These days, city riders have no shortage of helmet choices, but if you’re looking for something smarter than a regular lid—a helmet that keeps you safer in traffic, feels good to wear, and adds useful features like lights and signals—it often comes down to the Lumos Ultra MIPS vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS. Both helmets are designed with visibility, impact protection, and gadget-friendly features in mind. But which one actually works better for e-bike riders? I’ll break it all down so you can decide. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: Side-by-Side Comparison
- Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: User Experience and Reviews
- Final Verdict – Which One Is Right for You?
Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Lumos Ultra MIPS |
Unit 1 Aura MIPS |
|
MIPS Protection |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
E-Bike Certified (NTA 8776) |
❌ No (Standard model) ✅ Yes (Ultra E-Bike model with NTA 8776 certification) |
✅ Yes, fully certified |
|
Integrated Turn Signals |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Automatic Brake Light |
❌ Not by default (upgrade needed) |
✅ Yes, built-in |
|
Crash Detection Alerts |
❌ Not available |
✅ Yes |
|
Magnetic Visor Included |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Battery Life |
✅ ~4–10 hrs |
✅ ~3–10 hrs |
|
App Control & Customization |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Weight (Size M) |
✅ ~370–400g (lighter) |
❌ ~440g (heavier) |
|
Price (Starting) |
✅ ~$149.95 ❌$229 MIPS E-bike Variant See the Lumos Ultra MIPS here. |
❌ ~$249.00 Check out the AURA MIPS here. |
Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: Fit & Comfort
When it comes to comfort on your ride, both helmets do a solid job, but there are some differences in weight and fit that you’ll feel on longer rides.
The Lumos Ultra MIPS in its standard form weighs around 370–400 grams for a M/L size. Riders often comment that the Ultra “feels so light, you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it”, thanks to ample ventilation (22 vents in total) and a classic road-helmet shape. It uses a rear dial adjustment to fine-tune the fit, and comes in three size ranges (S, M/L, XL) to accommodate most head sizes. Overall, it’s a great helmet for urban riders who value comfort and multi-hour rides.
By contrast, the Unit 1 Aura MIPS is built to a tougher standard (more on that later), which makes it a bit heavier – around 440–476 grams in a size Medium. That’s still reasonably light and impressively streamlined given the added material for safety. Riders report the Aura has a “great fit” and doesn’t feel bulky in the slightest. It also uses a classic dial adjustment and comes in S, M, and L sizes, so there’s that as well.
Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: Safety Certifications
Safety is the whole point of wearing a helmet, and both of these check the right boxes—though the Unit 1 Aura has a leg up if you’re riding an e-bike.
Both helmets come with MIPS, which helps protect your brain during angled impacts. The Lumos Ultra MIPS meets the usual bike safety standards (CPSC, EN1078), so it’s road-legal and safe for everyday cycling. There’s also an Ultra E-Bike version with NTA 8776 certification for higher-speed crashes. That one includes a drop-down visor and extra impact protection—but it’s heavier and more expensive.
The Unit 1 Aura MIPS, on the other hand, is NTA 8776 certified by default, meaning it’s already built to handle crashes at speeds up to 45 km/h (about 28 mph). Even with that added protection, it still looks fancy and doesn’t feel bulky.
For regular cycling, both do the job well. But if you're on an e-bike or scooter, the Aura’s added certification gives it an edge. (Lumos has a version that compares—but you’ll pay more and carry more weight to get there.)
Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: Style, Customization, and Urban Visibility
The Lumos Ultra MIPS looks like a regular sporty bike helmet, with a rounded shape, lots of vents, and bright color choices like Electric Lime and Charcoal. When turned on, it lights up with 30 front white LEDs and 64 rear red LEDs for full 360° visibility. You can customize flashing patterns with the Lumos app, and even control turn signals using your Apple Watch if you have one. Off the bike, it still looks like a normal helmet—not overly flashy.
The Unit 1 Aura MIPS has a more casual, urban style. It features a smooth shell, big vents, and a magnetic visor that snaps on or off. Its lighting is more hidden when off but very powerful when active: 40 LEDs up front and over 200 LEDs at the back, creating a wide, wraparound glow. You can also tweak light colors and turn signals through Unit 1’s app.
In short, Lumos Ultra feels sportier; Aura feels more street-style. Both make you very visible to traffic.
Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: Accessories and Tech Add-Ons
One big reason these helmets cost more than basic foam lids is because they’re packed with tech that genuinely improves your ride. Here’s how:
- Lighting and Turn Signals: Both helmets come with a wireless handlebar remote to control turn signals without taking your hands off the bars. The Aura’s remote also has a built-in accelerometer, which triggers automatic brake lights whenever you slow down. The Ultra can have a brake light too, but you’ll need to upgrade your remote or buy extra sensors. Straight out of the box, Aura gives you more.
- Apps and Connectivity: Both Lumos and Unit 1 offer free apps to customize lighting, check battery life, and adjust modes. The Aura app adds something extra: crash detection. If you crash, it can alert your emergency contacts automatically. Lumos Ultra’s app doesn’t do crash alerts, but it does allow Apple Watch gesture control for turn signals, which is a nice touch for iPhone users.
- Add-On Lights and Ecosystem: Lumos goes bigger here. You can sync up to eight extra Firefly lights to match your helmet’s turn signals and flashing patterns across your whole setup—bike, backpack, whatever. Aura also lets you add lights (like a seatpost light), but it’s limited to just two extras. If you’re a "more lights everywhere" kind of rider, Lumos has the edge.
- Visors and Accessories: Aura includes a magnetic visor in the box for sun and rain protection, which snaps on and off easily. Lumos Ultra doesn’t come with a visor unless you buy their Winter Kit or step up to the E-Bike model. Both helmets charge via USB-C, with about 3 to 10 hours of light runtime depending on the settings.
Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: Pricing and Value for Money
Both helmets are an investment, but they’re priced for slightly different types of riders.
Let’s start with Lumos Ultra first:
- The Lumos Ultra MIPS is the more affordable choice. It usually sells for around $149.95 (sometimes less during sales).
- There’s a non-MIPS version for about $119, but for the small difference, most people go with MIPS for that extra protection.
- Lumos also sells bundles like the “All-in Bundle” (~$214) with extra lights and accessories.
- If you want more protection, the Ultra E-Bike version with the NTA 8776 rating and a built-in visor will cost you around $199–$229, putting it closer to Aura’s price range. Overall, the standard Lumos Ultra MIPS gives you a smart, highly visible helmet at a price similar to regular high-end commuter helmets.
The Unit 1 Aura MIPS sits at the higher end:
- It’s priced around $219 to $249 depending on where you shop. The higher price gets you an e-bike-certified shell, crash detection, automatic brake lights, and a magnetic visor—all standard.
- Unit 1 also offers several optional accessories to further customize and enhance your riding experience:
Bottom line—for urban riders who value that extra protection and smart tech, the Aura often feels worth it. But if your rides are slower or more casual, the Lumos Ultra might deliver 90% of the experience for much less money.
Lumos Ultra vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS: User Experience and Reviews
Both helmets score highly with real riders, but each brings a few different strengths to the table.
Lumos Ultra MIPS – What Riders Say:
The Ultra has been around longer, so there’s plenty of feedback from city riders. They love the boost in visibility and how easy it is to use daily.
“Helps me to be seen… the lights are awesome.”
Many say it’s comfortable even on hot days thanks to the vents and adjustable fit. Built-in turn signals are a favorite feature, and battery life (about 6+ hours in flashing modes) gets good marks too. Some users mention it’s another thing to keep charged, but most adjust easily:
“I just charge everything Sunday night to be safe.”
A few wish Lumos included a visor by default. Otherwise, durability and waterproofing are praised. The sealed battery design (5-year typical life) was the only minor gripe from tech-savvy users. Overall, the Ultra is seen as a reliable, confidence-boosting choice.
Unit 1 Aura MIPS – What Riders Say:
Early reviews for the Aura have been glowing, especially among e-bike riders. Riders appreciate the sleek fit and great ventilation, despite all the tech packed inside.
“A sleek fit with great ventilation—not heavy at all.”
The integrated crash detection and automatic brake lights are big confidence boosters at higher speeds. Riders also love the included visor for everyday commuting.
Some early users did report slower customer service responses, likely from Kickstarter volume, but Unit 1 has been improving on that. A few riders mentioned they’d like audible feedback for turn signals (currently it’s silent).
In terms of build, the helmet feels sturdy and well-made. Fit seems good for most, though a few with unusual head shapes suggested trying it on first.
Final Verdict – Which One Is Right for You?
Both the Lumos Ultra MIPS and Unit 1 Aura MIPS are excellent smart helmets for urban and e-bike riders, and neither is a bad choice. They share the core features that matter: comfortable fit, MIPS safety tech, bright integrated lights, and turn signals that make city riding safer and more convenient. The best choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities:
Choose the Lumos Ultra MIPS if you want a more affordable smart helmet that still nails the essentials. It’s perfect for the everyday bike commuter or casual e-bike rider who craves visibility and ease of use. The Ultra has a fancy design, plenty of color choices, and a proven track record with thousands of happy users. It’s also a great choice if you’re an Apple Watch user or a tech tinkerer who might expand with additional synced lights – the Lumos ecosystem offers those extras. For around $150, it’s a fantastic value that dramatically boosts your road presence.
Go for the Unit 1 Aura MIPS if you’re an e-bike rider or tech enthusiast who wants the maximum safety and features. This helmet is built for speed and loaded with innovation – it’s basically the “luxury model” in this space. Yes, you’ll pay extra for it, but you get extra in return: the higher-impact rating (NTA 8776) for fast rides, automatic brake lights, crash detection, and a distinctive style that blends safety with a bit of swagger (that brim has a certain cool factor). The Aura is ideal if you frequently ride in busy or high-speed environments, or if you simply love having the newest gear with all the bells and whistles. It gives you peace of mind that no matter what, you’ve got cutting-edge protection on your side. It’s a top-tier option for serious urban e-bikers.
And if your top priority is impact protection with smart features built in, especially for faster, high-risk environments, take a look at the VIRGO INTEGRAL MIPS by The Beam. It goes further in physical protection with full-face coverage—including the jaw—and a magnetic rear brake light with built-in accelerometer. It’s NTA 8776 certified, ventilated, and purpose-built for e-bike and scooter users. For riders who want the next level of real-world protection, the VIRGO offers a thoughtful blend of safety, visibility, and comfort.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing between the Lumos Ultra MIPS vs Unit 1 Aura MIPS really comes down to how and where you ride. The Ultra covers everything most city cyclists need—great visibility, smart features, and a lighter price. The Aura adds crash detection, and built-in extras for e-bike riders who want extra peace of mind. Either way, you’re getting a smart helmet that makes you more visible and safer on the road. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, strap it on, and enjoy the ride with more confidence.
