Important Things to Know When Buying a Bike Helmet

Looking to buy the best bike helmet? Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in your safety and comfort. Here are the 5 key features you should consider before making your purchase, ensuring you choose a helmet that’s perfect for your needs.

1. Safety Certification

Your helmet’s certification isn’t just a badge—it’s your lifesaver. Picking the right one for your ride, whether it’s a bike, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard, ensures your helmet has been rigorously tested to handle impacts at specific speeds. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• CPSC: The industry standard in the U.S., applicable to traditional cycling up to 25 km/h or 15.5 mph.

• EN1078: Popular across Europe, covering bikes and other recreational activities. Designed for speeds up to 25 km/h or 15.5 mph.

• NTA 8776: Made for Speed Pedelecs or Class 3 E-bikes, which means speeds up to 45 km/h or 28 mph. This is the most demanding certification out there with the highest level of impact protection for bike helmets. 

• Bonus Protection: Spot a little yellow dot on your helmet? That’s MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), a tech designed to reduce brain injury risk during rotational impacts.

Bottom line: Choose a helmet with the right certification for your riding speed.

2. Fit

A poorly fitting helmet is like a parachute with holes—it won’t work when you need it. A secure, well-fitted helmet is crucial for both safety and comfort.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Size matters: Brands offering multiple sizes are more likely to fit your unique head shape.

• Adjustability is key: Look for adjustable straps and fitting mechanisms to achieve a snug, custom fit.

• The ultimate test: Your helmet should stay firmly in place during use and provide full protection in case of an impact.

Measuring made easy:

1. Grab a flexible tape measure.

2. Wrap it around your head, just above your eyebrows and ears.

3. Match your measurement (in cm) to the helmet’s size chart.

Pro tip: Don’t skip this step—a good fit isn’t optional, it’s essential.

3. Comfort

A comfortable helmet is a game-changer—it’ll make you actually want to wear it, whether it’s a quick commute or a long adventure.

Features to prioritize:

• Plush padding: Removable, washable liners for extra cushioning and hygiene.

• Breathability: Vents that keep you cool and prevent overheating.

• Featherweight design: Lightweight helmets reduce strain, especially on long rides.

4. Visibility

Being seen is just as important as being protected. Enhanced visibility keeps you safer on the road and just might prevent a crash from happening in the first place. That’s quite powerful.

Look for:

• Reflective elements: Strips or stickers to boost visibility in low light.

• Built-in lights: Smart helmets with LED lights and signaling systems for added safety and predictability.

A quick tip: Adding visibility to your helmet—the highest point on your body—makes you much more noticeable to drivers and pedestrians.

5. Durability

Investing in a durable helmet means you’ll stay safe for years to come.

What makes a helmet last?

• Materials that matter:

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Hard, tough, and resistant to everyday wear—like Lego bricks for your head!

• Polycarbonate (PC): Lighter and thinner but prone to small dents with rough handling.

• Build quality: Look for clean finishes, no wrinkles, and well-made partitions where different parts meet. Cheap straps? Walk away. Your head (and chin) deserve better.

• Lifespan: A high-quality helmet with proper care should last 2-3 years. After this period of time (or after a crash) helmets need to be replaced. 

To recap, the five key elements of a great helmet are:

1. Safety certification—Pick one suited to your ride and speed.

2. Fit—Snug and secure for maximum protection.

3. Comfort—Features that make you love wearing it.

4. Visibility—Be seen, stay safe.

5. Durability—A long-lasting helmet is a smart investment.

Final word: Your helmet is your most essential piece of bike safety gear. Take the time to choose wisely and invest in a quality option that fits your needs. Ride safe, and enjoy every adventure!