MIPS Helmets: What’s The Tech and Is It Worth It?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 8, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Helmets save lives, and we know that for sure. But there’s a bit more discussion about MIPS technology and the extent of the impact-protection benefits it provides.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
I’m a big nerd when it comes to bicycle safety. I won’t say that you need to experience a crash to become a “true” cyclist— that is ridiculous gatekeeping— but you surely become a wiser one after suffering a fall or traffic incident. I’ve been in a couple of collisions myself (stories for another day) and my helmet was one of the reasons I was able to walk away relatively unscathed.
Riding safety isn’t only about wearing a helmet, but helmets are a crucial ingredient— we’re talking must-have e-Bike accessories here. I probably don’t need to remind you, but please always wear your helmet. In the pursuit of ultimate head protection, many modern bike helmets come with a MIPS layer. In this article, I’ll explain how this thin layer of plastic can reduce the risk of brain injury and if the science really checks out.
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What is MIPS?
MIPS technology can usually be recognized by its characteristic yellow webbing inside of a bicycle helmet. It stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System and was designed to help redirect rotational motion away from the head in the event of an impact.
The low-friction layer can move slightly during an impact, potentially lowering the rotational forces that can worsen a brain injury. The MIPS protection is essentially a thin plastic floating shell which sits close to the head on the inside of the helmet. Helmets equipped with MIPS will have a MIPS sticker and, while the inner layer isn’t always yellow, it’s pretty easy to spot in the interior of the helmet.
How does MIPS work?
The advantage of the MIPS system revolves around the low-friction layer’s ability to move slightly inside the helmet. This slight sliding effect helps redirect forces away from the head and reduce the motivational motion of certain impacts. Really severe concussions and brain injuries happen, in part, due to rotational motion— basically, when your head gets hit but your brain continues to move or rotate inside your skull in response to the impact. The fact that the MIPS layer can slide between 10 to 15 millimetres may help distribute and reduce those impact forces.
Riders wear a MIPS helmet just like any other bicycle helmet. You may feel the layer when wearing the helmet, but helmet brands adapt the lids to achieve the proper fit and size with MIPS.
How much do MIPS helmets cost?
When MIPS was first introduced, the added layer came at a premium for bicycle helmets, increasing the retail price. Nowadays, there are many affordable MIPS-equipped helmets and the cost difference between MIPS and non-MIPS helmets of the same model has decreased, perhaps around $40.
In general, MIPS increases the price of a helmet— but there may be some bias since many helmets with MIPS are high-end models that would cost much more than a standard helmet anyway (due to features like ventilation, aerodynamics, and weight). But there are outlier brands like Kask that choose to produce pro-tier helmets without MIPS technology. In Kask’s case, its helmets are tested according to the WG11 standard to measure the rotational friction of the inside of the helmet.
Are MIPS bike helmets worth it?
The sticking point when it comes to confirming or debunking the effects of MIPS is that there is currently no recognized standard to test for reduction of rotational forces transferred to the brain. This prevents us from really knowing just how much of an impact MIPS has in reducing rotational forces and preventing severe brain injuries. Some engineers have called MIPS a bit of a marketing gimmick or claimed that having hair on your head provides a similar amount of slippage inside the helmet to reduce rotational forces.
But the most widely held opinion is that you probably shouldn’t skimp on head protection, and spending a bit more cash is a good idea, even if it only provides a slight benefit. And I agree with this. I’m inclined to think that extra peace of mind and potential protection boost is worth it. It’s an even better idea for electric bike users who travel at higher speeds or ride close to cars in traffic.
At the end of the day, though, most of the work is done for you already. All helmets sold in the US have to meet the strict CPSC standard that ensures the helmet offers high-quality protection. Instead of worrying as much about MIPS, the more important choice is buying from a reputable brand that makes a product you will love to wear all the time, whether that’s because of comfort or performance reasons. And may sure the helmet fits you properly— a loose or ill-fitting helmet provides significantly less protection.
But the most widely held opinion is that you probably shouldn’t skimp on head protection, and spending a bit more cash is a good idea, even if it only provides a slight benefit. And I agree with this. I’m inclined to think that extra peace of mind and potential protection boost is worth it. It’s an even better idea for electric bike users who travel at higher speeds or ride close to cars in traffic.
At the end of the day, though, most of the work is done for you already. All helmets sold in the US have to meet the strict CPSC standard that ensures the helmet offers high-quality protection. Instead of worrying as much about MIPS, the more important choice is buying from a reputable brand that makes a product you will love to wear all the time, whether that’s because of comfort or performance reasons. And may sure the helmet fits you properly— a loose or ill-fitting helmet provides significantly less protection.
What are the safest bike helmets?
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is well-known for its rigorous helmet tests and STAR evaluation system. Each year, they update their exhaustive bicycle helmet ratings based on their data, offering riders objective results on where to find the safest bicycle helmets. Some top-rated helmets have MIPS and some don’t, and these lab results are my preferred source of helmet safety information.
Upway sells a large variety of e-Bike accessories, including MIPS-equipped bicycle helmets. There’s a model for all types of riding, from commuter e-Bikes to lightweight road bikes. We specialized in getting you the best deal on a new or used electric bike from the top brands!
Key Takeways
- MIPS May Reduce Brain Injury Risk: MIPS technology helps redirect rotational forces during impacts, though its exact effectiveness lacks a universal testing standard.
- MIPS Helmets Are More Affordable Now: The price gap between MIPS and non-MIPS helmets has narrowed, with some high-end brands opting for other safety standards.
- Fit and Certification Matter Most: All helmets must meet CPSC safety standards; a well-fitting, reputable helmet is key for protection, with Virginia Tech providing trusted safety ratings.
