The Best Commuter Bike Helmet 2022 Offers

If you cycle to work, it’s essential that you wear a helmet. A study found that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury by as much as 70 percent. Without one, you could suffer life-threatening injuries if you should fall off your bike. In a rush to get the best commuter bike helmet? We recommend the Thousand Adult Anti-Theft Guarantee Bike Helmet which is hard and durable while offering a convenient design.

The Best Bike Helmets 2022 Offers

With these considerations in mind, we’ve devised a list of the top commuter bike helmets that you can buy in 2022. We’ve included a diverse range based on ventilation, style and shape, design, and budget.

Thousand Adult Anti-Theft Guarantee Bike Helmet — Best Overall

Thousand Adult Anti-Theft Guarantee Bike Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 2 pounds
• ​Materials: hard plastic exterior 
• ​Vents: 7

This is the best commuter bike helmet with an anti-theft feature. Thanks to the patent-pending PopLock, it’s easy to leave your helmet unattended, and you can place your chain lock through it and attach it to your bike or storage area.

Thousand designed this commuter helmet for those on the go, so you can lock it with one hand as the magnetic buckle takes care of itself. It also offers a pinch-free attachment.

Located at the top are seven air vents and three cooling channels to keep you cool on the go. To make it even more comfortable for wearing every day, the straps are made from vegan leather so they remain soft against your skin.

Giro Seyen MIPS Women’s Road Cycling Helmet — Best for Women

Giro Seyen MIPS Women’s Road Cycling Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 1.45 pounds
• Materials: EPS foam lining interior / tough polycarbonate exterior
• Vents: 25

Looking for a stylish bike helmet with plenty of ventilation? The Giro Seyen is designed with 25 wind tunnel vents, making it perfect for traveling to and from work in high temperatures or at high speeds. For further comfort, you can easily adjust the tension of the strap so that it doesn’t rub against your chin.

Most importantly, it’s fitted with a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) which is designed to reduce the force on the brain caused by angled impacts. By redirecting the energy in the event of an accident, you won’t suffer severe consequences.

The helmet is equipped with a tough polycarbonate to keep it lightweight, making it great for women traveling long distances. The inside features an EPS foam lining — a material which is recognized for absorbing impacts. This foam lining also enhances the helmet’s comfort by reducing the irritation which  hard plastic would offer.

Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet — Best for Kids

Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 1.25 pounds
• Materials: foam interior / plastic exterior
• Vents: 20

This Schwinn item is the best commuter bike helmet for kids aged between 5 and 8 years with a head circumference of 19.63 – 22 inches.

It’s surrounded by a full range of padding on the interior for a comfortable fit. From the front to the back, your entire head will be cushioned in the event of an accident.

In total, the helmet weighs 1.25 pounds, making it one of the lightest on our list, so it won’t weigh your child down. It also includes a detachable visor which helps to reduce glare — improving your child’s safety when on the move.

MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet with Rechargeable USB Light — Best with Lights

MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet with Rechargeable USB Light

Spec

• Weight: 0.61 pounds
• Materials: EPS Foam interior / polycarbonate exterior
• Vents: 22

Mokfire’s product is the best bike helmet with lights. The built-in USB rear light improves your visibility when it’s dark, foggy or raining, and it lasts up to two hours before requiring  charging. There are also nine lighting modes to choose from, depending on the conditions you’re riding in.

It’s durable, thanks to its outer polycarbonate shell which provides excellent shock absorption. The in-molding EPS foam core remains soft against your skin, adding a further layer of protection and making the helmet comfortable when wearing it for long periods. Plus, at 0.61 pounds, you’ll barely notice that you’re wearing it.

You can adjust the helmet up and down for a customized fit and help to improve your vision. The straps are adjustable for reassuring comfort and to correctly fit under the occipital bone.

Triple Eight Dual Certified Bike and Skateboard Helmet — Best on a Budget

Triple Eight Dual Certified Bike and Skateboard Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 0.61 pounds
• Materials: EPS Foam interior / ABS exterior
• Vents: 3

This is the ideal budget commuter bike helmet which uses a high-quality ABS material on the exterior. ABS is a scratch-resistant material which allows you to use this helmet for other activities, such as skateboarding. The material is also strong and rigid, which helps to protect the brain and skull in the event of a collision.

For an excellent price, you’ll receive two removable, moisture-wicking interior pads to keep you cool and sweat-free. Its close fit and low-profile design make it ideal for multiple sports, as it offers flexibility and versatility without the feeling of being weighed down.

The adjustable chin strap uses a side release buckle which prevents irritation under the chin.

Giro Caden MIPS Adult Urban Cycling Helmet — Best for Sun Protection

Giro Caden MIPS Adult Urban Cycling Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 1.45 pounds
• Materials: EPS Foam interior /pPolycarbonate exterior
• Vents: 12

This is the best commuter bike helmet for traveling when it’s sunny. Designed with a removable cycling cap-style visor, this will protect your eyes when it’s sunny without the need to wear sunglasses.

It’s comfortable to wear, thanks to the adjustable vertical position which allows you to move the tension to suit your head. However, safety is this helmet’s number one priority as it features MIPS which will redirect energy if you’re involved in a crash, resulting in less damage to your brain and skill.

To keep you even more safe on your commute, this helmet is equipped with reflective accents so that drivers can clearly see you in dark conditions. With a polycarbonate shell, this helmet offers  high impact resistance while remaining lightweight to avoid discomfort.

Torch Apparel T2 Bike Helmet — Best for Visibility

Torch Apparel T2 Bike Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 2 pounds
• Materials: polycarbonate exterior
• Vents: 3

The highlight of this commuter bike helmet is the 10 integrated LED lights which will improve your visibility at night. Compared to the MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet with Rechargeable USB Light, this model offers more lighting across the front, rear, and side of the helmet.

It has a battery life of up to six hours, making it great for long commutes in the dark. Alternatively, you can switch to a flashing mode which will last for up to 36 hours. With a choice of four different light functions, you can tailor the lights to suit your conditions.

This helmet is available in a variety of colors, helping you to select a style which suits your preferences. Most importantly, its polycarbonate exterior will protect your head in the event of an accident. With highly adjustable straps, you can create the perfect fit for your size.

Retrospec CM-1 Classic Commuter Bike Helmet — Best for Ventilation

Retrospec CM-1 Classic Commuter Bike Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 1 pound
• Materials: ABS exterior / EPS foam interior
• Vents: 10

Retrospec designed this helmet with eight vents, making it the best on this list for ventilation. Although there are more vents with most other helmets, the large gaps allow plenty of hot air to escape from your head and fresh air to enter the helmet, which will keep you cool on lengthy commutes.

The helmet is slightly larger at the back than other models, which enables it to protect the back of your head and upper neck. In addition, as it’s designed with an ABS exterior, it will absorb impact in a crash, as well as making this option highly affordable.

Its stylish matte design makes it easy to clean and makes scratches and marks less visible. This allows you to be rougher with it as you take it off for storage.

BERN – Summer Len​​ox EPS. Helmet — Best for Versatility

BERN - Summer Lenox EPS. Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 1.12 pound
• Materials: ABS exterior / EPS foam interior
• Vents: 6

This baseball-style hard rim captures the ride of urban cycling, making it highly versatile for all adults. In addition, its striking gold matte design keeps you visible during your daily commutes.

Weighing just 1.12 pounds, it’s lightweight, which helps to reduce any pressure on your head. You can also add a bike light to this helmet which can easily be attached to the front, making it highly versatile. You’ll also receive replaceable ZipMold warm and cold weather liners so you can use this product all year round. They’re washable and moisture-controlling to keep you dry.

The dual adjustable retention system offers a secure fit for the straps.

Animiles Bike Helmet — Best Lightweight Helmet

Animiles Bike Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 0.45 pounds
• Materials: ABS exterior / EPS foam interior
• Vents: 6

Animiles designed this product to be lightweight, making it suitable for long commutes and helping to eliminate any neck strain. Its ergonomic shape also makes it ideal for traveling long distances at high speeds by helping to eliminate the impact of the wind. Also, with six large vents, you’ll remain cool during your ride.

It’s comfortable with a padded foam interior, and the straps are soft which will prevent any irritation against your skin. The buckle is petite, which also helps with comfort, rather than having a large plastic buckle underneath your chin.

The rear dial secure system allows you to adjust the helmet’s position so that it fits an array of head sizes and improves your vision if it falls too short at the front.

MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet — Best for Comfort

MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 0.8 pounds
• Materials: Polycarbonate exterior / EPS foam interior
• Vents: Unlisted

Mokfire manufactured this helmet with a thick layer of EPS foam on the interior, making it comfortable for longer rides. This padding goes across the side, helping to add another layer of softness. It also features detachable, washable pads for comfort and hygiene.

This is the only commuter bike helmet with nylon straps for a soft touch to your skin. You can also tighten these straps to fit your head. The chin pad is soft and has thick padding in the center to eliminate any discomfort against your skin while at the same time absorbing sweat to keep you cool.

As an additional feature, this helmet offers a plug-in rear LED light to improve your visibility on the streets. This warning tail light can be in a constant light mode or slow flashing mode to alert traffic of your presence.

Bell Overdrive MIPS Cycling Helmet — Best for Aerodynamics

Bell Overdrive MIPS Cycling Helmet

Spec

• Weight: 1.56 pounds
• Materials: polycarbonate exterior
• Vents: Unlisted

Are you looking for an aerodynamic helmet so you can travel quickly on your commute to work? Bell Overdrive designed this to be slim with plenty of vents to improve airflow. In addition, the large, centered vent regulates temperature. This helps to keep you cool during your cycling trips.

The helmet is also designed with internal roll cages, to prevent your head from thudding against the ground in the event of a fall. With a polycarbonate shell, you’ll also be protected in the event of an accident.

The fit is easily adjustable with a wide range, which makes it perfect for all adults. The thin straps won’t get in your way and you’ll barely notice them, which helps you to focus on your ride.

How We Chose These Helmets

We’ve researched the best-quality helmets for commutes based on several factors.

Material

It’s essential that helmets are made of durable material, such as polycarbonate. This material is tough, which helps to absorb the impact of a fall while also remaining lightweight for optimum comfort. For budget-friendly helmets, ABS is the go-to material. It’s slightly heavier, but provides good protection in the event of a fall.

We researched helmets with comfortable material on the interior and discovered that EPS foam provides an extra layer of padding and protection while feeling comfortable on your head — the perfect combination for daily commutes.

Weight

We opted for bike helmets which are no heavier than 2 pounds, as anything heavier can apply pressure to your head and create tension.

Polycarbonate is the lightest material we discovered. durable and will absorb impact in the event of a fall to the ground.

Fit

As fit is important for overall safety and comfort, we opted for high-quality options with adjustable straps. This feature allows you to tighten the straps to fit your head correctly, and avoid having them slide off or dig into your skin.

Most of these helmets can also rotate forwards and backwards for a secure fit. Some of the best options feature a rear system for tightening the helmet.

Commuter Helmet vs Bike Helmet: What’s the Difference?

Commuter helmets typically have a simple design which is universally-friendly for all types of professionals. They lack l colors and patterns, which allows anyone from an accountant to a builder to wear one with ease. You’ll notice that most also have a rounded shape, as you won’t require the same aerodynamic design as you would for a cycling workout.

It’s important that a commuter helmet is functional. This includes having a strap which is easily adjustable for comfort and protection. The last thing you want to be doing at 8 am is moving your helmet because it keeps sliding off. Also, as you’re traveling in busy traffic, you’ll need the helmet to remain stable as you regularly check your blind spot.

Ventilation isn’t as critical as with a bike helmet. This is because you won’t be cycling as fast and hard as you would with a vigorous workout, so you’ll be less likely to sweat. Therefore, commuter helmets typically feature fewer ventilation channels.

A commuter helmet’s casual style makes it quick and convenient to slip on. At 8 am, there’s limited time to adjust your helmet so it fits perfectly, so most come with a quick-lock buckle. Most importantly, safety is a priority as you’ll be traveling at peak traffic times, so a commuter helmet will usually have a polycarbonate shell for optimal protection.

How to Fit Your Bike Helmet

You can have all the safety features in the world — a thick, polycarbonate outer shell and EPS foam inner — but if a helmet doesn’t fit you correctly, you won’t experience these benefits.

The first thing you’ll need to do is measure your head before purchasing a helmet. Don’t use measurements from several years ago either, as your head size may have changed. Take a measuring tape and place it around your head around half an inch above your eyebrows. Don’t apply it too tight or loose as this is how the helmet will fit on your head.

Helmets typically range in sizes listed as small, medium, and large. However, you should always look at the size chart before adding one to your basket as different brands have their own size measurements.

Positioning the Helmet

Once you’ve found the correct fit, it should be positioned properly. It should sit with the front edge one inch above your eyebrows to ensure that your forehead is protected.

Buckle and tighten the chin strap, which should form a V shape and rest under each ear. Try moving your head from side to side as a test that it’s not too tight or too loose, and check that you can also place a finger underneath the strap to ensure it isn’t too restricting.

The Best Commuter Bike Helmet

Searching for the best cycling helmets for commuting can be challenging, and we recommend the Thousand Adult Anti-Theft Guarantee Bike Helmet. Its hard plastic exterior absorbs impact if you hit the ground, which helps to eliminate the risk of any permanent damage to you.

The MOKFIRE Adult Bike Helmet with Rechargeable USB Light is an excellent runner-up. Thanks to its EPS foam core, the helmet feels soft against your skin and further protects your skull from injuries.