For city dwellers, cycling is usually the fastest (and most fun and environmentally friendly!) approach to get to work. But wearing a heavy, bulky helmet doesn’t make sense for many commuters, leading many to bike with no helmet—greater than half of American adults say they never wear a helmet while riding a bicycle – informed the National Safety Council. (AND Brain injuries account for the vast majority of all cycling injuries annually.)
It’s a risk that just is not price it, especially considering how easy it’s to search out folding bike helmets: most are lightweight and fold right down to a compact size that may slot in a bag (one even deflates!) — and so they all make driving loads safer.
What to search for in a folding bicycle helmet
While just about all folding helmets will probably be lighter and smaller than a conventional helmet, they differ in weight and volume. Depending on how you plan to make use of the helmet – will it slot in a handbag for the every day commute or can or not it’s clipped to a backpack for the occasional ride? – it could be kind of vital to you.
If you plan to commute by bike – or another place you ought to be sure that you get there well – ventilation may also be an element to contemplate. Some designs allow air to flow, reducing the chance of sweaty hair. Others will probably be just as hot as an everyday helmet.
While aesthetic considerations could seem less vital, you would like a helmet you will actually wear – so search for one that does not make you’re feeling silly. Most importantly, be sure that any helmet you purchase has been tested for safety: search for ones which were certified by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Finding a helmet that matches you well and is comfortable can be key, so search for options that provide multiple sizes or have a simple return process if you happen to don’t love it.
4 folding bike helmets to purchase now
FEND One Folding Bike Helmet – $119.00
It is smart that the Fend is loved by reviewers: its sleek design folds right down to half its original size, suits easily right into a backpack or shopping bag, and the adjustable knob ensures a comfortable and cozy fit, no matter head size. Folding and unfolding the helmet is straightforward and intuitive, and the design provides loads of ventilation, so my head sweats lower than with other helmets. The shape of the helmet looks pretty traditional when on (while among the others on this list have a rather more clumsy look).
The helmet can be equipped with reflective stickers for higher visibility.
- Light and folds to a small size
- Simple folding mechanism
- Elegant look
- Comfortable, fitted cut
- It is available in many colours
- Two size options
- Meets American CPSC and European EN1078 safety standards
- Does not lock when folded
- The padding gave me a small dent on my brow
Airnoggin – $99.00
As someone who has at all times struggled with inflating balloons, inflating the Airnoggin was a little bit of a chore for me (you will have to inflate it along with your mouth) and I used to be never sure if I inflated it enough. But for individuals who can inflate it quickly, the helmet could also be attractive as a result of its comfortable fit and exceptional safety rating (it is the only foldable helmet rated by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which gave it a five-star rating and claims that a soft liner protects it higher against rotational impacts than a conventional hard helmet). I felt a bit goofy wearing it and will have predicted it sweating on a protracted warm ride, however it’s actually a conversation starter.
- Lightweight and reduces size by 60 percent
- Exceeds CPSC and EN1078 safety standards and received a 5-star rating from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, higher than many hard shell helmets
- Soft, comfortable design
- Blowing up could be time consuming if you happen to haven’t got a number of hot air
- It takes a minute or two to deflate and assemble
- I could be hesitant to throw in a backpack or purse for fear of punctures
- It looks a bit silly
- No ventilation
Closca Loop Aurora – $79.90
Another helmet with a sleek design and a hassle-free fold/unfold mechanism, the Closca Loop Aurora is great value for a comparatively low price. Just press the highest or bottom of the helmet to fold or unfold it, reducing its height (its circumference won’t change, so it could not fit into smaller bags). The lightest helmet on the list, comfortable and available in some really great colours inspired by the Aurora Borealis.
- Extremely light
- Easy and quick folding and unfolding
- Available in 4 fun colours
- Some ventilation
- Comfortable cut
- Two size options
- Meets CPSC and EN1078 standards
- It folds flat (circumference doesn’t change), so it could not fit smaller bags
- He gave me a brow line
- The futuristic look is probably not for everybody
- Some reviewers report issues with the clasp and/or strap over time
Overade Plixi Fit – $131.00
For a helmet with a really small footprint within the bag, there may be Overade’s Plixi Fit, which folds in several directions (albeit in a rather complicated way) to a compact shape of 1 third of its size when unfolded. From an aesthetic perspective, it shouldn’t be much to have a look at, however it is sort of comfortable and can do the job (safety! Prevents brain injuries!).
- Light and folds to a really small size
- Some ventilation
- Comfortable cut
- Meets CPSC and EN1078 safety standards
- A bit complicated to fold and unfold
- Does not lock in place when folded
- Basic traditional helmet look
