The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has successfully prosecuted Bikers Lifestyle Ltd for selling motorcycle helmets and eye protection that failed to meet UK safety standards. The company was found guilty of 7 separate offences at Willesden Magistrates Court on 20 January 2025 and was fined over £10,000 in total.
The case highlights the risks of using substandard motorcycle safety gear and serves as a warning for businesses selling unsafe products.
Critical Safety Failures Uncovered
The DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit tested helmets and eye protection sold by Bikers Lifestyle Ltd at an independent laboratory. The results were alarming:
- 3 out of 4 helmets catastrophically failed safety tests
- 1 helmet showed a 100% risk of fatality in a collision
- The fourth helmet passed impact tests but lacked proper legal markings and labelling
- All tested eye protection failed to meet UK safety standards
These findings indicate that the helmets and eyewear sold by the company posed a serious risk of injury or death to motorcycle riders.
Legal Action and Penalties
Given the severity of the offences, the court found a high degree of culpability and a high risk of harm to consumers. Bikers Lifestyle Ltd was ordered to pay the following penalties:
- £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 company must pay £10,194 in fines and costs.
Product Recall and Future Compliance
In addition to the financial penalties, the court ordered Bikers Lifestyle Ltd to:
- Stop supplying non-compliant products immediately
- Recall unsafe products already sold in the UK market
This ensures that unsafe motorcycle helmets and eyewear are removed from circulation, protecting riders from potentially fatal accidents.
DVSA’s Commitment to Rider Safety
Sadie Clarke, the DVSA investigation lead, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards:
“Sub-standard helmets and eyewear pose a very real and significant risk to any motorcycle rider using them. Tests showed they would be incapable of offering the necessary protection in the event of an accident, and the consequences could be catastrophic.”
The DVSA has pledged to continue working with Trading Standards and other regulatory bodies to prevent unsafe products from entering the UK market.
How to Ensure Your Motorcycle Gear Is Safe
1. Check Legal Requirements
Before buying motorcycle helmets or eye protection, consult official government guidelines:
- A summary of legal requirements for helmets, visors, and goggles
- Detailed guidance on UK-approved safety features
2. Use the SHARP Helmet Safety Scheme
The SHARP helmet safety scheme offers ratings for various helmets, helping riders choose safe and reliable gear. The SHARP website provides advice on:
- Selecting a helmet that fits correctly
- Comparing helmet safety ratings
3. Seek Reputable Advice
Trusted organisations specialising in motorcycle safety offer reliable guidance and recommendations for choosing the right protective gear.
4. Report Unsafe Products
If you suspect someone is selling illegal or unsafe motorcycle gear, you can report them anonymously to the DVSA or Trading Standards.
The prosecution of Bikers Lifestyle Ltd serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of adhering to UK safety standards for motorcycle gear. Substandard helmets and eyewear don’t just fail tests—they can cost lives.
Always ensure that your gear is legally compliant, thoroughly tested, and approved by organisations like SHARP. The DVSA will continue its efforts to keep dangerous products off the market and ensure that every rider stays safe on UK roads.
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FAQ’s
Why was Bikers Lifestyle Ltd fined?
Bikers Lifestyle Ltd was fined over £10,000 for selling motorcycle helmets and eye protection that failed to meet UK safety standards, posing a high risk of injury or death to riders.
What safety failures were found in the helmets?
Tests revealed that 3 out of 4 helmets catastrophically failed impact tests, with one helmet showing a 100% risk of fatality in the event of a collision. The fourth helmet lacked proper legal markings.
What penalties did Bikers Lifestyle Ltd face?
The company was fined £10,194 in total, including penalties for helmet and eye protection offences, a victim surcharge, and prosecution costs.
How can I check if my helmet is safe?
Use the SHARP helmet safety scheme to check helmet ratings and ensure your gear meets UK safety standards. Also, consult official guidance on helmets, visors, and goggles.
How do I report unsafe motorcycle gear?
You can report unsafe or illegal motorcycle equipment to the DVSA or Trading Standards, either anonymously or by providing your contact details.
