Children's Bicycle Helmets Perform Moderately in Test
24.03.2026 | from Touring Club Suisse (TCS)
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Image rights: TCS
24.03.2026, The latest test of children's bicycle helmets shows that the models provide adequate protection against injuries. However, a lack of innovation is noticeable in handling and additional features. Unlike the last test four years ago, none of the children's bicycle helmets received the rating 'highly recommended.'
When children are on their bicycles, it is particularly important that they wear a helmet. After all, they are still uncertain of the road and less able to assess dangers. In 2024, 404 children and teenagers were slightly or seriously injured in a bicycle accident (Source: Federal Statistical Office). As the market for children's bicycle helmets is constantly changing, TCS tested 16 children's bicycle helmets currently available in Switzerland.
Compared to the last test of children's bicycle helmets in 2022, the current result is sobering. Although all models offer sufficient protection to minimise the risk of injury, no helmet achieves the result 'highly recommended'—four years ago it was at least five models.
The test winner with 56 out of 100 points is the children's bicycle helmet Nutz 2.0 KinetiCore by the manufacturer Lazer. The deciding factor for the good rating is the wearing comfort, with the adjustment system for head size and headband. Also positive is its lightweight of 248 grams and the attractive price of 49 Swiss Francs. Yet, even the test winner has weaknesses. The side straps are difficult to adjust and the skin can get pinched when closing the buckle.
Large Variations in Weight
There are large differences in the weight of the helmets. The heaviest children's bicycle helmet, the Span model by Bell, weighs 397 grams. The Scamp II by Giro, on the other hand, weighs only 205 grams. High weight can be very stressful for a child's neck muscles over time. Practical tests with children showed that comfort and fit of the helmet play a crucial role.
Many manufacturers offer models with limited head circumference. This leads to the helmet becoming too small for children soon, affecting wearing comfort. Thirteen other helmets received the rating 'recommended' because they provide sufficient accident protection but show defects in handling. The children's bicycle helmets YouDrop by Abus and Urban-Active by Melon are only conditionally recommended with 38 points each.
Both have weaknesses in protection against head injuries at the temples, and the closure is cumbersome to operate. Additionally, the YouDrop model by Abus is the most expensive helmet tested at 107 Swiss Francs. Although the fundamental protective function is given, there are various possibilities for improvement in the current range of children's bicycle helmets.
TCS especially recommends better protection in the temple area, increased visibility in the dark through reflectors, and a strap system that can be adjusted laterally and does not adjust unintentionally.
TCS Tips for Buying a Children's Bicycle Helmet
- Every head shape is individual. Therefore, the helmet should absolutely be tried on
before purchase.
- For the best possible visibility, the helmet should be equipped with LED lighting and reflective
elements.
- After a fall on the head, the helmet must be replaced, even if no visible damages are apparent.
Press Contact:
Marco Wölfli, Media Spokesperson TCS
Tel. 058 827 34 03
marco.woelfli@tcs.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: TCS
Conclusion of this article: « Children's Bicycle Helmets Perform Moderately in Test »
Touring Club Suisse (TCS)
Since its founding in 1896 in Geneva, the Touring Club Switzerland has been at the service of the Swiss population. It is committed to safety, sustainability, and self-determination in personal mobility, both politically and socially. With over 2000 employees and 23 regional sections, Switzerland's largest mobility club offers its more than 1.6 million members a wide range of services related to mobility, health, and leisure activities.
Every 70 seconds, assistance is provided. 200 patrol officers annually conduct approximately 361,000 operations on Swiss roads, allowing immediate continuation in more than 80% of cases. The ETI headquarters organises approximately 63,000 assistance services annually, including 3500 medical clearings and over 1300 repatriations. TCS Ambulance is the largest private player in emergency services and patient transport in Switzerland with 400 employees, 22 logistics bases, and around 45,000 deployments per year. Legal protection offices handle 52,000 cases and provide approximately 10,000 legal consultations.
Since 1908, TCS has been committed to increased safety in mobility—made possible by membership. It develops teaching materials, awareness, and prevention campaigns, tests mobility infrastructures, and advises authorities. TCS distributes around 115,000 safety belts and 90,000 safety vests to children annually to ensure their mobility is safe. The driving centres annually count 42,000 participants in training and continuing education sessions across all vehicle categories.
With 32 sites and approximately 900,000 overnight stays, TCS is also Switzerland's largest camping provider. The Mobility Academy of TCS researches and shapes transformations in transportation, such as drone vertical mobility or shared mobility, for example with 400 electric cargo bicycles 'carvelo' and 43,000 users. TCS is a co-signer of the Roadmap Electromobility 2025.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Touring Club Suisse (TCS), Press release
Original article published on: Kindervelohelme schneiden beim Test mässig ab