To bridge this gap between speed and protection, e-bike helmets are held to a much higher safety standard. The NTA 8776 standard is specifically engineered for e-bikes capable of travelling up to 28 mph. Here are the 6 best purpose-designed e-bike helmets on the market that maximise safety while being comfortable and tech-forward.
The Best Overall Pick
The Giro Camden MIPS is for commuters seeking structural safety without sacrificing portability and everyday utility; it is an ideal helmet choice. Priced at $199.95, you get a 690 g helmet certified to the NTA 8776 standard.
Additionally, you get a large integrated red light on the back of your helmet to boost visibility in all weather conditions. Plus, it has adjustable vents to prevent excessive sweating or rainwater from seeping in.
Best Visibility & Tech
If your daily commute includes complex intersections, lots of lane-splitting, poorly lit roads, or if you’re being super cautious, the Lumos Ultra E-Bike MIPS might be the way to go. Priced at $229, this helmet features 360-degree LED lighting to ensure you are visible to every vehicle around you.
Much like all the others on this list, the Ultra E-Bike is NTA 8776-certified and employs an MIPS construction for added safety. For an additional price, you can purchase handlebar-mounted remotes that can turn the lights at the back of the helmet into turn signals. The helmet’s visor will save you from wind, dust, or rainwater when you breeze down the road at the legal speed limit.
Maximum Minimalism
Not a fan of bells & whistles? Or maybe you want a helmet that protects you without unnecessary splurging. The Specialized Mode might be right for you. This helmet costs $119, and for that price, you get a simple-looking, MIPS-based, NTA 8776-certified product.
No unnecessary features like lights or removable pieces, this helmet does exactly what it says, and it does so while being exceptionally priced. It also features an adjustable knob at the base of your skull to adjust the helmet's snugness. It also has hidden vents to keep you cool without getting you wet in the rain.
Modular Smart Ecosystem
Unit 1’s Aura was our top pick on the general helmets list earlier this year. Their flagship offering, the Aura, is incredibly light at 440g for the features it offers. It will set you back a staggering $260, but for that price, you get an NTA 8776-certified MIPS helmet. It features 10 vents, is IP67 waterproof-rated and dust-resistant, and has front and rear LED lights with a combined output of 350 lumens.
It also features a 3-axis accelerometer for crash detection, and an app that can notify pre-set contacts about a crash the second it happens. Additionally, if you buy a handlebar-mounted remote, the helmet can also serve as a turn indicator.
Best Lightweight Pick
Don’t want to shoulder the burden? Or in this case, carry it on your head? The Xnito E-Bike helmet may be the way to go. Weighing in at 400 grams, this NTA 8776-compliant helmet will set you back $150. It also features built-in LED lights and is available in a range of colours and sizes.
The lights and electronics are IPX4-rated and USB rechargeable. Each charge should last you 10 hours, per Xnito. This helmet also comes with a removable fabric visor for those sunny days when you can't see ahead without squinting. Although it is fabric-based, be careful not to ruin it by wearing it in the rain.
The Final Verdict
What can we say that we haven’t already said about why helmets are important? Simply put, your brain is worth protecting. Before you hit “buy” on your next helmet, do your homework. Sacrifice comfort for safety, especially if you live in parts of the US where it's safe to ride an s-pedelec at up to 28 mph. Or, if you live in the UK or EU, where the limit is 25 kph, consider buying a visor helmet to prevent rainwater and dust from getting into your eyes.
Finally, check if your manufacturer rates their helmets for use after a crash. While most do, especially if it's minor, some don’t. You shouldn’t be risking a potentially fatal injury to save pennies.
