Blog

Nov 06, 2024

The Best Kids Bike Helmets: Over 90 helmets put to the test!

Kids’ bike helmets aren’t just cute accessories; they’re crucial safety gear that provides life-saving protection. Over the past 15 years, we’ve tested more than 90 kids’ helmets. Along the way, we’ve

Kids’ bike helmets aren’t just cute accessories; they’re crucial safety gear that provides life-saving protection. Over the past 15 years, we’ve tested more than 90 kids’ helmets. Along the way, we’ve found some standout options—and a few to avoid.

Our top picks are listed in the chart below, but keep reading for our individual reviews of each helmet. And don’t forget: measure your child’s head before purchasing any helmet! An improperly fitted helmet won’t protect as it should and can be uncomfortable to wear.

These helmets are designed for older kids with head circumferences over 50 cm (19.6”). If your child’s head is smaller, check out our guide to the Best Bike Helmets for Babies and Toddlers.

Best Overall – Young Kids

MSRP: $55 (without MIPS), $75 (with MIPS), $89 (MIPS + LED light)SIZES: XS (45 – 49 cm), S (49 – 53 cm)FEATURES: Flat back for trailer or bike seat use, in-mold construction, dial-adjust fit, ratcheting buckle, built-in visor, optional MIPS technology and LED rear lightFULL REVIEW: Giro Scamp

The Giro Scamp has been a go-to kids’ bike helmet for nearly a decade, and with good reason. Lightweight and featuring a dial-adjust fit system, it’s exceptionally comfortable for young riders. The helmet is available with MIPS technology for added safety, making it a favorite among our testers.

The Scamp II, launched in February 2024, brings some impressive upgrades, including increased ventilation and a new ratcheting buckle. This buckle style is hard to find and is by far the most pinch-proof buckle we’ve used over the last 14 years. We’re thrilled to see it featured in the Scamp II!

Families can choose between two price points to suit their budgets: $75 for the MIPS version or $55 without. The Scamp’s design is on the shallower side, which works well for many kids but may not fit as well for children with taller foreheads; for them, the deeper-fitting Giro Fixture II could be a better choice.

Best Overall – Older Kids

MSRP: $70ONE SIZE: Youth (50 – 57 cm)**Note: The Fixture II also comes in a “Universal Women’s” size, which is the same helmet and sizing as the Youth but in different colors. The Amazon listing combines both Women’s and Youth helmets.FEATURES: Rubber-grip dial-adjust knob, side straps that don’t need adjusting, higher-quality internal pads, in-mold construction, sturdy and removable visor, upgraded MIPS technology

The Giro Fixture II is everything you’d want in a youth bike helmet—lightweight, well-ventilated, easy to adjust, and secure. Its rubber-grip dial-adjust knob and soft, pre-set side straps make getting a good fit incredibly easy.

Comfort is key with the Fixture II, which has premium padding made from technical material and air channels to minimize sweat. Plus, it features the latest MIPS technology for added brain protection. MIPS anchors are covered, preventing long hair from getting caught in them.

NOTE: The fixed side straps make getting a proper fit easier for most of our kid testers. However, the inability to tighten these side straps has been problematic for some kids.

Highly Adjustable Fit System

MSRP: $85 SIZE: Adult S (51 – 55 cm), Adult M (55-59 cm)FEATURES: Fit system has many points of adjustability, MIPS is standard, high-quality in-mold construction, locking side straps, great padding and ventilationFULL REVIEW: Smith Youth Bike Helmets

When Smith introduced their first kids’ helmet, the Wilder Jr., it quickly became a favorite. Their adult Convoy helmet brings the same style and quality in larger sizes that work well for older kids.

Our testers choose the Convoy for its adult MTB styling, excellent ventilation, and fit. As parents, we love the helmet’s high-quality construction and how well it stays in place, even during active riding. With over 70 helmets tested, the Smith Convoy has proven to be one of the most secure options.

The Convoy’s fit system offers several adjustment points, including a unique rear dial adjust and cage system that wraps snugly around the back of the head. This cage can be shifted to ensure the dial rests comfortably on the occipital bone, allowing for a custom fit that’s highly secure.

Unique Sporty Style

MSRP: $59 (Nina – “Girl” colors), $59 (Nina – “Boy” colors)SIZES: XS/S (48 – 51.5cm), S/M (51.5 – 54.5cm)FEATURES: Dial-adjust fit system, lightweight Zipmold construction, fun sporty style, flip visor

We’ve tested several versions of the Bern Nina/Nino over the years. While we’ve always loved its style and performance, the rear Velcro closure was a consistent drawback. That’s why we’re thrilled about the latest DRVT version, which replaces the Velcro with a dial-adjust closure system!

The DRVT version takes it up a notch with Bern’s unique DRVT system, an alternative to MIPS that helps reduce rotational energy in crashes with padding featuring a sliding membrane layer.

One important note: older versions of the Nina/Nino without the dial-adjust knob are still available, so double-check that you’re purchasing the DRVT version. Also, the Nina and Nino are identical helmets differentiated only by color options.

Dual-Certified, Retro Styling

MSRP: $60 (Thousand Jr.), $99 (Thousand Heritage Small)ONE SIZE: 49 – 53 cm (Thousand Jr), 54 – 57 cm (Thousand Heritage Small)FEATURES: Dial-adjust fit, integrated visor, magnetic buckle, retro color options, sticker kit for decorating helmetFULL REVIEW: Thousand Jr.

Who says a bike helmet can’t be stylish and safe? The Thousand Jr. and Thousand Heritage helmets combine safety and vintage-inspired style, making them a great choice for kids who want a cool accessory that’s also protective.

The Thousand Jr. is specifically a kids helmet, but its size range is on the smaller end meant for younger kids. If you have an older child with a head circumference of at least 54 cm, the Thousand Heritage adult helmet in the small size could be a great option!

Thousand helmets stand out in safety thanks to two key features. First, they are dual-certified for both biking and skateboarding, making them versatile for active kids. Second, the helmets come with an integrated visor that stays firmly in place, providing face protection in the event of a face-plant.

Exceptional Coverage and Fit

MSRP: $69SIZES: XS (46 – 50cm), S (50 – 53 cm), M (53 – 56 cm)FEATURES: Extended coverage, great ventilation, sewn in chin straps, rubber visor/bumper, magnetic Fidlock buckleFULL REVIEW: woom Helmet Review

The woom KIDS helmet is a standout for its coverage, fit, and ease of use. Addressing the common problem of helmets shifting during use, woom designed this helmet with a deep, extended fit to prevent it from sliding forward or backward—enhancing protection in case of a crash.

To keep the helmet secure and level, the woom KIDS uses fixed side straps rather than the typical adjustable straps that often slip out of place below the ear and chin. This design ensures the helmet stays properly positioned—without tilting forward or backward—for optimal safety.

Rounding out its protective features, the woom KIDS helmet has a thick, rubberized visor/bumper, which helps shield the face and nose during impact.

Great Value

MSRP: $20ONE SIZE: Youth (50 – 57 cm)FEATURES: Affordable price, modern matte MTB style, dial-adjust fit system, soft athletic padding

While we generally recommend investing in higher-quality helmets, we recognize that a $50+ price point isn’t always feasible for every family. Walmart’s Ozark Trail Youth helmet is a solid budget option, offering a sleek, modern MTB look, dial-adjust fit, and soft, comfortable athletic padding—all for just $20! It’s not only stylish but also reasonably comfortable with excellent ventilation for its price range.

The lower price, however, does come with a few trade-offs in construction quality. The outer shell is glued onto the foam, rather than being embedded, making it more prone to dents or cracks over time. Additionally, the chin straps, while soft, are quite slick, which causes the sliders beneath the ears to slip out of place. When this happens, the helmet may become loose or tilt forward or backward, compromising the fit.

Our quick fix: Use blue painter’s tape to keep the slider in place! First, adjust the helmet straps to form a “V” around your child’s ears. Then, wrap a bit of painter’s tape around the outside strap where the slider sits, ensuring it won’t slip down over the tape.

If it still slides, add another layer of tape until it stays put. (Slipping upward isn’t usually an issue, so you can focus on just below the slider.)

Classic, Clean Look

MSRP: $35ONE SIZE: XS (49 – 53 cm), Small (54 – 57 cm), Medium (57 – 59cm), Large (59 – 62cm)FEATURES: Classic design, white rubber bumper along the edge, reflective chin strap, built-in visor

Cute, fun, and durable, the Retrospec Remi delivers quality and performance at an affordable price. Available in four sizes to fit all ages and a variety of colors and designs (for both kids and adults), it’s easy to find a Remi helmet that suits your style.

Some standout features include the white rubber bumper around the helmet edge for added protection, reflective and durable chin straps, and comfortable athletic padding.

As a budget helmet, the Remi does show its price point in its weight. At 430 grams, it’s a bit heavier than the 390-gram Thousand Jr., which, although pricier, is dual-certified for both biking and skateboarding and includes a magnetic buckle for added ease of use.

Dual-Certified on a Budget

MSRP: $39SIZE: Small (46 – 51 cm), Medium (51 – 58 cm), Large (54 – 60 cm)FEATURES: Dial adjust fit system, dual certified for skateboard use

Available in a wide range of colors, the Outdoor Master Skateboard Helmet is a fantastic budget-friendly option that’s truly dual-certified for both skateboarding and biking.

While similar skate-style helmets flood sites like Amazon and Walmart, we love the Outdoor Master for its reliable fit and rare dial-adjust system—a feature uncommon in budget helmets. Importantly, it meets the safety standards for both biking and skateboarding, unlike many “skate-style” helmets that look the part but lack actual certification for skateboarding.

The only downside is its weight, but heavier construction is typical for budget-friendly skate helmets. Unless you significantly increase your budget, expect any economical skater-style helmet to be on the heavier side.

Here are some additional kids bike helmets that we’ve tested, reviewed, and happily recommend.

Removable Chin Bar and Quad Core Protection System

MSRP: $140ONE SIZE: 50 – 54 cmFEATURES: Dial adjust fit system, Quad Core (similar to MIPS), removable chin bar, adjustable visor

Full face helmets for kids can be tricky. With all that extra coverage, they are often much heavier and much hotter than a traditional bike helmet. The Kali Maya full face child is both lightweight and more airy, which make it more comfortable and more likely that your kid will want to wear it!

The Maya is a 2-in-1, durable, high-quality helmet that has a removable chin bar – wear it as a regular helmet for more casual riding, or as a full face for more technical terrain (cross-country MTB, skate parks, pump tracks, etc).

Keep in mind that for aggressive downhill riding, you should consider a full face helmet with the ASTM 1952 DH (downhill) rating. Like many full face helmets, the Maya is NOT rated for DH. Its visor is adjustable up and down by simply turning a small knob.

For increased brain safety, the Kali Maya kids full face helmet features Quad Core Low Density Layer (LDL). LDL is Kali’s take on the more well-known MIPS brain safety system. Per Kali’s website, LDL “reduces rotational impact forces up to 25%, and reduced low-g linear forces up to 30%.”

For a more detailed discussion about how to choose and fit the perfect kid’s bike helmet, check out our post: Kids’ Bike Helmets Sizing and Buying Guide. If you’re looking for something quick, here’s a short summary of the most important things to look for to find the best helmet for girls and boys approximately 5 to 12-years-old.

If a child’s bike helmet doesn’t fit, it’s not going to help protect their head in the event of a crash! Kids helmet sizes come in ranges that represent the circumference of your child’s head. For example, a helmet with a size range of 52 – 57 cm fits kids with a head circumference in that range.

That said, kids helmet sizing can actually be a bit tricky because everyone’s head isn’t shaped the same. Some kids have wide heads, others narrow. Some helmets are wider, while others are more narrow. So even if your child’s head circumference fits within a helmet’s range, if your child’s head is wide and the helmet is narrow, it might not fit.

In general, skater-style helmets are rounder all the way around and are a more sure bet for kids with wide heads.

The lighter the helmet the better. Wearing a heavy helmet can get tiring over time and can make it more likely for a child to refuse to wear a helmet. As a child gets older this is less important because their neck muscles are stronger, but younger kids definitely resist wearing heavy helmets.

Once you find the right size helmet, it can still be tricky to get it adjusted correctly so that it stays snuggly on your child’s head. But a helmet with a proper fit is a necessity for kids’ bike safety.

The easiest helmets to adjust for a perfect fit have a dial-adjust system at the back of the helmet that makes the helmet’s inner cage larger or smaller to cradle your child’s head.

Other (cheaper) kids helmets have pads of varying thickness that you swap out to get the right fit, or no adjustment system at all! These helmets generally don’t fit as accurately, and over time you have to swap the pads out as your child’s head grows. Hopefully you can find those pads when the time comes!

Most helmets come with standard buckles that can pinch a child’s neck when buckling or un-buckling. Higher-end helmets now feature magnetic “pinch-free” buckles. While more expensive, they are worth the price if you can afford it.

MIPS is a brain safety technology that adds an additional layer of safety to a helmet. If an impact occurs, a plastic inner cage rotates with your child’s head to provide better multi-directional impact protection. MIPS helmets are more expensive but are becoming very common. You can read all about the science behind MIPS on their website.

To be fair, there are some that don’t believe MIPS adds as much safety as it claims. Those opposing arguments are nicely summed up on helmets.org.

While MIPS was the pioneer in this technology, some helmet brands have developed their own systems designed for a similar purpose. KinetiCore by Lazer, SPIN by POC, and Quad Core by Kali Protectives are examples of this.

Most bike helmets are only certified for biking use. (This also includes using a scooter or hoverboard.) If your child is going to be skateboarding as well, they need a dual certified helmet that is designed to protect from impacts from crashes while biking or skateboarding.

Not all helmets that are skateboard-style are actually dual certified. A dual certified helmet will have stickers on its interior that say CPSC and ASTM. Check out our full list of favorite dual-certified helmets here.

Kids’ Helmet Sizes Guide: Don’t buy the wrong size helmet! Just follow our easy guide.

The Best Helmets for Babies and Toddlers: Need a smaller size? Try our list for the littlest noggins.

22 Fun Kids Bike Accessories: For more ideas for kids protective gear and unique accessories for bikes.