As of: March 24, 2024, 3:06 p.m
By: Patrick Hauser
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When it comes to bicycle helmets, safety and a good grip are important.
© Wavebreakmedia/PantherMedia
The best bicycle helmets for men and women are available for under 50 euros.
Stiftung Warentest tested a total of 28 models from Uvex & Co.
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The most important thing in
this message
This is how Stiftung Warentest
tested
- How well does the helmet protect in the event of an accident?
The
test winner
from Uvex (grade 1.8) - This helmet gets the top grade
The
sustainable
bicycle helmet (grade 1.9) - the name says it all
The helmet with
360° panorama
(grade 2.1) - unique lighting system
The
price-performance winner
(grade 2.1) - good quality for around 50 euros
The
bargain helmet
(grade 2.6) - only costs 20 euros
How to recognize a
good bicycle helmet
- The helmet should have these characteristics
All chapters
Statistics show that an impact at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour threatens to cause brain damage.
Bicycle helmets, which are not mandatory in Germany but are highly recommended, can help.
According to accident studies, they significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries, and any helmet is safer than none.
However, a study by Stiftung Warentest revealed clear differences in quality.
At least 11 of 28 bicycle headgear tested received the final grade of “good”.
The test team found large differences in terms of protection, comfort and price; the safest models even include two helmets for less than 50 euros.
We introduce you to the test winners.
This is how Stiftung Warentest
tested
The German company tested 28 city bicycle helmets, 14 in 2021 and 14 in spring 2024. They cost between 25 and 200 euros and were made by well-known manufacturers such as Abus, Alpina and Uvex.
They are not only suitable for cycling, but also for skateboarding, roller skating and e-bikes up to speeds of 25 km/h.
Most models are suitable for both men and women, but there are differences in terms of design: some are elongated, others are more round, and others have a fly screen that ensures good ventilation in summer.
Some helmets offer additional safety because they are equipped with reflectors on all sides and on the strap and/or have a light on the back of the head.
This is also recommended by Dr.
Axel Neisser, scientific director at Stiftung Warentest.
To prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, providers should always equip bicycle helmets with taillights and reflectors.
Of course, this doesn't replace a bicycle light, but it does add to safety.
Dr.
Axel Neisser
Bright colors such as neon yellow, neon pink or neon green ensure safety during the day.
They increase visibility at dawn and dusk and generally in bad weather.
Stiftung Warentest used the following evaluation criteria to determine an overall grade:
Accident protection: 55%
Handling: 40%
Pollutants: 5%
We will introduce you to the test winners and particularly affordable models that are suitable for both women and men.
The
test winner
from Uvex (grade 1.8)
Uvex I-VO CC bicycle helmet © Uvex
This helmet uses MIPS technology (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) to protect you even in the event of an oblique impact.
It optimally prevents head and brain damage that can occur as a result of rotational movement.
Buy test winner here
✅ only 240 g light |
❌ Closure and straps have a limited load capacity |
✅ good protection in the event of impacts |
❌ Changing the taillight battery is complicated |
✅ increased visibility |
❌ Price over €100 |
✅ Efficient ventilation with 24 openings |
The
sustainable
bicycle helmet (grade 1.9)
Uvex urban planet LED bicycle helmet © Uvex
The name “Urban Planet” says it all with this bicycle helmet: the hard shell is bio-based and the interior and the straps are made from sustainable recycled material.
14 ventilation channels ensure aerodynamic ventilation.
About the sustainable bicycle helmet
✅ LED with 3 light modes |
❌ no umbrella |
✅ No need to change the rear light battery |
❌ Aerodynamics could be better |
✅ good adjustment (width and height) to the shape of the head |
❌ Price over €100 |
✅ Efficient ventilation with 14 openings |
The helmet with
360° panorama
(grade 2.1)
Nutcase VIO Light MIPS Helmet © Nutcase
The unique 360° lighting system ensures optimal exposure and panoramic visibility.
The helmet includes MIPS technology and 2 LED lights on the front to improve visibility on the road.
Buy here
✅ Strap and lock can withstand high loads |
❌ Moderate protection against head injuries |
✅ Very good visibility in the dark thanks to the 360° system |
❌ Heat resistance mediocre |
✅ Perfect comfort and ventilation |
❌ Price over €100 |
The
price-performance winner
(grade 2.1)
Specialized Align II bicycle helmet © Specialized
Quality does not have to be expensive!
The Specialized helmet has integrated MIPS fall protection and an intelligent ventilation system.
In addition, reflective elements are preserved and the helmet can be finely adjusted.
Buy Specialized cycling helmet here
✅ All-round cycling helmet with MIPS fall protection |
❌ no umbrella or fly screen |
✅ very comfortable to wear |
❌ Rear light and chin pad not available |
✅ very cheap (approx. 50 euros) |
The
bargain helmet
(grade 2.6)
Lidl Crivit bicycle helmet © Lidl product image
A bicycle helmet for 20 euros that even impresses Stiftung Warentest?
Actually!
The Lidl Crivit received a “satisfactory” final grade of 2.6.
It has a removable rear light, insect protection and 13 air channels for optimal air circulation.
Buy for 19.99 euros
✅ removable rear light with 3 light levels |
❌ Accident protection is only available to a limited extent (grade 2.9) |
✅ optimal fit with chin pad |
❌ no MIPS fall protection |
✅ reflective details on helmet and webbing |
|
✅ very cheap (approx. 20 euros) |
How to recognize a
good bicycle helmet
Size
: The most important feature of a bicycle helmet is that it fits well on the head.
The best way to determine the correct size is to use a tape measure.
Place this at forehead level and move it around your head.
It should not be too loose, but not too tight either.
Weight
: If you are bothered by a helmet that is too heavy on your head, don't worry: most models are lightweight, using materials that do not weigh much without compromising their robustness.
However, it depends on the type of helmet.
Special BMX helmets generally weigh a little more.
Helmet type
: Depending on whether you like to ride a mountain bike on forested routes, like to do tricks on a BMX or just want to get from A to B on a city bike: there are different types of helmets for all of this.
They all offer equal protection.
Integrated
taillights
: Many helmets have reflectors or even integrated taillights.
If you are traveling at night, these are beneficial.
The best bike helmets for men
The best bike helmets for women
Make sure you have the right fit
Once you have chosen a helmet that suits your taste, the most important thing is the right fit. The size must be right and you also have to make sure that it is not tilted too far back or forward.
The straps should form a “V” under the ears.
Adjust the straps around both ears until you get a comfortable fit.
There should be just enough room for your finger to fit between the straps and your chin
.
To the test results at Stiftung Warentest