If wearing a helmet is not compulsory on a bike for older children over the age of 12, this headgear is nonetheless equipment that improves your individual safety. And can save your life.
Wearing a bicycle helmet is a rather controversial subject. On the question “does the helmet really protect the cyclist in the event of an accident?” the literature and studies abound and show that the question is not “quickly answered”. The experience of many cyclists shows that the helmet provides significant protection and that it has prevented them from some more serious injuries (head injuries). On the other hand, if a helmet is badly worn or has not been chosen well, its effectiveness is reduced to a trickle. And the phenomenon is quite common.
In short: the idea is not to convince you to wear a bicycle helmet, but rather to help you choose one that you will end up forgetting (on your head, not in a drawer). And without which you won’t dare go out cycling. We start with a selection of bicycle helmets for urban cyclists, who ride an electric bike (or not).
5 tips for choosing the right city bike helmet
- Always buy a new approved helmet that has the CE marking and the NF EN-1078+A1 standard. Simple. Basic.
- Your headset should always have an adjustment system For keep the helmet firmly on your head (knob at the back, on the top, etc.), as well as a jugular.
- Next, the choice of a bicycle helmet depends mainly on your practice, your bike (muscular, VAE, speedbike) and the size of your head. The geometry and certain functions of the helmets are indeed designed according to the discipline.
- Other criteria for comparing the models: comfort, weight, on-board accessories and technologies (Mips, lighting, removable ear protectors, etc.), visibility and the ventilation system. There are indeed ultra-covering bicycle helmets such as the bowl models, which protect your ears from the cold, and models which have more ventilation. For better ventilation of your scalp in summer!
- The advantage is that there are now a plethora of models. We are far from the ultra-bulky and unsightly helmet. So one last piece of advice: also choose a bicycle helmet that you like. You will be less reluctant to wear it.
What size bike helmet should I choose?
According to the brands, the reference sizes may change! The best thing is to try your helmet in the store. However, you can measure your head circumference with a tape measure and consult the size guide of the brands in order to know more or less your helmet size. For that :
- Hold your head straight.
- Position the tape measure (or a string that you will measure later) on the middle of your forehead. It should be parallel to the ground.
The helmet should not compress your head or be too loose. Once properly positioned and its wheel adjusted, the helmet should not move when you shake your head.
Which helmet to buy for cycling in the city?
An urban model
Ah! that there are many brands that now offer bicycle helmets that you no longer hasten to remove quickly, once you have set foot on the ground.
To dress your cycling head, you can look at:
An urban bike helmet with visor
Between dust, sun, small insects, various glare, rain and wind, your eyes are more vulnerable on a bike. And because you don’t always have a pair of glasses on you, it’s best to choose a helmet with a visor.
The Kask brand offers the Urban Lifestyle model, a helmet with visor with an urban design, available in multiple colors. These helmets are renowned for their comfort – thanks to the CoolMax® padding – and their quality. You can also change the visor screen and internal liners. We appreciate the eco-leather chinstrap. Other model with visor for the city of the brand: the Kask Urban R helmet.
A smart and connected bicycle helmet
The LUMOS brand has developed connected bicycle helmets equipped with indicators that you activate via your Apple Watch, or a remote control to attach to your handlebars (sold directly with the helmet). The helmets also have lights to gain visibility on the road. You simply recharge them using a USB cable. The Ultra model has excellent ventilation, for year-round use, even in warmer weather.
Another brand to offer smart bicycle helmets (editor’s note : they will not serve you coffee in the morning): Livall. Cosmo, on the other hand, will make any normal helmet “smart”. You will find our opinion on the solution in our buying guide dedicated to bicycle gadgets.
A bike helmet with built-in lights
In addition to its locks that need no introduction, the ABUS brand also has several urban helmets with lights in its bag. The bicycle helmet bowl with HUD-Y visor (Classic, Race or Ace) has a large rear LED that charges via USB. You can choose from 4 lighting modes (pulsating, flashing, eco, power).
A foldable bicycle helmet
If you don’t like cluttering up with your helmet, bet on a foldable model, which slips easily into a bag, and folds up more easily than a 3-second tent! For origami fans who always want more.
An airbag bike helmet
If you like to ride with your hair in the wind, we have something for you: the Hövding airbag bike helmet. This XXL turtleneck contains an airbag that is triggered in the event of a fall and deploys to protect your head. According to the Swedish brand, the protection is 8 times greater than a classic bicycle helmet. However, you will have to pay 349 €.
A road cycling helmet
These helmets have a less urban look and can contrast with your outfit. They generally feature a more aero profile and plenty of ventilation.
What helmet do you need to ride an electric bike?
If you ride a classic VAE – bikes whose pedal assistance is limited to 25km/h – there is no obligation to wear a helmet in 2023. The non-compulsory helmet rule for adults applies to these electric bikes. The best is to prefer visor helmets intended for riding an electric bike which offer better protection and have the Pédélec NTA-8776 standard. This certification was developed by the Netherlands and indicates that the helmet was designed for use on e-bikes.
And for a speedbike?
If you ride in speedbikethe helmet is mandatory. In France, you must choose a helmet approved speed ECE R22-05 / ECE-R 22-05.
A helmet, even without shock or fall, can be changed!
Yes: a helmet can be changed even if you have taken care of it and it has not suffered any shock. The sun, poor storage conditions, rain and bad weather weaken the plastics that make up its shell. It is recommended to change it every 2/3 years depending on your use. In the meantime, you can also change the interior foams.
If you hang your helmet on your bike when it is parked, choose a place in the shade. Do not leave it on a table in direct sunlight either, and do not store it in a humid place.
How to properly wear a bicycle helmet
If you are in case 1, you have a big problem understanding the use of headphones. And we advise you not to take a bike. Cases 2 to 4 are pitfalls: a helmet too far below the chin, too far back, too deep or too small are not suitable.
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