If you’ve been shopping for an e-bike or scooter helmet, you’ve probably come across the word MIPS more than once. It’s usually printed in bold, marked with a yellow dot, and sometimes it even bumps the price up a bit. That’s where most urban and e-bike riders pause and ask—Is MIPS actually worth paying extra for, or is it just some fancy branding?
It’s a fair question — especially when helmet shelves are packed with choices that all look pretty similar. In this article, I’ll walk you through what MIPS is, how it works, and who it’s really for. We’ll also look at whether MIPS makes a difference in everyday riding, and how to choose the right helmet for your needs. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- What Is MIPS, and What Does It Look Like?
- How does MIPS Technology Work?
- Is a MIPS Helmet Worth It?
- Who Really Needs a MIPS Helmet?
- How to Choose the Best MIPS Helmet for Your Needs
What Is MIPS, and What Does It Look Like?
MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. It’s a thin, low-friction layer built into a helmet that’s designed to reduce rotational forces during certain types of crashes — especially when the head hits the ground at an angle.
Unlike standard helmets that focus on absorbing straight-line impacts, MIPS helps manage the twisting motion that can cause serious brain injuries. It's not a helmet brand, but a licensed technology used by more than 100 helmet manufacturers.
If you peek inside a MIPS-equipped helmet, you’ll usually see a thin (often yellow) plastic liner attached to the interior foam. This low-friction liner is the key to the whole system. Unlike a regular helmet that just has foam padding, a MIPS helmet has this extra sliding layer between your head and the outer shell. Read on to see how MIPS works.
How does MIPS Technology Work?
Standard helmets are built to handle straight-line impacts — like falling directly down onto the ground. But most real-world crashes aren’t that simple. In many cases, the rider hits the ground at an angle—not a perfect 90-degree drop— causing the head to twist on impact.
These are called angular impacts, and they can make your head rotate or whip around upon impact. It’s this rotation that can cause serious brain injuries (like concussions or worse) because the brain can stretch and tear inside the skull during sudden twisting motions.
This is where MIPS makes a difference. Inside the helmet, there’s a thin plastic liner attached with small flexible anchors. In a crash — especially one where the head hits at an angle — this liner lets the outer shell of the helmet move slightly around your head.
That movement is controlled and small, usually about 10 to 15 millimeters. But it’s enough to reduce the rotational force that would otherwise be transferred directly to your brain. The liner basically creates a low-friction layer, so when the helmet twists on impact, your head doesn’t twist as much with it.
And does it actually work? The answer is a resounding YES! Laboratory tests and simulations show that MIPS helmets can reduce rotational forces on the brain by at least 10%, with typical reductions around 20–40% and up to 50% in certain impacts.
Is a MIPS Helmet Worth It?
Now to the million-euro question: Do you need a MIPS helmet? Is it actually worth spending a bit extra for this technology?
First off, any good helmet is better than no helmet at all. The question here is really about that extra protection. MIPS helmets usually cost a bit more than similar non-MIPS models, so is the extra investment justified? Here’s what the evidence and experts say:
- Even a slight improvement in safety is worth it: Rotational forces are blamed for many concussions and brain injuries. If MIPS can reduce those forces by around 10% or more, that could be the difference between getting up okay or seeing stars after a crash.
- Helmet price vs. medical bills (or peace of mind): These days, the price gap between MIPS and non-MIPS helmets has narrowed a lot. It used to be that only high-end $200/€200 helmets had MIPS, but now you can find affordable MIPS helmets even around the €50–€60 range.
- Fit and comfort still reign supreme: A very important point is that a fancy MIPS helmet won’t help you if it doesn’t fit right or you don’t wear it correctly. A snug, comfortable helmet that you wear every time will protect you far better than an expensive high-tech one that’s always at home because it’s uncomfortable. So, do consider MIPS as a tiebreaker in your decision, but first make sure any helmet you consider fits well, sits level on your head, and is adjusted properly.
So, is a MIPS helmet worth it? For most urban riders and anyone on an e-bike or scooter, it’s hard to argue against. When crashes happen, they do not always happen in a straight line. It’s a relatively small added cost for a potential big gain in safety.
And if you’re all about safety and want more than a typical MIPS helmet, the Beam’s Virgo Integral MIPS is worth a look. It combines MIPS with full-face protection and a slightly extended front — so if you fall forward, your jaw and face have some backup too. That’s a practical upgrade for anyone riding in busy streets or at higher speeds.
Who Really Needs a MIPS Helmet?
You might be thinking, “Okay, MIPS is good, but do I personally need it for the kind of riding I do?” Let’s consider a few scenarios and types of riders to see who benefits most from a MIPS helmet:
- Urban Commuters and E-Bike/E-Scooter Riders: For anyone riding in city traffic — especially on e-bikes or scooters — a MIPS helmet is not a want—it’s a need. These rides are faster than regular bikes, and crashes often happen at an angle. A small bump from a car, a tight corner, or a sudden stop can easily send you sideways, which is where MIPS helps most.
- Mountain Bikers and Off-Road Cyclists: Trail riding often means unpredictable falls – you might tumble over uneven ground, hitting rocks or roots at odd angles. Many mountain bike helmets now come with MIPS because riders in this category tend to crash not just hard, but awkwardly. If you do a header over the handlebars on a trail, chances are your head will hit at an angle.
- Road Cyclists and Racers: If you’re a road cyclist, you might think crashes are less likely – but when they do happen (say, a wheel touch in a group or a car dooring incident), they often involve sliding out and hitting the pavement at an angle.
- Casual Riders and Short Trippers: What if you just cruise around the neighborhood or ride a few blocks to the shop? Do you “really” need MIPS for a 15-minute ride on a Dutch-style city bike? It’s true that at slower speeds or very short rides on protected bike paths, the risk of a crash is lower. However, remember that accidents often happen when and where we least expect them – a patch of wet leaves, a suddenly opened car door, etc., can send you down in a split second.
Given what’s at stake (hello, brain), it makes sense for the vast majority of cyclists and e-mobility enthusiasts to choose a MIPS helmet if possible.
How to Choose the Best MIPS Helmet for Your Needs
By following this 6-step process, you’ll find a MIPS helmet that fits both your needs and your riding style.
Step 1: Match the Helmet to Your Riding Style
When picking a MIPS helmet, it makes sense to start with how and where you ride. For city commutes or e-scooter trips, look for something built for urban conditions — like the Beam’s Virgo Access MIPS. It’s designed for everyday riding in traffic, where crashes are more likely to involve angled impacts. That’s exactly the kind of scenario where a MIPS helmet can help most.
Step 2: Ensure Proper Certification
Always make sure the helmet (MIPS or not) is safety certified for your region. In Europe, look for CE EN 1078 for bicycles and e-scooters. For high-speed e-bikes (speed 45 km/h), look for NTA 8776 certification. A MIPS helmet will have the same certifications as its non-MIPS counterpart; MIPS is in addition to the basic safety standard, not a replacement for it.
Step 3: Get the Right Fit
Sizing is crucial. Measure your head (just above your eyebrows, around the largest part) and check the manufacturer’s size chart before you add a helmet to your shopping cart.
Failing to do this can lead to a helmet that feels loose, shifts while riding, or even worse — doesn’t protect you properly in a crash. A helmet that’s too tight can also cause pressure points or headaches, which means you’re less likely to wear it regularly.
Step 4: Check for Ventilation and Comfort Features
Consider how much ventilation you need. If you run hot or plan to ride in warm weather, look for a MIPS helmet that doesn’t sacrifice too many vents. Newer MIPS designs have improved this, but some older models had a solid plastic liner that could block airflow. For most city or e-bike riders, a helmet with at least 8 to 12 well-placed vents is usually enough to keep things comfortable on everyday rides.
Step 5: Consider Weight and Bulk
Most MIPS helmets are only slightly heavier than non-MIPS ones – we’re talking maybe 20–40 grams (less than the weight of a couple of coins) difference. Unless you are extremely sensitive to weight (e.g., a competitive racer counting every gram), this shouldn’t be a big issue.
Step 6: Consider Style and Looks
Yes, style matters – you’re more likely to wear a helmet that you actually like the look of! The good news is MIPS doesn’t really change a helmet’s appearance (apart from maybe a small yellow dot logo). So, you can shop for color, shape, and design as you normally would. Whether you like a cool matte black city helmet or a hi-viz neon yellow for maximum visibility, you’ll find plenty of MIPS options. Some helmets have fun extras like flip-down visors or magnetic buckles – decide if those are important to you.
Conclusion
So, is MIPS worth it? The answer is a resounding YES! No matter how or where you ride, crashes don’t follow rules—and angled impacts are more common than you’d think. That’s where MIPS comes in. It adds a layer of protection by reducing rotational forces, going beyond what standard helmets can do. It won’t make you invincible, but it can tilt the odds in your favor when it counts most. Whether you choose a MIPS helmet or not, always wear a helmet, ride alert, and enjoy the ride. If you have any more questions about helmet tech or need help picking the right gear, feel free to reach out – we’re here to help you gear up smartly. Happy riding and stay safe out there!
FAQ
1. Can I upgrade a non-MIPS helmet to include MIPS?
No, you can’t add MIPS to a helmet you already own. MIPS is integrated into the helmet during manufacturing – it’s a liner anchored inside the helmet’s shell.
2. Are all MIPS helmets the same?
All helmets that have the official yellow MIPS liner use the same basic principle – a low-friction layer that provides 10–15 mm of slip during an impact. So in that sense, yes, a MIPS helmet from Brand A and one from Brand B both offer rotational impact protection certified by MIPS. However, not all MIPS helmets are identical in overall performance or design. Helmet models differ in shape, materials, and how they implement the MIPS layer. For instance, some newer helmets use MIPS SL or MIPS Air (slightly different versions of the tech that are lighter or built into the padding), whereas others use the classic MIPS liner – but the goal and function remain the same.
3. Is MIPS the only rotational impact protection technology?
MIPS is the most widespread, but it’s not the only game in town. A few other technologies have been developed to address rotational forces in helmets. These are WaveCel, SPIN, Koroyd, etc.
4. What sort of helmets have the MIPS safety system and why?
The MIPS system is used in a wide range of helmets — not just for cycling. You’ll find it in most major bike and snow helmet brands, as well as in helmets made for motorcycling, horse riding, climbing, ice hockey, and even construction work. Basically, if the activity involves a risk of falling or angled impacts, there’s a good chance MIPS is being used to reduce the risk of brain injury.
5. Is a helmet with the MIPS system more expensive?
Helmets with the MIPS system usually cost a bit more than standard helmets, but the difference isn’t huge. On average, you can expect to pay around €10 to €50 more, depending on the brand and model. Higher-end helmets might have a bigger gap, while some entry-level options now include MIPS without a major price jump.
