Premium Motorcycle Helmets Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026)

According to the UNECE study on road accidents, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than drivers of passenger cars. Wearing an appropriate helmet improves their chances of survival by 42% and helps avoid 69% of injuries to riders.

A motorcycle crash may result in head injuries, through either direct contact with hard objects or as a result of excessive acceleration-deceleration. Most traumatic brain concussions are the result of closed head injuries when there is no open wound. The motorcycle helmet is designed to minimize the risks of all kinds of head injuries. Helmet standards and regulations have been developed to test the effectiveness of helmets in providing protection.

The motorcycle helmet safety regulators are involved in updating the safety standards for helmet manufacturers so that they are bound to provide the safest helmets to their customers and avoid any head injuries. For instance,

• In April 2019, the government of India announced that there is a need for a superior and safer safety standard of helmets and may soon have another standard for helmets. The new standard of the helmet is expected to cater to the superior quality headgear, which is meant for high-speed riding.
• In July 2020, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) removed the weight limit of 1.2 kg for two-wheeler helmets, which previously prevented the sales of imported helmets in the country. This is likely to allow several premium helmet brands to market and distribute latest premium helmets in the country.
• In March 2020, the European standard for motorcycle helmet safety, ECE 22.05 test regime, got a major update, the first in over 20 years. The upcoming standard, called the ECE 22.06, may be implemented to keep up with the latest technology and research. The ECE 22.06 regulations may come into effect from June 2023, and manufacturers, retailers, and distributors may be able to sell the old ECE 22.05 regulation products till then. After June 2023, it is likely to become illegal to sell helmets, visors, and accessories that do not comply with the ECE 22.06 regulations. The main difference in the new regulations may impact the testing of helmets. The test is likely to be carried out at different speeds and at more points across the helmet's shell.

With the increasing cruising activities, like traveling using motorcycles to tourist spots and adventure rides, consumers are shifting their preference to premium quality helmets, as these offer higher safety and lower risk of head injuries during tours. With the factors mentioned above, it is expected that the demand for premium motorcycle helmets may grow during the foreseeable future.

North America is the largest market worldwide because of the continuous rise in motorcycle sales. However, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to be the fastest-growing market during the forecasted period.

• In 2019, approximately 17 million motorcycles had been sold in China. A series of bans and limitations on the use of motorcycles in Chinese urban areas has notably affected sales development. However, in 2019, both production and sales exceeded 15 million for a y/y increase of 1 million or more.
• Motorcycle production in India in FY2019 (April 2019 to March 2020) experienced a y/y decrease of 14.1% to 21.04 million vehicles, and sales also greatly dropped by 17.8% to 17.42 million vehicles. In addition to the slowing economy, new equipment to meet emissions standards have led to an increase in vehicle prices, dulling consumer demand. Since March 2020, businesses have been impacted by COVID-19 and forced to shut down; the market studied is expected to remain in a tough position.

While COVID-19 leaves the future uncertain. However, after the gradual opening of economies and ease in lockdown measures the demand for motorcycles are picking up because of the change in consumer preference, as people are avoiding public transport and the developing nations in the region have been preferring motorcycles over other automobiles.