Company selling dangerous motorcycle helmets handed large fines
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-25)

Bikers Lifestyle Ltd has been ordered to pay over £10,000 in fines and costs after selling motorcycle helmets that "catastrophically failed" safety tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has successfully prosecuted Bikers Lifestyle Ltd for selling motorcycle helmets and eye protection that fail to meet UK safety standards.

The company was found guilty of 7 separate offences at Willesden Magistrates Court on 20 January 2025 and ordered to pay over £10,000 in fines and costs.

Tests revealed that 3 out of 4 helmets failed safety requirements catastrophically, with one helmet recording results that indicated a 100% risk of fatality in a collision.

Critical safety failures

DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit conducted tests at an independent laboratory specialising in motorcycle helmet testing. The results showed:
- 3 helmets catastrophically failed safety testing
- the fourth helmet passed impact tests but was not marked and labelled in accordance with regulations, so it was not legal for sale or use in the UK
- all tested eye protection failed to meet required standards
Legal action and penalties

The magistrates found a high degree of culpability and determined there was a high risk of harm to consumers. The company was ordered to pay:
- £4,000 for helmet-related offences (£1,000 per helmet)
- £1,500 for eye protection offences (£500 per item)
- £2,000 victim surcharge
- £2,694 prosecution costs
In total, the fines and costs came to £10,194.

Recall of dangerous products

Bikers Lifestyle Ltd has been ordered to remove non-compliant products from future supply.

They are also required to recall those products already supplied in the UK market.

Protecting you from unsafe equipment

Sadie Clarke, DVSA investigation lead, said:

Sub-standard helmets and eyewear pose a very real and significant risk to any motorcycle rider using them.

Tests on items sold by Bikers Lifestyle Ltd showed they would be incapable of offering the necessary protection required in the event of an accident and the consequences could be catastrophic.

DVSA will continue to work with Trading Standards and other agencies to make sure that these kinds of products do not make their way onto the market in the UK. This case should act as a warning to any other company that considers selling unfit safety products.

Safety standards for motorcycle equipment

You can read:
- a summary of the legal requirements for motorcycle helmets, visors and goggles (https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-helmet-law)
- detailed guidance about motorcycle helmets, visors and goggles (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/motorcycle-helmets-visors-and-goggles-safety-advice/motorcycle-helmets-visors-and-goggles)
Check motorcycle helmet safety ratings

The SHARP helmet safety scheme provides guidance about:
- how to select a helmet that fits correctly and is comfortable
- the relative safety of helmets to help you make an informed choice
Visit the SHARP website to check helmet ratings and find out about getting the right fit (https://sharp.dft.gov.uk/).

Other places to get information

You can also check advice and guidance from reputable organisations that specialise in motorcycle safety.

Report someone making or selling unsafe or illegal vehicles or equipment

You can report someone selling accessories that do not meet safety standards. You can do this anonymously (not giving your name), or you can give your details.

Report someone making or selling unsafe or illegal vehicles or parts (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-someone-making-or-selling-unsafe-or-illegal-vehicles-or-parts).