The Best Kids Bike Helmets – Over 90 Tested!

Kids’ bike helmets aren’t just cute accessories; they’re crucial safety gear that provides life-saving protection. Over the past 15 years, we’ve tested more than 90 kids’ helmets. Along the way, we’ve found some standout options—and a few to avoid.

Our top picks are listed in the chart below, but keep reading for our individual reviews of each helmet. And don’t forget: measure your child’s head before purchasing any helmet! An improperly fitted helmet won’t protect as it should and can be uncomfortable to wear.

Our Favorite Bike Helmets for Kids

These helmets are designed for older kids with head circumferences over 50 cm (19.6”). If your child’s head is smaller, check out our guide to the Best Bike Helmets for Babies and Toddlers.

Additional Kids Bike Helmets Options

1. Ozark Trail Youth, $19 – Super Budget Older Kids, MTB style
2. Retrospec Remi Kids or Adult Remi (larger sizes), $35+ Fun, Clean Skateboard Style
3. Outdoor Master, $29 – Dual-certified, Classic Skater Style
4. Bern Nina/Nino DRVT, $79 – Unique Sporty Style with Flippable Visor
5. Thousand Jr., $59 – Dual certified, Retro Style (best for smaller heads!)
6. Smith Sidekick Jr., $95 – Highly adjustable MTB style

Specialty Helmets

1. Ozmo Sidekick, $99 – The ONLY kids helmet certified for ebikes (44-53cm)
2. Kali Maya Full Face, $155 – Full face protection with removable chin bar (50-54cm)
3. Unit 1 Sparky, $120 – Large LED Flashing light for high visibility, Smart Chip ID (49-53cm)

SAFETY TIP: If you decide not to purchase a helmet we recommend, please avoid “no-name” helmets with random brand names. These helmets are commonly found online and are often recalled for failing to meet safety certifications and required guidelines. Check our Recall List to stay informed about unsafe helmets.

KIDS BIKE HELMETS MINI-REVIEWS

Whether you’re looking for a helmet for your preschooler on a balance bike or your tween riding to school, we’ve got you covered! If your child will be using their helmet for skateboarding as well as biking or scootering, be sure to choose a dual-certified option like the Outdoor Master or Thousand Jr.

For each age group, our mini-reviews start with our top favorites, followed by additional recommendations ranked from cheapest to most expensive—so you can find the best fit for your child and your budget.

Why We Love the Giro Fixture

Note: The Fixture II also comes in a “Universal Women’s” size, which is identical to the Youth version in both helmet size and features but offers different color options. Many listings combine both Women’s and Youth helmets.

The Giro Fixture II is everything you could want in a youth bike helmet—lightweight, well-ventilated, easy to adjust, and secure. Its rubber-grip dial-adjust knob and soft, pre-set side straps make achieving a great fit effortless.

Comfort is a standout feature of the Fixture II. Premium padding made from technical materials and integrated air channels help minimize sweat for long-lasting comfort. Additionally, the helmet incorporates the latest MIPS technology for enhanced protection, with covered MIPS anchors that prevent long hair from getting caught.

The fixed side straps make getting a proper fit easier for most of our kid testers. However, the inability to tighten these side straps has been problematic for some kids.

Why We Love the woom READY Helmet

The woom READY is our top pick for younger riders thanks to its incredible fit, extended coverage, and easy-to-use design. Unlike many kids’ helmets that require constant tweaking, the READY’s shape naturally contours to a child’s head, minimizing the need for adjustments. Plus, the fixed ear straps take the guesswork out of fitting—just adjust the chin strap, and you’re good to go!

One of our favorite features is the completely redesigned magnetic buckle, which makes fastening quick and pinch-free. The extended rear and side coverage provide extra protection where it matters most, and the lightweight EPP foam visor helps shield little faces from bumps and scrapes. With 12 large vents, it also keeps kids cool and comfortable, even on warm rides.

Whether they’re riding in a bike seat, trailer, or a balance bike, the woom READY is designed to keep young riders safe while making parents’ lives easier.

Why We Love the Giro Scamp

The Giro Scamp has been a top choice for kids’ bike helmets for nearly a decade—and for good reason. Lightweight and equipped with a dial-adjust fit system, it offers exceptional comfort for young riders. Plus, the availability of MIPS technology adds an extra layer of safety, making it a favorite among our testers.

In February 2024, Giro introduced the Scamp II, bringing exciting upgrades to an already fantastic helmet. It features improved ventilation and a new ratcheting buckle—a rare and incredibly pinch-proof design that’s become our favorite over the past 14 years. We’re thrilled to see it included in the Scamp II!

Families can choose between two price points to suit their needs: $75 for the MIPS version or $55 without. A pop-in LED light is also available. The Scamp’s design is slightly shallow, which works well for most kids but might not fit as comfortably on children with taller foreheads. For those kids, the deeper-fitting Giro Fixture II could be a better option.

What to Know About the Ozark Trail Youth Helmet

While we generally recommend investing in higher-quality helmets, we understand that a $50+ price point isn’t always feasible. If you’re looking for an affordable option, Walmart’s Ozark Trail Youth helmet is a solid budget pick at just $20. It sports a sleek, modern MTB look, features a dial-adjust fit, and includes soft athletic padding—all while offering decent ventilation for its price range.

However, the lower cost does come with trade-offs. The outer shell is glued rather than molded to the foam, making it more prone to dents or cracks over time. Additionally, the chin straps are super slick which cause the sliders beneath the ears to slip out of place, leaving the helmet to shift out of place.

Quick fix: Use blue painter’s tape to keep the sliders in place! Adjust the straps to form a “V” around your child’s ears, then wrap a small piece of painter’s tape around the outside strap at the slider position to prevent slipping.

If it still slides, add another layer of tape until it stays put. (Slipping upward isn’t usually an issue, so you can focus on just below the slider.)

What We Love About the Remi

Cute, fun, and durable, the Retrospec Remi delivers quality and performance at an affordable price. Available in four sizes to fit all ages and a variety of colors and designs (for both kids and adults), it’s easy to find a Remi helmet that suits your style.

Some standout features include the white rubber bumper around the helmet edge for added protection, reflective and durable chin straps, and comfortable athletic padding.

As a budget helmet, the Remi does show its price point in its weight. At 430 grams, it’s a bit heavier than the 390-gram Thousand Jr., which, although pricier, is dual-certified for both biking and skateboarding and includes a magnetic buckle for added ease of use.

What We Love About the Outdoor Master

Available in a wide range of colors, the Outdoor Master Skateboard Helmet is a fantastic budget-friendly option that’s truly dual-certified for both skateboarding and biking.

While similar skate-style helmets flood sites like Amazon and Walmart, we love the Outdoor Master for its reliable fit and rare dial-adjust system—a feature uncommon in budget helmets. Importantly, it meets the safety standards for both biking and skateboarding, unlike many “skate-style” helmets that look the part but lack actual certification for skateboarding.

The only downside is its weight, but heavier construction is typical for budget-friendly skate helmets. Unless you significantly increase your budget, expect any economical skater-style helmet to be on the heavier side.

What We Love About the Bern Nino/Nina DRVT

We’ve tested several versions of the Bern Nina/Nino over the years. While we’ve always loved its style and performance, the rear Velcro closure was a consistent drawback. That’s why we’re thrilled about the latest DRVT version, which replaces the Velcro with a dial-adjust closure system!

The DRVT also version takes it up a notch with Bern’s unique DRVT system, an alternative to MIPS that helps reduce rotational energy in crashes with padding featuring a sliding membrane layer. If you’re looking for a multi-sport helmet, the Nina/Nino can also be fitted with an optional winter liner.

One important note: older versions of the Nina/Nino without the dial-adjust knob are still available, so double-check that you’re purchasing the DRVT version. Also, the Nina and Nino are identical helmets differentiated only by color options.

Why we Love the Thousand Jr.

Who says a bike helmet can’t be stylish and safe? The Thousand Jr. and Thousand Heritage helmets combine safety and vintage-inspired style, making them a great choice for kids who want a cool accessory that’s also protective.

The Thousand Jr. is specifically a kids helmet, but its size range is on the smaller end meant for younger kids. If you have an older child with a head circumference of at least 54 cm, the Thousand Heritage adult helmet in the small size could be a great option!

Thousand helmets stand out in safety thanks to two key features. First, they are dual-certified for both biking and skateboarding, making them versatile for active kids. Second, the helmets come with an integrated visor that stays firmly in place, providing face protection in the event of a face-plant.

Why We Love the Smith Optics

Our testers choose the Sidekick for its adult MTB styling, excellent ventilation, and fit. As parents, we love the helmet’s high-quality construction and how well it stays in place, even during active riding. With over 70 helmets tested, the Smith Sidekick has proven to be one of the most secure options.

The Sidekick’s fit system offers several adjustment points, including a unique rear dial adjust and cage system that wraps snugly around the back of the head. This cage can be shifted to ensure the dial rests comfortably on the occipital bone, allowing for a custom fit that’s highly secure.

SPECIALITY HELMETS

What We Love About the Ozmo Sidekick

The Ozmo Sidekick is unique as the only kids’ helmet with NTA-8776 certification, a standard created for eBike speeds. This makes it an excellent option for kids who often ride as passengers on their parents’ eBikes and need extra protection.

Its reinforced shell, extended coverage, and integrated MIPS system provide a higher level of impact protection than traditional CPSC-only helmets. For families who frequently use eBikes, it’s among the safest helmets you can choose.

In addition to safety, the Sidekick was designed with children in mind. The rear adjustment dial, locking ear straps, and easy-to-grip star knob make it simple to achieve a snug fit. Features like shock-absorbing bumpers, a built-in visor, and airflow channels also add comfort and durability.

While the added protection makes it heavier than a standard helmet, the tradeoff is worth it for parents prioritizing maximum safety during eBike rides.

What We Love About the Kali Maya Child

The Maya is a 2-in-1, durable, high-quality helmet that has a removable chin bar – wear it as a regular helmet for more casual riding, or as a full face for more technical terrain (cross-country MTB, skate parks, pump tracks, etc). 

Keep in mind that for aggressive downhill riding, you should consider a full face helmet with the ASTM 1952 DH (downhill) rating. Like many full face helmets, the Maya is NOT rated for DH. Its visor is adjustable up and down by simply turning a small knob.

For increased brain safety, the Kali Maya kids full face helmet features Quad Core Low Density Layer (LDL). LDL is Kali’s take on the more well-known MIPS brain safety system. Per Kali’s website, LDL “reduces rotational impact forces up to 25%, and reduced low-g linear forces up to 30%.”

What We Love About the Unit 1 Sparky

For families who value visibility, the Unit 1 Sparky is hard to miss. Its oversized rear LED panel cycles through 45 different colors and patterns, making it both eye-catching and safety-forward. Kids love experimenting with the light modes, while parents appreciate the added security of being so easily seen.

The Sparky also includes a built-in Safety ID tag. With a quick smartphone scan, emergency contact information is displayed, a small but smart detail that provides extra reassurance in the event of an accident or if the helmet gets lost.

Finally, optional silicone add-ons let kids personalize their helmet with playful flair, turning safety gear into something they’re excited to wear.

How to Choose the Best Helmet for Your Child

For a more detailed discussion about how to choose and fit the perfect kid’s bike helmet, check out our post: Kids’ Bike Helmets Sizing and Buying Guide. If you’re looking for something quick, here’s a short summary of the most important things to look for to find the best helmet for girls and boys approximately 5 to 12-years-old.

Size – Circumference in King!

If a child’s bike helmet doesn’t fit, it’s not going to help protect their head in the event of a crash! Kids helmet sizes come in ranges that represent the circumference of your child’s head. For example, a helmet with a size range of 52 – 57 cm fits kids with a head circumference in that range.

That said, kids helmet sizing can actually be a bit tricky because everyone’s head isn’t shaped the same. Some kids have wide heads, others narrow. Some helmets are wider, while others are more narrow. So even if your child’s head circumference fits within a helmet’s range, if your child’s head is wide and the helmet is narrow, it might not fit.

In general, skater-style helmets are rounder all the way around and are a more sure bet for kids with wide heads.

Weight – Lighter is Better

The lighter the helmet the better. Wearing a heavy helmet can get tiring over time and can make it more likely for a child to refuse to wear a helmet. As a child gets older this is less important because their neck muscles are stronger, but younger kids definitely resist wearing heavy helmets.

Adjustability – Dial Adjust for a Perfect Fit

Once you find the right size helmet, it can still be tricky to get it adjusted correctly so that it stays snuggly on your child’s head. But a helmet with a proper fit is a necessity for kids’ bike safety.

The easiest helmets to adjust for a perfect fit have a dial-adjust system at the back of the helmet that makes the helmet’s inner cage larger or smaller to cradle your child’s head.

Other (cheaper) kids helmets have pads of varying thickness that you swap out to get the right fit, or no adjustment system at all! These helmets generally don’t fit as accurately, and over time you have to swap the pads out as your child’s head grows. Hopefully you can find those pads when the time comes!

Buckle – Standard vs. Magnetic

Most helmets come with standard buckles that can pinch a child’s neck when buckling or un-buckling. Higher-end helmets now feature magnetic “pinch-free” buckles. While more expensive, they are worth the price if you can afford it.

MIPS – Multi-Directional Impact Protective System

MIPS is a brain safety technology that adds an additional layer of safety to a helmet. If an impact occurs, a plastic inner cage rotates with your child’s head to provide better multi-directional impact protection. MIPS helmets are more expensive but are becoming very common. You can read all about the science behind MIPS on their website.

To be fair, there are some that don’t believe MIPS adds as much safety as it claims. Those opposing arguments are nicely summed up on helmets.org.

While MIPS was the pioneer in this technology, some helmet brands have developed their own systems designed for a similar purpose. KinetiCore by Lazer, SPIN by POC, and Quad Core by Kali Protectives are examples of this.

Bike vs. Multi-Sport Kids Helmets

Most bike helmets are only certified for biking use. (This also includes using a scooter or hoverboard.) If your child is going to be skateboarding as well, they need a dual certified helmet that is designed to protect from impacts from crashes while biking or skateboarding.

Not all helmets that are skateboard-style are actually dual certified. A dual certified helmet will have stickers on its interior that say CPSC and ASTM. Check out our full list of favorite dual-certified helmets here.

Related Kids Bike Helmets Articles

Kids’ Helmet Sizes Guide: Don’t buy the wrong size helmet! Just follow our easy guide.

The Best Helmets for Babies and Toddlers: Need a smaller size? Try our list for the littlest noggins.

22 Fun Kids Bike Accessories: For more ideas for kids protective gear and unique accessories for bikes.