Product Safety Standards (Bikes/Helmets): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to identify safe bicycle helmets and the importance of checking for mandatory safety stickers to ensure your protection on the road.
These safety standards ensure that the bicycle helmets sold in Australia meet specific requirements to protect your head during a ride.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for the safety of all cyclists. Whether you are a professional delivery rider using a bike for work or someone riding for leisure, these standards are meant to protect every person on a bicycle.
What you get
The primary benefit is the assurance that your protective gear has been tested to meet local safety requirements. While there is no direct payment or subsidy provided to you, you benefit from knowing that the equipment you use has been vetted for quality. To ensure you are receiving this benefit of protection, you should always check your helmet for the presence of an Australian Standards sticker. This sticker serves as proof that the item meets the necessary safety criteria for use on Australian roads.
What it costs you
There is no monetary cost to follow these safety guidelines or to ensure your equipment is compliant. The "cost" is simply the time it takes to inspect your gear and the diligence required to check for the correct markings when you are shopping for new equipment.
The catch to know
The most important thing to watch out for is the risk associated with cheap, imported helmets. Many helmets purchased from overseas or through unregulated international sellers often lack the mandatory Australian Standards sticker. If a helmet does not have this specific mark, you cannot be certain it has been tested to the required safety levels, which could leave you unprotected in the event of an accident.
How to apply
- Inspect your current helmet carefully to see if it has the required safety sticker.
- If you are shopping for a new helmet, always look for the mandatory safety mark on the product or packaging.
- Avoid buying helmets that do not clearly display the official standards sticker, especially when buying from international or budget-focused importers.