Best Dirt Bike Helmets for Electric and Gas Bikes
Eight off-road helmets at every price, chosen from published certifications, shell materials, weights and rotational-impact systems, plus two youth helmets for younger riders.
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Our quick picks
On this page
- How we chose
- Best overall: Fox Racing V1
- Best budget: O’Neal 3 SRS
- Best value with Mips: Bell MX-10 MIPS
- Best kit with goggles: Leatt Moto 7.5 Helmet Kit
- Best mid-range upgrade: Troy Lee Designs SE5 Polycarbonate
- Best carbon: Fox Racing V3 RS
- Best for racers: 6D ATR-3
- Best Snell-certified: Bell Moto-10 Spherical
- Youth helmets
- Comparison table
- How to choose a dirt bike helmet
- FAQ
Your helmet is the one piece of gear every safety body agrees on. The MSF, the AMA and the CPSC all call for a DOT-certified motorcycle-style helmet for off-road riding, electric or gas.
This guide is for riders buying a first helmet or upgrading. We chose picks from each maker’s published certifications, shell material, weight and rotational-impact system, not hands-on crash testing. Prices are rounded from each maker’s US site in November 2026, and they change often.
Every helmet here is DOT certified, and six of the eight list ECE 22.06 as well. It’s part of our guide to dirt bike gear.
How we chose
- Certification first. DOT is the minimum; ECE 22.06 or Snell M2020/M2025 earned extra credit, since both add tests DOT doesn’t require.
- Rotational-impact system such as Mips, Leatt’s 360 Turbine or 6D’s ODS.
- Published weight and sizing so you can compare.
- Every price level, from about $150 to about $1,000, sold in the US and listed on Amazon.
Best overall: Fox Racing V1
Who it's for: Most riders, from first-time e-moto owners to weekend trail riders, who want DOT and ECE 22.06 with Mips at a mid price.
The V1 hits every box that matters for most riders: two certifications, Mips, and a moderate weight. Fox lists it at about $280 for current graphics, with older graphics often discounted.
Skip it if you race and want a lighter composite shell.
- Certifications
- DOT, ECE 22.06
- Shell
- Polycarbonate and ABS
- Weight
- 1240 g (M)
- Rotational
- Mips
- Sizes
- XS to 2XL
Pros
- DOT and ECE 22.06
- Mips rotational system
- 1240 g in size M
- Breakaway visor screws, 7 intake and 4 exhaust vents
Cons
- About $280 for current graphics
- Polycarbonate and ABS shell, not composite
Best budget: O’Neal 3 SRS
Who it's for: Riders on a tight budget who need a DOT helmet now.
The 3 SRS is the least expensive way into a DOT off-road helmet here. Some retailers claim ECE for it, but O’Neal’s own page says DOT only, so we go by O’Neal.
Skip it if you can stretch to the Bell MX-10 MIPS for ECE 22.06 and Mips.
- Certifications
- DOT
- Shell
- ABS
- Weight
- 1340 g (L)
- Rotational
- None stated
- Sizes
- XS to XXL
Pros
- About $150
- DOT certified
- Removable, washable liner
Cons
- DOT only: no ECE or Snell claim from O'Neal
- No rotational-impact system stated
- ABS shell, 1340 g in size L
Best value with Mips: Bell MX-10 MIPS
Who it's for: Budget-minded riders who want Mips and ECE 22.06.
Bell lists the MX-10 at about $255, and its product page shows colorways from about $180 to $275. It replaces the MX-9 MIPS.
Skip it if you want the lightest helmet in this price range: the Fox V1 is a little lighter in size M.
- Certifications
- DOT, ECE 22.06
- Shell
- Polycarbonate
- Weight
- 1300 g (M)
- Rotational
- Mips
- Sizes
- XS to XXL
Pros
- DOT and ECE 22.06
- Mips
- 1300 g in size M
- Replaces the popular MX-9
Cons
- Polycarbonate shell
- Price varies a lot by colorway
Best kit with goggles: Leatt Moto 7.5 Helmet Kit
Who it's for: New riders who want a helmet and goggles in one purchase.
At about $350 with goggles included, the 7.5 Kit saves a separate goggle purchase. Leatt pairs its 360 Turbine discs with four densities of impact foam.
Skip it if you already own goggles.
- Certifications
- DOT, ECE 22.06
- Shell
- Injected composite
- Weight
- From 1295 g
- Rotational
- 360 Turbine
- Sizes
- XS to XXL
- Extras
- Velocity 4.5 goggles included
Pros
- DOT and ECE 22.06
- 360 Turbine rotational system
- Includes Velocity 4.5 goggles
- Emergency cheek pad removal
Cons
- Leatt doesn't say which size its weight figure is
- About $350
Best mid-range upgrade: Troy Lee Designs SE5 Polycarbonate
Who it's for: Riders upgrading from a budget helmet who want premium features without a carbon price.
New for 2026, the SE5 Polycarbonate brings the SE5 design to a lower price than its composite and carbon versions, with three shell sizes.
Skip it if weight is your priority.
- Certifications
- DOT, ECE 22.06
- Shell
- Polycarbonate
- Weight
- 1380 g
- Rotational
- Mips Integra TX
- Sizes
- XS to 2X
Pros
- DOT and ECE 22.06
- Mips Integra TX
- Five-piece multi-density EPS liner
- 11 intake and 5 exhaust vents
Cons
- About $440
- 1380 g, size not stated
Best carbon: Fox Racing V3 RS
Who it's for: Experienced riders who want a light carbon shell from a major brand.
Five shell sizes mean a closer fit across head sizes, which matters for both comfort and protection.
Skip it unless you ride often enough to justify about $800.
- Certifications
- DOT, ECE 22.06
- Shell
- Carbon fiber
- Weight
- About 1230 to 1270 g (M)
- Rotational
- Mips Integra Split
- Sizes
- XS to XXL
Pros
- Carbon fiber shell
- DOT and ECE 22.06
- Mips Integra Split
- Five shell and five EPS sizes
Cons
- About $800
- Fox lists two different weights for size M (1230 and 1270 g)
Best for racers: 6D ATR-3
Who it's for: Racers and aggressive riders who want FIM certification.
The ATR-3 replaces the ATR-2. Its FIM homologation matters if you race events that require it.
Skip it if you only trail ride: you’re paying for race certification.
- Certifications
- DOT, ECE 22.06, FIM
- Shell
- Carbon composite
- Weight
- 1350 g
- Rotational
- ODS (5th gen)
- Sizes
- XS to XXL
Pros
- DOT, ECE 22.06 and FIM
- Fifth-generation ODS suspension liner
- 3K carbon composite shell
- Rebuildable design
Cons
- About $860
- Contact 6D first if you need the FIM tag specifically
Best Snell-certified: Bell Moto-10 Spherical
Who it's for: Riders who want Snell certification, verified on Snell's own lists.
It’s the only helmet in this guide on Snell’s certified lists, which we checked on smf.org. Bell’s product page shows colorways from about $630 to $1,150.
Skip it if weight matters more to you than Snell certification.
- Certifications
- DOT, Snell M2020D and M2025D, ECE
- Shell
- Segmented 3K shell
- Weight
- 1600 g (M)
- Rotational
- Spherical (Mips)
- Sizes
- XS to XXL
Pros
- On Snell's M2020D and M2025D lists
- DOT and ECE
- Spherical rotational system powered by Mips
Cons
- About $1,000 list
- Heaviest here at 1600 g in size M
Youth helmets
For younger riders, the Fox Racing Youth V1 (DOT and ECE 22.06, Mips, 1080 g, head sizes 19.3 to 20.9 in, about $260) and the Leatt Moto 3.5 Junior Kit (DOT and ECE 22.06, 360 Turbine, goggles included, about $220) carry the same certifications as adult helmets. Fox says riders outside its youth sizes should size up to adult models. More picks are in best youth dirt bike helmets.
| Product | Certifications | Rotational system | Sizes | Price tier | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Racing Youth V1 | DOT, ECE 22.06 | Mips | YS to YL (head 19.3 to 20.9 in) | $$ ($150 to $300) | Amazon |
| Leatt Moto 3.5 Junior Helmet Kit | DOT, ECE 22.06 | 360 Turbine | Youth M and L (20.1 to 21.3 in) | $$ ($150 to $300) | Amazon |
Comparison table
| Product | Certifications | Shell | Weight | Rotational system | Price tier | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O'Neal 3 SRS | DOT | ABS | 1340 g (L) | None stated | $ (under $150) | Amazon |
| Bell MX-10 MIPS | DOT, ECE 22.06 | Polycarbonate | 1300 g (M) | Mips | $$ ($150 to $300) | Amazon |
| Fox Racing V1 | DOT, ECE 22.06 | Polycarbonate and ABS | 1240 g (M) | Mips | $$ ($150 to $300) | Amazon |
| Leatt Moto 7.5 Helmet Kit | DOT, ECE 22.06 | Injected composite | From 1295 g | 360 Turbine | $$$ ($300 to $500) | Amazon |
| Troy Lee Designs SE5 Polycarbonate | DOT, ECE 22.06 | Polycarbonate | 1380 g | Mips Integra TX | $$$ ($300 to $500) | Amazon |
| Fox Racing V3 RS | DOT, ECE 22.06 | Carbon fiber | About 1230 to 1270 g (M) | Mips Integra Split | $$$$ (over $500) | Amazon |
| 6D ATR-3 | DOT, ECE 22.06, FIM | Carbon composite | 1350 g | ODS (5th gen) | $$$$ (over $500) | Amazon |
| Bell Moto-10 Spherical | DOT, Snell M2020D and M2025D, ECE | Segmented 3K shell | 1600 g (M) | Spherical (Mips) | $$$$ (over $500) | Amazon |
How to choose a dirt bike helmet
Certifications. DOT FMVSS 218 is the legal US standard, and since 2013 the rear label must read maker, model, “DOT,” “FMVSS No. 218” and “CERTIFIED.” ECE 22.06 is the European standard and adds rotational impact tests. Snell is voluntary and run by an independent nonprofit; check its lists at smf.org.
Fit. Measure your head circumference and use each maker’s own size chart, since sizes differ between brands. Try it on with your goggles if you can.
Shell. Polycarbonate and ABS shells cost less; composite and carbon shells are usually lighter, at a higher price.
Price tiers (November 2026). $ under $150; $$ $150 to $300; $$$ $300 to $500; $$$$ over $500.
Replace it. Snell recommends a new helmet after five years of normal use, and after any crash impact.
Pair it with goggles. See best dirt bike goggles, and check that the goggle fits your helmet’s eye port.
Related guides
- Dirt bike gear: what you actually need: the full list
- Best dirt bike goggles: eight picks
- Electric dirt bikes for kids: age-by-age guide
- Electric dirt bikes: the buyer's guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a bicycle helmet on an electric dirt bike?
No. The CPSC lists a motocross or motorcycle helmet (DOT FMVSS 218, Snell or ASTM F3103) for dirt bike riding, and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute notes bike helmets are tested at about 14 mph. E-motos need a DOT helmet.
What does DOT, ECE 22.06 and Snell mean on a helmet?
DOT (FMVSS 218) is the legal US standard, which makers self-certify. ECE 22.06 is the European standard, which adds rotational impact tests. Snell is a voluntary standard from a nonprofit that tests helmets itself; its M2025 versions also add rotational tests.
How often should I replace a dirt bike helmet?
After any crash where your head hit something, and otherwise about every five years of normal use, per Snell. The CPSC suggests 5 to 10 years if the maker gives no guidance.
Do I need Mips on a dirt bike helmet?
Seven of our eight picks use a rotational-impact system (Mips, 360 Turbine or ODS). It's not required by DOT, but ECE 22.06 and Snell M2025 now test rotational impacts, which is why most new helmets add one.
What helmet should a kid wear on a dirt bike?
A youth DOT helmet that fits snugly, like the Fox Youth V1 or Leatt Moto 3.5 Junior. Utah requires a DOT helmet for riders under 18 on public land. See best youth dirt bike helmets.