E-bike riders expect more from a helmet than regular cyclists do. You are moving faster, covering longer distances, and spending way more time weaving through traffic. That changes the game. Instead of settling for a basic bike shop lid, you need gear that actually matches the way you ride. That’s why so many e-bike riders turn to the Giro Radix MIPS and the ILM 726X Open-Face Motorcycle Helmet. Technically, neither one was built just for e-bikes, but both have built a strong fanbase thanks to their comfort, safety, and versatility. One feels like a mountain biker’s favorite wingman. The other takes its cues from the motorcycle world. Let’s get into the details and figure out which one’s got your name on it.
Table of Contents
-
Full Feature Breakdown for E-Bike Riders: Giro Radix MIPS vs ILM 726X
- Safety Certifications: MIPS, DOT, NTA 8776 — What E‑Bike Riders Need
- Which Helmet Has Better Ventilation for E-Bike Riding?
- Radix vs ILM: Features
- Helmet Weight & Fit for E‑Bikes: Radix vs ILM
- How Long Do E‑Bike Helmets Last? Lifespan and Replacement Tips
- Which Helmet Is More Visible in City Traffic and at Night?
- Customizing E‑Bike Helmets: Visor Swapping, Tech Upgrades & More
- Real Rider Reviews: Giro Radix and ILM 726X from E‑Bike Users
- Final Verdict: Which Helmet Fits Your Ride Best?
Full Feature Breakdown for E-Bike Riders: Giro Radix MIPS vs ILM 726X
Here’s a quick side-by-side to show how these two stack up before we dive in.
|
Feature |
Giro Radix MIPS |
ILM 726X Open-Face |
|
Good ventilation |
✅ |
❌ |
|
MIPS protection |
✅ |
❌ |
|
DOT-certified (motor vehicle) |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Lightweight & comfortable |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Face shield included |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Removable chin guard |
❌ |
✅ |
|
High urban visibility options |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Good for 20–25 mph speeds |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Better for 30+ mph speeds |
❌ |
✅ |
Now that you’ve seen the basics, let’s get into what these helmets are really like to ride with.
Safety Certifications: MIPS, DOT, NTA 8776 — What E‑Bike Riders Need
When it comes to safety ratings, we’re dealing with two different worlds here. The Giro Radix MIPS is a mountain bike helmet, so it meets bicycle helmet safety standards – CPSC for the U.S. and EN1078 in Europe. It’s built to handle typical cycling impacts. One notable safety feature is right in the name: MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). This is a low-friction layer inside the Radix that helps reduce rotational forces on your brain during angled impacts, potentially reducing brain injury. The Radix also has extended coverage around the back of the head and a tough full-wrap polycarbonate shell, which adds durability and protection for those unpredictable tumbles on a bike.
That said, the ILM 726X is actually a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. It meets DOT (FMVSS 218) standards (and even ECE standards according to the manufacturer) for motor vehicle helmets. That means it’s built for higher-energy impacts and for an e-bike rider who regularly goes 30+ mph or just wants extra peace of mind, that’s a big plus.
However, and this is important, the ILM 726X’s design has a twist: it looks like a full-face helmet, but the chin guard is not a structural safety piece. The company notes that the removable chin/jaw guard is only for wind and debris protection, not crash protection. You still get great head coverage (half helmet/three-quarter style around the sides and back) and a face shield to keep bugs out, but don’t expect that chin bar to save your jaw in a serious crash. It’s more about style and wind deflection.
If you want real full-face protection built specifically for e-bike riders, check out THE BEAM’s VIRGO INTEGRAL MIPS. It’s a high-vis helmet with a true protective chin bar, MIPS, and full e-bike certification —the perfect middle ground between the Radix and the ILM.
Which Helmet Has Better Ventilation for E-Bike Riding?
In terms of pure cooling, though, the Radix is the winner. It’s designed to vent heat at all speeds, which is a godsend if you’re pedaling hard or live in a warm climate.
The Giro Radix MIPS helmet (shown here) is loaded with large air vents and internal channels to keep you cool. It has 25 “Wind Tunnel” vents that actively scoop air in and channel it around your head, pushing hot air out the back. In practice, Radix riders often say it’s “pleasantly breezy” even on tough climbs – great for those e-bike rides where you’re still pedaling and working up a sweat. You’ll literally feel the wind in your hair (well, through your hair) with this helmet, which makes a huge difference on hot days.
By contrast, the ILM 726X is a motorcycle-style open-face helmet with a more closed design. It does have a ventilation system with adjustable air vents including vents on the front face guard (chin piece) and the top – that you can open or close with a finger.
This helps a bit, but it’s nowhere near as airy as the Radix. Many users note that if you’re stopped or riding slowly, the ILM can get warm inside because it simply doesn’t have huge gaping vents like a bicycle helmet.
One cool trick, though: you can remove the ILM’s front chin guard for extra airflow when you don’t need full coverage. Riding with the chin bar off essentially turns it into a ¾ open-face helmet, letting more breeze hit your face. At moderate speeds (20–30 mph), ILM owners report that the helmet is “stable at speed... and it isn’t heavy (though I wouldn’t wear it for super long rides)”.
Radix vs ILM: Features
Each of these helmets comes with its own set of bells and whistles. The Radix leans into comfort and simplicity, while the ILM 726X gives you more modular parts to play with. Here’s what each helmet brings to the table:
Giro Radix MIPS:
- Giro’s Roc Loc 5.5 fit system: dial-adjustable for tightness and height, so you get a snug, wobble-free fit with one hand
- Quick-dry, anti-microbial padding that handles sweat and stink
- Adjustable POV visor (15° tilt range) for sun or trail debris
- Full hard-shell wrap: foam is completely covered with polycarbonate for added durability
- Prioritizes comfort, sweat management, and a secure fit for active rides
ILM 726X:
- Detachable clear face shield
- Drop-down tinted sun visor for bright days
- Removable chin guard for open-face airflow
- Modular setup: mix and match parts based on ride conditions
- Quick-release buckle on the chin strap for fast on/off
- Plush, removable, washable liner pads that “snuggle” your cheeks
- Tough ABS outer shell with a solid, premium feel
- Speaker cutouts by the ears (can be tricky with earbuds)
Helmet Weight & Fit for E‑Bikes: Radix vs ILM
Here’s where these two helmets really diverge. The Giro Radix MIPS is extremely light – about 11.1 ounces (314 grams) in a size Medium. That’s roughly the weight of two apples. You almost forget you’re wearing it after a while, which is awesome for long rides. In fact, one user said it’s so comfortable they “almost do not notice the helmet – thought a few times I had forgotten him”. The Radix comes in Small through Extra Large (Giro even makes an XL for heads up to 65 cm diameter), so most people can find a good fit. Its low weight and secure fit system mean it doesn’t bobble around; it’s a stable, easy-to-wear helmet even on bumpy rides.
Now, the ILM 726X is a whole different beast weight-wise. This is a DOT-rated helmet with a chin bar and face shield, so it’s built tougher and uses heavier materials. It weighs in around 3.7–3.8 pounds (about 1700+ grams), depending on size. That is over five times heavier than the Radix. You’ll definitely notice the heft when you pick it up, and when it’s on your head. Some e-bike riders who try motorcycle-style helmets like this for the first time are taken aback by the weight and bulk – one rider commented that the ILM felt “heavy and bulky” for their daily commute use.
If you’re looking for full-face protection without that kind of heft, THE BEAM’s VIRGO INTEGRAL MIPS offers a much lighter fit, a real protective chin bar, MIPS tech, and full e-bike safety certification — all designed with comfort and visibility in mind.
How Long Do E‑Bike Helmets Last? Lifespan and Replacement Tips
No helmet lasts forever. Both the Radix and the ILM have foam liners (EPS foam) that degrade over time due to sweat, UV exposure, and general wear and tear. The commonly accepted guideline is to replace your helmet every 3–5 years even if you haven’t had a crash. This is because the materials can become brittle, and newer helmets usually bring improved safety tech. In the case of the Giro Radix, its lighter construction doesn’t mean it expires faster – you should still treat 5 years as a good run for it (and of course immediately replace if you crash and hit your head hard, since bike helmets are one-and-done for big impacts). The Radix’s durable shell will help it resist minor dings and UV damage a bit, but age gets to all helmets eventually.
For the ILM 726X, the advice is similar. Even though it feels super tough (thanks to that hard ABS shell), the EPS foam inside is what actually absorbs impact energy, and it breaks down over time. Motorcycle industry wisdom often says 5 years of use is a helmet’s lifespan – after that, the glues and resins and foam have aged out. The ILM helmet’s removable liners mean you can wash out sweat and keep it hygienic, which is great, but it doesn’t stop the clock on the EPS lifespan. One thing to note: because the ILM is modular, you want to ensure all its parts (visor mechanisms, chin guard locks, etc.) remain in good condition over the years.
Which Helmet Is More Visible in City Traffic and at Night?
Being seen by others (cars, pedestrians, other cyclists) is a big part of safety too. Here’s how the two helmets stack up on visibility and reflectivity for urban riding.
The Giro Radix MIPS comes in a variety of colors: some muted, some bright. You can find it in matte black or gray if subtle is your style, but also in brighter options like blues or even a bold red/black camo pattern. Notably, Giro included reflective decals on the back of the Radix. Those little reflective stickers might not look like much, but they glow brightly in car headlights. If you choose a lighter or high-visibility color for the Radix (like the Matte Chalk or a hi-vis yellow if available), you’ll be even more eye-catching in traffic. You can also slap additional reflective stickers or even a mount for a rear-facing light on the helmet without much trouble.
The ILM 726X helmet, being more of a motorcycle style, initially comes in a few colors: Matte Black, White, and a Midnight Green are listed on the official site (and sometimes you see other colors like a titanium grey in certain listings). If visibility is a concern, white is usually the best choice – it stands out in low light. The Midnight Green is a cool matte army-green tone that one customer said “looks so cool... with its cool matte green finish”, but cool as it is, dark green isn’t the most high-vis color for night. The ILM helmet doesn’t come with built-in reflective patches, but you can easily add some on the back or sides (the surface is fairly smooth).
Both helmets could use a boost at night. The Radix has reflective decals and spots where you can clip on a small light. The ILM lacks built-in lighting too, but you can add visibility with reflective tape, a vest, or a rear light.
Customizing E‑Bike Helmets: Visor Swapping, Tech Upgrades & More
The ILM 726X is highly configurable. You can remove the chin guard, sun visor, and face shield depending on your ride. It includes plastic plugs to keep it tidy when parts are off, and ILM offers extra accessories like mirrored or clear visors. Fit is adjustable with a quick-release buckle and swappable padding. They’ll even send extra inserts if needed. There’s also space near the ears for Bluetooth speakers, though installing them takes a bit of DIY.
The Giro Radix MIPS doesn’t offer part-swapping, but you can adjust the fit using the Roc Loc system and strap placements. It supports add-ons like a GoPro, rear light, or reflective stickers through its vents. Style-wise, it comes in multiple color options, but it’s more of a set-it-and-ride helmet.
If you like to tweak and reconfigure your gear, the ILM is the more versatile option. If you want something simple and dialed in out of the box, the Radix keeps it easy.
Real Rider Reviews: Giro Radix and ILM 726X from E‑Bike Users
To get a better sense of how these helmets perform in real life, we looked at what e-bike riders are saying online — across forums, reviews, and product pages. Here's a quick breakdown of what people actually like (and don’t like) about each one.
Giro Radix MIPS:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ILM 726X
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Final Verdict: Which Helmet Fits Your Ride Best?
At the end of the day, both the Giro Radix MIPS and the ILM 726X are great picks for e-bike riders, just built for different kinds of riding. The Radix is light, airy, and easy to wear on daily commutes or long pedal-heavy trips. The ILM feels tougher and more locked-in, especially if you’re riding faster or dealing with traffic. If you’re after something that combines comfort with real full-face protection, check out THE BEAM’s VIRGO MIPS, made specifically for e-bike riders who want that in-between option. Whatever you go with, make sure it fits right, feels good, and actually gets worn every time you head out.
