A BIS standard specifically for bicycle helmets

The Hindu

24-05-2025

Enjoy riding bicycles? Did you know the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has come up with a specific standard for helmets for cyclists, skate boarders and roller skaters — for the first time, and it is coded 'IS 18808'. The move by BIS to nudge all stakeholders to promote ISI-marked helmet is crucial for a country where helmet use for non-powered vehicles is only voluntary (bicycles do not come under Motor Vehicles Act).
G. Bhavani, senior director and head of Chennai branch of Bureau of Indian Standards, says BIS has brought this standard in 2025 exclusively for bicycle riders, skateboarders and roller skaters. In April, the Bureau conducted its first awareness workshop in Chennai and continues to reach stakeholders including cycling groups such as WCCG - Chennai Cyclists, Cycling Yogis and Chennai Runners.
'Through Manak Manthan, a monthly initiative of BIS, we take up a standard that was recently revised or formulated or is under development. We reach out to all stakeholders including consumers, manufactures, regulators and laboratories for suggestions. Manufacturers of this product can apply for BIS certification for this new Indian Standard, for which BIS is in the process of reaching out to the relevant associations for raising awareness,' says Bhavani.
BIS certification gives an assurance of quality of the product to the consumer.
'We certify after the manufacturers meet certain criteria. Later, the company is allowed to manufacture and market the helmet with an ISI mark,' says Bhavani.
In Chennai, most cycling and running groups promote use of helmets.
'In all our group rides and events, one thing is clear — 'no helmet, no ride', says Sudarsana Rao of Vibrant Velachery.
Rao notes that if there is a rule by the government then use of helmets and its standards will also improve.
'Unlike the helmets worn by motorcyclists, not everybody sells cycle helmets. They are only available in specialised shops and are different from the ones used by motorcyclists,' says Rao, adding that Clubs such as theirs can do a lot to promote helmet use.
Most bicycle helmets are made using PVC, polystyrene and allied material. They are durable, lightweight yet robust and promise reliable performance.
Bicycle retail outlets note a majority of helmets sold by them are imported and come with good safety standards, with prices from ₹3,500 onwards. 'Manufacturing helmets for cyclists is a niche market and unless there is good volume there may not be many takers,' says Ashwin G., partner, 5AM Bicycle Studio.
Helmet manfacturing companies point out there will be a market in India as many cities are creating cycling infrastructure and there is greater awareness about the benefits of this eco-friendly mode of transport.
'Today, we are largely dependent on the foreign market for helmet design, which must change,' says Bijoy Bharathan, general manager, Turtle Helmet. The Government must also reduce the GST on safety gears such as helmets so as to encourage more people to buy one, says Bharathan.