Bike Helmet Safety Standards Explained: EN 1078 and What It Means for You
Ever picked up a bike helmet and noticed that small "EN 1078" sticker? It's not just random certification jargon - it's actually your guarantee that the helmet on your head will do its job when it matters most.
Let's break down what this standard really means and why you should care about it when choosing a helmet.
What Exactly is EN 1078?
EN 1078 is the European safety standard for bicycle helmets. Think of it as the minimum requirements a helmet must meet to be considered safe for cycling in Europe.
When a helmet carries this certification, it means it's been through specific tests designed to ensure it can protect your head in typical cycling accidents. This standard has been mandatory for all helmets sold in the EU since 1998, and it continues to be the benchmark in the UK post-Brexit.
The Tests Your Helmet Had to Pass
So what does a helmet go through to earn that EN 1078 sticker? More than you might think:
Impact Tests
This is the big one. The helmet is placed on a metal headform (basically a fake head) and dropped onto an anvil from a height of about 1.5 meters. This simulates hitting your head during a crash.
The key measurement is how much force is transmitted through the helmet to the "head." To pass, the helmet must reduce this force below a certain threshold - specifically, below 250g of acceleration (where g is the force of gravity). For context, forces above 300g are likely to cause severe brain injury.
Retention System Test
That strap under your chin isn't just there to make sure your helmet doesn't fly off in the wind. The retention system (straps and buckles) is tested by attaching weights to see if it stays secure and doesn't stretch too much. If the buckle opens or the strap stretches beyond acceptable limits, the helmet fails.
Coverage Area Assessment
The standard also specifies how much of your head the helmet must cover. This ensures that crucial areas like the temples and back of the head have adequate protection.
Do All Helmets Meet the Same Standards?
Yes and no. All helmets legally sold in the UK and EU must meet EN 1078 at minimum. However, some helmets exceed these requirements or meet additional standards:
- Some high-end helmets include additional protection systems like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) (Newlane is almost the first foldable helmet to get this certification)
- Racing helmets might also meet more rigorous standards
- Children's helmets have their own standard (EN1080)
What About Foldable Helmets?
Here's a question we get a lot: "Do foldable helmets like Newlane meet the same standards as traditional helmets?"
The answer is yes - absolutely. To receive EN 1078 certification, foldable helmets undergo identical testing as traditional helmets. The folding mechanism must be secure when locked in the "wear" position, and the helmet must provide the same level of impact protection.
Why Certification Matters
So why should you care about all this testing talk?
Simply put, an uncertified helmet is a gamble with your safety. The certification process ensures that the helmet on your head has been independently verified to provide a minimum level of protection in a crash.
Think of it like this: when you're traveling at speed and your head meets the pavement, you want something between your skull and the concrete that's been proven to reduce that impact to survivable levels.
How to Check If Your Helmet is Certified
Every EN 1078-certified helmet must have:
- The CE mark
- The EN 1078 reference
- The name or brand of the manufacturer
- The helmet model or type
- The size or size range
- The year and month of manufacture
These are usually found on a sticker inside the helmet or sometimes printed directly on the retention system.
The Bottom Line
The EN 1078 standard isn't just bureaucratic red tape. It's making sure your helmet will do its job if you ever hit the ground.
But let's be honest, most helmets are a pain to deal with once you're off your bike. Carrying them around shops, squeezing them into bags, balancing them on café tables... it gets old fast.
That's why we created Newlane. Our helmets fold to half their size but still meet all those same safety standards. You get proper protection without the hassle of lugging around a bulky helmet all day.
Don't just take our word for it, over 3,000 riders have already made the switch, giving us a 4.9/5 star rating. They've discovered what we knew all along: you shouldn't have to choose between being safe and traveling light.
And right now our Easter Sale is on right now - 15% off all helmets. Because at the end of the day, the helmet that will protect you best is simply the one you'll actually wear.
