First reported 5 May 2014•Latest report 17 Mar 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures of controls specifically dedicated to crash-helmet safety for road users, including requirements to wear helmets and checks that helmets are correctly sized and fitted, as supported by the anchor and comparable road-user helmet assertions.
Not included
Excludes generic motorcycle, quad-bike, bicycle or electric-scooter safety concerns that do not specifically concern crash-helmet protection.
Excludes helmet use in non-road activities, such as recreational water sports, unless the assertion concerns road-user crash-helmet safety.
Excludes unrelated protective equipment, vehicle approval, driver training or road-infrastructure deficiencies.
Excludes helmet-attached device safety concerns where the unsafe condition is device attachment rather than helmet protection.
Reports
8
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
13
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2014–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
21
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Department for Transport8
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency2
Amazon UK Services Ltd.1
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency1
EScooterClinic1
Evolve Skateboards UK Limited1
Greater London Authority1
Halfords Group PLC1
Harrods Limited1
Home Office1
Metropolitan Police Service1
Next of kin1
Office of the Chief Coroner1
OnBoards1
Selfridges Retail Limited1
Ministerial department8
Road and vehicle agency2
Company1
Coronial office1
Local authority1
Police force1
Private limited company1
Public limited company1
Public transport authority1
Registered charity1
Transport research body1
Type not available1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Nottinghamshire
Concerns raised2
Lack of a requirement for electric scooter riders to wear helmets
Risk of death to electric scooter and bicycle riders not wearing protective headwear in collisions
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Complete and publish the second evaluation of e-scooter trials, including evidence on helmet provision and uptake.
Stated by Department for TransportStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 18 June 2026.
Action
Ensure future e-scooter regulations consider a full range of evidence, including international comparisons.
Stated by Department for TransportStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 18 June 2026.
Action
Publicly consult on proposed regulations, including any potential helmet-wearing requirement, before they come into force.
Stated by Department for TransportStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 18 June 2026.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Cycle helmets should remain strongly recommended but not legally mandatory because mandating them may reduce cycling and its wider health and environmental benefits.
Stated by Department for TransportExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Nottinghamshire
Concerns raised2
Lack of a requirement for electric scooter riders to wear helmets
Risk of death to electric scooter and bicycle riders not wearing protective headwear in collisions
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Commission a second evaluation of e-scooter trials.
Stated by Department for TransportStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 6 January 2025.
Action
Evaluate the impact of helmet provision and uptake among e-scooter users.
Stated by Department for TransportStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 6 January 2025.
Action
Complete a comprehensive review of cycling and walking safety, including whether cycle helmets should be mandatory.
Stated by Department for TransportStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 6 January 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Mandatory cycle helmets are not considered necessary because reduced cycling, health and environmental benefits would outweigh their safety benefits.
Stated by Department for TransportNo action considered necessaryThe respondent said that no further action was needed.
East Riding and Hull
Concerns raised4
Failure to ensure correct motorcycle helmet sizing and fitting
Motorcycle helmets coming off or rotating during collisions
Lack of appropriate education for motorcycle riders
Lack of research and knowledge about motorcycle helmet displacement during collisions
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Produce and publish SHARP guidance on motorcycle helmet selection and fitting.
Stated by Department for TransportStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 January 2023.
Action
Continue promoting and raising awareness through SHARP of correct motorcycle helmet fitting and usage.
Stated by Department for TransportStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 January 2023.
Action
Conduct research into motorcycle-helmet loss, including retention testing, helmet design compliance and loss mechanisms.
Stated by TRL LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 January 2023.
East London
Concerns raised1
Failure to require head protection for riders of legally authorised scooters
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.7
Action
Promote helmet use through product displays, bundled discounts, customer encouragement, and helmeted rider imagery.
Stated by OnBoardsStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Action
Provide rental e-scooter safety guidance and encourage riders to use protective equipment, including helmets.
Stated by Mayor of London and Transport for LondonStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Action
Issue updated guidance encouraging trial operators and local authorities to provide helmets and incentivise their use.
Stated by Department for TransportStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Action
Consult on helmet wearing as part of developing future e-scooter regulation.
Stated by Department for TransportStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Action
Publish helmet-wearing requirements in website frequently asked questions.
Stated by Evolve Skateboards UKStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Action
Advocate to the Department for Transport and Transport for London for protective headwear use by authorised e-scooter riders.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Action
Recommend helmets to E-Scooter purchasers and display helmets for sale alongside E-Scooters in the Technology department.
Stated by Harrods LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 19 December 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Enforcement and seizure of privately owned e-scooters used illegally on public land is addressed by the Home Secretary.
Stated by Department for TransportRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
DfT and TfL made the policy decisions on licensed e-scooter trial parameters and head protection, so they are best placed to explain the rationale.
Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The government was identified as responsible for deciding whether to legalise scooters and introduce laws, regulations, compulsory protective gear and third-party insurance.
Stated by EScooterClinicRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Coventry
Concerns raised1
Absence of a legal requirement for road-using quad bike drivers to wear crash helmets
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Keep compulsory helmet requirements for quad-bike riders under review, considering usage, collision safety and seat-belt availability.
Stated by Jesse Norman MPStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 23 September 2018.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Compulsory quad-bike helmet use cannot be introduced immediately because it requires primary legislation; the position remains under review.
Stated by Jesse Norman MPUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
Quad-bike users likely represent a very low number of road deaths and serious injuries within the broader “other vehicle” casualty category.
Stated by Jesse Norman MPDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
South Wales Central
Concerns raised1
Lack of a legal requirement for riders of this class of vehicle to wear protective helmets
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Keep the position on compulsory tricycle helmet use under review, considering usage, collision safety and seat-belt availability.
Stated by Department for TransportStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 5 October 2016.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Compulsory tricycle helmet use is not immediately planned because introducing it would require primary legislation.
Stated by Department for TransportUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Birmingham and Solihull
Concerns raised1
Lack of a requirement for quad bike riders to wear crash helmets on public roads
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Continue reviewing whether compulsory protective-helmet requirements for quad-bike riders and passengers should be introduced.
Stated by Department for TransportStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 1 December 2015.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Compulsory quad-bike helmet requirements cannot be introduced immediately because primary legislation would be required.
Stated by Department for TransportUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
West Sussex
Concerns raised1
Lack of compulsory suitable protective helmet use on motorised bicycles capable of exceeding 15 MPH
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Expand RoSPA’s website cycle-safety advice to include motorised bicycles.
Stated by The Royal Society For The Prevention Of AccidentsStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 5 May 2014.
Action
Suggest including specific motorised-bicycle safety advice when the Highway Code is next reviewed.
Stated by The Royal Society For The Prevention Of AccidentsStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 5 May 2014.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.4
Position
RoSPA lacks authority to introduce legislation, although it can campaign for legislative change.
Stated by The Royal Society For The Prevention Of AccidentsOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
RoSPA does not support mandatory helmet laws because enforcement would require significant police resources and could discourage cycling.
Stated by The Royal Society For The Prevention Of AccidentsUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
RoSPA cannot campaign for mandatory requirements because necessary data about motorised bicycles, usage and injuries is unavailable.
Stated by The Royal Society For The Prevention Of AccidentsUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
RoSPA prioritises campaigns due to limited resources and therefore will promote helmet use rather than conduct legislative campaigning.
Stated by The Royal Society For The Prevention Of AccidentsUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
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Includes failures of controls specifically dedicated to crash-helmet safety for road users, including requirements to wear helmets and checks that helmets are correctly sized and fitted, as supported by the anchor and comparable road-user helmet assertions.
