Bike helmets can mean the difference between life or death, so it is always a good idea to wear one. A major study found that wearing helmets reduces the risk of serious head injury by nearly 70 percent. Most cycling accidents that occur are due to collisions with automobiles. A significant number of these crashes could be avoided if the rider was more visible to others. To facilitate this, you could buy lights to mount on your helmet or on the bike itself. But wouldn’t it be great if the helmet you are buying already has integrated lights? This is why we have taken it upon ourselves to bring to you the best bike helmets with lights.
There are many types of helmets with varying amounts of lighting. Each of them is manufactured to suit specific needs and different styles of riding. It can get overwhelming to look through all the available products to find the right one for you. Well, you have nothing to worry about. because we have done most of the work for you. We have prepared a list of the best cycling helmets with lights in the market. Hours of meticulous research and hard work have been put in so that we can deliver the best choices.
Factors to consider before buying a helmet with lights
Visibility Range
Most bike helmets that have a built-in light, usually have LED lights (often just a single one) only at the rear of the helmet. However, a better option is to be visible not only from the back but also from other directions as well. This is especially important for people who usually cycle in low light conditions. If you are one of these people, then consider buying a helmet with 270° or even 360° visibility. This is achieved by additional lights at the front and/or sides.
Brightness
The lights on your helmet should be bright enough that you are visible from a significant distance. Many bike helmets have multiple LEDs but they may not be too luminous. This does not usually pose much of a problem in most cases. However, if your bicycle itself does not have any lights then we recommend that your helmet should have front and backlights with a luminous flux of at least 200 lumens for urban riding, and 400 lumens if you are outside the city.
Battery Life
The battery life of a helmet’s lights will quite obviously affect how much time you can spend riding in the dark. If you are someone who regularly goes out with their bikes for long periods of time before sunrise or after sunset, then it is probably worth spending a few extra bucks to get a helmet with a long-lasting charge. Also, you might want to check if the batteries are rechargeable so that you are not buying new batteries every few weeks. For non-rechargeable helmets, replacing the battery can be quite difficult. It usually involves taking the light off the helmet, removing the back (might have a few tiny screws), and then you might have to fiddle around with the circuit board to finally reach the battery. Not to mention, you have to put it all back together! These helmets usually use CR2032 aka ‘button cell’ batteries. It is better to just go for a rechargeable one.
Smart Features
In the era where seemingly everything is becoming ‘smart’, you might want a helmet that’s smart as well. There are plenty of options available. Some helmets have a simple button to switch between flashing and steady glow modes, while others can be wirelessly paired with your smartphone/smartwatch to play music or even receive calls! Although, the most important of these technologies are brake lights on the rear that automatically turn on while slowing down using sensors. Another useful feature to have is a remote control that can be attached to the bike handlebars. Having said that, make sure to buy from trusted brands as many of these features are gimmicky and may be of low quality.
Protection
The purpose of a bike helmet, above all else, is to protect your head from serious injury during a crash. Make sure that the helmet you are buying has an official certification to meet safety standards. All of the products on this list are CPSC certified, which means that they comply with safety regulations in the US. For aggressive or high-speed riders, we suggest you get one with extra safety features, like MIPS technology, that protects the head against angled or rotational impacts.
Cycling Type
Always check if the helmet you want to buy is suitable for the intended form of biking. Never compromise on this for the sake of flashy lights. For example, using an urban cycling helmet with lots of LEDs is not recommended for mountain or off-road biking. Mountain biking helmets usually don’t have lights to accommodate for extra padding and more plastic for the shell. Even if they do, it is usually a rear LED light. This ensures maximum protection for the rider. For the case of nighttime mountain biking, it is better to use a mountable light on your helmet. To get a better understanding of the different cycling disciplines, watch the following video:-
Quality and Design
Finally, the quality and design of lights on a helmet should also be taken into account. Many helmets have gotten reviews about having low-quality LEDs that either stop working after a short time or just break very easily. Therefore, the lights should be durable and well-sealed to protect against rain. Additionally, looks are an important factor for many customers. You will find that a few helmets have a lot of LED lights arranged in a manner that could seem unnecessary and undesirable to some individuals. Some helmets have a vintage or urban-style design, which may be preferred by others. However, style is a completely subjective matter and it’s ultimately your choice!
Fit and Comfort
Above all, a helmet should fit perfectly on your head. Otherwise, it won’t offer optimum protection. It is also very important to make sure that the helmet is comfortable. This will ensure a pleasant and enjoyable ride. The main factor for helmet sizing is the head circumference. You can easily measure your own head circumference by wrapping a string around your head just above the eyebrows and then using a ruler to find the length of the string. If you have a tape measure, then use that directly. Match up your size against the size chart of the manufacturer you want to buy from. Also, be sure to check the shape of the helmet, as some people have a more oblong-shaped head and others have a more circular one.
Most helmets today have a retention system, which is usually a dial-adjustable system at the back. This gives you a lot of flexibility with fitting a helmet. The process of finding the right fit might take some time, but make sure to take it seriously. You can watch the following video to get a good idea of how to properly fit a bike helmet:-
Our top pick
Out of all the products, we have found that the Lumos Kickstart Smart Bike Helmet has the best features. Hence, we have entitled it to be our ‘Overall Best Choice’. Keep reading to know about all the other helmets as well.
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A quick view of our selected best bike helmets in the market with LED lights:
Helmet | Lights (Front/Rear) | Our Rating |
---|---|---|
Lumos Kickstart Smart Bike Helmet | 10/38 | 95 |
Victgoal VG110 Bicycle Helmet | 3-mode | 89 |
Smart4u SH55M Bicycle Helmet | 6 | 81 |
PHZ Adult Bike Helmet | 3 lighting modes | 93 |
Coros Omni Smart Cycling Helmet | Automatic LED | 78 |
Livall BH51M Smart Cycle Helmet | Automatic LED strips | 80 |
Kingbike Ultralight Bike Helmet | 3 modes | 85 |
Lumos Matrix Urban Bike Helmet | 22/77 | 87 |
Sunrimoon Bike Helmet | 9 lighting modes | 76 |
Basecamp BC-069 Bike Helmet | 3 lighting modes | 83 |
How our selected bike helmets with LED lights compare
You can read a detailed description of each of the products in this article. For those of you who want a quick overview of all the helmets, we have created the table below with the specifications for each helmet.
10 best bike helmets with LED lights that worth your money
1. Lumos Kickstart Smart Bike Helmet
High-Quality Helmet with Smart Features and plenty of Bright LEDs | Overall Best Choice
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The Lumos Kickstart Helmet is a truly intelligent helmet that provides safety to riders proactively by using bright LEDs and 360-degree visibility. This greatly reduces the risk of a crash taking place in the first place. The 10 white front lights will light the way for you, while the 49 backlights also act as brake lights that turn on automatically while slowing down. Both the front and backlights act as turn signals when activated by a remote attachable to the handle-bar.
Pairing the helmet with the Lumos Companion app allows you to customize your lights, check battery life, track your activity, and sync with Strava and Apple Health. If you have an Apple Watch, hand gestures can be used to trigger the indicators. There is an option to buy with MIPS technology which provides superior protection. This Lumos Kickstart is well ventilated with 22 vents and can also be worn in any weather.
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Lumos Kickstart Smart Bike Helmet
2. Victgoal VG110 Bicycle Helmet
Mountain Biking Helmet with Magnetic Goggles
Specification:
- Type: Mountain/Road bike helmet
- Head Circumference: 22-24 inch (57- 61 cm)
- Construction: High-density polycarbonate shell and EPS foam
- Weight: 310 grams
- Fit System: Rear dial-adjustable system
- Lights: 3-mode red LED backlight
- Battery: Non-rechargeable CR2032 battery
- Ventilation: 21 vents
- Colors: Black, Metal Blue, Navy Blue, Red, Silver, Titanium, White, Yellow
Features we liked:
- Magnetic Goggles: Comes with a pair of magnetic goggles with UV400 protection to block ultraviolet light. It can easily snap-on/off.
- Detachable Visor: Combined with the goggles, this gives the strongest protection from the sun, dust, and wind.
- Comfortable: Lightweight helmet with plenty of ventilation to keep your head cool. You can turn the dial of the retention system on the back to adjust to your head size.
- Portable Pouch Bag: A pouch bag is included so that you can easily carry your helmet with you at all times.
- Insect Nets: Vents have nets to shield against bugs without hampering airflow.
- Bright Backlight: The rear red LED light comes with 3 modes; steady, slow flashing, and fast flashing.
What we did not like:
- A non-Rechargeable Battery must be replaced with a new one by opening up the LED light from the back, which is not easy.
- Goggles may be too large for some people.
The Victgoal VG110 Bicycle Helmet is suitable for both mountain and road biking. It comes with a detachable visor and magnetic goggles, making the helmet glare-proof, windproof and dustproof. The goggles have UV400 protection, perfect for blocking ultraviolet light, and are suitable for wearing glasses at the same time. Every helmet has a free pouch bag, making it convenient to carry your bike helmet when going outside.
The lightweight helmet has great ventilation with insect nets to stop bugs. The LED backlight is bright enough to keep you visible at night and the side straps also have reflective bars. The light, which is integrated with the size regulator, can be switched between 3 modes by pressing on it. However, the battery is non-rechargeable and the process of replacing it can be quite tricky for many people.
Victgoal VG110 Bicycle Helmet
3. Smart4u SH55M Bicycle Helmet
A Smart Cycling Helmet with a lot of Functionality
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The Smart4u SH55M Bicycle Helmet includes various smart features that can improve your daily riding experience. You can answer calls with the press of a button on the Bling Jet that is mounted on the handlebar of the bike. It uses a high-sensitivity Bluetooth 4.1 module with a wind-resistant microphone. The stereo speakers on each side of the helmet let you be aware of your surroundings while listening to music. Many other functions can be accessed with the App which uses BLE technology.
The 6 LED lights on the back with patented silk-screen printing concealed light-transmitting design keeps you safe at night and can be used as turn signals. Not to mention the 3-axis gravitational acceleration sensor and patented algorithm for real-time monitoring, which triggers an SOS alert during an accident. This helmet boasts an impressive battery life with 3 to 6 hours with music and lighting and up to 10 hours with lighting only. These features make the Smart4u SH55M perfect for commuting and long-distance riding. Even though it has slightly fewer vents, this is not much of a problem for commuting purposes.
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Smart4u SH55M Bicycle Helmet
4. PHZ Adult Bike Helmet
Road/Mountain Bike Helmet with Lightweight Construction
Specification:
- Type: Mountain/Road/Triathlon bike helmet
- Head Circumference: M (55-58 cm), L (59-62 cm)
- Construction: PVC and Polycarbonate shell with EPS foam
- Weight: 284 grams
- Fit System: Rear dial-adjustable system
- Lights: USB charging rear LED light with 3 lighting modes
- Battery: Rechargeable; 3-4 hours of battery life
- Ventilation: 23 vents
- Colors: Black, Carbon Black, Green, Purple, White
Features we liked:
- Multi-functional: This helmet is suitable for various forms of cycling, including city, road, triathlon, or mountain biking.
- Great Comfort: The lightweight construction along with 23 air-flow vents will feel great on your head.
- Upgraded Regulator: While most helmet dials are 2-way, this helmet has a 3-way regulator adding an up and down adjustment function for better comfort.
- USB Backlight: The rechargeable rear LED light comes with 3 modes; constant light mode, flashing mode, and tour mode.
- Removable Visor: Comes with a visor that can be easily attached or unattached to the helmet as per your requirement.
- Detachable Liner and Insect Net: The removable liner is very easy to take down and wash and the built-in insect net prevents the insects from coming into your head when cycling.
What we did not like:
- The brightness and quality of the backlight are not that great.
- Complaints about the backlight easily falling off.
The PHZ Adult Bike Helmet is a versatile helmet that can be used for almost all types of cycling. The adoption of specialized aerodynamic and ventilation design allows you to increase speed and stay cool. This helmet is lighter than a lot of other helmets and is CPSC certified. Even though the name has the word ‘Adult’ in it, this helmet is suitable for people with a wide range of head sizes, including youths.
Unlike other helmets, the dial on the back is an upgraded 3-way regulator with an up and down adjustment function for better fitting. The rear LED light has 3-modes, can be fully charged in 40 minutes, and has 3-4 hours of battery life, which is lower than other helmets. The light itself is not too bright and is of low quality.
PHZ Adult Bike Helmet
5. Coros Omni Smart Cycling Helmet
Smart Helmet with Bone Conducting Audio and Auto LED Lights
Specification:
- Type: Road/Cross-country bike helmet
- Head Circumference: 23-25 inch (59-63 cm)
- Construction: Polycarbonate shell with EPS foam
- Weight: 340 grams
- Fit System: Rear dial-adjustable system
- Lights: Automatic LED tail lights activated by ambient light
- Battery: Rechargeable; up to 8 hours with music and lighting
- Ventilation: 18 vents
- Colors: Black, White, Red, Blue
Features we liked:
- Audio with Ultimate Safety: Open ear bone conduction technology delivers audio through the cheekbones while providing full awareness of surroundings.
- Remote Control: Answer calls, play, pause, and skip music easily with the handlebar attachable smart remote.
- COROS App: This app allows you to connect the helmet and the remote to your smartphone. It will help keep track of your route and ride history, including distance, time, speed, and calories burned.
- SOS Emergency Alert: In the event of a fall, the OMNI will detect the impact and will automatically contact your list of emergency contacts. Up to 3 contacts can be added with the help of the app.
- Automatic LED Lights: The taillights can be set to turn on automatically in the dark using the app. It works by sensing the ambient light conditions.
- Impressive Battery Life: The USB rechargeable battery provides up to 8 hours of battery life with both music and lighting.
- Great All Round Package: The helmet comes with a detachable visor, helmet bag, reflective decal, and even an emergency identification card.
What we did not like:
- Audio quality could be better.
- The blinking mode of rear LED lights has a slow pattern.
The Coros Omni Smart Cycling Helmet is an overall great helmet and includes a lot in the box. The smart remote can be installed on the handlebar and can be used for calls and to control music. The speakers themselves use an innovative open ear, bone conducting technology to keep you aware of your surroundings. Although, they lack some punch, and audio during calls can sometimes get overwhelmed by ambient noises. Other things included are a detachable visor, helmet bag, reflective decal, an emergency identification card, and a charging cable.
The COROS App allows you to pair up the helmet and the remote with your smartphone. You can control the LED taillights, track your route, speed, calories, etc. and set up 3 emergency contacts to send an SOS alert in case of an accident. The superb 8-hour battery life means that this helmet can be used for cross-country or long-distance cycling as well as road biking.
Coros Omni Smart Cycling Helmet
6. Livall BH51M Smart Cycle Helmet
Automatic Induction Smart Riding Helmet
Specification:
- Type: Urban/Commuter bike helmet
- Head Circumference: 21.5-23 inch (55-59 cm)
- Construction: Polycarbonate shell with EPS foam
- Weight: 470 grams
- Fit System: Rear dial-adjustable system
- Lights: Automatic LED strips with 270° visibility and turn signal indicators
- Battery: Rechargeable; 10 hours of light/3-6 hours of multifunctional use
- Ventilation: 12 vents
- Colors: Available only in grey
Features we liked:
- Highly Visible Auto LED Strips: The LED light on the back and sides have a 270-degree field of view and 150 meters of visibility. These automatic inductive lights can also act as turn signals.
- Bluetooth Speakers: With two built-in stereo speakers and a windproof microphone, you can answer calls, play music, and listen to GPS navigation directions.
- LIVALL App: It allows you to connect the helmet with your smartphone.
- Remote Control: Can be used for calls, music, turn signals, and a walkie-talkie function.
- SOS Alert: Activated by a built-in 3-axis gyroscope and immediately notifies emergency contacts in case of an accident.
- Great Battery Life: The rechargeable 600 mAh battery can provide 10 hours of lighting and lasts for 3-6 hours with multifunctional use.
- IPX4 Waterproof: With this, you can rest assured that the electronics won’t be affected by rain.
What we did not like:
- This helmet is better suited for light cycling, e-bikes, skateboards, roller skating, etc.
- Weighing 470 grams, the BH51M helmet is heavier than other helmets.
- No visor included.
The Livall BH51M Smart Cycling Helmet is a high-tech helmet that is great for urban use but is not recommended for road or mountain biking. Its three LED light strips to offer superior 270-degree visibility and also act as turn signals. Download the LIVALL app on your smartphone to pair with the helmet and access a variety of functions. Open speakers with Bluetooth 4.1 enable you to play music, navigate with GPS, and answer calls. All of this can be controlled with a smart remote on the handlebar.
This helmet has multiple international certifications including CPSC. Livall has decided to go with a vintage urban look and a handmade PU leather brim on the front adds a bit more personality to the design. However, it is available in only one color and is a bit on the heavier side.
Livall BH51M Smart Cycle Helmet
7. Kingbike Ultralight Bike Helmet
Ultralight Helmet for Cycling with a Portable Backpack
Specification:
- Type: Road/Mountain bike helmet
- Head Circumference: 22-25 inch (56-62 cm)
- Construction: In-mold polycarbonate shell with EPS foam
- Weight: 222 grams
- Fit System: Rear dial-adjustable system
- Lights: Rear LED light with 3 modes
- Battery: Non-rechargeable CR2032 battery
- Ventilation: 24 vents
- Colors: Black (Matte), Black & Titanium, Black & Green, Black & Red, Green, Titanium, Titanium Black, White, White & Black, Red
Features we liked:
- Lightweight: At 222 grams, this is the lightest helmet on the list and so there is no chance of it being a burden at all.
- Superb Comfort: Other than being lightweight, this helmet can also fit a wide range of head sizes. Additionally, the 24 cooling vents will keep you fresh and dry.
- Portable Bag: It comes with a simple bag to easily carry the helmet around with you.
- Detachable Visor: Comes with a visor that can be easily attached or unattached to the helmet as per your requirement.
What we did not like:
- The battery for the rear LED is non-rechargeable and replacing it is difficult.
The Kingbike Ultralight Bike Helmet does indeed live up to its name. It weighs only 222 grams, making it barely noticeable on your head. Combine that with plenty of ventilation and you get a very comfortable helmet. The portable pouch bag that comes with it allows for easy carry of the helmet. There is also a detachable visor included.
The LED backlight works alright and is bright enough. However, the battery is not rechargeable, and accessing it for replacement is quite a task. This helmet is CPSC certified and can be used for road and mountain biking.
Kingbike Ultralight Bike Helmet
8. Lumos Matrix Urban Bike Helmet
Smart Helmet with Plenty of Lights and a Customizable Display
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The Lumos Matrix Bike Helmet is an urban style helmet and is suitable for casual use. It has a total of 1000 lumens of lighting with 22 front LEDs and 77 rear LEDs. This makes it the brightest and most visible helmet among others on the list. The lights on the back are arranged in a customizable matrix display with various modes that can be controlled using the Lumos Companion App. They also act as turn signals and brake lights. The app also allows other functionality such as checking battery life, tracking your activity, and pairing up with an Apple Watch. Rain won’t be a problem since the helmet is waterproof.
You have the choice of buying with a MIPS option, that provides additional safety. The Lumos Matrix is however pretty heavy compared to most other helmets. Also, it has fewer vents, which should not be a problem unless it is used during more strenuous types of cycling.
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Lumos Matrix Urban Bike Helmet
9. Sunrimoon Bike Helmet
A Multi-Purpose Helmet with an Adjustable Visor and Magnetic Goggles
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The Sunrimoon Bike Helmet is a very lightweight and versatile helmet that can be used for mountain biking, road cycling, urban use, etc. It comes with magnetic goggles and a detachable visor for great protection against sunlight, wind, and dust/sand. Additionally, the adjustable visor can be set in 3 different positions using a gear system, giving a bit of extra customizability. However, the goggles are a little close to the face and hence, may not be suitable for riders who wear glasses. A simple bag is also provided to carry around the helmet.
There is a safety light on the back which is USB rechargeable. It takes 2 hours to be fully charged. The light has 9 different flashing modes that can be toggled by pressing on it. Another point that you should take into account is that, although the official size chart shows that it can fit a wide range of head sizes, there have been many reviews that say that the size is too small for many adults.
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Sunrimoon Bike Helmet
10. Basecamp BC-069 Bike Helmet
Lightweight Mountain and Road Biking Helmet with Goggles
Specification:
- Type: Road/Mountain bike helmet
- Head Circumference: 22.5-24.5 inch (57-62 cm)
- Construction: High-density polycarbonate shell with EPS foam
- Weight: 258 grams
- Fit System: Rear dial-adjustable system
- Lights: Rear LED light with 3 lighting modes
- Battery: Non-rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Ventilation: 28 vents
- Colors: Black, Black with Red&White, Black&White, Fluorescent Green, Red with Black&White, Titanium, White, White with Gray&Red
Features we liked:
- Versatility: This helmet is suitable for various forms of cycling, including urban, road, or mountain biking.
- Magnetic Goggles: With UV400 protection, can be easily snapped on/off and has plenty of room for glasses.
- Lightweight and Portable: This is one of the lightest helmets out there and it comes with a bag for easy carrying around the helmet.
- Comfortable: With 28 air-flow vents and thick foam lining, this helmet will keep you cool and comfortable.
- Backup Battery: The package includes an extra battery for when you run out.
What we did not like:
- Non-rechargeable battery for LED backlight which is not easily replaceable.
- No visor is included.
The Basecamp BC-069 Bike Helmet can be used for both mountain biking and road cycling. It has good value for money. A pair of magnetic goggles are included which are removable. It can be set for 3 wearing needs; goggles up, goggles down, or no goggles. Although a visor is not available, the goggles can protect from sunlight, wind, and dust by themselves. The helmet also comes with a bag for portability.
At 258 grams, the BC-069 helmet is lighter than most other bike helmets out there. Moreover, the top of the helmet has 28 cooling vents to keep you sweat-free on the hottest of days. There is an LED rear light, which is unfortunately not rechargeable. However, an extra battery is included as a bonus.
Basecamp BC-069 Bike Helmet
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What about mountable lights?
There is an option to buy bicycle lights on their own. There are mainly 2 types:
- Bright white lights for the front
- Dimmer red or orange lights for the back
These are attached to the frame and/or the handlebars of the bike and serve 2 functions; to see and to be seen. Some front lights can be mounted on top of the helmet. Nevertheless, if you don’t want to buy extra lights, then built-in helmet lights are the way to go.
2) Are front lights necessary?
Lights on the front of the helmet are necessary only if the following two conditions are met:
- You want to go riding in very low light conditions.
- You do not have a light mounted on the bike to see where you are going.
Most cyclists will use an extra detachable light on the handlebars to light their way because these are usually brighter and long-lasting. The LED lights on the rear of the helmet are enough to keep you visible to others.
3) Won’t the LED lights be affected by water?
All electronics on a helmet, if present, are usually sealed well enough to be protected against rain. You can also wash the helmet with mild soap and by spraying water on it. However, we do not recommend submerging a helmet in water, as that would let water leak into the parts. Remember to check the IP code to identify the amount of water a helmet can handle.
Conclusion
After thoroughly going through this article, you should now have a clear understanding of how to select the right helmet with lights. You are now prepared to make a choice based on your specific needs. If you really want to have a light on your helmet, then you cannot go wrong if you pick from among the products that we have listed.
We have put in a lot of time, research, and thought to determine that these products are truly the best in the market. There is indeed a wide variety to choose from according to your requirements.
These helmets are guaranteed to serve you well and proactively keep you safe by ensuring that you remain visible to motorists on the road. So don’t wait; go ahead and buy one from our list. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and we hope you found it useful.