Australian Bicycle Helmet Standards: What the 2024 Rules Require

The Short Version: The Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024 is Australia’s mandatory federal requirement for bicycle helmets sold in the country. A helmet must comply with one of six recognized standards: AS/NZS 2063:2020, AS/NZS 2063:2008, EN 1078:2012+A1:2012, CPSC 16 C.F.R. Part 1203, ASTM F1447-18, or Snell B-95.
The updated standard took effect March 22, 2024, with an 18-month supplier transition period ending September 21, 2025. AS/NZS 2063:2020 is the primary domestic standard, covering impact protection, retention system strength, and coverage for bicycles and wheeled recreational devices including e-bikes and scooters.

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A few months back, I was talking to a friend who had just moved to Australia from the US. She’d taken her bike and her CPSC-certified helmet with her, and someone at the bike shop mentioned she might want to check whether her helmet was legal here. She laughed it off (a helmet is a helmet, right?). So I went and had a look at what Australia’s rules actually say. I pulled the label out of my own helmet while I was at it (you’ve never really read it properly either, have you?). What I found was more interesting than either of us expected.

Australia has its own bicycle helmet standard, AS/NZS 2063 (the “AS” stands for Australian Standard, “NZS” for New Zealand Standard), but the rules around it changed significantly in 2024. My friend’s CPSC helmet was fine. In fact, it had been fine for a couple of years. But the way that gets explained (or doesn’t get explained) in most places leaves a lot of riders confused about what they actually need to look for on that sticker inside the liner.

So let’s take a look at how Australian bicycle helmet standards work, what changed in 2024, how AS/NZS 2063 compares to the US and European standards, and what you actually need to know when you’re buying a helmet in Australia.

What Is the AS/NZS 2063 Bicycle Helmet Standard?

AS/NZS 2063 is the joint Australian and New Zealand safety standard for bicycle helmets, developed together by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand. The current version, AS/NZS 2063:2020, sets out the tests a helmet must pass for impact protection, stability in a crash, retention system strength (that’s your chin strap and buckle), load distribution, peripheral vision, and labeling. It’s the home-grown benchmark, and it’s one of six standards a bike helmet can legally meet in Australia.

Think of it as the two countries deciding, sensibly enough, that they might as well test helmets the same way. The standard has been around in various forms since 1977. The 2020 edition is the third, and it was amended again in June 2022 (Amendment No. 1:2022).

The big change in the 2020 edition was expanding the scope from bicycles only to all wheeled recreational devices. We’ll get to what that means in a moment, but the rule of thumb is simple: pass the checklist, get the sticker. No sticker, no sale.

What Changed in Australia’s 2024 Bicycle Helmet Rules?

In March 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued the Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024, which formally lists six helmet standards that a bike helmet sold in Australia can comply with. It took effect on March 22, 2024, and after a transition period ending September 21, 2025, suppliers have had to comply with it since September 22, 2025. The change wasn’t a new testing regime; it widened which standards are legally acceptable.

Under the 2024 mandatory standard, a helmet sold in Australia for bicycle use must comply with any one of these six standards:

• AS/NZS 2063:2020: Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices
• AS/NZS 2063:2008: Bicycle Helmets (previous version)
• EN 1078:2012+A1:2012: the European standard for bicycle, skateboard, and roller skate helmets
• US CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) 16 C.F.R. Part 1203: the US mandatory standard
• ASTM F1447-18: the US voluntary standard (ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials)
• Snell B-95: the Snell Memorial Foundation’s bicycle standard

So my friend’s CPSC helmet? Perfectly legal, and so is a European EN 1078-certified helmet brought in by a traveler.

The 2024 update formalized what had already been happening in practice, explicitly listing international standards that offer an equivalent level of protection. A cynic might ask whether that means Australia just lowered the bar. It didn’t.

All six standards include solid impact testing and retention system requirements. The 2024 update widened the door; it didn’t take the frame out.

What Does AS/NZS 2063:2020 Actually Test?

The main test in AS/NZS 2063:2020 is an impact drop test, where the drop height is 1.5 meters onto a flat steel anvil and peak acceleration must not exceed 250g. The standard also tests chin strap strength, helmet stability, load distribution, peripheral vision, and construction, with helmets conditioned in heat, cold, and moisture before testing.

In the drop test (officially the impact energy attenuation test), a helmeted headform gets released onto the anvil. An accelerometer (a device that measures g-force) inside the headform records how much force gets transmitted through. The lower that number, the more of the impact the helmet has soaked up.

That “flat anvil only” part is one of the key differences from the US CPSC standard. CPSC testing uses three anvil types: flat, hemispherical (picture a dome, like a rounded rock), and curbstone (a sharp edge, simulating a curb). AS/NZS 2063 uses only the flat anvil.

Real roads have rocks and curbs, so it’s a reasonable question to ask. The honest answer is that the flat anvil test at 1.5 meters is still a meaningful test of impact protection. It just doesn’t test every surface geometry a crash might involve.

Beyond impact testing, AS/NZS 2063:2020 also covers:

• Dynamic retention strength: the chin strap must withstand dynamic loading without excessive stretch or failure. Any strap contacting the throat must be at least 15mm wide.
• Helmet stability: the helmet must stay in the correct position during a simulated crash, tested with a dynamic stability test.
• Load distribution: a point loading test checks that the helmet distributes concentrated force (from a sharp protrusion, say) across the head rather than focusing it on one spot.
• Peripheral vision: the helmet must not block the rider’s field of view.
• Construction requirements: no external projections taller than 5mm (except ventilation holes), and no sharp edges likely to cause injury.

Pre-treatment conditioning simulates real-world wear, so helmets are tested after exposure to heat, cold, and moisture. This matters more than it sounds. The EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam liner (the same white foam you’ll find protecting a new television in its box) doesn’t behave the same after a summer of sitting in a hot car.

The conditioning tests check that the helmet performs when it’s actually being used, not just when it’s brand new.

What Wheeled Devices Does AS/NZS 2063:2020 Cover?

AS/NZS 2063:2020 covers helmets for bicycles (including e-bikes), skateboards, roller skates and rollerblades, hoverboards, and both manual and electric kick scooters. That’s a broader scope than either the US CPSC standard (bicycles only) or the European EN 1078 (bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates), so one certified helmet can cover the lot.

This is one of the things that makes AS/NZS 2063:2020 genuinely distinctive. The 2020 edition expanded the standard’s scope well beyond bicycles, and it now explicitly covers helmets used with:

• Bicycles, traditional and electric (e-bikes)
• Skateboards
• Roller skates and rollerblades
• Hoverboards
• Kick scooters, both manual and electric

The practical upside is that you don’t need to hunt for a separate standard for the kid’s scooter. Common sense, really, given how many households now have both a bike and a scooter sitting in the garage.

One important note: the mandatory standard applies specifically to helmets worn when riding a bicycle. A helmet certified only for skateboarding that isn’t marked or intended for cycling is not covered by the bicycle helmet mandatory standard. If you’re buying a helmet in Australia for a bike, the sticker needs to reference one of the six accepted standards, not just any helmet certification you happen to find on the label.

Was Australia First to Make Bike Helmets Mandatory?

Yes. Australia was the first country in the world to make bicycle helmets compulsory for all riders regardless of age, starting in Victoria in 1990 and rolling out nationally in the early 1990s. Today, riders across Australia must wear a helmet that meets one of the six accepted standards, with a partial exception for adults in the Northern Territory.

The original mandatory product safety standard that underpinned those laws came from the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard) (Bicycle Helmets) Regulations 2001. The 2024 update replaces that older framework under Australian Consumer Law, but the principle is the same. If you’re riding a bicycle in Australia, you’re legally required to wear a helmet that meets one of the accepted standards and displays an identifying mark certifying compliance.

The helmet also has to be in good repair and proper working condition, so a cracked or damaged helmet doesn’t count, even if it once passed certification. A cracked helmet is not a helmet. It’s a decoration.

Individual states and territories administer enforcement, which is why you’ll see slightly different wording across jurisdictions, but the underlying national mandatory standard applies everywhere in Australia. In New South Wales, for example, the NSW Government explicitly lists all six accepted standards on its road rules page for cyclists.

The Northern Territory is the notable exception on who has to wear one. There, riders aged 17 and over don’t need a helmet on footpaths and in other public places, although a helmet is still required on the road and for anyone under 17 (see the NT Government’s bicycle safety rules). Even so, the NT Government itself recommends wearing a helmet at all times, which is just common sense.

Are Any Bike Helmets Exempt From Australia’s Standard?

Yes, two kinds. The Consumer Goods (Bicycle Helmets) Safety Standard 2024 doesn’t apply to helmets used exclusively for downhill mountain bike racing or competitive BMX racing. Every other bike helmet sold in Australia, including those for commuting, recreational riding, and casual mountain biking, must meet one of the six accepted standards.

These racing disciplines have their own specific safety standards (primarily ASTM F1952 for downhill mountain bike racing), which are considered separately from general bicycle use. Helmets for competitive racing face different performance requirements and their own regulatory oversight.

If you’re not sure which category you fall into, you’re a recreational rider. The exemption is for the people on the race circuit, not the people watching them.

How Does AS/NZS 2063:2020 Compare to CPSC and EN 1078?

AS/NZS 2063:2020 drops helmets from 1.5 meters onto a flat anvil with a 250g limit, the same height and limit as Europe’s EN 1078, while the US CPSC standard drops from 2.0 meters and allows up to 300g. CPSC also tests on three anvil shapes, EN 1078 on two, and AS/NZS 2063 on the flat anvil only. Where AS/NZS 2063 leads is scope, covering helmets for the widest range of wheeled devices.

Keep in mind that g-force limits and drop heights don’t tell the whole story on their own. You have to look at both together, because a strict g-force limit achieved through gentle testing isn’t the same thing as a strict g-force limit achieved through brutal testing.

Feature	AS/NZS 2063:2020	CPSC 1203 (US)	EN 1078 (Europe)
Max G-Force	250g	300g	250g
Flat Anvil Drop	1.5 m	2.0 m	1.5 m
Hemispherical Anvil	Not tested	1.2 m	Not tested
Curbstone	Not tested	1.2 m	1.06 m
Anvil Types	1 (flat only)	3	2
Pre-Treatment	Heat / Cold / Moisture	Heat / Cold / Water / Ambient	Heat / Cold / UV / Ambient
Device Scope	All wheeled devices	Bicycles only	Bikes, skates, boards
Certification	Compliance marking required; often third-party certified.	Self-certification	CE marking

Mobile users: swipe left/right to see all columns.

One thing that stands out is that CPSC uses the highest flat-anvil drop height of the three (2.0 meters versus AS/NZS 2063’s 1.5 meters), and it’s the only standard that uses three different anvil types. More anvil types means more surface geometries tested, which is a closer approximation of real-world crash scenarios. If you’re comparing test rigor on paper, CPSC wins that argument.

For a deeper look at how these standards differ in testing methodology, see the article on how helmets are tested during certification.

So where does that leave AS/NZS 2063? It’s less thorough than CPSC on anvil variety, but it covers the broadest range of wheeled activities under a single framework. For most Australian riders, a helmet that passes AS/NZS 2063:2020 represents solid, meaningful protection, just not quite the full CPSC workout.

What Is the NSW Helmet STAR Rating Program?

The Helmet STAR (Safety Testing and Assessment Ratings) program is an independent helmet rating scheme run by NSW Crashlab, the road safety research facility of Transport for New South Wales (NSW). It tests helmets against AS/NZS 2063 requirements, then rates them from one to five stars based on how well they actually perform, not just whether they scrape over the minimum. Neither the US nor Europe has a state-level rating program like it.

STAR includes additional testing that the mandatory standard doesn’t cover, including oblique impact tests that assess rotational force protection. That’s the kind of force that happens when your head hits the ground at an angle rather than straight on (which, if you’ve ever come off a bike, is usually how it goes). None of the three major mandatory standards currently require rotational testing, so the fact that STAR tests for it is genuinely useful.

The program also measures variability across impact sites. A helmet that does brilliantly in one spot and poorly in another won’t hide behind a good average.

The STAR ratings are publicly available on the Transport for NSW road safety website. If you’re buying a helmet in Australia, it’s worth five minutes checking whether the one you’re considering has been rated. Passing mandatory certification gets you on the road legally, but a high STAR rating tells you something about whether the helmet will actually do its job when it matters.

How Do I Check if My Helmet Is Legal in Australia?

Check the certification label inside the helmet, usually on the foam liner or the inside of the outer shell, for one of the six accepted standards, such as “AS/NZS 2063:2020” or “CPSC 16 CFR Part 1203.” Every compliant helmet sold in Australia must carry this identifying mark. If there’s no label, or the label references a standard that isn’t on the accepted list, the helmet doesn’t comply with Australian requirements.

I’ve had helmets where the label was barely readable, tucked under the padding. It’s worth a proper look if you haven’t done it recently.

A few things to check when you’re looking at that label:

• Standard reference number: one of the six accepted standards must be listed
• Manufacturer name and address: helps with traceability if something ever goes wrong
• Year of manufacture: relevant since helmets have a limited service lifespan
• Size information: to confirm the helmet is appropriate for your head circumference

A missing or questionable label is a good reason to buy helmets from established retailers rather than unknown online sellers. Certification claims are harder to verify when there’s no accountability behind them.

What’s the Difference Between AS/NZS 2063:2020 and 2008?

AS/NZS 2063:2008 was written for bicycle helmets only, while AS/NZS 2063:2020 expands the scope to all wheeled recreational devices, updates the testing parameters, and adds normative batch testing requirements. Both versions are still legally acceptable for bicycle helmets in Australia under the 2024 mandatory standard.

The 2008 version set an impact attenuation limit of 250g peak, with a drop height of 1.5 meters on a flat anvil. It’s a solid standard, and helmets certified to it are still compliant.

The batch testing requirement in the 2020 edition means manufacturers have to demonstrate consistent production quality across batches, not just get one sample through. Amendment No. 1 from June 2022 then refined definitions further and improved clarity around testing procedures.

If you’re buying a new helmet today, it will almost certainly be certified to the 2020 standard. But if you come across a helmet marked AS/NZS 2063:2008, it’s still legally acceptable for riding in Australia.

Do E-Bikes Need a Special Helmet in Australia?

No. Australia has no separate mandatory helmet standard for e-bikes, so a bicycle helmet certified to AS/NZS 2063:2020 (which explicitly includes electric bicycles) or any of the other five accepted standards is all the law requires. That said, the drop tests in AS/NZS 2063 were calibrated around typical bicycle speeds, not the higher speeds some e-bikes can reach.

That’s different from some European countries, where speed pedelecs (e-bikes capable of motor assist above 25 km/h, or about 15.5 mph) are increasingly expected to meet the NTA 8776 standard. NTA 8776 was developed specifically for higher-speed riding. The question is whether Australia will follow suit.

Higher-speed e-bikes are capable of crashes at significantly greater impact velocities than traditional bicycles, and some Class 3-equivalent e-bikes can reach 45 km/h (about 28 mph) with motor assist. For anyone regularly riding one, common sense would suggest looking at helmets that carry additional certifications or have strong STAR ratings. Not because you have to, but because the physics of a crash at 45 km/h is not the same as a crash at 25.

What Should I Look for in a Bike Helmet in Australia?

Look for a label inside the helmet showing one of the six accepted standards: AS/NZS 2063:2020, AS/NZS 2063:2008, EN 1078, CPSC 16 CFR Part 1203, ASTM F1447, or Snell B-95. Any of them makes the helmet legal for bike riding in Australia, and a CPSC or EN 1078 label is just as valid as the local AS/NZS 2063 mark. Beyond that, check the independent STAR ratings for real-world performance and make sure the helmet is still in good condition.

That certification mark isn’t bureaucracy for its own sake. It’s the only way you can know the helmet in your hands has actually been tested to protect your head.

If you want to go further than the mandatory minimum, check the NSW Crashlab STAR ratings. A four- or five-star rating means the helmet performed well above the pass/fail baseline, not just technically compliant but measurably better at the job it’s supposed to do.

And regardless of which standard is on the label, replace your helmet if it’s been dropped hard, been in a crash, is cracked, or is more than a few years old. Certification tells you a new helmet was built to protect you. Condition tells you whether it still can.

For more on the lifespan of helmets and when to replace them, that’s worth reading separately, especially with Australian summers doing their best to age the EPS foam ahead of schedule.

So, to put it simply: check the label, check the STAR ratings if you can, and wear the thing properly. The only brain you’ve got deserves that much common sense.

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