Safety & Regulations
Virginia Tech STAR score
What does Virginia Tech STAR score mean?
A laboratory helmet-comparison score. Lower bicycle STAR scores indicate better performance within Virginia Tech's test method, not a personal injury-risk percentage.
A Virginia Tech STAR score summarizes a helmet’s performance in the lab’s impact-test method. Within its bicycle helmet ratings, a lower score indicates better performance. The star rating presents the results in bands; more stars indicate lower modeled concussion risk in the tested scenarios.
How does the bicycle test work?
Virginia Tech describes 24 impacts across six helmet locations at two impact-energy levels. It measures linear acceleration and rotational velocity, then weights the results to calculate the score. The method provides a controlled comparison between tested helmets.
The numerical score and the number of stars are different outputs. Two helmets can both receive five stars while having different numerical scores.
What doesn’t the number tell you?
The score isn’t your personal probability of injury. Don’t translate a small numerical difference into a percentage safety advantage for your next ride. Virginia Tech also says scores from different sports aren’t directly comparable because the methods and impact conditions differ.
Match a result to the exact helmet model. A score doesn’t replace the applicable certification, current instructions or a proper fit.
Our best e-bike helmets guide includes an original comparison chart and explains how independent results differ from CPSC compliance and Mips technology.
Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, Bicycle Helmet Ratings and its published methodology explanation. Definition checked November 2, 2026.
Also known as: STAR score, STAR scores, bicycle STAR
Related terms
- CPSC The US Consumer Product Safety Commission. For bicycle helmets, CPSC compliance refers to meeting the federal safety requirements in 16 CFR Part 1203.
- 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.
- Mips A helmet technology that allows relative movement between the head and helmet, intended to reduce rotational motion transmitted during certain angled impacts.