Helmets

Cycle and e-bike helmets, fitted in our London shops

Helmets for city, commuting and cargo riding, from UNIT 1 and Smith, plus helmets for children. If you ride an e-bike, look for NTA-8776 certification — a higher protection threshold than the EN-1078 baseline every helmet meets. Fit matters as much as the model, so it is worth trying a few on.

Also worth a look: Bike Locks & Security and Family Bikes.
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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special helmet for an e-bike?

Not legally, and any EN-1078 helmet is a real helmet. But there is a standard written specifically for e-bike riding — NTA-8776 — and it is worth considering. UK e-bikes limit assistance to 15.5mph, so it is not about speed alone; it is that you hold a steady pace for longer, often on a heavier or loaded bike. The UNIT 1 AURA and NEON carry it.

What does NTA-8776 mean?

It is a standard for e-bike helmets. It tests to a higher impact energy than EN-1078 and asks for more coverage at the temples and the back of the head. Think of it the way Sold Secure Diamond works for locks — not a legal requirement, but a higher threshold you can look for.

What is MIPS, and is it worth having?

MIPS is a low-friction layer inside the shell that can shift a few millimetres during an angled impact, reducing the rotational force that reaches your head. Most real falls are angled rather than straight-on, which is the case for it. It is fitted as standard on the UNIT 1 AURA, NEON and FARO, and on Smith's Convoy and Transit.

Do helmets with built-in lights replace my bike lights?

No — treat them as an addition. A helmet light sits at head height, where it clears parked cars, panniers and child seats and sits nearer a driver's eyeline than a seatpost light, which is genuinely useful in traffic. Keep your bike lights fitted and working as well.

How should a helmet fit?

Level on the head rather than tilted back, with roughly two fingers' width above the eyebrows. Snug enough that it does not shift when you shake your head, but without pressure points. The straps should form a V under each ear, with the buckle clear of the jawbone. We will check all of this with you in the shop.

What size helmet does my child need?

Measure around the widest part of the head, just above the eyebrows — age is an unreliable guide, as children's heads vary a fair bit within any age. The UNIT 1 SPARKY covers 49–53cm, roughly ages 3 to 9. Bring them in and we will check it sits properly before you buy.

When should I replace a helmet?

After any crash where it took an impact, even if it looks undamaged — the foam is designed to crush once. Otherwise most manufacturers suggest replacing a helmet every five years or so, sooner if it has been dropped hard, left somewhere hot, or the padding and straps have started to go.

Which helmet suits the school run?

For the rider, an NTA-8776 helmet makes sense on a loaded family bike. For the child, the SPARKY's rear light is the strongest argument: on a longtail the child sits higher and further back than your own rear light, which by then is behind a seat, rails and panniers. If you are still choosing the bike, start with Family Bikes.