ABUS Pedelec 2.0 MIPS Helmet: Comfortable and Functional with an Urban Flare

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by Erik Pearce, PCI #1184
University of Wisconsin - Madison Police Department, and
Clint Sandusky, former PCI #849/EMSCI #159
Riverside (CA) Community College District Police Dept. (ret.)

You probably associate ABUS with innovative locks for bicycles, but did you know they also offer a wide range of bicycle helmets? This article will explore ABUS’ e-Bike-specific Pedelec 2.0 MIPS model.

If you are not familiar with the term “pedelec,” it is a German/UK term derived from “pedal electric cycle” – known in the U.S. and Canada as an electric bicycle or e-Bike. Use of e-Bikes by both civilians and public safety personnel is increasing exponentially, accompanied by an increase in e-Bike-related crashes. Hence the need for a pedelec model helmet.

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), citing the Dutch NTA 8876 study, notes, “If you use a bicycle helmet for a powered vehicle traveling 20 mph (32 kph) or more, you are taking a greater risk than most unpowered bicyclists that the helmet will not be adequate for the type of crash you should expect.” Therefore, they recommend a light motorcycle helmet or at least a helmet meeting the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike helmet standard.

Some of the features of an e-Bike appropriate helmet include lower (greater) coverage around the helmet, along with additional Rotational Energy Management systems like MIPS (https://helmets.org/mips.htm). For more information about e-Bike helmets and the models that meet the NTA 8876 Standard, go to https://helmets.org/ebike.htm.

ABUS Pedelec 2.0 MIPS Helmet

ABUS describes this helmet as “A Helmet Made for The City Streets,” touting comfort and protection as primary features. It also has a number of crafty and surprising integrated features.

We approached this review intent on evaluating the helmet from an end-user standpoint, free from one another’s biases. We purposely refrained from discussing the helmet until we had each independently formed our own impressions. We cannot speak of the crash survivability (first-hand), as our dedication to this effort has its limits. We will simply trust the manufacturer’s assertions and will stick to talking about fit and features.

As of April of 2023, the U.S. MSRP is $199.99 with MIPS technology and $149.99 without MIPS. The MIPS version is available in matte black or silver; the non-MIPS version offers more color options. Both come in sizes medium and large.

Pros

Erik and I agreed on many of the “pros” of this helmet. It is well-fitting; has a cool, stylish, and urban look; and includes enhanced safety features – like the retro-reflective materials on both sides of the straps and the back of the helmet, and an integrated LED taillight, which is good for extra visibility, but only effective in low-light conditions.

Its integrated rain cover, which can be hidden when not in use, is a wonderful convenience, even for us who live in SoCal. During a late March 2023 e-Bike training course, the rain cover kept my head dry and warm, and added to my visibility with retro-reflective materials on the front and both sides.

We appreciated the reportedly greater protection the MIPS model offers, and the built-in fly nets on the front of the helmet are a nice touch.

Cons

Erik and I agreed that the chin strap’s magnetic buckle is not intuitive and would take a while to develop good muscle memory. Those who wear full-fingered gloves (especially cold weather ones), may find buckling it challenging to impossible. To combat that, I decided to only wear helmets with magnetic buckles, and to cut off the chin pad after my wear test.

Erik noted that the MIPS model is heavier than a normal helmet, but certainly not as heavy as some MIPS helmets he has worn. Given the integrated light and rain cover, the weight is surprisingly light.

For some of us who are retired, the price – whether with MIPS or without – is an investment, although well worth the cost to protect your brain. Unfortunately, both models are only available in medium and large sizes. The MIPS model comes in only two colors, while the non-MIPS model comes in eight.

The Bottom Line

If you ride a faster and heavier e-Bike, you need to take additional steps to protect your brain should you go down (and we all crash at some point). We encourage you to consider wearing an e-Bike-specific helmet, and strongly recommend one that meets the Dutch NTA 8776 Standard. There are a number of good helmets on the market, and the sleek and “urban style” ABUS Pedelec 2.0 helmet is no exception.

We would like to thank Collin Myers, Western US Sales Manager of ABUS Mobile Security, Inc., for providing us with the two helmets for our wear tests. For more information on ABUS bicycle-related products, visit https://mobil.abus.com/usa/.

Erik has been in public safety and involved in bicycle racing, riding, and maintenance since the mid 1990’s. He joined IPMBA in 2004 and has been an active instructor since 2012, teaching regularly, including at several IPMBA conferences. Erik has had a role in the development of police-specific e-Bikes for major manufacturers and was involved in the development of the IPMBA e-Bike Training Module. He can be reached at erikpearce@charter.net.

Clint joined IPMBA in 1994. He has conducted workshops at the 2006, 2007, 2018, 2019, and 2022 IPMBA Conferences. He served as a member of IPMBA’s e-Bike Task Force and assisted PCI Erik Pearce with the E-Bike Training Module at the 2022 Conference. Clint is an active CA POST-certified Bike Patrol Instructor, 28 years and counting. He has taught, presented, authored, and consulted on e-Bike content and training to law enforcement and governmental officials, as well as the cycling community and industry both in California and nationally. He runs errands, trains, instructs, patrols, and races on e-Bikes (e-MTBs). He can be reached at clint.sandusky@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy ABUS.

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