified: CPSC, EN1078

Quick dry padding

Slimline webbing

Reflective accents

Removable visor

The Giro Fixture is a versatile mountain bike helmet with MIPS technology for added protection in the event of a crash. It features reflective accents on the shell for better visibility and a removable visor for a sleeker look. The helmet comes in two dark colors, Matte Black and Matte Grey, and fits head sizes between 54-61cm. Overall, a great option for anyone looking for a stylish and functional helmet. (68 words)

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Safest Children’s Bike Helmet

5. ABUS Youn-i MIPS Helmet

• £77
• €106

Prices are approximate

Safety Rating: (Virginia Tech rating not available)

Certified: CPSC, EN1078

Large integrated rear LED light in a high position with 180° visibility

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a revolutionary technology that offers advanced protection in the event of an oblique impact

Visor-like front edge ensuring enhanced protection for the face

In-Mold for a durable connection of the outer shell with shock-absorbing helmet material (EPS)

The Abus Youn-i helmet is a great choice for children’s bike rides with added crash protection from MIPS. It has a large integrated rear LED light for 180° visibility and is lightweight at 0.25 kg, making it comfortable for kids to wear. The helmet comes in two sizes (Small and Medium) and three colors: Sparkling Green (blue straps), Velvet Black, and Polar White.

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6. Thousand Chapter MIPS Helmet

• £129
• $145

Prices are approximate

Safety Rating: (Virginia Tech rating not available)

Certified: CE and CPSC

MIPS technology for added protection

Multi-use 30 lumen magnetic rear light

One hand magnetic fastener and nylon straps

Navy blue shell with hand painted tortoise shell visor

The Chapter helmet from Thousand is a stylish and safe choice for commuters. It features MIPS technology to protect against head injuries and a 30 lumen rear light that attaches magnetically for increased visibility. The light has a run time of up to 2 hours and the helmet comes in S, M, and L sizes, as well as 3 colors. Perfect for those who want to look good while staying safe on the road.

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7. POC Omne Air SPIN Cycling Helmet

• £150
• $160
• €160

Prices are approximate

Safety Rating: ★★★★☆ (Virginia Tech rating)

Certified: CPSC

All-purpose bike helmet offers all-round protection for everyday use

Includes SPIN technology for added protection

360° adjustment system for comfort and fit

High-performance EPS liner with optimised density to provide the ideal crash protection

The POC Omne Air SPIN helmet is a multi-use helmet that offers both safety and style. It features POC’s patented SPIN pad technology that minimizes the impact of crashes on the head by helping the helmet slide relative to the brain.

Additionally, the helmet’s frontal zone ventilation makes it comfortable and breathable. The helmet is available in ten colors and comes in three sizes: S (50-56cm), M (54-59cm), and L (56-61cm), ensuring that everyone can find a helmet that fits them.

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Read More:

• Should Bike Helmets Be Mandatory?
• Stylish Bike Helmets for Commuting [Top 4]