Full Face Ebike Helmet vs. Standard: What's the Safest Choice?

The selection of an ebike helmet is as significant as the selection of an ebike. As the electric bikes can go faster and be used also on mixed terrain, the level of protection you select can play a powerful role in determining your safety. 

Although a standard bicycle helmet is suitable when a bicycle is being used to cycle around casually, more protection is usually required by riders in Class 3 ebikes, fat-tire e-bikes, and faster commuting bikes.

This guide will compare a full face ebike helmet and a traditional bike helmet and answer questions such as what is the safest ebike helmet, who should use which type of helmet, and what you should look for before riding.

What Kind of Helmet Do You Need for an E-Bike?

There is one thing that should be cleared before starting the comparison of designs: an electric bike helmet is not necessarily the same as a regular bicycle helmet. Due to the increased weight and the ability to travel faster, most riders require the use of helmets that would prevent the impact at 20-28 mph.

So when you are inquiring, “What helmet should I wear on an ebike? The answer is:

• Your e-bike’s speed class

• Terrain you ride

• Your riding style (commuting vs. off-road)

• Your comfort and visibility needs

Ebike Helmet Certification: What to Look For

Not all helmets are approved for e-bike use. A high-quality helmet for ebike should meet one or more of the following:

• CPSC (standard U.S. bicycle certification)

• EN 1078 (European bike certification)

• NTA 8776 (special e-bike certification for up to 45 km/h)

If you own a Class 3 ebike, an NTA-certified model is the safest choice.

Full Face vs. Standard Ebike Helmet: Key Differences

1. Standard Bike Helmet (Open-Face)

A traditional bike helmet for ebike use for protection and covers the top and sides of your head. It is light, breathable and suitable for casual riders.

Pros

• Very light and comfortable

• Best ventilation

• Great for short rides and low-speed city commuting

• Affordable options available

Cons

• Minimal chin and face protection

• Not ideal for high-speed or off-road riding

2. Full Face Ebike Helmet (Maximum Protection)

A full face ebike helmet that will cover your chin, jaw, cheeks, and the back of your head. The protection that this style provides is similar to that of a motorcycle, but not as heavy as an ebike helmet that is marketed as a ebike helmet full face

Pros

• Best impact protection

• Great for off-road, fat-tire, and fast e-bike riders

• Often includes visors for the sun and debris

• Safer for Class 3 or long-range high-speed rides

Cons

• Slightly heavier

• Less ventilation

• More expensive

Standard vs. Full Face: Side-by-Side Snapshot

Ebike Helmet With Visor, Lights, or Bluetooth?

Today's modern adult ebike helmet options include advanced features like:

1. Ebike Helmet With Lights: Built-in LED rear lights improve visibility during night or foggy commutes.

2. Ebike Helmet With Bluetooth: Great for riders who take calls or listen to navigation prompts.

3. Ebike Helmet With Visor: Useful for blocking sun glare, dust, and wind—especially if you ride fast.

Which Is the Best Helmet Ebike Riders?

The “best” helmet depends on your riding habits:

1. For city commuters: A lightweight electric bike helmet with lights or MIPS protection works well.

2. For off-road, fat-tire, or high-speed bikes: A full face helmet for ebike is the safest option.

3. For Class 3 or 28 mph bikes: Choose an NTA 8776-certified model, the standard for the safest ebike helmet category.

Real Ebike Helmet Reviews and Top 2025 Picks

The NTA-rated helmets are also noted to be the best ebike helmet 2025 choice in many ebike helmet reviews. These helmets endorse high speed with powerful protection. Riders value comfort pads, broad scopes of visibility and less wind noise.

Thousand Chapter MIPS — Premium Urban Safety

The helmet is a lightweight and stylish commuter helmet that uses the MIPS protection and also has built-in magnetic lights. Ideal to use by daily riders who are focused on visibility and comfort.

Giro Insurgent Spherical — Full Face Protection

A rough, downhill-perfect full face ebike helmet made of ebike that has impact absorption that is leading in the industry. The fat-tire e-bikes are ideal for off-road riders, those who need maximum safety on rough paths and anyone who requires their bike to be on rough surfaces.

ENGWE Smart Bluetooth Helmet — Connected Riding Experience

This ENGWE electric bike Smart Bluetooth Helmet accessory adds smart features to your bike. It has inbuilt Bluetooth speakers, hands-free call controls and inbuilt safety lights. Excellent for commuters who may want navigation instructions or voice alerts, but not suitable for use with earbuds.

Learn More

ENGWE Urban Bicycle Helmet — Lightweight Everyday Choice

An ENGWE ebike city riding helmet: It is a comfortable and properly ventilated helmet. It is characterized by its long-lasting construction, adaptable fit, and great head protection, which makes it a perfect match in the case of riders who want a convenient, cheap urban helmet.

Learn More

Smith Express MIPS — Reliable Commuter Performer

It has MIPS impact protection and good rear visibility, making it a popular helmet among urban cyclists who require confidence in high-speed commuting.

Ebike Helmet Law in California (Quick Guide)

Many riders ask about ebike helmet law California:

• Class 1 & Class 2: Helmets required for riders under 18

• Class 3: Helmets required for all ages

• Minors on e-bike passengers must also wear approved helmets

Conclusion

The selection of the right ebike helmet will be dependent on your type of riding style. The regular helmets are effective on relaxed and slow journeys, whereas the full-face helmets are more powerful in providing safety on intense or swift routes. Full face ebike helmet is usually chosen by riders who need the highest level of safety and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of helmet do I need for an ebike?

For most commuters, a bicycle-style electric bike helmet with MIPS or LED lights is sufficient. Riders on faster or off-road e-bikes should choose an NTA-certified or full-face helmet for added protection, especially when riding above 20 mph.

Is a full face helmet better for ebikes?

Yes, a full face ebike helmet offers superior protection for your jaw, face, and head. It’s the safest option for Class 3 e-bikes, trails, and high-speed riding. Commuters on slower e-bikes may prefer a lighter open-face helmet.

Do I need a special helmet for Class 3 e-bikes?

Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) require helmets for all ages in states like California. The safest choice is an NTA 8776-certified helmet because it’s tested for higher-speed impacts.

What is the safest ebike helmet?

The safest option is an NTA 8776-certified full face ebike helmet, which protects you at speeds up to 45 km/h. For city riders, a MIPS-equipped commuter helmet with LED lights is also highly recommended.

Do ebike helmets need lights or visors?

Not required, but highly useful. Ebike helmet with lights improves night visibility, while visors help block the sun and debris. These features make riding safer and more comfortable.