Updated 15.08 | Published 14.50
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The Swedish Consumer Agency has decided to introduce a temporary ban on the Hövding 3 bicycle helmet in Sweden, reports SVT Nyheter.
The background to the decision is that the helmet, which inflates into a protective airbag in the event of a crash, does not meet current requirements, according to the authority.
“For example, it has not been shown that the equipment is activated and provides sufficient shock absorption at vehicle speeds exceeding 20 km/h. During the EU type inspection, the function of the protection at vehicle speeds exceeding 20 km/h has not been tested at all,” writes the Swedish Consumer Agency in its decision according to SVT.
The ban is introduced immediately and applies until the authority decides otherwise. If Hövding violates the ban, the company risks a fine of SEK 3 million.
The Swedish Consumer Agency began an examination of the helmet after problems with it were noticed in the media and several reports from the public were received by the authority.
Last summer, Folksam removed its recommendation of the helmet after crash tests showed that Hövding does not protect the cyclist in a collision with a car driving at 40 km/h.