E-bike–rated helmet
The single most important accessory. E-bikes go faster than standard bikes — your helmet should be rated for it (NTA-8776 or Virginia Tech 5-star).
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An e-bike helmet is not a regular bike helmet. Class 3 e-bikes travel up to 28 mph — the impact energy at that speed is more than double a standard bike crash. The European NTA-8776 standard exists specifically for speed-pedelecs and covers the temple and back of the head where most e-bike crashes hit. Virginia Tech's independent 5-star ratings are the only US-side data that actually predicts concussion risk.
Look for MIPS (or an equivalent rotational-impact system), good ventilation if you commute year-round, and integrated lighting if you ride at night. Replace any helmet that has taken a hard hit — the foam doesn't come back.
Additional options
Giro Register MIPS — Matte Titanium, UA (54–61 cm)
See price on AmazonBern Hudson MIPS Adult Bike Helmet
See price on AmazonRetrospec Lennon Bike Helmet
View at RetrospecRetrospec Silas Bike Helmet with LED Light
View at RetrospecHiboy Adult Helmet for Cycling
View at HiboyThousand Magnetic Helmet Light — add-on
View at Magnum BikesABUS Hyban 2.0 Urban Helmet
View at Priority BicyclesABUS Hyban 2.0 MIPS helmet (at Brooklyn Bicycle Co.)
Check today's priceWhere to buy
Picks with a "Check today's price" button are affiliate links to the brand's store or Amazon. An editorial mention's link to the maker's own page is a plain link; where a mention also carries a "Check today's price on Amazon" link, that one is an affiliate link. Nobody pays to be mentioned either way.
Our picks
Sold by Magnum
Thousand Chapter MIPS e-bike helmet
Virginia Tech Helmet Lab rates the Chapter MIPS 4 of 5 stars (STAR 12.91, lower is better). MIPS liner and integrated taillight per Thousand.
Also worth a look
Giro Caden II MIPS
MIPS, integrated rear light and a comfortable urban fit, per Giro.
See price on AmazonLumos Ultra E-Bike
Integrated front, rear and turn-signal lights. Virginia Tech rates the Ultra E-Bike MIPS 3 of 5 stars and lists NTA 8776 certification.
See price on Amazon
Pro tips from the e-bike pros
- Fit beats brand. A perfect-fitting $80 helmet protects better than a poorly-fitting $300 one.
- If you ride Class 3 (28 mph), insist on NTA-8776 — most bike helmets are not rated for that speed.
- Buy a second helmet for guests and family. Borrowing a helmet that doesn't fit is worse than no helmet.
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