Top 8 Best Bike Helmets for Kids In 2021 Review & Buying Guide

If your child rides a bike, they should undoubtedly wear a helmet. Happily, in the last few years, the quality of kids’ bike helmets has gone up, and the price has come down. Now, even the best bike helmets for kids don’t need to cost a fortune.

There are plenty of different styles, as well as price points. We’ve covered most of the bases to help you get a better idea of what’s currently available.

So, let’s get to it and take a closer look and find the perfect one for your child…

Top 8 Best Bike Helmets for Kids On The Market In 2021 Reviews

1 Giro Scamp MIPS Youth Bike Cycling Helmet – Best Bike Helmet for Toddlers

This has most of the features you’d expect to find on high-end adult helmets. But before we go on to examine these in more detail, let’s take a moment to explore the looks and colors.

More important than many people think…

It might seem unimportant to think about a helmet’s aesthetics. However, when you’re not around to supervise, how a helmet looks could be the difference between your little one leaving it in the garage or putting it on their head.

The good news is that this is a good-looking helmet. It’s got a wide choice of great colors and designs. Moreover, these are geared to both boys and girls. Whatever your child’s style, there’s an excellent chance there’ll be a helmet in the range they’ll love.

Roc Loc Junior fit system…

The helmet has a strong in-mold construction and uses the Roc Loc Junior fit system to get the best possible fit. There are two sizes available and a useful size chart to ensure you get the right one. The Giro Scamp MIPS Youth Bike Cycling Helmet can be used for a toddler as young as 12 months.

Impressively, the helmet features Multi-Directional Impact Protection or MIPS for short. This is a feature that helps to minimize rotational forces in the event of an accident. These kinds of pressures are often caused by glancing blows and are common in cycling. Without MIPS, a glancing blow can cause the neck to twist rapidly and can consequently lead to spinal injuries.

Great ventilation…

The helmet also features a generous amount of venting. It’s sufficient to keep your little one from feeling overly hot even on the warmest of summer days. This is an essential consideration as it’s something else that’s liable to stop your child from taking off their helmet because they feel uncomfortable.

2 Giro Tremor MIPS Youth MTB Bike Cycling Helmet – Best Bike Helmet for Older Kids

The Giro Tremor is for older children and has the design cues of adult helmets that find most favor with mountain bike and cross bike riders. If your child is either, there’s no doubt that they will love the visor and heavily vented styling.

There are eight colorways in all. The color choice is much more subdued and adult than the Giro Scamp, but then again, that’s hardly surprising. Since it’s geared to older children, the more grown-up look is much more suitable.

Tough polycarbonate shell…

The Giro Tremor has an in-mod tough polycarbonate shell. This is a material frequently used for motorcycle helmets, so you can be assured of its strength. Additionally, it’s also fitted with MIPS, which we believe is the most critical safety feature if your budget allows.

The closure system is a Roc Loc Sport Fit. This is what you find on similar adult helmets, and it’s about as good as it gets. It has a seven cm range and is similar to the Roc Loc 5 closure system. It’s quick and easy to use, and so long as you choose the right sized helmet, you’ll get a perfect fit every time. What’s more, it also has ponytail compatibility for any child with long hair.

Now, that’s rather cool…

Venting is first class. There are 18 vents in total, which reflects the fact that it’s an action-focused bike helmet that’s likely to be used off-road and on trails and around the house and neighborhood. Consequently, your little one is likely to build up a sweat and, therefore, will need plenty of vents to stay cool.

Finally, it’s also lovely and light and has a quick-drying inner liner that soaks up excess moisture.

3 BELL Nomad Jr. MIPS Bike Helmet – Best Action Bike Helmet for Kids

Bell is best known for its long history in the manufacture of motorcycle helmets. They have a first-class reputation in the motorcycling world, and happily, they have an equally high standing in the cycling world too.

The Bell Nomad Jr. has a tough in-mold all polycarbonate outer shell. This is fused with an EPS foam liner in a process that was initially pioneered by Bell. The result is a helmet that is super-strong and dependable.

The look?

As well as being tough, it also looks it. The lines and design are all very aggressive. The choice of either black or matte white add to its testosterone-fueled appearance. These are the only two color options with happy smiley colors banned.

It has a large detachable visor, so this is very much a helmet to be worn when negotiating trails and cyclocross courses. The huge vents are also pointers to its suitability as an action bike helmet. Though it could be used for just knocking about the local area, regardless, wherever it’s used, we can’t imagine that anyone will take off the visor.

Great features for action biking kids…

One feature we’re delighted to see is the inclusion of MIPS. Quite simply, considering the price, it’s very welcome and is an indicator of how MIPS is slowly filtering down to much more affordable helmets. It’s a trend we hope continues to keep trickling down.

Another feature we’re also happy to see is the newly improved ERGO FIT closure system. Formerly know as the ERGO DIAL, this latest version no longer requires you to push a button. This means it’s now faster, smoother, and easier to operate.

4 Joovy Noodle Bike Helmet – Best Budget Bike Helmet for Kids

Next, in our reviews of the Best Bike Helmets for Kids, we have a great affordable helmet for your little ones. It’s suitable for children between one to four years though slightly younger children could also use it. There are two sizes available though we would caution you to get the larger one if you’re unsure as the sizes tend to run somewhat small.

There’s a reasonable range of bold color choices though frankly, we think that they could still have been a little more imaginative.

Dial fit system…

The Joovy Noodle comes with a good quality dial fit system that’s easy to use to secure a good fit. The dial fit mechanism and the chin strap both have enough adjustability to still fit as your child grows.

The helmet is reasonably light, and the generous number of vents is also useful in keeping your child comfortable.

Unfortunately, the Joovy Noodle is not equipped with MIPS. However, at this low price-point, it’s hardly a surprise. The entry-level helmets with MIPS would still be twice the price of the Joovy Noodle. Although it doesn’t have MIPS, it does meet US CPSC safety standards.

Is that good?

The standards we have to say are not exceptionally high. However, for slower and less adventurous riding, this kind of safety level should be adequate in most circumstances. As they get older and start to ride faster, a helmet with MIPS will be a bigger priority.

Finally, the helmet also comes with a detachable visor. It looks super cool, and your child is likely to thank you as it will also keep the sun out of their eyes.

5 Razor V-17 Youth Helmet – Best Pre Teen Bike and Skateboarding Helmet

The Razor V-17 helmet is for older children between the approximate ages of 8 to 14. The styling is unmistakably all about skateboarding. This kind of helmet is most likely to double up for use both on the bike and on a skateboard.

So, what’s it like as a cycling helmet?

The outer shell provides reliable protection and is strong enough to pass the basic US CPSC safety standards. The inner padding is also sufficient to cushion your child’s head in the unlikely event of an accident. The helmet even comes with extra padding that can be inserted to get a perfect fit.

The buckle and straps can secure the helmet tightly to your child’s head, but this is not a smooth and easy-to-use system. Compared to dial fit mechanisms, it feels old-fashioned and cumbersome. It’s not a deal-breaker yet; it could be better.

Depending on your child’s level of biking…

Venting is another area where things could be improved upon. There’s no doubt that there’s ample venting with a total of 17 vents. However, these are not well placed for cyclists. There’s very little thought to rear exhausts or aerodynamics, which are a factor to consider as your child gets older.

The Razor V-17 only comes in a single size to fit heads between 22” to 23.5”, which is very limiting. Additionally, it only comes in a choice of three colors, which also is less than comprehensive.

A versatile performer…

All in all, it’s a good choice for any child that spends a lot of time on both their bike and skateboard. If they’re more focused on cycling, it’s a helmet that we wouldn’t recommend. It should also be mentioned that it doesn’t have MIPS, though, at this price-point, it’s perfectly acceptable.

6 Retrospec CM-1 Classic Commuter Bike/Skate/Multi-Sport Helmet – Best Affordable Multi Sport Helmet for Kids

This is an affordable helmet that can be used across a lot of different sports. At a young age, children can seem to be involved in a multitude of activities and sports. If this applies to your son or daughter, the Retrospec CM-1 could be a good option as a single helmet.

How does it compare to the Razor?

Straight off the bat, a couple of advantages it has over the Razor V-17 helmet we’ve just reviewed is that it offers a choice of sizes and a much better choice of colors. There are three sizes, small, medium, and large. Plus, ten colorways that feature some interesting options. The Pine Grain finish possibly being the standout.

It has an ABS outer shell and EPS foam padding. It’s an inexpensive helmet, so it doesn’t have MIPS and can’t offer the same standard of protection as more expensive and dedicated bike helmets. However, it has passed a range of basic safety requirements for cycling, skateboarding, and skiing.

Who is this for?

The design is primarily that of a skateboarder’s helmet. Consequently, it uses straps and buckles rather than a dial fit mechanism. You still get a good fit, but it’s not as easy to use as a typical cycling helmet.

Venting is also inadequate for a cycling helmet. There are insufficient vents at the front and not enough at the rear for exhaust air. Additionally, their channeling over the top of the helmet, to improve cooling, could be significantly enhanced. It’s okay for riding leisurely on a trail or around the city, but the truth is that it will be found wanting if it’s hot and the going is more intense.

7 Krash! Youth Mohawk Helmets – Best Mohawk Bike Helmet for Kids

This leaves us almost lost for words!

It’s a multi-purpose helmet that has a huge rubber mohawk running down the center. It makes it pretty much one of a kind, and we’re sure it’s something that will bring a smile to the face of your child or anyone who sees them wearing it. There are a total of seven crazy designs and colors to choose from.

That’s all well and good, but the important question; is it safe?

Fortunately, yes, it is…

At this price-point, it offers comparable safety to helmets in the same class. It has a robust outer shell and an EPS foam inner shell. It meets the basic US standards and is additionally ASM certified. All the kinds of stuff you’d expect from a helmet that’s part of the legendary Bell Helmet group.

Unfortunately, though, since this is a multi-purpose helmet, you get the same limitations found on most other similarly designed helmets.

Including…

Firstly, the fastening system is a bit basic. It relies on straps and buckles that work fine, but that take a bit of time to get set-up correctly. Why they can’t use a dial fit system, even at this kind of affordable price, we honestly don’t understand.

Secondly, the ventilation sucks. On a hot day, there are going to be some sweaty heads. For a bike helmet, a few small slots cut into the top of the helmet are simply not good enough. This is even more so as it’s a helmet for older kids between 8 and 13.

Your child will love it!

All in all, despite a couple of negatives, this is a perfectly good helmet that offers very fair value. What’s more, if the fun and radical styling gets your child to wear it, that’s a huge win in our books.

8 Kali Protectives Chakra Youth BMX Cycling Helmet – Best BMX Helmet for Kids

It’s nice to be able to include a BMX helmet as our last choice.

The Kali Protectives Chakra Youth BMX Cycling Helmet is suitable for children over six years old. It’s made for head sizes between 52cm to 57cm. There isn’t another child’s size. However, it’s based on the universal and large adult Chakra helmet. Consequently, if you have an older child, the adult helmet will have a good chance of fitting. You will, of course, need to check out the sizing chart first.

The Chakra Youth BMX Helmet comes in a choice of limited colors. There are just four to choose from. The designs are OK, but they could be better.

Fused shell…

For optimum strength, it has a fused shell. The inner shell is well padded and comfortable. Plus, there is also a micro bacterial layer to soak up the sweat on those hotter and more strenuous days.

Ventilation is also well taken care of. This is one of the best bike helmets for kids as far as ventilation is concerned. It has 21 large and well-placed vents, which are more than sufficient to keep your child cool regardless of the conditions. Happily, the placement of the vents also does nothing to interfere with its strength and structural integrity.

Fits like a glove, well… like a helmet, but you know what we mean…

Finally, we’re very pleased to see a quality dial fit system. It not only helps to guarantee a good fit but also means it’s suitable for a wide range of different sized heads and head shapes.

Best Bike Helmets for Kids Buying Guide

MIPS

This is a safety feature that creates a slip plane between the outer and the inner shell. Its purpose is to reduce the rotational forces upon the head and neck in the event of an accident. The reason for it is to minimize the chances of sustaining a spinal injury as a result of a violent twisting force.

These types of injuries are caused by glancing blows and are relatively common. Although a standard helmet will protect you from a direct impact, without MIPS, you are left susceptible to a range of preventable problems.

Sounds important. Why doesn’t every kid’s helmet have MIPS?

Once MIPS was only seen in premium helmets, but with trickle-down technology, we are seeing them at much more affordable price-points. It’s something that all good quality bike helmets for kids should be equipped with. The Giro Scamp, Giro Tremor, and Bell Nomad Jr. all have MIPS at very reasonable and affordable prices.

If you have the budget, it’s a safety feature worth paying the extra for.

Closure Mechanisms

A good closure mechanism isn’t only about convenience. The truth is that a suitable closure mechanism will help you get a better fit and can also increase the range of sizes that any helmet is ideal for. The best closure systems for a cycling helmet are some form of dial fit mechanism.

Dial Fit systems can be operated single-handed and tighten the helmet around all sides of the head. In comparison, helmets without it require two hands. Plus, they don’t tighten the helmet in all directions.

Why’s that so important?

Dedicated cycling helmets, even at the more affordable end of the market, like the Kali Protectives Chakra Youth BMX Cycling Helmet, now routinely have this feature. Sadly, multi-purpose helmets don’t. This is another item on our checklist that we think is worth having. After all, a better fitting helmet is undoubtedly a safer helmet.

Sizing

Before purchasing a helmet for your child, you need to pay very close attention to the manufacture’s sizing chart. The fact is that having a poorly fitting helmet will vastly affect their effectiveness. It’s as bad as having a poorly fastened one.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers’ charts run true to size. The Giro Scamp and the Joovy Noodle Bike Helmet are both guilty of this. For this reason, it’s worth taking a bit of extra time to read some of the reviews, as any sizing issues will quickly become apparent.

Rule of thumb…

If you are unsure about what size to buy, always go for a larger size. Most helmets have a reasonable level of adaptability. At the worst, if the helmet is too big and you don’t want to return it, put it in a cupboard and wait a couple of years. It won’t be long before it’s the right size!

Ventilation

Having a well-ventilated helmet is very important for children.

If you live in a hot country, this will be even more important. Additionally, as your child gets older, it’s likely to be even more so. This is because they will be likely to spend more time on the bike and ride more vigorously.

For smaller kids playing in the garden or taking short rides in the park, it’s altogether less critical.

Whenever ventilation is likely to be a serious consideration, opt for either of the Giro or Bell helmets. Alternatively, if you’re happy to have a helmet without MIPS, the Kali Protectives Chakra Youth BMX Cycling Helmet has the very best ventilation of all the helmets on our list.

Sporty Kids

Depending on the age and level of biking your kid is into, we’ve got some reviews worth a look for you.

If you have a toddler, check out our reviews of the Best Child Bike Seats, the Best Balance Bikes, and the Best Tricycles for 2 Year Olds currently on the market!

The Best Bike Helmets, the Best Bicycle Tool Kit, the Best Bike Racks, the Best Trunk Mount Bike Racks, our Best Bike Chains Review, our Best Bike Lights, and Best Bike Mirrors reviews are for those with older kids really getting into adventure biking or families who bike together.

Either way, with kids and even furry kids, you may also be interested in top reviews for the Best Car Upholstery Cleaners, the Best Car Vaccum Cleaner, and the Best Dog Ramp for SUVs you can buy in 2021?

Back to the best kids bike helmets…

So what are the Best Bike Helmets for Kids?

So, there you have it. An interesting selection of some of the best quality bike helmets for kids.

Whatever helmet you select from our list, you can be assured that they are all US certified. You can also be assured that your child will have a vastly improved level of protection in the event of an accident compared to wearing no helmet at all.

We’d be happy for any of our children to wear one of the helmets in our review. However, if we had to choose just one as our top pick, it would be the…

Giro Tremor MIPS Youth MTB Bike Cycling Helmet

We like this helmet because it’s exceptionally well vented, it’s lightweight, and it uses the excellent Roc Loc Sports closure system. Plus, and most importantly, it has MIPS.

Enjoy your bikes and enjoy your rides.