What are the safety tests for Bike helmets? What is the safest helmet?

Aug 16, 2023 | Allgemein, Milestones, Publicity, Testing

A close up view of Inflabi's Inflatable sustainable helmet

It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to testing standards

It is well established that wearing a bike helmet increases head protection in the event of a crash. And this has been backed up by decades of research. But not all helmets are created equal, and despite the fact that every helmet available on the market must pass the EN1078 testing certification. That does not mean every helmet on the market offers the same level of safety. This article aims to break down the steps of the European testing procedure, as well as provide some 3rd party tests that go beyond the EN1078 testing, to help you better understand what to look for when comparing helmets.

Inflatable Bike Helmet Inflated

What is the EN1078 Certification? How is it measured?

Originally created in 1997, the EN1078 standard is the EU standardised certification for all cycling, skateboarding and roller skating helmets sold in 32 European nations. In other words, EN-1078 is a commonly recognized standard.

For helmets to become EN1078 certified, there is a number of tests a helmet must pass. These include dropping helmets from a distance on to flat and kerbstone test anvils, guided free-fall drop gadgets, and then measuring the impact energy and impact velocity. The strap system and helmet placement is also tested.

 

Alternatives to EN1078 Certification

However, these standards have not been updated since the 1990’s, and with the increasing use of E-bikes and growth of cycling in general, you might be asking are they still fit for purpose.

Rest assured that if you are buying a helmet in the European Union, then it will have passed these general safety standards. Still, you may be curious to know what is the safest helmet on the market and for that you need to look beyond the EN1078 certification. Here will introduce some of the institutes measuring safety beyond the minimum EN1078 standards.

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What are the different bike helmet tests? 

What is the difference between EN1078, EN1077  & EN1080?

As mentioned above EN1078 is the European standard of bike tests. While EN1080 was later introduce to test the safety of young children’s bike helmets. It is based on the EN1078 test but requires the inclusion of a quick release system, due to the risk of strangulation of young children. Whereas EN1077 is used to test the safety of ski and snowboarding helmets.

 

What are the testing Standards for Bike helmets?
What is the safest bikehelmet

What is the safest helmet on the market?

There are a number of 3rd party research institutions that test helmets under circumstances that are more vigorous than the European tests in order to better test and rank their safety features.

Virginia Tech – has been testing commercial bike helmets independently of manufactures’ influence. Their testing routine consists of 24 tests, making it one of the most in-depth databases.

Warentest Deutschland – is another 3rd party that test helmets. They release a yearly list of the best helmets. It a great resource as they also measure the comfort levels and price of the levels and consider them when selecting the winner.

There are numerous other testers, including the Frankfurter Allegmeine Kaufkompass

 

Inflabi’s Commitment to Safety.

Our Inflabi prototypes are currently undergoing  the EN1078 European testing procedure.

We are putting the measures and tests in place, to ensure that once Inflabi has passed the EN1078 certificates, we are able to test and prove our safety at even higher levels than the minimum requirements. Thanks to our new air technology and design, Inflabi will be 4x safter than traditional EPS Foam Helmets and we will be working with the necessary testing researchers to prove that.

A close up view of Inflabi's Inflatable sustainable helmet

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