When I started cycling to work, one of the main concerns was making sure I had a good helmet! I was not too sure how often I would cycle, nor how long I would continue to be a cyclist (spoiler alert, forever). For this reason, I did not want to break the bank spending £100+ on a helmet, and so I thought I would use all of this research to create this article.
What’s in a helmet?
I’m not about to explain the materials used to make a bicycle helmet here, but there are additional factors to consider when choosing a helmet.
EN 1078:
This is the European safety standard relevant to bicycle helmets sold in the UK. When a helmet meets EN 1078, it means it has been tested for impact protection, strap strength, and overall fit to ensure it can help protect a cyclist’s head in common riding incidents.
NTA 8776:
This is a Dutch safety standard created for bicycle helmets that need to offer extra protection at higher speeds. It was introduced in the Netherlands to address the fact that traditional EN 1078 helmets, which are the standard across Europe, are tested for impacts typical of regular cycling and may not provide enough protection when cyclists travel faster than 25 km/h.
Helmets meeting NTA 8776 are tested with more severe impact forces and provide extended coverage around the sides and back of the head.
In the UK, while NTA 8776 is not legally required, it is highly relevant anyone commuting at faster speeds, as it offers an extra layer of safety beyond the standard EN 1078 certification. It’s worth noting that legal e-bikes in the UK are limited to 25 km/h under motor power, but riders can still exceed this speed by pedaling, just as with a regular bike, so choosing a helmet with extra protection is something to consider.
MIPS:
This stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It is designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during angled or glancing impacts, which happen when your head hits a surface at an angle or slides across it, rather than striking straight on.
MIPS works by allowing the helmet’s inner layer to move slightly relative to the outer shell, helping to absorb and redirect some of the twisting energy that a crash can generate. This adds an extra layer of protection that can be especially beneficial for commuters, road cyclists, and e-bike riders who are more likely to experience falls at higher speeds or in traffic.
All helmets sold for cycling, e-Bike or not, in the UK are required to meet at least the EN 1078 standard, so this should be considered the minimum level of protection. EN 1078 helmets are perfectly adequate for most everyday cycling, including commuting and leisure riding. Adding features like NTA 8776 certification or MIPS can increase protection, but they also tend to make helmets significantly more expensive. For most riders, especially those just starting out with cycling or on a budget, a good EN 1078 helmet provides all the safety you really need, while still giving the option to upgrade later if you want extra peace of mind.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, fleethopper.co.uk may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support independent commuting guides and product testing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
At Fleethopper, our main focus is on commuters in London using app based bicycle hire services such as Lime or Forest, we also cover all London commuting, whether that be public transport, or your own bike.
The selection of helmets below will be suitable for these e-Bikes, your own commuting bicycle, or app based e-Scooter. Not all will be specifically ‘urban’ or ‘commuter’ helmets, but we have picked ones that are going to be good for commuters!
While this guide focuses on budget-friendly bicycle helmets, some cheaper models have been deliberately omitted. Many of these helmets are not listed as EN 1078 compliant, or their construction and padding make them unsuitable for regular commuting. Even if they have positive reviews, we recommend prioritising helmets that meet recognised safety standards and are designed for everyday cycling to ensure reliable protection on the road.
1. Meteor – MARVEN (EN 1078 Only)
Meteor is a great entry level brand, regularly sold in UK high street stores. Whilst it is not all singing all dancing, this helmet is usually under £30, which is great if you’re unsure of the use you will get out of it. This helmet is lightweight in design, and the ventilation lets lots of air in, which is great both in the summer and winter, as either way you don’t want your head getting too hot.
2. Lazer Compact Helmet (EN 1078 Only)
Lazer is the most common helmet brand I see on my commute. These helmets are brilliant for daily use, are stylish and comfortable, and can be relied upon. There are some Lazer helmets that are on the pricier side, but the Compact one I have linked is usually below £30.
3. ABUS Hyban 2.0 (EN 1078 Only)
ABUS are a brilliant brand who specialise in security, including bicycle locks. They also make some of the best cycle helmets, the Hyban 2.0 is the first ‘city’ helmet on this list which you can see from the shape of the design. It also has a red LED light on the back, so that you can be seen in the city.
Final Thoughts on the Best Budget Bicycle Helmet for Commuters
As somebody who considers themselves frugal, I will say that owning (and using) a bicycle helmet is one of the most important things you will do as a cyclist, and that it is worth spending money on, even if that’s a budget amount. Ensuring that you are using one, and that it meets minimum safety regulations is super important.
If you want something that packs away, see my guide to the best folding bike helmets. If you ride an e-bike most days, the best e-bike helmets are rated to the tougher NTA 8776 standard, and my guide to whether you need an NTA 8776 helmet explains the difference.
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