Finding the Right Helmet for Your E-bike

Started riding an e-bike with my regular cycling helmet. Then realized I was cruising at 25 mph without breaking a sweat, speeds that would normally mean I’m descending or sprinting. The helmet question deserved more thought. E-bikes change the risk calculation.

Why E-bikes Are Different

Higher average speeds mean higher impact forces in crashes. A traditional cyclist might cruise at 15-18 mph. E-bike commuters often maintain 25-28 mph with motor assist. The kinetic energy at impact scales with velocity squared. This matters.

Additionally, e-bike riders include more inexperienced cyclists who haven’t developed the road-reading instincts of longtime riders. Combined with speed, this increases risk profiles.

What E-bike Helmets Offer

Some certifications now specifically address e-bike use. The Dutch NTA 8776 standard tests helmets at higher speeds than traditional CPSC or EN 1078 standards. Helmets meeting this standard are designed for powered bike speeds.

Beyond certification, e-bike helmets often feature more coverage at the back of the head. Some include built-in lights, given that e-bike commuting often happens in dim conditions.

MIPS and Rotation Protection

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) adds a liner that moves slightly on impact, reducing rotational forces. At higher speeds, rotational brain injury risk increases. MIPS or similar technologies make sense for e-bike use.

Other brands use equivalent systems — POC’s SPIN, Bontrager’s WaveCel, Specialized’s ANGi. The specific implementation matters less than having some form of rotation mitigation.

Helmets Worth Considering

Giro Bexley MIPS

Urban-style helmet with MIPS. Integrated light mount. Designed for commuters which matches most e-bike use. Reasonable price point for the protection offered.

Specialized Align II MIPS

Affordable with MIPS included. Good ventilation for sweaty commutes. Available in multiple sizes that actually fit different head shapes.

POC Omne Air SPIN

Their rotation protection system plus solid construction. More coverage than typical road helmets. Works for e-bike speeds without looking like a motorcycle helmet.

Lumos Street MIPS

Built-in lights front and rear. Turn signals controlled by handlebar remote. MIPS protection. For e-bike commuters who ride in traffic regularly, the visibility features justify the higher cost.

Fit Still Matters Most

An expensive helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t protect you. The helmet should sit level on your head, not tilted back. Straps should form a Y under each ear. Chin strap snug enough that only one finger fits between strap and chin.

Most helmets have adjustment dials that let you fine-tune fit. Use them. A secure helmet that might shift in a crash isn’t doing its job.

When to Replace

After any crash, even minor ones. The foam compresses on impact and won’t perform the same way twice. Also replace every 5 years as materials degrade from UV, sweat, and age. Helmet technology improves too — newer models offer better protection.

Temperature Management

E-bikes reduce the exertion needed to maintain speed, but you still generate heat. Good ventilation prevents overheating. Helmets with fewer vents trap heat and discourage use. A helmet that makes you uncomfortable won’t get worn.

The Investment Perspective

E-bikes cost thousands of dollars. A quality helmet costs $100-200. The protection-per-dollar ratio favors spending more on the helmet than most people initially think. Your brain is the component you can’t upgrade or replace.

For e-bike riding, prioritize helmets with modern rotation protection, good coverage, and proper fit. The speed changes the equation enough to warrant the investment.