Products the mandatory standard applies to
A bicycle helmet offers protection to a cyclist’s head during impact. It features a:
- shell
- liner
- retention strap fitted along the lower jaw area.
Bicycle helmets are worn when riding a bicycle and other wheeled recreational devices such as electronic bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades and kick scooters.
This mandatory standard was updated on 22 March 2024. There is a transition period until 21 September 2025 for suppliers to adjust to the new mandatory standard.
Products the mandatory standard does not apply to
The bicycle helmet mandatory standard does not apply to these products:
- helmets used for downhill mountain bicycle racing
- helmets used for BMX bicycle competitive racing
- toy helmets
- motorcycle helmets
- helmets only for use with other wheeled recreational devices which are not bicycles (see example).
Example: a helmet only for use when skateboarding and is not marked as, or intended, to be worn when cycling.
Complying with the mandatory standard
This mandatory standard applies to the supply of bicycle helmets in Australia. It sets out the design, construction, performance and safety markings for bicycle helmets.
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance. View the full detail of the standard.
Design and construction
The listed standards outline requirements for a bicycle helmet including:
- construction
- impact absorbing properties
- retention system - the straps, assembly and locking mechanism to secure the helmet to the user's head
- marking and information.
Testing
Bicycle helmet suppliers must organise product testing through specialist testing laboratories.
Labelling
The warning and safety information must be visible and remain clear and durable.
The helmet must be supplied with instructions for use. These should include fitting and positioning of the helmet.
Other laws to be aware of
State and territory road use laws specify the type of bicycle helmets that can be used when riding on roads and other places.
Under the Australian Consumer Law, suppliers must make sure that goods are safe, of acceptable quality and fit for any disclosed purpose. If a consumer tells a business they are buying a bicycle helmet to ride on a public road, the business must sell them a bicycle helmet that is fit for that purpose.
See more information for businesses on consumer rights and guarantees.
Transition period
The mandatory standard was last updated on 22 March 2024. Under the new mandatory standard, suppliers can choose to comply with one of the 6 listed voluntary Australian and overseas standards.
This mandatory standard gives suppliers a transition period to adjust to the new requirements.
Up to 21 September 2025 suppliers must comply with either the:
- Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard) (Bicycle Helmets) Regulations 2001, or
- Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024.
From 22 September 2025 suppliers must comply with the:
When a product doesn’t comply
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with the mandatory standard.
Mandatory standard details
The Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024 sets out the mandatory standard requirements for bicycle helmets.
The accompanying Explanatory Statement has further information.
A bicycle helmet must comply with any one of the 6 following standards:
- Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 – Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices
- Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063:2008 – Bicycle Helmets
- European standard EN 1078:2012+A1:2012 Helmets for pedal cyclists and for user of skateboards and roller skates
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission standard US CPSC 16 C.F.R. Part 1203 Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standard F1447-18 Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
- Snell standard B-95 1995 Bicycle Helmet Standard, 1998 revision, Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling.
You can buy the Australian, European and US standards at Intertek Inform.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission or Snell Standard are available for free from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations or the Snell Foundation.