Dimensions Kids Bike Helmet With Bluetooth Speakers Fails Safety Test

Wearing a helmet can help cyclists protect themselves from head injuries—especially potentially fatal ones. But a helmet can provide suitable protection only if it works as designed.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a standard to evaluate the strength and holding power of a bike helmet’s chinstrap and buckle. Consumer Reports’ helmet tests are modeled after—but not identical to—the CPSC’s standard. Our tests are performed to provide comparative evaluations for consumers, not for the purposes of compliance or certification.

In our labs, we use a weight to tug at the retention system, simulating what might happen in the event of an accident, such as falling off a bike and hitting the road. (See the video above.) Of the 18 helmets we evaluated this year, this was the only one that failed.

Wearing a helmet is essential whenever you ride a bike. If your child already has a Dimensions Kids Bike Helmet With Bluetooth Speakers, our advice is to replace it as soon as possible. Use this helmet only if your child does not yet have access to another helmet and needs to ride their bike. Note that some jurisdictions have laws requiring that children wear a helmet when riding. 

CR’s product safety experts say that using this helmet in spite of its failure in our retention system test is better than riding without a helmet. “Any helmet is better than no helmet,” says Galeotafiore.

In our most recent bicycle helmet ratings, we recommend four helmets for kids. The two that got the highest scores are the Bontrager Tyro, $50, and the Garneau Nino, $55. Our updated ratings will be available later this year.