Helmets for bicycles: All information at a glance
The requirement to wear a helmet for bicycles is a controversial issue. So far, the regulations regarding the requirement of helmets for cyclists have not been uniformly regulated across Europe.
Helmets are mandatory for bicycles - that's what the traffic regulations say
There are good arguments for compulsory helmets, but there are also good arguments against compulsory helmets. And for both points of view there are scientific studies that prove the respective opinion. This is probably the reason why there is currently no helmet requirement for cyclists in Germany.
- Accordingly, you do not violate road traffic regulations in Germany if you are found on the bike without a helmet. This applies to children as well as adults.
- If you have a pedelec, you can safely ride it without a bicycle helmet. According to the StVO, this is equivalent to a bicycle.
- In order to be able to take part in public transport with an e-bike, you must be at least 15 years old. You also need an insurance license plate and a moped driving license.
- However, you do not have to wear a helmet on the e-bike either. In contrast to the moped, for which a helmet is compulsory.
- In addition, the so-called speed pedelecs are also on the roads in Germany. The S-Pedelec looks like a bicycle, but according to the Road Traffic Regulations it is considered a small motorcycle.
- Accordingly, you need an AM driving license, a license plate and insurance. In addition, a helmet is required for the S-Pedelec according to StVO Paragraph 21a, paragraph 2.
Bicycle helmet abroad - these are the requirements
Abroad, there are different requirements regarding the obligation to wear a helmet on a bicycle. In many countries, the bicycle helmet is mandatory for the safety of children. However, there are also countries that require a general helmet.
- In Spain, helmets are generally compulsory for cyclists. If you are found without a helmet, it costs around 100 euros. If it is very warm that day, you will probably go unpunished, because then you don’t have to wear a helmet. The same applies if you climb an extreme incline by bike.
- A general helmet requirement on bicycles applies to Finland and Malta. In Slovenia, helmets are compulsory for anyone traveling by bike outside of built-up areas.
- From a global perspective, for example, you have to put on a helmet in New Zealand and Australia when exploring the area by bike.
- In many countries, children are required to wear a helmet on their bikes. However, the age limits vary considerably. While in Austria every child under the age of 12 has to wear a helmet, compulsory helmets apply in Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Israel up to the age of 18.
- Helmets are mandatory for bicycles up to the age of 15 in Iceland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.
- In Estonia and Croatia, everyone under the age of 16 must wear a bicycle helmet. The same goes for many U.S. states.
- Conclusion: The regulations regarding the helmet requirement for the bicycle are very different and change occasionally. Just like the fines for violations of the helmet requirement. It is therefore worthwhile if you inquire in detail beforehand. Our list is to be understood as an example and is not exhaustive.
