Helmets are an essential part of cycling safety! And without one, you could end up seriously injured if not worse after an accident on a bike. Moreover, in most states, it is illegal to ride a bike without a helmet.
Let's be honest:
Who likes walking around with large full-face helmets or a bag to hold your helmet after you are done riding? Our guess is not that many persons do. Moreover, it isn't the safest move to strap your helmet onto your bike handlebars when you are done biking as that makes it easy to steal.
As such, getting a collapsible bike helmet is one of the best moves you can make to get rid of the hassle. Instead of lugging around a heavy cycling helmet, you can easily use a folding helmets. They are easy to store and, in most cases, weigh less than a regular helmet while still providing sufficient protection.
In this article, we'll go over the best folding bike helmets that you can buy to protect yourself while cycling conveniently.
Best Collapsible Bike Helmet
Here are the best foldable bike helmets for commuting to consider:
- Overade Plixi Fit Foldable Bicycle Helmet
- FEND Folding Commuter Bike Helmet
- Brooks England Foldable Helmet
- Closca Collapsible Helmet
- Brilliant Bikes - 174Hudson Stack Portable folding Helmet
- Morpher - Flat Folding Helmet
Overade Plixi Fit Foldable Bicycle Helmet
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This collapsable helmet is one of the best folding helmets you could buy right now. It folds features a five-step folding or unfolding process that is very quick to complete. Moreover, it looks very stylish while still providing adequate protection for your head.
The Overade Plixi is built with ABS plastic for the shell, which makes it very durable. And for the inner material, it uses Expanded Polystyrene that is very firm but soft enough that you won't really notice it. When both materials are paired together, you get a very durable bicycle helmet.
The foldable design also allows this folding helmet to be very breathable and adds to the comfort. So if you are someone that hates wearing a bike helmet, you would most likely change your mind after giving this one a try.
Reasons to Buy
FEND Folding Commuter Bike Helmet
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The FEND helmet is an excellent folding helmet for commuters. It comes in 2 colors of matte black and matte yellow and looks very stylish. Moreover, it folds by 50%, which makes it easy to store in almost any type of bike bag.
In terms of safety, this foldable bicycle helmet offers one of the highest safety ratings. It even exceeds the US CPSC and European EN1078 safety criteria. This means you get the same and, in some cases, better security for your head than some really expensive bike helmet.
If you need a safe, stylish, and foldable helmet, this fend helmet is an excellent choice.
Reasons to Buy
Brooks England Foldable Helmet
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The Brooks England Carrera Folding helmet is a little more basic than some of the other options on this list. When folded, the size is only reduced by 20%, which is less than most of the other options. However, it meets all the safety criteria necessary, so you can feel assured that it can protect your head.
The design of the helmet is where it shines as it comes in two colors and is very lightweight. This folding helmet only weighs 330 grams. Moreover, its design allows for great ventilation. The look and finish of it might not be to everyone's standards, but we felt that it is very unique.
Reasons to Buy
Closca Collapsible Helmet
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One of our favorite helmets of all time is this one from Closca. It is one of the best collapsible helmets you can find online. And sports a unique look that most persons will love.
The Closca Collapsible helmet weighs just 580 grams. Moreover, when folded, this helmet is more than 50% smaller than when it isn't folded. This large reduction means that it will fit in your bag easily. And you won't have any issues with taking it with you everywhere.
The Closca helmet also features an NFC that you can set up to contact an emergency number. So in the case where the already impressive protection fails, you can quickly call to get help.
Reasons to Buy
Brilliant Bikes - 174Hudson Stack Portable folding Helmet
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The Stack collapsible bike helmet is a great bike helmet for commuters or to take bikepacking with your bike. This helmet is very stylish and comes in 4 unique colors. Moreover, it is a self collapsing helmet that reduces by almost 50% when folded in.
The helmet is very lightweight as it only weighs 330 grams. Moreover, it meets all safety requirements and will sufficiently protect your head.
Overall this helmet is perfect for commuters and persons that don't want to wear a heavy helmet. It is reasonably affordable and should fit most riders since they offer them in different sizes.
Reasons to Buy
Morpher - Flat Folding Helmet
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The Morpher helmet is another excellent collapsible helmet that you can fold almost completely flat. It is much easier to fold up than the Overade Plixi and could literally fit in a small bag or your pocket if it is large enough.
The helmet folds up neatly and is securely held together by strong magnets when folded. Moreover, it is just as easy to put on as any other cycling helmet and is just as safe as some of the most rigid ones you can find.
Weighing in at just .63 KGs, this folding bike helmet is super light, and you won't even notice that you are carrying a bike helmet around with you.
Reasons to Buy
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Best Foldable Bike Helmet
To ensure your safety while riding a bike, wearing a helmet is non-negotiable. But finding the right helmet can be a challenge, especially if you want one that is easy to store and transport. Here's what to consider when shopping for a foldable bike helmet.
Helmet Volume
Another important factor to consider when choosing folding helmets is the volume of the helmet. Some foldable helmets are more bulky and take up more space when folded, while others are more streamlined and take up less space. If you are short on storage room or need to carry your helmet on a bike rack or in a backpack, you may want to opt for a smaller volume when folded.
Cheaper Helmet vs. Expensive Helmet
Like most products, folding helmets can range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper helmet, it's important to remember that the price of a helmet is often an indication of its quality.
For example, the cheaper helmet may be made with lower-quality materials or have fewer features, which could impact their performance in the event of a crash.
On the other hand, an expensive helmet may be made with higher-quality materials and have additional features that make it more comfortable and protective. Therefore, it's important to balance price and quality when choosing folding helmets.
The Closca Helmet
One popular option in the world of foldable bike helmets is the Closca helmet. This helmet is known for its unique three-in-one design, which allows it to be worn as a full-coverage helmet, a half-coverage helmet, or a baseball cap. It also has an adjustable fit system and lightweight construction, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for riders of all levels.
Extra Pads and Other Features
Some foldable bike helmets come with extra pads or other features that can help improve the fit and comfort of the helmet. For example, some helmets have adjustable fit systems that allow you to adjust the helmet to fit your head. Others may have additional ventilation holes or a built-in light, which can be helpful for commuters who ride at night. Consider what features are most important when shopping for folding helmets.
Head Sizes
You must consider your head size when shopping for a foldable bike helmet. Most helmets are available in multiple sizes, so you can choose one that is a good fit for your head. If unsure of your head size, you can measure it using a tape measure or try on different sizes to see which one feels the most comfortable. In addition, it's important to find a helmet that fits well, as a poorly fitting helmet may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.
Safety
Ultimately, the most important factor to consider when choosing a foldable bike helmet is the safety of your head. Look for a helmet that meets CPSC and EN1078 safety standards, which means it has been thoroughly tested and certified to protect your head in the event of a crash. You should also consider the materials used in the construction of the helmet, as well as
The Bottom Line
If you truly hate biking with regular cycling helmets, then buying a foldable bike helmet is a good idea. They are very compact, and as is the case with the items we've listed weigh less than regular helmets. Moreover, they offer the same and sometimes even better protection than the other helmet types.
These are our top choices in collapsible bike helmets. We hope you've found one that suits you, but if not, do check this page often as we will update it once we've reviewed any other folding helmet.
FAQ
Is a collapsible bicycle helmet safe?
These types of foldable helmets are just as safe as any other bicycle helmet. They are often more stylish but still feature a sturdy build. So you can rest assured that they are very safe to wear while cycling.
Can folding helmets only be worn when cycling?
No, you can wear folding bike helmets for almost any other type of sport. However, some of them will only protect you from impacts below 20 MPH. Make sure you check if your preferred bike helmet covers the safety rating.
What is a foldable bike helmet, and how does it differ from a regular helmet?
A foldable bike helmet is a type of cycling helmet designed to fold down to a smaller size for convenient storage. It typically has a folding mechanism built into the design, allowing the helmet to collapse easily when not in use. These helmets are often more lightweight and less bulky than traditional helmets, making them a popular choice for commuters who don't want to carry around a heavy helmet.
How does the folding mechanism on a folding bike helmet work?
The folding mechanism on a folding bike helmet works by allowing the helmet to be collapsed along predetermined lines or hinge points. This can typically be done by pressing a button or pulling on a tab, which releases the helmet and allows it to be folded down. The specific mechanism may vary depending on the brand and model of the helmet, but they all generally work in a similar way.
Can the straps on a collapsible bike helmet be adjusted?
Yes, most collapsible bike helmets have adjustable straps that can be tightened or loosened to fit the wearer's head size. These straps are typically located under the chin and around the back of the head, and they can be adjusted using a buckle or slide mechanism. It's important to make sure the straps on your helmet are properly adjusted to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Is a bulky helmet more protective than a foldable helmet?
Not necessarily. While some people may feel that a bulkier helmet provides more protection, the primary factor in a helmet's protective ability is its construction and materials. A helmet that is properly designed and constructed with high-quality materials can provide just as much protection as a bulkier helmet, regardless of its size or shape.
What are the pros and cons of the FEND helmet compared to a cheaper helmet?
One of the main pros of the FEND helmet is that it is designed to meet or exceed CPSC and EN1078 safety standards, which means it has been thoroughly tested and certified to protect your head in the event of a crash. It also has a stylish design and a folding mechanism that allows it to be easily stored when not in use. The main con of the FEND helmet is that it may be more expensive than some cheaper helmet options.
Can I use a folding helmet on an e-bike?
Yes, you can use a folding helmet on an e-bike just like you would use it on a regular bike.
Is it possible to find a cheaper helmet that still meets safety standards?
Yes, it is possible to find a cheaper helmet that still meets safety standards. While some helmets may be more expensive due to their construction, materials, or design, there are also many budget-friendly options available that are certified to meet CPSC or EN1078 safety standards. When shopping for a cheaper helmet, be sure to look for one that is certified to meet these standards to ensure that it will provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.
Are there any specific safety standards that a folding helmet should meet?
Yes, there are several safety standards that a folding helmet should meet to be considered safe for use while cycling. The most common standards are the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards for bike helmets in the United States and the EN1078 standards for bike helmets in Europe. Both of these standards require helmets to undergo rigorous testing and meet certain criteria to be certified as safe for use. Therefore, it's important to make sure your helmet meets these standards to ensure that it will provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.
Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Daniel White