What are your favorite 'fast E-bike approved' helmets that you own?

[TruTru9]

Hello EBR,

I was wondering if i can get you guys to share what's your favorite helmet to use when enjoying a sporty E-bike! Is there one particular helmet that you seem to reach out for more than the others? LED lights? Built in Radio and antenna and TV and drink holder, you say? I'm listening! Jokes aside, what's your favorite head gear of choice?

 

[Over50]

I don't know about ebike approved but for my urban commute I'm currently using the Kali Protectives City and Bell Annex MIPS. The former comes with removable ear pads for winter, a tuckable visor (doesn't work for me because of eye glasses). Both have rear light clips. The Bell Annex has closeable vents and optionally comes with a visor. Both are highly adjustable as far as fit and I can get em good and snug:
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

 

[Dewey]

Here is a (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) designed to comply with the new Dutch NTA 8776 speed pedelec helmet certification, and here's another list. The ABUS Pedelec+ is twice the price of the previous ABUS Pedelec helmet designed to meet the lower CEN standard - I have this helmet and I like the magnetic fidlock clasp and built in LED light but I ride a Class 1 pedal assist. For Class 3 speed pedelecs the non-profit Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute recommends a US DOT compliant light motorcycle helmet like any of these polo style DOT helmets.

 

[Asher]

Bump:

I need a (non-NTA 8776) helmet replaced and I can only locate three NTA 8776 compliant models:

Bontrager Rally MIPS
Specialized Ambush Comp
Abus Pedelec + ($170 from starbike)

However, the Bont and the Specialized pages don't say anything about NTA 8776 compliance, so I'm not sure if they're the same helmet as was tested by NTA 8776. Left a voice mail with Specialized to ask.

Moped type helmets don't have much if any venting.

 

[Barry S]

Regarding the ABUS Pedelec helmet, any US merchants carrying it or dealers that will ship to the US? I haven't found one yet. I like the Bontrager Rally MIPS too, and the 2017 models can be had at half price if you need a medium and like Sky Blue. Otherwise, expect to pay $130+ for the 2018 model.

 

[Barry S]

Well, never mind. It looks like Seattle E-Bike might have them (I'll be out there next week) and Scooteretti definitely has them.

 

[Dewey]

I recently replaced my ABUS Pedelec with an ABUS Hyban helmet which is a US CPSC certified model, there’s not much difference except that it’s half the price, slightly larger, and lacks the pull out rain cap. The non-profit BHSI reports the ABUS Pedelec is not a US model and not CPSC certified, something to bear in mind if you have insurance that requires that. If you are set on getting the Pedelec+ check your supplier is in fact selling the Pedelec+ because ABUS continue to sell the lower spec CEN certified Pedelec helmet I bought.

 

[Over50]

Regarding the ABUS Pedelec helmet, any US merchants carrying it or dealers that will ship to the US? I haven't found one yet. I like the Bontrager Rally MIPS too, and the 2017 models can be had at half price if you need a medium and like Sky Blue. Otherwise, expect to pay $130+ for the 2018 model.

I was told by a reliable source that Abus was not going to sell the Pedelec+ helmet in the USA. Would probably have to order it from Europe.

 

[Barry S]

I recently replaced my ABUS Pedelec with an ABUS Hyban helmet which is a US CPSC certified model, there’s not much difference except that it’s half the price, slightly larger, and lacks the pull out rain cap.

Thanks for the heads up. Already found it on Amazon for $70 USD and free shipping with Prime.

 

[Barry S]

I was told by a reliable source that Abus was not going to sell the Pedelec+ helmet in the USA. Would probably have to order it from Europe.

I just got confirmation from Seattle E-Bike that they have it but only in Black as that is the only color to be made available in the US. Their price is $139.99. Going with @Dewey recommendation of the ABUS Hyban at half the price.

 

[Dewey]

I just got confirmation from Seattle E-Bike that they have it but only in Black as that is the only color to be made available in the US. Their price is $139.99. Going with @Dewey recommendation of the ABUS Hyban at half the price.

One other difference I forgot to mention, the Hyban has a conventional plastic buckle for the chin strap instead of the magnetic fidlock clasp on the Pedelec.

 

[jazz]

If you are going fast and want maximum head protection, nothing less than a full helmet will do. Increasing speed significantly increases the likelihood of sustaining facial fractures directly mandibular fractures.

Our study suggests that e-bike–related trauma may involve serious injuries and have typical injury patterns that resemble those seen in motorcycle-related injuries - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736467917311782

ebike accidents, injuries to head, face and neck are common - https://www.hindawi.com/journals/emi/2014/850236/

 

[Diarmuid]

I just got confirmation from Seattle E-Bike that they have it but only in Black as that is the only color to be made available in the US. Their price is $139.99. Going with @Dewey recommendation of the ABUS Hyban at half the price.

I got mine from G&O Family Cyclery in Greenwood for the same price.

 

[christob]

For Class 3 speed pedelecs the non-profit Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute recommends a US DOT compliant light motorcycle helmet like any of these polo style DOT helmets.

Thanks for the interesting links, although personally, I found it a bit depressing, fo me… My current bike helmet, a Specialized Max, with I think 21 vents, already traps my head heat to such an extent that after a ride, my straps are sometimes wet enough to squeeze drops out of, and the headliner padding strips are usually completely saturated and often start to drip while I'm riding. I have to towel dry those at home or they will still be wet in the morning! An entirely closed, light motorcycle helmet, as the links recommended for my bike, is something that looks to be even more uncomfortable in terms of retaining my head heat, not enough ventilation, and amplifying my head sweating! :-( I suppose I'll break down and explore a few, since the safety arguments are compelling but I'm sort of dreading it! PS my head has always been the sweatiest part of my body... even in winter, any form of cap or hat will start the waterworks, regardless of my activity level.

 

[Dewey]

I’ve tried a Halo sweatband but it creates a running channel of sweat over the ears when you tip your head to the side (better than in your eyes though), it’s been very humid in the DC area the past few days

 

[rich c]

I wear the Halo Protex headband bandana. Keeps the direct sun off my balding head, absorbs some of the sweat, and have never had sweat running over my ears with it. It does have the rubber sweat block band. It's thin, so doesn't effect the fit of my helmet. I got the white to reflect the sunlight as well. I love that thing! https://takeahikeshop.com/products/...MIl5H3yInq2wIVSbjACh08tA9QEAYYCCABEgItsfD_BwE

 

[Robbie Flick]

I don't see the Abus Hyban on the NTA 8776 list. Is it considered a reasonably safe option for e-bikes? The read LED and price point are very nice.

 

[Asher]

I spoke with Trek and Specialized representatives and they confirmed that the 2017 models certified were identical to the ones they sell in the US, but that the designation does not apply in the US so they do not advertise it.

These helmets are much easier to locate than Abus's.

 

[Dewey]

I don't see the Abus Hyban on the NTA 8776 list. Is it considered a reasonably safe option for e-bikes? The read LED and price point are very nice.

The Hyban is a regular bicycle helmet, fine for Class 1 and 2 ebikes. If I had a Class 3 I’d follow the advice posted above by @jazz and get a helmet with a chinbar.

 

[Asher]

The Hyban is a regular bicycle helmet, fine for Class 1 and 2 ebikes. If I had a Class 3 I’d follow the advice posted above by @jazz and get a helmet with a chinbar.

Sort of like protecting yourself from STDs by not showering... It will keep you from engaging in the risky activity.