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The Swedish Consumer Agency has halted sales of the latest version of the self-inflating bike helmet Hövding 3. The agency cites test results that show that the helmet does not activate or give sufficient protection in crashes at speeds over 20 km/hour. (According to bikecommuterhero.com, a commuting bicyclist’s average speed is 18-29 km/hour.)
In addition, the consumer agency writes that the helmet’s battery does not clearly indicate when it’s not charged enough for the helmet to function properly.
No money back
This does not mean that a recently purchased Hövding 3 helmet can be returned, however. The agency says that, for the moment, they’re only investigating. To get money back, a safety defect has to be confirmed. That, or the consumer has to show that their particular product has a safety defect. As there’s been no formal recall, a consumer doesn’t have a legal right to a refund.
Hövding disputes the agency’s claims, and says it will appeal the decision. According to Hövding’s statements, there has never been a risk for customer safety.
Last year, the insurance company Folksam rescinded its Hövding recommendation. Internal tests showed that the helmet didn’t inflate fast enough to protect the user in crashes with cars driving at 40 km/hour.
So much for the wind in your hair. For many people, it’s back to helmet head.