As more people adopt eBikes for commuting and errands, the need for helmets that match the speed and style of this type of riding has grown. Enter the Bern Hudson—a city-focused eBike helmet with NTA-8776 certification, a built-in rear light, and commuter-ready design cues.
But while it ticks many boxes on paper, does it live up to the hype when it’s actually on your head?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Makes an eBike Helmet Different?
The rise in eBike popularity—especially Class 3 models that can reach speeds of 28mph—has driven demand for helmets designed for higher-impact protection.
Look for this standard: NTA-8776, which means the helmet:
- Provides lower head coverage (especially at the back of the head)
- It is tested to withstand higher-speed impacts (up to 28mph vs. ~15mph for traditional helmets)
Other desirable features for eBike commuters include:
- Integrated lighting for added visibility
- Eye protection or visors to shield against sun and wind
- Magnetic buckle to easily use with gloves or one-handed
Bern Hudson Helmet Overview
- Integrated Light
The Bern Hudson aims to be the perfect blend of style, safety, and utility for city riders. Here’s a quick breakdown of its features:
Fit and Comfort: The Deal Breaker?
While the Hudson sounds great on paper, I ran into one major issue: the fit.
The helmet has a deep internal profile, which is great for meeting that lower head coverage requirement. But for me, it felt too deep, almost like it was swallowing my head and sitting on the top of my neck. The fit was tolerable on my upright bikes, but it quickly became uncomfortable on anything more aggressive.
Try before you buy. This was one of the first mainstream helmets I’ve tried, and I really didn’t love the fit.
Rear Light and Winter Add-Ons
The rear light is simple but functional. It’s removable—which I love for charging or transferring to another helmet—but it uses a Micro-USB plug. In 2025, I really wish this was USB-C. It’s getting harder to find those older cables in my house!
Bern also offers a cold-weather beanie liner ($15), which many riders in colder climates swear by. I haven’t tested it yet, but it’s worth noting for year-round commuters.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Bern Hudson?
The Bern Hudson has a lot going for it:
- Excellent safety safety testing with NTA-8776 and Virginia Tech’s 5 star review
- Integrated light
- Great commuter features like a lock port and visor
- Stylish look and multiple sizes/colors
BUT the comfort and fit may be a dealbreaker—especially if you have a shorter head shape or ride in a more forward-leaning position.
For $140, it’s still a solid value if it fits your head well.
Other eBike Helmet Options Worth Considering
If the Hudson doesn’t work for you, here are a few other city-style helmets that offer NTA-8776 coverage with the city bike vibe:
- Integrated Light
- Lights
- Turn Signal with Remote
- Brake Detection with Remote
- Crash Detection with App
- None
- Snap In Light
- Magnetic Buckle
Final Thoughts
The Bern Hudson is a helmet I wanted to love. It checks nearly all the boxes for an urban eBike helmet at a competitive price. But ultimately, helmet fit trumps features—and this one didn’t work for my head shape.
If you’re shopping for a commuter helmet, the Hudson is worth a try-on. Just make sure it’s as comfortable as it is safe.
💬 Your Turn:
Have you found an eBike helmet that actually fits well and feels great? Let me know in the comments or shoot me a message—I’m always on the lookout for better gear.
📌 Need help choosing a helmet? Let me know what you are looking for below!
