Helmet Standards Summary

Summary: This page outlines the essential features of almost all bicycle helmet standards.

All bike helmet standards test the helmet by placing it on an instrumented headform, turning it upside down and dropping it on an anvil.

The anvil for each drop can be flat, rounded or shaped like a curbstone edge.

Drop heights or equivalent drop velocities are specified between 1.0 and 2.2 meters (3.3 to 7.2 feet).

The instruments inside the headform must register less than 300g's during the impact, and in some cases less than 275, 250 or even 200 g's.

There may be a test for rotational energy management using an oblique impact.

There are usually requirements to test hot, cold and wet samples.

Standards also specify the coverage required (lower test line), strap strength and stability on the head.

• CPSC: Every bicycle helmet sold in the US must meet our national standard.
  
  
• ASTM F1447-24: very similar to CPSC but peak g cannot exceed 275 g.
  
  
• Snell B90-S: Essentially identical to CPSC.
  
  
• Snell B95: More stringent than CPSC, but little-used.
  
  
• CEN or EN1078: The European standard. Permits lighter, thinner (less protective) helmets than any of the above standards.
  
  

We have more if you want detail:

• Our detailed standards page.
  
  
• What we think is needed to make progress in improving standards.
  
  
• A quick chart comparing US standards
  
  
• Our long item-by-item standards comparison