For most riders, the Lumos Ultra is the smart cycling helmet that reviewers recommend most often, the Unit 1 Faro suits riders who want long battery life and emergency alerts, the Livall models suit riders who want speakers and a microphone, and the Abus Hyban suits riders who only want a simple rear light. The right choice depends on how much electronics you want on your head, how often you ride in the dark and whether you ride a fast e-bike.
Our top picks
ILM Smart Adult Bike Helmet Front Side- Safety: Meeting NTA-8776, CPSC, CE, and ASTM standards,…
- 360° Visibility: Stay visible from all directions with…
- Turn Signals and Brake Light: The gravity-sensing turn…
LIVALL EVO21 Smart Bike Helmet with Light- What If You Crash and No One Knows?…
- iF GOLD AWARD WINNER: Experience the top 1%…
- 360° Smart Visibility: With all-angle coverage, brake warning…
LUMDEER E-Bike Smart Helmet NTA 8776 Certified- Ride with Confidence: LUMDEER e bike helmet is…
- Turn Signals & Auto Brake Light: Control front…
- Photochromic Visor: The removable magnetic photochromic visor automatically…
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| ILM Smart Adult Bike Helmet Front Side | Safety: Meeting NTA-8776, CPSC, CE, and ASTM standards,… 360° Visibility: Stay visible from all directions with… Turn Signals and Brake Light: The gravity-sensing turn… | Check price |
| LIVALL EVO21 Smart Bike Helmet with Light | What If You Crash and No One Knows?… iF GOLD AWARD WINNER: Experience the top 1%… 360° Smart Visibility: With all-angle coverage, brake warning… | Check price |
| LUMDEER E-Bike Smart Helmet NTA 8776 Certified | Ride with Confidence: LUMDEER e bike helmet is… Turn Signals & Auto Brake Light: Control front… Photochromic Visor: The removable magnetic photochromic visor automatically… | Check price |
 Bike Helmet | Smart LED Display Safety System: Smart LED Display… Personalized DIY Patterns: Stand out with 100+ LED… Light Up Every Ride: With smart helmet designed… | Check price |
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
What a Smart Helmet Adds
A smart cycling helmet is a normal helmet with extra electronics: lights, and sometimes turn signals, brake lights, speakers, a microphone or crash detection. The lights give drivers a second, higher point of visibility. The signals are typically controlled by a small handlebar remote, so you do not have to take a hand off the bars for long. Some models connect to a phone app for settings and ride tracking.
The extras do not change the basic job of the helmet. Protection comes from the shell, the foam, rotational protection such as MIPS and a good fit. Treat the smart features as a bonus, not a substitute. Also note that several of the roundups behind this guide are affiliate-style lists, so rankings may lean toward the biggest brands. Read the specifications rather than relying on a single pick.
Smart Helmets at a Glance
| Helmet | Best for | Key stated specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumos Ultra | All-round visibility with turn signals | Front, rear and side LEDs, handlebar remote, automatic brake lights, Team Sync for group rides; MIPS on select versions; about 6 to 10 hours of runtime depending on the review | Heavier than a plain helmet; frequent charging; MIPS only on some versions |
| Lumos Ultra E-Bike | Faster e-bike riders | NTA 8776 certified per ScooterMatch, retractable face shield, MIPS | Higher tier of the range |
| Unit 1 Faro | Long battery life and safety alerts | Front and rear lights, brake lights and turn indicators, battery of about 30 hours, SOS feature, about 580 g in medium per Discerning Cyclist; MIPS optional | No built-in music or calling per that review; premium tier |
| Unit 1 Aura | Riders who want crash detection | MIPS, crash detection and 360-degree lights per an e-bike roundup | Premium tier |
| Livall BH60SE Plus | Riders who want audio and calls | LED lights with wireless remote, Bluetooth speakers, microphone, fall detection with SOS, about 630 g in medium per Discerning Cyclist | Heavier; MIPS not mentioned |
| Livall L23 | Budget visibility with a visor | LED lights and removable visor per ScooterMatch | No turn signals and no MIPS per that review |
| Abus Hyban | Simple rear light with long runtime | Integrated LED tail light, 180-degree visibility, about 400 g in medium; runtime listed from 50 to 150 hours | Non-rechargeable battery and rear light only per Discerning Cyclist |
| Sena R2 EVO | Group rides with an intercom | Mesh intercom and integrated LED taillight per one roundup | Aimed at communication more than visibility |
Lumos Ultra
ScooterMatch names the Lumos Ultra the best all-around smart helmet, citing CPSC and MIPS certification, TUV-rated 360-degree LED visibility and handlebar-controlled turn signals. Discerning Cyclist lists a 370 gram medium weight, an average 10 hour battery and a Team Sync feature that coordinates signals in group rides. Another reviewer, E-Bike Revolt, lists 430 grams, six hours of runtime, automatic brake lights from an accelerometer and Apple Find My compatibility. These figures differ between sources, so look at the maker’s current specifications for your version before you decide. Reviewers consistently note that MIPS is only on select versions, so check which one you are buying.
The cons that reviewers raise are modest: it weighs more than a plain helmet, the LEDs need regular charging, and some features depend on the app. For commuters who ride at dusk in traffic, the turn signals and brake lights are the main attraction.
Unit 1 Faro and Aura
Discerning Cyclist describes the Faro as a premium helmet loaded with safety features, with front and rear lights, brake lights, turn indicators, an SOS emergency contact feature and a battery rated at about 30 hours. It has a built-in microphone and speakers but, according to that review, no music or calling without external earphones. MIPS is an optional add-on. The Unit 1 Aura appears in E-Bike Revolt’s roundup as a MIPS helmet with crash detection and 360-degree lights. Both suit riders who want automatic alerts for contacts if they fall, but crash detection depends on a phone connection and cannot replace telling someone your route.
Livall Models
Livall appears in the roundups as a budget or audio-focused choice. The BH60SE Plus, per Discerning Cyclist, combines LED lights controlled by a handlebar remote with stereo speakers, a windproof microphone, hands-free calling and fall detection with an SOS alert. At about 630 grams in a medium it is heavier than the competition, and the reviewer notes higher battery drain. The L23 is a simpler model with lights and a removable visor, though ScooterMatch notes it has no turn signals and no MIPS.
Hands-free calling and music raise a separate safety question: riding with audio can mask traffic sounds. Keep the volume low or use only voice prompts, and follow local laws on headphones while cycling.
Simple Light-Equipped Helmets
If you only want a rear light, the Abus Hyban and similar helmets keep things simple. Discerning Cyclist lists a 180-degree LED tail light with a battery that lasts from 50 to 150 hours, but it is non-rechargeable and rear-only. The same review covers budget helmets such as the Zacro and PHZ models, with rechargeable rear lights and runtimes of 8 and 45 hours respectively in slow-flash mode. These offer visibility at low cost, though they do not match the protection credentials of the higher-tier models, and the review does not mention MIPS on them.
E-Bike Riders and NTA 8776
ScooterMatch notes that the Lumos Ultra E-Bike version carries NTA 8776 certification, the Dutch standard for speed pedelecs up to 28 mph, and adds a retractable face shield. E-Bike Revolt also lists the Favoto as a budget e-bike helmet with NTA 8776 and turn signals. If you ride a fast e-bike, look for the certification on the label itself, not just in a product description, and confirm the speed class suits your bike.
Battery, Charging and Care
Battery life is the weakest point of most smart helmets. A helmet that runs out of charge on the way home has no more lighting than a standard one. Charge on a routine, such as every weekend, and carry a short USB cable. Keep the contacts clean and dry, and follow the maker’s manual for washing: many makers advise removing the electronics or avoiding soaking. Do not leave the helmet in a hot car, since heat can damage both the foam and the battery. As with any helmet, replace it after a crash, even if it looks undamaged.
Budget, Mid-Range and Premium Tiers
Budget. Livall L23, Zacro and PHZ helmets offer basic lights and a visor. They are good for visibility but offer fewer protective credentials.
Mid-range. The Lumos Ultra in its base versions and the Abus Hyban sit here, with signals or longer runtime respectively.
Premium. The Lumos Ultra E-Bike, Unit 1 Faro and Aura, and Livall’s full-featured models carry more electronics and higher certification, at a higher cost.
Pick This Helmet If You
| Situation | Pick |
|---|---|
| Want turn signals and brake lights in a mainstream helmet | Lumos Ultra |
| Ride a fast e-bike | Lumos Ultra E-Bike or another helmet marked NTA 8776 |
| Need long battery life and emergency alerts | Unit 1 Faro |
| Want crash detection with MIPS | Unit 1 Aura |
| Want speakers and a microphone | Livall BH60SE Plus |
| Want only a rear light and long runtime | Abus Hyban |
| Ride in a group with comms | Sena R2 EVO |
Alternatives
- A protective helmet plus a clip-on light. E-Bike Revolt picks the Giro Syntax MIPS as best overall for protection, with no built-in lights. A separate rear light can fill that gap.
- Bike-mounted lights. Lights on the frame and a helmet light together give the best visibility.
- Reflective straps and clothing. Inexpensive, and they do not need charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart helmets replace bike lights?
No. Helmet lights add height and a second light source, but local rules usually require lights on the bike itself. Many riders use both.
Is MIPS available on smart helmets?
On some. Reviewers say Lumos offers MIPS on select versions, and Unit 1 offers it as an option on the Faro. Check the exact model before buying.
How long do the batteries last?
It varies by model and mode. Discerning Cyclist lists about 10 hours for the Lumos Ultra, 30 hours for the Unit 1 Faro, and 50 to 150 hours for the Abus Hyban. E-Bike Revolt reports six hours for the Lumos Ultra, so confirm the figure for your version.
Are smart helmets heavier?
Generally yes. Discerning Cyclist lists 370 to 630 grams in medium sizes across the smart models, with Livall at the heavier end. Try the fit for neck comfort on long rides.
Is it safe to listen to music while cycling?
It can reduce awareness of traffic. Keep the volume low, use voice prompts for navigation, and check the law where you ride.
Do I need an NTA 8776 helmet for my e-bike?
It is not required everywhere, but it is a certification designed for higher-speed pedelecs. If your bike assists at higher speeds, choose a helmet carrying it.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!