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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
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A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
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Factors affecting motorcycle helmet use: size selection, stability, and position.
Kim T Thai1, Andrew S McIntosh, Toh Yen Pang
1a School of Aviation , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia.
Traffic Injury Prevention
|August 23, 2014
Summary
Motorcycle helmet fit and stability were assessed in 216 riders. While riders were satisfied, helmet sizes didn't match head dimensions, and stability tests suggested easier displacement than real-world crashes indicate.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Motorcycle Safety
Background:
- Proper helmet fit and stability are crucial for head protection.
- Poorly fitted or fastened helmets risk displacement or ejection during use or crashes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the fit, comfort, and stability of motorcycle helmets in real-world use.
- To compare in-use helmet dimensions with standard headform measurements.
- To assess helmet stability using quasistatic pull tests.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of head dimensions and helmet fit on 216 motorcyclists.
- Questionnaires on helmet usability and riding history.
- Quasistatic pull tests to assess helmet stability.
Main Results:
- Observed discrepancies between motorcyclists' head dimensions and helmet sizes, particularly head width.
- Most helmets (94%) complied with AS/NZS 1698 (2006) standards.
- Quasistatic tests showed low forces (around 25 N) required for helmet displacement, influenced by helmet type and wear correctness.
Conclusions:
- In-use helmet sizes often do not align with predicted sizes based on head measurements, despite rider satisfaction with comfort and fit.
- Quasistatic stability tests may overestimate the likelihood of helmet displacement in actual crash scenarios.
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