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Best Bike Helmets Under $100
This band adds rotational protection and lights over a basic helmet.
Updated · 3 min read · 3 products evaluated
Cheaper helmets give you basic impact protection and a dial. This band adds MIPS, a slip layer designed to reduce certain rotational forces, and integrated lights that make you easier to see at dusk.
All three sell strongly but have unverified ratings, so we judged stated specs only. MIPS is not a guarantee, and lights do not replace a proper bike light.
Short answer
The P2R A20 is our best overall: it names the CPSC standard, has MIPS and a USB rear light. The ILM adds front and rear lights and a tinted lens, and the OutdoorMaster is the MIPS choice with two liners but no light.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best MIPS Without Lights
OutdoorMaster MIPS Cycling Helmet
Riders who add their own lights
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 3
P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet
MIPS plus a named CPSC 16 CFR 1203 standard and a USB rechargeable rear light.
Best for
Commuters and dusk riders
Why we like it
The A20 combines MIPS, a polycarbonate shell, an EPS liner, 23 vents, a removable USB rear light with several modes and a rear adjustment system with removable padding. It states compliance with US CPSC 16 CFR Part 1203.
It is the only one here that names the full CPSC regulation and adds MIPS and lighting together. The ILM has a front light and lens but no MIPS. Measure your head first and check the size chart, because sizing is not given in numbers.
Key specs
| Features | MIPS, CPSC 16 CFR 1203, 23 vents, rear LED light |
|---|
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- MIPS system
- Named CPSC standard
- USB rear light
- 23 vents
Limitations
- No front light
- Size numbers not given
Consider it if
- Commuting
- Low-light riding
Skip it if
- Riders who want a front light
Best Visibility2 of 3
ILM E3-10L Helmet with LED Lights
Front and rear USB lights, a tinted lens and claimed ASTM, CPSC, CE and EN1078 standards.
Best for
Visibility on city streets
Why we like it
The ILM E3-10L has USB rechargeable front and rear lights with three modes, a detachable tinted lens, ten vents, a removable mesh liner and a size adjuster. It cites ASTM, CPSC, CE and EN1078 standards.
It lights both ends, which the P2R does not, but it has no MIPS and fewer vents. It suits e-trike and scooter riders on lit streets. The maker notes the electronics cannot be guaranteed, so treat the lights as supplemental.
Key specs
| Features | Front and rear USB lights, tinted lens, 10 vents |
|---|
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Front and rear lights
- Tinted lens
- Four named standards
- Removable liner
Limitations
- No MIPS
- Only ten vents
Consider it if
- Dusk commuting
- Eyeglass wearers
Skip it if
- Riders wanting MIPS
Best MIPS Without Lights3 of 3
OutdoorMaster MIPS Cycling Helmet
MIPS with 25 vents, a removable visor and two liner thicknesses.
Best for
Riders who add their own lights
Why we like it
The OutdoorMaster has MIPS, 25 vents, a removable visor, a fit dial, a skin-friendly chin strap and two liners of 0.23 and 0.31 inch to fine-tune fit over glasses or hair.
It has the best ventilation here and flexible padding, but no lights, and no safety standard is named in the details we have. Look for the CPSC sticker before buying and add lights separately.
Key specs
| Features | MIPS, 25 vents, two liners, removable visor |
|---|
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- MIPS system
- 25 vents
- Two liner thicknesses
- Removable visor
Limitations
- No standard named
- No built-in light
Consider it if
- Hot climates
- Glasses wearers
Skip it if
- Riders needing integrated lights
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|
| P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet Best Overall | MIPS, CPSC 16 CFR 1203, 23 vents, rear LED light | Check price |
| ILM E3-10L Helmet with LED Lights Best Visibility | Front and rear USB lights, tinted lens, 10 vents | Check price |
| OutdoorMaster MIPS Cycling Helmet Best MIPS Without Lights | MIPS, 25 vents, two liners, removable visor | Check price |
How We Chose These Bike Helmets Under $100
- Impact protection
- We weighed MIPS, which adds a layer to reduce rotational forces, alongside the safety standard each helmet names, since a helmet should state what it was built to meet.
- Visibility
- We compared built-in lights, tinted lenses and reflective trim, because a slow trike is easy for drivers to miss at dusk unless it carries lights.
- Ventilation
- We counted vents and noted liners, since a helmet that traps heat gets left in the garage on warm days.
- Fit adjustments
- We noted removable liners, visors and adjustable straps, because glasses, hair and head shape change how a helmet sits and whether it stays put.
What to Look for in a Bike Helmet Under $100
MIPS
MIPS is a low-friction layer inside the helmet that lets the shell rotate slightly in an angled impact. The aim is to reduce the rotational force that reaches the head.
Look for the MIPS name on the helmet and in the title. The P2R A20 and OutdoorMaster both include MIPS, while the ILM E3-10L does not. Pick MIPS if protection is your priority and the fit is still comfortable.
Built-in lights
A helmet with lights adds visibility without a separate bike mount, and a head height light is easy for drivers to spot. Battery or USB charging is needed, so lights are only useful when charged.
The P2R A20 has a USB rear light, and the ILM E3-10L has front and rear USB lights. The OutdoorMaster has no light, so add your own to the trike if you ride at dusk.
Safety standards
A helmet standard sets minimum impact performance, and in the US the CPSC rule is the legal baseline. A helmet that names its standard tells you what testing it must meet.
The P2R A20 names CPSC 16 CFR 1203, and the ILM E3-10L names four standards. The OutdoorMaster does not name one, so look for a standard sticker inside the helmet before buying.
Fit and sizing
A helmet only protects if it sits level, snug and low on the forehead. A loose helmet shifts in a crash, and a tight one causes pressure points that make riders stop wearing it.
Measure your head around the widest part above the eyebrows, then compare with the size chart. The P2R A20 gives no size numbers, so check the maker's chart or adjustment range before buying.
Ventilation and liners
More vents move air across the scalp, which matters in summer, while thicker liners add warmth and fill gaps. Removable liners let you adjust fit and wash sweat.
The OutdoorMaster has 25 vents and two liner thicknesses, the P2R A20 has 23, and the ILM E3-10L has 10. If you ride in heat, prefer more vents.
How to Choose
By Main Need
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Protection and a rear light | P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet | MIPS, CPSC standard and a USB rear light |
| Front and rear lights for city streets | ILM E3-10L Helmet with LED Lights | Front and rear USB lights with a tinted lens |
| MIPS and ventilation, adding your own lights | OutdoorMaster MIPS Cycling Helmet | MIPS, 25 vents and two liners |
MIPS vs Lights
- MIPS
- The P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet and OutdoorMaster MIPS Cycling Helmet add a rotational impact layer. Both have many vents, but the OutdoorMaster has no built-in light and names no standard.
- Lights
- The ILM E3-10L Helmet with LED Lights has front and rear lights, a tinted lens and four named standards. It has no MIPS and only ten vents, so it is warmer.
Choose MIPS if protection matters most, and lights if you ride at dusk.
For Dusk Riders Specifically
- Look for
- Look for a rear light, reflective trim and a named safety standard, since a slow trike needs to be seen as well as protected.
- In this comparison
- The P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet combines MIPS, CPSC and a USB rear light. The ILM E3-10L adds a front light and a tinted lens.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You ride at dusk or want MIPS plus lights, where the P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet combines both without a separate bike light.
- Save if
- You already have lights on the trike, where the OutdoorMaster MIPS Cycling Helmet gives MIPS and 25 vents for less fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MIPS matter?
MIPS is designed to reduce rotational forces in angled impacts, which are common in falls. It adds a layer inside the helmet and can slightly change fit. If it is within your budget and fits, it is a sensible extra.
Are helmet lights enough on their own?
They help, but they do not replace trike lights. A helmet light sits at head height and points where you look. Add bike lights and reflectors too, and charge the helmet lights before each ride.
Which helmet fits glasses best?
It depends on your frames, but the OutdoorMaster's removable visor and two liners give more fit options. Try glasses on with the chin strap adjusted, and check the temples do not press against the helmet.
Which helmet is coolest for summer?
The OutdoorMaster has 25 vents and the P2R A20 has 23, so both move more air than the ILM E3-10L with 10. Ventilation helps, but also pick the lightest liner and a light helmet color.
Is CPSC certification required?
In the US, bicycle helmets sold must meet the CPSC standard. The P2R A20 names CPSC 16 CFR 1203, and the ILM E3-10L names four standards. The OutdoorMaster names none, so look for a sticker inside before buying.
Bottom Line
The P2R A20 MIPS Bike Helmet is the best overall pick, with MIPS, a named CPSC standard and a USB rear light. Choose the ILM E3-10L if you want front and rear lights, or the OutdoorMaster for MIPS and 25 vents when you add your own lights.