Safety & Regulations
CPSC
What does CPSC mean?
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission. For bicycle helmets, CPSC compliance refers to meeting the federal safety requirements in 16 CFR Part 1203.
CPSC stands for US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the federal consumer product safety agency. In a helmet description, “CPSC compliant” refers to the US bicycle helmet requirements in 16 CFR Part 1203. The agency’s name and the helmet’s compliance claim are different things.
What does the bicycle helmet standard cover?
The requirements address impact attenuation, strap retention strength, positional stability and peripheral vision. In plain English, those checks concern reducing impact force, keeping the straps secure, keeping the helmet on the head and preserving the rider’s view.
Compliance is a baseline requirement, not a ranking of every compliant helmet. It doesn’t tell you which model fits your head, whether a visor clears your glasses or how two helmets compare in an independent laboratory test.
How is CPSC different from NTA 8776 or Mips?
NTA 8776 addresses speed-pedelec helmets. Mips is a helmet technology. A Virginia Tech STAR score is a comparative laboratory result. One label doesn’t automatically establish the others.
Match the actual helmet’s label and instructions to its intended use and market. Our best e-bike helmets guide shows how to read these different kinds of evidence together before comparing models.
Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bicycle Helmets Business Guidance, covering 16 CFR Part 1203. Definition checked November 2, 2026.
Also known as: Consumer Product Safety Commission
Related terms
- NTA 8776 A helmet standard developed for speed-pedelec riders, with higher test drop speeds and more temple and rear-head coverage than the bicycle baseline NEN describes.
- Virginia Tech STAR score A laboratory helmet-comparison score. Lower bicycle STAR scores indicate better performance within Virginia Tech's test method, not a personal injury-risk percentage.
- Helmet retention system The straps and buckle that secure a helmet on the head. This is distinct from the adjustable fit cradle or rear dial used to refine its fit.