Bicycle Helmets by Country
Summary: We get inquiries about helmets that are made a specific country, such as the US, or helmets that are "not
made in China." While the country of origin may not have much to do with the quality of a helmet, if users are looking
for country-specific information we provide what we know here. Since sourcing changes quickly in some cases, it is
necessary to check the stickers in the helmet you are buying to be sure where it was made. Even then, some components
such as buckles and straps may be from another country.
China
By default, all of the helmets we list in our
Helmets for the Current Season
article are made in China if not otherwise indicated. The overwhelming majority of the world's helmets are produced
there. There are many manufacturers, and quality ranges from poor to excellent. In addition, many helmets assembled
elsewhere have at least some Chinese-made component parts like buckles and straps. Most of the best known helmet brands
in the US market are made in China. Major US companies sourcing there have to be very careful about quality control, and
buy most of their helmets from a few producers known for consistent quality.
USA
There are still millions of bicycle helmets made every year in the US. Most are made by Bell in Rantoul,
Illinois, and are marked "Assembled in the USA from components made in China and the USA." They are in Bell's low-cost
line, found at Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and other big box discount stores.
You have to identify them by reading the hang
tag, since the models change.
In addition to Bell, the company Bandbox Helmets makes hat-style helmets entirely assembled in USA.
We do not know of any other major manufacturer making bicycle helmets here in the US. We do not know of any bicycle
helmet manufacturer or vendor who would satisfy the Buy America Act requirement that the product is assembled in America
and all parts down to the sub-component level must be made in America as well. If you find one, please let us know.
The designation "made in USA" is defined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as requiring final assembly or
processing of the product in the U.S., all significant processing that goes into the product must occur in the U.S., and
all or virtually all ingredients or components of the product are made and sourced in the U.S.
Australia
Tommy Carron has informed us that bicycle helmets are manufactured in Australia by Pacific Brands under
the
Rosebank brand. Playworks International also manufacture the FLITE
900 in Australia which is a children's helmet (as of 2006). Headstart International also makes a child's helmet- the
HEADSTART Skins Flame 325 (as of 2006). Again, we don't know where their components are sourced.
Belgium
When it was a Belgian-owned company Lazer used to make their helmets in Belgium. They may still make some
models there, but we don't know which ones. They are owned by Shimano now.
Canada
Louis Garneau helmets are no longer made in Canada.
France
The
French company BiOS has a Made in France
line at the bottom of their web pages. Their helmets are made to a different drummer design, so you might want to read
our writeup on them.
Germany
At least two manufacturers still make helmets in Germany.
Uvex makes their most expensive models there. A few of their less expensive
models are made in China.
KED Helmsysteme
advertises on their website that their helmets are "garantiert made in Germany." We have more on both manufacturers in
our annual
helmets for the current season page. Again there may or may not be components made
elsewhere.
Israel
We have had reports since the 1990's of a kibbutz-based manufacturer of bike helmets in Israel. The
company is Polybid, and they are part of
Kibbutz Mismar HaNegev. They have a
nicely rounded bicycle model, the
Pro 2 and others for youth and toddlers. Their site in is Hebrew, but Google can
translate if you need it.
Italy
Italian manufacturers have been among the last to switch to Asian manufacturing for their helmets. Some
have mixed Italian and Chinese origin lines like Limar. MET provided us this statement: "Just to clarify as we don't wish
there to be any confusion, our helmets are designed, developed, tested and prototyped at our HQ in Talamona, Italy but
manufactured in China then quality controlled again at HQ in Italy." And Kask provided this statement: All KASK helmets are still made 100% in Italy" with a link to
their FAQ covering that.
At least two say all or most of their models are still Made in Italy:
LAS says
they have four made in Asia and the rest in Italy, including the Virtus and Cobalto certified to CPSC for the US market.
And
Selev still has made in Italy models.
Japan
Most helmets made in Japan are for the internal market. We don't have info on them. They would be made to
fit the rounder Asian head shape.
Portugal
Strategic Sports of Hong Kong has a factory in Portugal producing helmets for various European brands.
At present they are all certified to the European standard and sold in Europe or other markets that accept EN1078
helmets.
Spain
Catlike has a production plant in Yecla
(Murcia), Spain.
Taiwan
A number of manufacturers make helmets in Taiwan. Most Expanded PolyUrethane (EPU) helmets come from
there. Manufacturers include Ascent and Tirreno, the Performance Bicycle house brand.
Vietnam
Strategic Sports has a factory in Vietnam that will eventually produce helmets for other brands. Startup
has been delayed by the COVID 19 pandemic.