Regardless of the vehicle you’re riding or driving, safety is the top priority. For bike riders, the bike helmet not only offers protection but also needs to make you feel comfortable because you will likely sweat and heat up during your rides.
With that in mind, today, we will show you how to pick out the best commuter helmet based on size & fit, ventilation, MIPS, and visible features.
Here are the best commuter bike helmets (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Retrospec CM-1
- Best for Wide Heads: BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet
- Best for Small Heads: Retrospec CM-2
- Best for Hot Days: MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet
- Best for Urban Commuting: Shinmax Commuter Bike Helmet
- Best Smart Bike Helmet: Lumos Smart Bike Helmet
| 6 Best Commuter Bike Helmets | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Retrospec CM-1 | |
Best for Wide Heads | BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet | |
Best for Small Heads | Retrospec CM-2 | |
Best for Hot Days | MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet | |
Best for Urban Commuting | Shinmax Commuter Bike Helmet | |
Best Smart Bike Helmet | Lumos Smart Bike Helmet | |
Best Overall: Retrospec CM-1
- Great protection - quality EPS foam & Fully formed ABS
- Ideal for everyone – vast size chart
- Not sweaty or itchy when wearing it – 8 vents
- There aren't many instructions with the helmet
The Retrospec CM-1 is the most excellently well-made commuter helmet we’ve tested. The materials feel very sturdy and lots of customers praised for its great protection for their head against accidents.
Size is perfect and the chin strap is adjustable. There is L/XL for big heads as well.
Our testers didn’t feel itchy or sweaty when wearing this helmet, which is a big thank you to the 8-vent design.
One thing we do appreciate is its weight – only 1 pound – to not cause your head and neck to fatigue after hours of commuting. We also love the color of this helmet which is not only eye-catching but durable and functional.
| Retrospec CM-1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1 pound. |
Dimension | L x W x H 6.38 x 9.06 x 9.84 inches |
Total Vents | 8 |
Highlight Features | quality EPS foam & Fully formed ABS; vast size chart; 8 vents |
More of a commuter bike helmet, the Retrospec CM-1 gives you a very stylish and modern look while riding around. Out of a bunch, it’s the best overall performer.
Best for Wide Heads: BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet
- Offer good fit for wide heads – interior dimensions of 21.65 inches to 23.6 inches & adjustable chin straps and padding
- Extra safety to ride at night – rear light
- Look slightly bulbous depending on the angle
For those who have a very wide head and always struggle with finding a helmet that isn’t too small or just looks ridiculous on the head, this is your missing piece.
It is specifically designed to fit a head circumstance from 21.65 inches to 23.6 inches. Along with the adjustable padding and chin strap, it ensures the best fit to your head and looks great while wearing.
The rear light is definitely a big plus. It works well for night commuting, which totally gives a dependable feel like your dome is protected against anything the road throws at you.
| BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.62 lb |
Dimension | from 21.65 to 23.6 inches |
Total Vents | 9 |
Highlight Features | interior dimensions of 21.65 inches to 23.6 inches & adjustable chin straps and padding; rear light |
The BASE CAMP Adult Bike Helmet comes in a good size chart with easy adjustments, giving a great fit for wide heads.
Best for Small Heads: Retrospec CM-2
- Good choice for narrow heads - sizes from 20 inches to 21.5 inches & two sets of pads with various thickness
- Look stylish – minimalist design & ergonomic structure
- Needs bigger vent holes
- Needs more sets of pads with different thicknesses
Things never easy for a small head to find a good-fit helmet! But the Retrospec CM-2 is a nice exception.
It sizes from 20 inches to 21.5 inches and even provides two sets of pads with various thickness for ease of changing circumstances as well as simple accommodating growing heads.
Regardless, the helmet is very sturdy yet lightweight and we don’t feel like a dork wearing it as much as most commuter bike helmets make us feel. Its vents also offer a nice flow of air.
| Retrospec CM-2 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
Dimension | L x W x H 7.91 x 11.14 x 14.41 inches |
Total Vents | 11 |
Highlight Features | sizes from 20 inches to 21.5 inches & two sets of pads with various thickness; |
What really sets this helmet apart is fitting. With the additional padding in various thickness and circumstance ranges of 20”-21.5”, it’s perfect for small heads.
Best for Hot Days: MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet
- No damped hair, sweat dropping into the eyes, or itchy feeling - aerodynamic design with 18 air vents
- Provide extra shade to protect eyes against sunlight – a visor
- Able to keep the helmet and chin strap neatly when not in use – include a carrying bag
- Wish the Velcro was more quality
- Padding is a bit thinner than other counterparts
Providing the most number of vents, 18 holes, the MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet is undoubtedly our selection for hot days. Aside from this aerodynamic design, the added visor really comes in handy to nicely keep the sun out of our eyes.
We also love the way it adjusts for our head size. There are plenty of adjustments to be done around the crown and chin for the best fit. Very comfortable and easy!
It also comes with a carrying bag that helps keep the straps from getting caught on things in your backpack where you store it during the workday.
| MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 10.2 ounces |
Dimension | 22.44-24.01 Inches |
Total Vents | 18 |
Highlight Features | aerodynamic design with 18 air vents; a visor; include a carrying bag |
While we think finding a well-ventilated helmet that both looks cool and is affordable is impossible, this model comes to prove us wrong.
Best for Urban Commuting: Shinmax Commuter Bike Helmet
- Good breathability and adjustments - air-channel matrix design, detachable inside soft padding and 9 vents
- Ideal for urban cycling at night - a detachable LED light with two modes
- Tireless to carry – weigh only around 11 ounces
- The strap sometimes shifts
What really makes this commuter bike helmet become the top pick for urban cycling is its air-channel matrix design in combination with detachable inside soft padding and 9 vents.
This perfect combo helps the headwear cool, breathable, and not hot at all when exposed under the sunlight. Plus, it has a detachable LED light with two modes – flashing and steady – for the highest visibility as well as protection in darkness.
The helmet is designed to fit a head circumstance of 20.47”-22.44”, and it can be adjusted using the back wheel, which makes it suitable for everyone. Male and female, kids, and adults.
It’s also lightweight to not make you feel tired carrying it.
| Shinmax Commuter Bike Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 11.2 ounces |
Dimension | 52cm-57cm/20.47”-22.44” |
Total Vents | 9 |
Highlight Features | air-channel matrix design; a detachable LED light with two modes |
Our testers find this commuter bike helmet is surprisingly suitable for urban cycling.
Best Smart Bike Helmet: Lumos Smart Bike Helmet
- Extremely safe to use - the turn-signaling and brake light feature
- Easy to use – a remote control device, USB chargeable port, and smartphone app connected via Bluetooth
- Long runtime – batteries last up to 6 hours under a full charge
- The rechargeable battery doesn't seem to be replaceable
- Expensive
- This smart helmet performs all of the functions advertised.
While road traffic gives us a wide berth, the turn-signaling and brake light feature are really game-changers. They are all controlled by a remote device that can be easily attached to the handlebars.
Both the remote control and helmet are USB rechargeable and can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth to show what the charge level is on each.
There is an audible signal telling you it is working.
We really appreciate the battery life which lasts up to 6 hours once fully charged. Ideal for 30 to 45 minutes of daily bike commuting.
| Lumos Smart Bike Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 15.5 ounces |
Dimension | 54cm - 62cm / 21.3 - 24.4 inch |
Total Vents | 11 |
Highlight Features | the turn-signaling and brake light feature; a remote control device, USB chargeable port, and smartphone app connected via Bluetooth; batteries last up to 6 hours under a full charge |
With the added turn-signaling and brake light feature controlled by a remote device, this is the best smart commuter bike helmet here.
How To Choose The Best Commuter Bike Helmet?
Size & Fit
A bike helmet that fits your head will not only provide comfort but also compromise effectiveness in case of a crash. There are multiple choices for you to choose from, based on parameters:
Small size: 20-21.75 inches
Medium size: 21.75-23.25 inches
Large size: 23.25-24.75 inches
Extra-large size: over 24.75 inches
One size fits all: feature an adjustable system
Visible Features
When choosing a bike helmet, you should also consider several features:
Mount compatibility: this feature allows for snapping in the mount to hold a light or an action camera.
Full face protection: mountain bike helmets can come with a wraparound chin bar that better protects your face when you go downhill or race.
Visor: a sun-shielding visor often come with mountain bike helmets.
MIPS
Short for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, this allows your head to rotate slightly inside the helmet instead of your brain spinning inside your skull. You should choose a bike helmet that offers MIPS because it will help soak up the rotational forces.
Ventilation
A bike helmet with good ventilation lets wind flow over your head, helping you stay cool and comfortable while riding. Also, the more ventilation, the lighter the helmet. You should definitely get a bike helmet with this function.
Which Brands Make The Best Commuter Bike Helmet?
Retrospec
Over the past ten years, this brand has offered products for customers of all ages with the aim of helping them enjoy the fresh air and nature. All the products are tested to ensure good quality for you.
Shinmax
Shinmax is one of the best brands in NA, Asia, and Europe, promising the best customer service. It offers a wide range of products including bike helmets, bike shorts, among other outdoor tools.
Lumos
If you want a brand that makes only helmets, this is the go-to place. It offers street and matrix helmets mounted with LED lights that illuminate in the dark to help keep your safe. The helmets are beautifully designed and look really cool too.
FAQs
How often should bike helmets be replaced?
A quality bike helmet should last from 5 to 10 years, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Are expensive bicycle helmets worth it?
It appears that the effectiveness in protection is virtually identical between cheap bike helmets (under $20) and expensive ones (over $150).
However, more expensive helmets will provide an easier fit, snazzier graphics, and more vents. So, if you are looking for protection only, you can opt for a cheap option worry-free.
But if you want to look stylish too, maybe consider getting a more expensive helmet.
Are MIPS helmets worth it?
You should always get a bike helmet with MIPS since it provides extra safety for you when riding. Or you can upgrade your current helmet from non-MIPS to MIPS-equipped with just $20.
Why do helmets expire?
A bike helmet doesn’t have an expiration date. However, you should replace them every 5 years to ensure safety.
Does dropping a helmet ruin it?
Then answer is yes, if you drop your helmet multiple times on the ground or hard surfaces, that will degrade its performance and you may need to replace it.
Conclusion
A good helmet is very important when you ride a bike as it keeps you safe in case of an accident. That’s why you must be careful when picking a bike helmet for your future rides.
We have provided you with a complete guideline for how to choose the best commuter bike helmet so hopefully, it will help you make a smart decision and ride your scooter safely.
Bryan Listor
