Do I Need an NTA 8776 Helmet for an e-Bike?

In this article we will be looking at how an NTA 8776 helmet different from an EN1078 helmet.

We will investigate what one is, where the classifications come from, and whether you need one when riding an e-Bike. fleethopper.co.uk is for all riders – we mainly focus on fleet bikes however, such as Lime bikes, and so this is mainly what we will be focusing on.

Where Does NTA 8776 Come From?

This is a certification that was developed in the Netherlands in 2016 by the Netherlands Standardisation Institute. The idea was to create a helmet which was suitable for e-Bike usage, as in the Netherlands, some standard e-Bikes could go 28mph, and there were no specific bicycle helmet tests that tested for such a fast bike.

When riding a speed pedelec in the Netherlands (an e-bike that can provide electric assist at over 25km/h, and up to 45 km/h) you must wear a helmet, with NTA 8776 certified ones being an option. NTA 8776 helmets typically offer more head coverage, and thicker foam, which is deemed safer than going at these higher speeds.

Do UK e-Bike Riders need an NTA 8776 Helmet?

Okay, so if the certification for these helmets was created in the Netherlands for Dutch e-Bike riders, according to Dutch rules, do UK riders need them when riding e-Bikes?

In the UK the relevant regulation a helmet needs to meet it EN1078, it should also have a CE mark. That is just for a helmet to be considered as safe. Don’t want to wear a helmet on a legal e-bike (up to 25km/h electric assist), then don’t! (but please do). Whilst you can buy NTA 8776 helmets, there’s no legal requirement to do so in the UK, so it becomes a question of are they more safe?

Are NTA 8776 Helmets Safer than EN1078 Helmets?

Maybe. They certainly are when it comes to speeds higher than the UK electric assist limit of 25km/h. But in the UK e-bikes will cut out at this speed, and even for those who regularly breeze past me at 20mph, the EN1078 likely has you covered, as they are also rigorously tested at that speed. However, and this is no means foolproof, but an NTA 8776 helmet could make a huge difference should you collide with a larger vehicle such as a car.

More than anything, it should come down to what fits comfortably, what you can imagine yourself riding in, and what you can comfortably afford. Helmet certifications are not the only thing to think about here…

MIPS

Not the name of a pet, but Multi-directional Impact Protection System, this feature of many helmets helps to redirect energy away from the head when a fall occurs, this means less pressure on your head, and crucially, is not a specific requirement of the NTA 8776 helmets. This is important to mention, as in some accidents an EN1078 helmet with Mips might help more than an NTA 8776 helmet without Mips.

Which Bike Helmet Is the Right One for Me?

It’d be impossible to say exactly which one would be right for you, but I am going to link some top choices below, when you’re looking at these think of how you will store this, if it looks comfortable, how you would carry it when not wearing etc. If we strip it back entirely, it’s a really good idea to get a helmet you will actually wear, rather than one you wont.

Newlane Foldable Bike Helmet (EN1078)

This is a great helmet for fleet hoppers like myself who might want to jump from bus to Lime to Voi, as it will fit nicely into your bag, which means that you will actually use it! It does lack Mips or NTA 8776 specifications, so if you are set on these this is not the helmet for you.

POC Ventral AIR MIPS Bike Helmet (EN1078 & MIPS)

Expensive, but very popular, both fleet bike riders, and bicycle owners alike love POC helmets. Not only are they well built, with Mips, but they also leave a lot of room for air to get to your head which is lovely when riding. Helmets with Mips typically have a higher price tag, and this is reflected here.

It’d be a bit difficult to list all POC helmets here, so when you’ve looked at this one, perhaps look at some others from this brand, and they do have many other options, some cheaper, so more expensive.

Lumos Ultra E-Bike Smart Helmet (NTA 8776 & MIPS)

This is an absolute beast of a helmet, it’s worth noting here that there is a non-Mips version, but I have linked the Mips version. This helmet is going to keep you safe beyond its function of a standard helmet, as it has front & rear LED lights with three options to choose from. It also has turn signals built in, powered by a controller you put on your handlebars. Finally, it has a visor, meaning your eyes are protected from grit and dirt!

ABUS PURL-Y Bike Helmet (NTA 8776)

An NTA 8667 helmet which falls into the budget price range. Great for the person looking for extra safety, without breaking the bank! Abus is still a solid maker of helmets, and you can feel safe with this on your head!

A Last Word on Helmets

If I could summarise in one sentence I would say: Regardless of the specification, assuming it reaches minimum regulations, get yourself a helmet!

It could be tempting to make a spreadsheet of all of the options, and spend weeks going back and forth on all of the options, it’s important to get one you can imagine using, and to get it on your head!