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Helmet Standards & Technologies

Safety Standards
 

Most countries have safety standards that helmets must meet.  Helmets with the following certifications have been tested for impact absorption, retention and coverage. Look for the following stickers inside a helmet:
 

  • CPSC – mandatory for all bicycle helmets sold in the United States

  • EN 1078 – required for bike helmets sold in Europe

  • ISI – required for bicycle helmets sold in India

  • NTA 8776 – Dutch standard for e-bikes

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Additional Technologies
 

  • MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) adds an extra layer of protection against rotational forces during a crash.  Look for the MIPS certification either inside the helmet or printed on the outside shell of the helmet.
     

  • Bontrager Wave Cell – this Trek proprietary technology purports to better protect your brain in an angled impact with a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of the helmet. 

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E-Bike Helmets


E-bikes are classified into 3 categories based on how fast they can go and whether they are equipped with a throttle or just rely on pedal assist.  Because all classifications of e-bikes allow faster speeds and are heavier than a traditional bicycle, the impact from a crash or fall can be more devastating than on a traditional pedal-only bicycle.  Special helmets are recommended.  The gold standard for bikes up to 28 mph is the Dutch NTA-8776 certification.  These helmets have greater coverage.
 

  • Class 1: Pedal assist only.  The rider has to pedal to activate the assist motor. The bike will assist the rider up to 20 mph. 

    • While MIPS and WAVE CELL may be sufficient, for added protection look for a mountain bike helmet (greater back of head coverage) or the NTA 8776 certification.
       

  • Class 2: Think of mini-motorcycles.  The rider does not have to pedal to engage the motor. Although you can pedal, the rider can ride up to 20mph without pedaling. This distinguishes it from Class 1 and 3 bikes. Like Class 1 bikes, the motor ceases to provide assistance at 20 mph.  Many youths are buying online kits to modify the top speeds of these bikes so that they can travel in excess of 30 mph."  Because it takes no effort at all to reach a speed of 20 mph (class 1 bikes requires strong pedaling), Heads Smart recommends a more protective helmet. 

    • ​Cruiser helmet (motorcycle) recommended.

    • NTA 8776 at a minimum
       

  • Class 3:  Pedal assist only. Rider has to pedal to activate the assist motor. The bike will assist the rider up to 28 mph.

    • NTA 8776

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