Product categories / Bicycle helmets / Risk assessment
Risk assessment for bicycle helmets
The 5 typical risks for bicycle helmets in intended and reasonably foreseeable use — and which tests and documents address them.
1. Insufficient shock absorption
The helmet does not protect the head in a fall.
Mitigation: Shock absorption testing to EN 1078 within the EU type-examination.
Evidence: EN 1078 test report · EU type-examination certificate from a notified body (Module B)
2. Helmet comes off
The retention system fails or the helmet slides off in a fall.
Mitigation: Retention system testing to EN 1078 and clear adjustment instructions.
Evidence: EN 1078 test report · Instructions according to Annex II point 1.4
3. Restricted field of vision
The helmet shape obstructs vision.
Mitigation: Field-of-vision check to EN 1078.
Evidence: EN 1078 test report
4. Production deviation
Produced helmets differ from the type-examined model.
Mitigation: Conformity to type (Module C) with production sampling.
Evidence: Conformity to type — internal production control (Module C)
5. Ageing and damaged helmet
Protection degrades over time or after an impact that is not visible.
Mitigation: Instructions on lifetime and replacement after an accident (Annex II 1.4).
Evidence: Instructions according to Annex II point 1.4
Adapt the risk assessment to your own product — materials, design, target group and how it is sold. In the tool, each risk is linked to the evidence you upload, and the assessment is included in the technical file.
Reviewed by an expert. Rule set version 2, last reviewed 2026-10-10. This page helps you find gaps and does not replace an assessment by an expert or test laboratory.