At city speeds, a helmet isn’t just a formality—it’s what stands between your head and a curb when things go wrong. E-bike riders deal with tighter traffic, faster rides, and daily conditions that a standard bike helmet isn’t built for. That’s where the Giro Camden MIPS and Giro Ethos MIPS come into the conversation. They both claim to handle the demands of urban commuting, but they take very different approaches—one puts its weight behind impact protection, the other goes all in on visibility tech. I’ve broken down what each one offers, where they fall short, and who they’re actually suited for. There’s also a third option that doesn’t get as much attention but deserves a serious look. Without further ado, let’s dive into the comparison.
Table of Contents
Giro Camden MIPS vs Giro Ethos MIPS: A Real-World Comparison
|
Feature |
Giro Camden MIPS |
Giro Ethos MIPS |
|
MIPS Safety Technology |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Integrated Rear Light |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Integrated Front Light |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Turn Signals with Handlebar Remote |
❌ |
✅ |
|
USB-C Charging |
❌ (Micro-USB) |
✅ |
|
NTA 8776 E-Bike Certification |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Adjustable Ventilation |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Magnetic Buckle |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Weight (Medium) |
Approximately 690g for size Medium |
Approx. 475g |
|
Sizes |
S (51–55 cm), M (55–59 cm), L (59–63 cm) |
S (51–55 cm), M (55–59 cm), L (59–63 cm) |
|
Price |
$150-$180 |
$280 |
|
Best For |
Riders who want simple, safe, low-maintenance commuting |
Commuters who need high visibility and smart lighting features |
Giro Camden MIPS vs Giro Ethos MIPS: Fit and Comfort
Both the Giro Camden MIPS and Giro Ethos MIPS feel heavier than your average bike helmet. They weigh around 490g and 480g respectively and that extra weight comes from added coverage and commuter-focused features. The Camden, in particular, has a bulky profile that some riders say looks oversized, though that’s partly because of the extended foam meant for higher-speed e-bike impacts. The Ethos is a bit sleeker, but still noticeably larger than a standard lid.
Both helmets use Giro’s Roc Loc fit systems—Air in the Camden, City MIPS in the Ethos. Once dialed in, the fit feels snug and stable without pressure points. The padding is soft on both, and the Ethos adds an antimicrobial liner, which is a nice touch for daily use. The magnetic Fidlock buckle is a small detail that makes everyday wear easier, especially with gloves on.
Ventilation is where the differences show. The Camden has closable vents that help trap warmth in cold or wet weather. But fewer vents means it can get hot fast in the summer. The Ethos has 12 fixed vents and stays cooler on warm rides. Neither helmet includes ear coverage, which some riders prefer for staying aware of traffic.
For riders who want more coverage and insulation, the Beam’s Virgo Integral MIPS takes things a little further. With its full-face design, it’s heavier than both the Camden and Ethos, but once it’s on, the weight feels evenly distributed. Commuters say it stays comfortable during longer rides and doesn’t feel bulky in motion. The ventilation is strong enough to keep air moving while you ride, and the enclosed design blocks cold wind better than any open-face helmet.
Giro Camden MIPS vs Giro Ethos MIPS: Urban Visibility and Customization
The Camden’s built-in rear light does the job after dark. It lights up the back of your head with a soft red glow that’s easy for drivers to catch in low light. But once the sun’s out, it fades into the background. It just doesn’t have the brightness to stand out against daylight, brake lights, or glassy traffic. Most drivers won’t notice it unless they’re looking right at you, and that defeats the point. If your commute happens early in the morning or late at night, fine. If it’s midday or late afternoon, don’t count on it.
The Ethos handles things differently. Its front and rear LED strips are brighter and more visible in all kinds of light—fog, dusk, cloudy afternoons, you name it. But the real difference is the side visibility. Most helmets are invisible from the side, which is exactly where cars creep up. With the Ethos, you’re lit up from every angle. You also get turn signals controlled from the bars, which sounds like a gimmick but ends up making you more predictable. With the handlebar remote Ethos triggers turn signals on the helmet and when you press it, amber lights flash on one side to show drivers which way you're turning before you make your move.
Giro Camden MIPS vs Giro Ethos MIPS: Safety Certifications
Safety is paramount for e-bike riders given the higher speeds, heavier frames, and close interaction with cars, buses, and unpredictable road conditions. This is where we see some major differences among these helmets.
The Giro Camden MIPS stands out for one key reason—it’s certified under the Dutch NTA 8776 standard, which was designed for e-bike riders moving at speeds up to 45 km/h. That certification means it has thicker foam, more coverage around the back and sides, and tougher impact requirements than a regular bike helmet. For daily riders, that translates to a real sense of protection when mixing with traffic or riding at higher speeds.
The Giro Ethos MIPS, on the other hand, sticks with the basic US CPSC certification. It still has MIPS and solid coverage, but it wasn’t built for speed-pedelec conditions. That makes it better suited to riders who value visibility over maximum impact protection. It’s lighter than the Camden and feels less bulky, but there’s a trade-off in crash readiness.
Giro Camden MIPS vs Giro Ethos MIPS: Tech Features and Accessories
The Camden MIPS doesn’t come loaded with extras, but that’s part of its appeal. There’s no remote to charge, no apps to install, and nothing to set up before your ride. You press a button to turn the light on and that’s it. For commuters who just want something they can throw on and forget, that’s a win. You don’t have to think about syncing devices or whether your handlebar remote is still paired. But that simplicity also means fewer tools to work with. There’s no way to adjust brightness, no way to signal anything, and no front visibility built into the helmet itself. If you ever need more flexibility, Camden doesn’t really have a path for that.
The Ethos MIPS takes a more tech-driven approach, building lighting and turn signals directly into the helmet to give riders more control and visibility on the road. The handlebar remote controls everything—blinking modes, brightness, and turn signals—and gives you a bit more control without having to take your hands off the bars. It doesn’t need a phone app, which keeps things simple, but it still feels like a step up from a passive helmet. The system works well once you get used to the startup routine. You’ll need to charge both the helmet and the remote every few days, but for riders who like having more control baked into their gear, that trade-off makes sense.
Giro Camden MIPS vs Giro Ethos MIPS: Pricing and Value for Money
If you’re after solid protection without messing around with extra gadgets, the Camden MIPS is probably your best bet. It usually sells for around $150 to $180 and gives you a tough, NTA-certified shell, MIPS, and a built-in light. It’s not loaded with features, but it covers what matters. And honestly, for the price, that’s a strong deal.
The Ethos MIPS is on the other end of the scale, sitting closer to $270. That price gets you turn signals, bright wraparound lights, and a handlebar remote. If you ride in traffic every day, that kind of integration can be a game changer. But if you already have good lights or just don’t care about built-in tech, the extra cost might feel like a stretch.
If you're not interested in turn signals but want more coverage than either Giro helmet offers, the Beam’s Virgo Integral MIPS gives you full-face protection, MIPS, NTA certification, and an automatic brake light for less than the Ethos. It’s built for riders who care less about tech and more about staying protected in high-speed traffic, especially in crashes where a half-shell just isn’t enough.
Real-World User Feedback
The Camden MIPS gets a lot of love for how solid and comfortable it feels. Riders say it gives them peace of mind, especially at higher speeds, and the magnetic buckle makes life easier in winter with gloves on. But the bulk is real. Some joked it gave them “mushroom head,” and most agree it’s not the helmet you want on a hot summer ride. The rear light also gets mixed reviews. It’s great at night but pretty easy to miss during the day, and the short battery life means you’ll be charging it often.
The Ethos MIPS gets praised for turning safety into something more interactive. Riders like being able to signal turns without lifting a hand, and once you get used to the remote, it becomes second nature. But opinions split on the price. Some say the tech is worth it for daily traffic, while others think it’s overcomplicating something that could be solved with bright lights and hand signals. Still, most agree: it’s a solid helmet first—and the extra features are more useful than gimmicky once they’re part of your ride.
Conclusion: Which Helmet is For You?
If you commute daily and want a helmet that’s safe, affordable, and easy to use, the Camden MIPS is the better choice. It fits well, meets e-bike safety standards, and gives you solid protection without adding anything you need to manage. You press one button and ride. The Ethos MIPS gives you more visibility with front and rear lights and handlebar-controlled turn signals. That helps drivers understand what you’re doing at night or in stop-and-go traffic. But it costs more, needs charging, and doesn't match the Camden’s safety certification. In practice, Camden gives you more for the money and fewer things to worry about. The Ethos is only worth it if visibility and signaling are a big part of your ride.
