Best kids’ bike helmets 2024

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

If you haven’t got time to scroll through the entire list, then these are our top three picks from the bunch, covering a range of budgets.

• Best budget option: Decathlon 500 kids helmet (£15.99) - Simple, affordable and safe.
• Best mid-range option: Hornit kids' bike helmet (£29.99) - Fun designs and afro-friendly.
• Best premium option: Bell Sidetrack II MIPS Youth (£69.99) - MIPS-equipped, packed with features.

Best kids’ bike helmets

Here you’ll find our list of recommended kids’ bike helmets, catering for a wide range of uses and budgets, with prices ranging from £15.99 to £69.99.

How to choose from the best kids’ bike helmets

If you’re in need of a bit more buying advice before you make a purchase, then here are some of the key things to consider.

Is wearing a helmet a legal requirement?

In the UK it’s not a legal requirement for anyone to wear a helmet while cycling.

In some other parts of the world (such as Australia and certain US states) it is a legal requirement, so do check in the location you’re riding.

Does my child need to wear a bike helmet?

Assuming it’s not a legal requirement, or mandated by the location, event or club, then you need to make that decision yourself.

Many parents choose to make sure their child is always wearing a helmet, but there can be issues if your child point blank refuses to put one on their head (a common issue amongst toddlers and teenagers!)

To help with the decision making process, take a look at our article, should my child wear a bike helmet?

What is MIPS and do I need it?

When researching bike helmets you’ll inevitably come across MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) or other forms of rotational impact protection.

The thinking behind it is that in the event of a crash, when the helmet (and the head) make contact with a hard surface like the ground, the force applied to the head isn’t linear impact, but a “rotational shearing force”.

MIPS is a thin layer inside the helmet that moves freely and encourages the outer shell of the helmet to move independently of the head on impact, while the MIPS layer stays in place and continues to cradle the head. 

It’s believed to help reduce brain injury in the event of a crash. There are now other brands producing their own rotational impact protection, but MIPS is still the most commonly found in kids’ helmets.

In terms of whether or not you need it, there’s no definitive answer. It’s no bad thing to have an extra layer of protection, but it does come at a cost, so it’s entirely up to you. The helmets listed here without MIPS still pass standard safety tests and perform well.

For more on this subject read our article, does my child need MIPS in their cycle helmet?

What are the safety standards a child’s helmet should meet?

There are multiple safety standards tests carried out on cycling helmets, and as a parent it’s only natural to want to make sure your child’s helmet offers them full protection from injury. For a quick answer to this question, the key standard for bike helmets you want to look for is EN 1078 (European) or BS EN 1078 (UK), which covers all the helmets listed here.

To better understand this topic, we’ve done a deep dive into the safety standards to look out for when buying a kids bike helmet.

What size helmet does my child need?

Much like with a pair of shoes, a poorly fitted helmet will cause problems: discomfort if it’s too tight, and slipping if it’s too loose, with the latter having the potential to cause injury. That’s why you should never be tempted to buy a helmet that’s too big, for your child to ‘grow into’.

All the helmets we’ve recommended here come with different size brackets, some have multiple size options to choose from, and it’s important to measure the circumference of your child’s head before buying, so that you know you’ll get a good fit. Ideally you’ll be able to get a helmet where they’re at the lower end of the bracket, so there’s room for growth, but you must be able to adjust the sizing to fit snugly from the outset.

For help with this, here’s our guide to how to measure your child’s head for a bike helmet.

How tight should a helmet be?

Once you’ve got the right size helmet, it’s important to fit it correctly. Good quality bike helmets will come with adjustability features, like buckles to adjust the length and angle of straps, and twist dials to tighten or loosen the grip.

To summarise, a helmet should be tight enough that it doesn’t slip or move around the head, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. Straps should sit flush against the skin with room enough to slip a finger or two underneath, and the helmet should sit about two fingers’ widths above the eyebrows.

For more detailed instructions, check out our guide: Is your child’s bike helmet fitted correctly?

Are cheaper kids' bike helmets less safe?

We all know the saying ‘you get what you pay for’, so it’s natural to wonder whether or not a cheap kids’ bike helmet is going to provide enough protection for your child. 

While it’s true that the more you pay, the more flashy features and latest technology you’ll have, depending on your child’s style of riding, you might not necessarily need all that. As long as the helmet you buy passes standard safety tests, it will be fine, and all the helmets we recommend do.

If you’re on a very tight budget, look no further than the B’Twin 500 children’s helmet from Decathlon. It’s lightweight, provides the standard protection needed, and only costs £15.99.

Having said that, it does come down to individual needs. If your child is a bit of a daredevil, if they’re riding off-road and tackling technical mountain bike trails, then we really would recommend investing a little more in something with extra protection, like MIPS.

When should I replace my child’s bike helmet?

Helmets don’t last forever unfortunately, and it’s important to know when it’s the right time to replace them.

First and foremost, if your child ever has a crash where there’s been impact to the head, you MUST replace the helmet afterwards. Helmets are only designed to protect against impact once. As soon as the shell has been exposed to those linear and rotational forces, the structural integrity can no longer be guaranteed.

It’s also crucial to know that even if your little one is a model rider who never has any accidents, their helmet still has a limited lifespan. As a general rule you should consider replacing your child’s helmet every 2-3 years, because not only will their head continue to grow, but the helmet will gradually deteriorate over time. This is due to exposure to sunlight, sweat, and changing temperatures. Most helmets will have a label inside with a date stamp that tells you when it was manufactured, so you know exactly when it’s time to replace it.