Published: Less than 20 min ago
The bicycle helmet must protect the most important thing you have. However, the security varies greatly depending on which one you choose.
All bicycle helmets sold in Sweden must be CE-marked. Far from all of them, however, provide adequate protection in the event of an accident, Folksam’s latest tests show.
– If you were to wear the worst helmet and be involved in an accident, the risk of suffering a concussion or an even worse injury is six times higher, says Helena Stigson, traffic safety researcher who is responsible for the tests.
– There are big differences between the helmets, but that difference is very difficult for the individual to see when you walk into a store.
Getting a CE mark means, in the case of bicycle helmets, that it has survived a straight fall to the ground. According to Helena Stigson, the requirements are set too low and are directly misleading for the consumer.
Three helmets are recommended
Folksam’s extended tests also include side crash tests, which is often what happens in real life when you fall off your bike.
– By far the most common injury that you are involved in in a bicycle accident is a concussion. In today’s helmets, many do not protect against it, says Helena Stigson.
Of the 16 bicycle helmets that Folksam tested this year, only three were rated good choices. Those helmets performed better than average in all five test moments.
Sadly for this year’s test, it is not about the more affordable alternatives, points out Helena Stigson.
– One of the most expensive helmets is among the best, and the others are at SEK 1,500 and up. In previous tests, we had a helmet from Biltema that came in high, which you get for SEK 400. But this year there was no one from that price range, she says.
More common with rotation protection
It is pleasing, however, that 14 of the 16 helmets have a rotation protection (Mips).
– Even though it is not required, it is almost standard these days. When we started testing helmets, only one had one, says Helena Stigson.
In the end, the most important thing is that the bike helmet, regardless of brand, fits. If everyone had it, two out of three head injuries would be avoided.
– The most important thing is that the helmet fits well on the head so that you use it, says Helena Stigson.
FACTS
The helmets tested
Here are the bicycle helmets that received Folksam’s Good Choice award. The helmets scored more than 15 percent better than average in all tests, both straight and oblique.
Bell XR Spherical Mips: SEK 2,100
Scott Tago Plus Mips: SEK 1,700
Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 Mips: SEK 3,700
.
The helmets that Folksam advises against. They scored more than 15 percent worse than the average.
Bell Tracker: SEK 400
Giro Fixture Mips II: SEK 800
Lazer Tonic Kineticore Kineticore: SEK 800
Livall C20: SEK 700
Scott Supra Mips: SEK 800
.
Other helmets in the test, which received an average test result which Folksam considers approved:
Abus Macator Mips: SEK 900
Abus Modrop Mips: SEK 1,300
Everest U Trail Nfc Mips: SEK 1,200
Lazer One Mips: SEK 800
Occano U Commute Mips HLM: SEK 900
POC Pocito Crane Mips: SEK 1,000
POC Ventral Air Mips: SEK 2,500
Specialized Mode Mips: SEK 1,100
Source: Folksam
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