Our conclusion: The results of the European market surveillance are no cause for panic. Rather, they highlight two things
Firstly: Modern cycle helmets are safer than ever before.
Secondly: Buyers should not rely blindly on a CE mark.
The minimum requirements of the standard are important. However, anyone looking for the best possible protection should also pay attention to fit, independent test results and modern designs that counteract rotational forces. This is because there can be significant differences in the details between two helmets that comply with the standard.
Nowadays, cycle helmets are standard kit for many mountain bikers, gravel cyclists and road cyclists. At the same time, the demands placed on helmets have never been higher. More and more cyclists are looking into issues such as concussions, rotational forces and additional protection systems such as MIPS, KinetiCore and WaveCel.
But just how safe are today’s helmets really?
A Europe-wide market surveillance exercise has provided some interesting findings in this regard. On behalf of the EU, 100 sports helmets were examined, including 70 cycling, skateboarding and scooter helmets. The overall result is positive: 79 per cent of the products tested passed the technical safety tests. At the same time, however, numerous shortcomings were also identified in terms of documentation, labelling and, in some cases, even protective performance.
Most helmets provide reliable protection
First, the most important finding: the effectiveness of cycle helmets is well established by scientific evidence. Recent studies show that helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries. Accordingly, the European Commission continues to strongly recommend wearing a helmet when participating in all high-risk sports such as cycling, skateboarding or inline skating.
Current market surveillance also confirms, in general, a high level of safety. Tests carried out included impact absorption, the load-bearing capacity of the retention systems and the durability of the products. Just under four out of five helmets met the relevant requirements.
For consumers, this means that anyone who buys a recent helmet from an established manufacturer will, as a rule, receive a product that offers effective protection.
Why the EU is sounding the alarm all the same
A closer look at the detailed results is less encouraging. Of the 70 cycle helmets tested, 19 models failed at least one performance test. In addition, the market surveillance authorities found that 65 per cent of the products examined breached the formal requirements of the European PPE Regulation. Overall, only 30 per cent of the helmets tested were fully compliant.
The consequences were, in some cases, significant: several products were withdrawn from the market, sales bans were imposed or product recalls were initiated. The EU has not yet disclosed which manufacturers were affected.
What does the CE mark actually mean?
Many buyers rely on the CE mark when buying a helmet. This makes sense in principle, as the European standard EN 1078 is mandatory for cycle helmets.
In this process, accredited bodies check, amongst other things:
- Shock absorption
- Strength of the straps
- How the locking system works
- Lifespan of the helmet
A helmet with a valid CE mark must meet these requirements. However, the standard merely defines a minimum requirement. It does not indicate how well a helmet protects the wearer compared with other models. Consequently, two helmets with identical certification may perform differently in further safety tests.
The biggest challenge: concussions
Traditional helmet standards were originally developed to prevent serious head injuries and fractures. In recent years, research has focused more on concussions. The reason for this is that many falls do not occur vertically, but at an angle. This generates rotational forces that can twist the brain inside the skull.
Manufacturers are responding to this with a range of solutions:
- MIPS
- KinetiCore
- WaveCel
- Turbine 360
- other proprietary systems
The aim of these technologies is to reduce the rotational forces acting on the brain.
It is important to note that the presence of a particular system is no guarantee of the highest level of safety. The overall performance of the helmet remains the decisive factor.
Why independent testing is becoming increasingly important
As the statutory standard merely sets out minimum requirements, independent testing schemes are becoming increasingly important.
The assessments carried out by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab are particularly well known. There, helmets are also tested for rotational forces, which play a significant role in many real-life falls.
It is interesting to note that all the helmets tested already meet the legal requirements. Nevertheless, the results reveal, in some cases, significant differences in their protective potential.
Here at TOUR, too, we developed our own helmet test rig several years ago in order to be able to simulate the reduction of rotational forces. Our test protocol goes well beyond standard testing and consistently reveals significant differences between the various models.
For buyers, therefore, taking a look at independent safety tests can be just as useful as comparing weight, ventilation or features – here, too, our tests provide valuable and in-depth information.
How to spot a reputable helmet
You usually can’t tell if a helmet is unsafe at first glance. However, there are a few things to look out for:
What buyers should look out for
- CE marking in accordance with EN 1078
- Manufacturer’s details with a verifiable address
- EU Declaration of Conformity or reference thereto
- Purchase from reputable retailers
- independent test results
- Available replacement cushions and spare parts
Particular caution is advised when it comes to very cheap products from unknown suppliers, especially if these are sold exclusively via online marketplaces.
Fit remains the most important safety factor
Despite all the technology involved, one aspect is often underestimated: a helmet only provides reliable protection if it fits correctly.
The helmet should:
- to sit horizontally on one’s head
- Ensure that the forehead and temples are adequately covered
- cannot be twisted
- a firm but comfortable fit
- have correctly adjusted chin straps
A premium helmet that doesn’t fit properly offers less protection in an emergency than a cheaper model that fits perfectly.
When a helmet should be replaced
Even modern helmets have a limited lifespan. It is advisable to replace them:
- after a serious fall
- if there is visible damage
- in the case of aged materials
- in the event of damaged adjustment systems
- once the service life recommended by the manufacturer has elapsed
At TOUR, and indeed the well-known safety organisations, we generally advise against using second-hand helmets. Previous damage is often not visible.
Conclusion: CE is compulsory, but it is not the whole story
The latest EU study paints a mixed picture. Most bicycle helmets fulfil their intended purpose and provide reliable protection against serious head injuries. At the same time, the results reveal shortcomings in documentation, compliance and, in some cases, the protective performance of individual models.
For buyers, the CE mark remains an important basic requirement. However, anyone looking for the safest possible helmet should look beyond this. A good fit, a well-established manufacturer, modern protection concepts against rotational forces and independent safety tests provide far more meaningful indications of a helmet’s actual protective performance than the technical specifications alone.
When buying a helmet, what’s most important to you: maximum safety, low weight or perfect ventilation? Share your experiences in the comments!
Stefan Frey
Editor