Bike helmets

What's behind our bike helmet Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 15 models in bike helmets to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Judged primarily on the basis of impact absorption, retention system strength,ventilation, ease of use, resistance to roll-off and also weight and features.
Impact absorption
How well a helmet can absorb the forces, thus reducing the deceleration experienced by a head, during an impact. Based on helmet performance in laboratory impact tests at various impact speeds and impact surfaces under several conditions.
Retention system
How well the retention system resists stretching, slippage or breakage when a sudden load is applied to the straps, such as what could occur during an accident.
Ventilation
Our evaluation of vent design and how well air flows through the helmet to provide cooling while riding.
Ease of use
How easy the various buckles and adjustments of the helmet are to use. Based on expert judgments of buckle and retention system design.
Resistance to roll-off
Our judgment of how well a properly fitted helmet resists front to back and side to side movement to ensure that the helmet stays in place for the best protection.
Weight
All other things being equal, a helmet that weighs less causes less fatigue. Score is based on weight relative to its user category.

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Recommended bike helmets

Recommended bike helmets are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended bike helmets

Bike helmet buying guide

To find the bike helmet that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy bike helmets in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

A bike helmet can not only save a life, but it can also prevent or lessen the severity of brain injury during a bicycle crash. Any helmet is better than no helmet at all, but to learn more about some widely available toddler bike helmets and kids' bike helmets, we tested traditional and multi-sport styles (sometimes called BMX) helmets, ranging in size from those that fit infants to those that fit adolescents. If you're looking for information about bike helmets, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ bike helmet reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our bike helmet buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and bike helmet reviews to help you choose the best bike helmet for your needs.

Ratings & recommended bike helmets

Kid & toddler bike helmets (15)

All of the tested bike helmets passed the mandatory Consumer Product Safety Commission standard for impact absorption and retention system strength. If possible, try the helmet on at a store for fit and comfort. Otherwise make sure that you can return it.

Bike helmet buying guide

Riding a bicycle is a healthy part of being a child. But if a child is going to ride a bike, he should also wear a properly fitting helmet. In 2007, nearly one quarter of bicyclists who were injured in crashes with motor vehicles were 14 or younger.

Getting started | How to get a good fit | Bike safety

Consumer news

See also:: Backpacks
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See buying guide; Baby activity centers
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See buying guide; Baby carriers
See buying guide